Holland and Belgium's Tulips

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM!
Following our included overnight flight, we arrive in Amsterdam to meet our Tour Director. Transfer to the charming town of ’s-Hertogenbosch (also known as Den Bosch) for a guided walking tour. Next, we will settle into the Golden Tulip Hotel Central to enjoy a group welcome dinner. L, D

DAY 3: CASTLE HEESWIJK/DEN BOSCH
After a delicious breakfast, we will take a guided tour of Castle Heeswijk, a beautifully restored 11th century fortress. We’ll also visit the Gardens in Demen with 20 different layouts carefully devised according to color and floral variety. Following a stop at the vibrant market of De Noordkade, you’ll have free time to explore Den Bosch before tonight’s dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D

DAY 4: KEUKENHOF
Our delightful day begins as we visit Keukenhof, considered by many the most beautiful garden in the world. More than seven million tulips, and other regional flowers fill 80 acres with color and fragrance. Later, we board our modern and comfortable home for the next seven nights: the MS Amadeus Aurea. Just like that, your week on the waterways of Holland is underway! Following dinner, sit back for an on-board concert by a “shanty choir” of real Dutch sailors. B, D

DAY 5: SITES OF AMSTERDAM
In Amsterdam, see the Royal Palace, Museum Quarter, and enjoy a traditional canal cruise to see a portion of the village’s 90 islands and 400 bridges. This afternoon, enjoy free time on your own; perhaps you’ll visit one of Amsterdam’s world-renowned museums or spend time relaxing on board the ship before dinner. B, L, D

Option—Amsterdam Bike Tour Explore the peaceful countryside around Amsterdam on a relaxed E-Bike ride through scenic waterland. After a short ferry crossing, cycle along quiet dikes and canals past windmills, green meadows, and charming villages. Enjoy wide views of waterways and the distant Wadden Sea as you take in the beauty of this unique Dutch landscape. *Approximately 14 miles over 3 hours on mostly flat, well-maintained paths, suitable for guests with a basic level of fitness. Price $250 per person

DAY 6: ARNHEM/OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
Today, drive through Arnhem, known for World War II’s “Operation Market Garden.” The actions here became the basis of the historical movie, A Bridge Too Far. Continue to the Open Air Museum, containing more than 80 historic houses, farmhouses, and mills, showing how the Dutch people lived from 1700 to 1970. B, L, D

DAY 7: MIDDELBURG
Visit Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland. The powerful abbey, the late-gothic town hall, and the old warehouses let you relive its past. The city was rebuilt in the same style and today, one can still feel what life must have been like during the 16th century. B, L, D

DAY 8: GHENT
Today we visit the Belgium city of Ghent, full of rich history and impressive medieval buildings. Today’s walking exploration will include the fortress “Gravensteen,” built in the 12th century by the Count of Flanders after he returned from his crusades. Walk through Ghent’s charming city center and behold its belfry, a medieval bell tower, and much more. This afternoon, enjoy time in Ghent on your own. B, L, D

Option—Tour Bruges Enjoy a tour to the Flemish jewel of Bruges. The historic marketplace is cradled by the river Reie and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also saunter along the maze of cobbled alleys and romantic canals. Price $125 per person

DAY 9: FAMOUS BELGIAN CITIES
Today stroll through the historic city center of Antwerp and visit the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe (Tower of Our Lady) Cathedral—the largest Gothic church in Belgium. After lunch, choose between an optional tour of Brussels or some additional time to explore Antwerp on your own. B, L, D

Option—Tour Brussels Discover Brussels, the capital of Belgium, beginning in the leafy Laeken district with landmarks such as Heysel Stadium, the Church of Notre Dame of Laeken, and the iconic Atomium. Continue past Cinquantenaire Park and into the city center to see the Royal Palace, the city park, the Palace of Justice, and one of Europe’s oldest shopping markets. Price $100 per person

DAY 10: DELFT
Spend the day in Delft, one of the oldest Dutch cities. Delft reflects its past as a flourishing Golden Age trade hub. Though a 16th-century fire and a 17th-century armory explosion destroyed much of the city, its historic center and canals remain beautifully preserved. After Amsterdam, Delft is the Netherlands’ most popular tourist destination. B, L, D

Option—Kinderdijk Holland is renowned for its traditional windmills, with the largest concentration at Kinderdijk. This UNESCO-listed site features 19 well-preserved windmills dating to around 1740. During your visit, step inside one of the historic mills to learn how they once managed water levels and how modern technology has transformed their role. Price $150 per person

DAY 11: VAARWEL
After breakfast, we disembark the MS Amadeus Aurea for your included flight back home. We are sure you will return with long-lasting memories of our travels through the Dutch and Belgian countryside! B

Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-3: Golden Tulip Hotel Central, Den Bosch
Nights 4-10: MS Amadeus Aurea

Dates:
Apr 10-20, 2027

Price Per Person:
See table below
Land only pricing available

Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$198/night

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL (call for other cities)

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service

Pricing Table:

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking

Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps
The Netherlands – high of 57°, low of 41°
Belgium – high of 57°, low of 42°

Currency
Euro (The Netherlands & Belgium)

Time Zone
GMT+1 (5 hours ahead of New York)

Hotel Amenities
All AMADEUS ships have an elevator that operates between the Mozart, Strauss and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.

Wi-Fi is available aboard the ship and the price is fully covered by CTD. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.

All cabins and suites are equipped with high-quality care products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, and shower gel. You will also find a hair dryer, sewing set, shower cap, and nail file in your cabin. Laundry is available onboard for a small fee.

Breakfast and lunch are lavish meals, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes. In addition, a light breakfast and lunch is offered in the Panorama-Bar. There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).

An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.