Best of Holland and Belgium River Cruise (11 days)
Join your host, Richard Arnold, on an unforgettable river cruise through the heart of the Netherlands and Belgium, where charming canals, storybook cities, and rich European history await at every turn. Begin your journey in vibrant Amsterdam, with its iconic bridges, winding waterways, and fascinating architecture. From there, set sail on a scenic voyage that blends cultural discovery with breathtaking landscapes.
Explore the medieval treasures of Utrecht and the historic harbors of Hellevoetsluis, where windmills and Dutch ingenuity come to life. Wander the cobbled streets of Ghent and Bruges, marvel at castles straight out of a fairytale, and indulge in world-renowned Belgian chocolate and waffles. In Brussels and Antwerp, admire grand cathedrals, whimsical sculptures, and vibrant markets. In Dordrecht—Holland’s oldest city—you’ll uncover centuries of history shaped by flood and resilience, or explore Rotterdam and the Pilgrims' departure point in Delshaven. Later, marvel at the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immersive journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a beautiful and enriching getaway offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Let Europe’s waterways lead you through a storybook experience you won’t soon forget.
Dates
Highlights
7 nights in a luxury outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Daily bottled water, Wi-Fi, and in-room entertainment system
Sun deck pool, fitness room, walking track, and Main Lounge
All onboard meals with regionally inspired cuisine
The Chef’s Table specialty dining + La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs experience
Unlimited wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Sparkling wine with breakfast + daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
Wellness Program with fitness classes and wellness talks
Daily guided tours with gentle, active, and special interest options
Bike tours, hikes, and personal headsets for easy listening
Professional Cruise Manager throughout
Itinerary
DAY 1: May 10, 2026
DEPART HALIFAX
(flights not included)
DAY 2: May 11, 2026
ARRIVAL IN AMSTERDAM
Check into your hotel.
DAY 3: May 12, 2026
AMSTERDAM
Enjoy a Walking Tour of Amsterdam. Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
DAY 4: May 13, 2026
AMSTERDAM EMBARKATION
Enjoy an enchanting cruise along the canal in Haarlem outside of Amsterdam, passing historic architecture, bridges and even a wind-mill iconic of the region. Later in the day, transfer to your ship. (B,D)
DAY 5: May 14, 2026
AMSTERDAM—UTRECHT
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Ijsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a me-dieval old town, canals, and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats, and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: May 15, 2026
DELTA—HELLEVOETSLUIS
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbour town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill, and witness the charming wharf houses. Laer in the day, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. Alternatively, visit a traditional Dutch flat-bottom boat and learn about the history of this unique type of vessel. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbour, across the Haringvleitdam and back. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: May 16, 2026
GHENT
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Cild sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B, L, D)
Day 8: May 17, 2026
BRUSSELS
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a very special Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, a 13th Century fortified castle built to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Flanders. (B, L, D)
Day 9: May 18, 2026
ANTWERP
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market, and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while Foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B, L, D)
Itinerary
Day 10: May 19, 2026
DORDRECHT
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe”, as well as Delshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B, L, D)
Day 11: May 20, 2026 :
AMSTERDAM
Disembark your ship and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home (flight not included). (B)
Accommodations
Pre Cruise Hotel TBA
AMAPRIMA River Cruise Ship
Rates (CAD)
2026 Rates
Category | Deck | Stateroom | Price |
E | Piano | Fixed Windows | $7440 |
D | Piano | Fixed Windows | $7834 |
C | Violin & Cello | French Balcony | $9418 |
BB | Cello | French & Outside Balcony | $10,209 |
BA | Violin | French & Outside Balcony | $10,473 |
AB | Cello | French & Outside Balcony | $10,737 |
AA | Violin | French & Outside Balcony | $11,001 |
S | Violin | French & Outside Balcony | $12,716 |
Prices are based on double occupancy
Prices are tax inclusive
Prices do not include airfare
DISCOUNT:
Book before July 31 and receive the following:
- Categories E or D (fixed Windows) save $800 per person
- Categories C through S save $950 per person
Payment & Deposits:
$500 per person deposit due at the time of booking.
Second Deposit after Airfare is secured - TBA
Full payment due at 121 Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Terms:
More than 121 days prior to departure, deposit and airfare retained.
Between 120 days and the day of departure & after departure 100% non-refundable.
Ask an Agent
Our trained and experienced agents are here to help!