Treasures of Belgium & Holland with 1 Night in Brussels (Imagery II)

Treasures of Belgium & Holland with 1 Night in Brussels (Imagery II)

9 Days
From

$4650

$3595

Treasures of Belgium & Holland with 1 Night in Brussels (Imagery II)

9 Days

Visiting: Brussels, Belgium, Brussels (Embarkation), Ghent, Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum, Veere, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Disembarkation), Europe

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

From: $4650 $3595 Operator discount: -$1055 -23%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Make your visions of tulip season in Holland and Belgium come into view! Begin your vacation your way with a night in Brussels before your cruise. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy hotel-to-ship transfer. You’ll join a guided tour to see the landmark buildings and inviting venues before embarking on your river cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam. Delight in quintessential scenes of windmills, waterways, and rows of blooming color along the way. Embark in Brussels and sail to Ghent “The Diamond of Flanders.” Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. For moving battlefield remembrances, visit In Flanders Fields Museum and take part to the Last Post Ceremony. On to Holland for a visit to the former Dutch East India Company trading port of Middelburg. In Rotterdam visit the Erasmus Bridge. You’ll see why windmills are a symbol of Holland!

Take in the tulips and other flowering bulbs in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem and conclude your river cruise through Belgium and Holland with a visit to Amsterdam. Take a guided canal cruise past bridges and homes of a golden age.

Highlights

  • Day 1 Brussels: Welcome to Brussels

  • Day 2 Brussels (Embarkation): Guided tour, see the town hall; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception

  • Day 3 Ghent: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 4 Ghent: Visit to Flanders Field Museum in Ypres; visit to the battlefields; Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate

  • Day 5 Middelburg–Veere: Guided tour in Middelburg; biking from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host; guided walking tour of Veere

  • Day 6 Kinderdijk–Rotterdam: Choice of guided tour in Kinderdijk or bike with your Adventure Host; harbor cruise in Rotterdam; choice of guided tour in Rotterdam or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 7 Zaandam–Haarlem: Free time in Zaandam; choice of guided tour in Haarlem or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 8 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise, or off-the-beaten path walking tour, or biking tour

  • Day 9 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Places You'll See

Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Brussels,Belgium

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Filling Fare and Fabled Beer Spend a day at leisure to sample Brussels hearty cuisine and famous beer.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Filling Fare and Fabled Beer

Spend a day at leisure to sample Brussels hearty cuisine and famous beer.

BRUSSELS-BEER.jpg

Day 2: Brussels (Embarkation)

Location: Brussels (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets.

BRUSSELS (EMBARKATION) Ancient Landmarks and New Finds

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets.

Your Suite Ship® is now Ready for Boarding. Enjoy dinner on board as you sail for Ghent this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

(B,D)

BRUSSELS-GRAND-PLACE.jpg

Day 3: Ghent

Location: Ghent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

GHENT Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming patrician houses.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GHENT

(B,L,D)

GHENT.jpg

Day 4: Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum

Location: Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.
GHENT. EXCURSION TO FLANDERS FIELD MUSEUM Battlefield Remembrances in Flanders

DISCOVERY Visit the In Flanders Field Museum in Ypres—named for the soldier’s famed poem. Learn about the story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilization, the four years trench war in the Westhoek, the end of the war, and the lasting remembrance to follow. After your visit, enjoy lunch at the museum’s café.

DISCOVERY Following the museum, visit battlefields, cemeteries, memorials, and private collections.

DISCOVERY Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

(B,L,D)

YPRES.jpg

Day 5: Veere

Location: Veere

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.

MIDDELBURG, HOLLAND A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Halland learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Veere.

ACTIVE Alternatively, bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.

VEERE

History and Scottish Houses

CLASSIC Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM

(B,L,D)

MIDDELBURG-DETAIL.jpg

Day 6: Rotterdam

Location: Rotterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.

ROTTERDAM Harnessing the Wind for 300 Years

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

ACTIVE Experience Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM

(B,L,D)

KINDERDIJK.jpg

Day 7: Haarlem

Location: Haarlem

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Visit Haarlem, a major flower-bulb growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyards.
ZAANDAM Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of Flowers

Arrive in Zaandam this morning with free time to explore this quintessential Dutch town. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Cruise to Haarlem this afternoon while enjoying lunch onboard.

HAARLEM

Tulips and North Sea Trading Ports

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride to the beach with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Visit Haarlem, a major flower-bulb growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyards.

Enjoy dinner on board your ship this evening as you sail to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

ZAANDAM.jpg

Day 8: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”.
AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”.

This afternoon, you might consider joining one of the Optional Excursions available.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg

Day 9: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Location: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Accommodation

Brussels:Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection
Amsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$4547 $3756

Operator discount: -$791

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026
$4650 $3595

Operator discount: -$1055

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours