A Taste of Holland with Keukenhof

Travel to Amsterdam and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart Amsterdam, 0800.
Arrive Hoorn, 1200. Depart 1800.
Arrive Lelystad, 2300.

The harbour town of Hoorn, once home to the founders of the Dutch East India Company, boasts many historic buildings as a result of its early seafaring wealth. Notably the State Council building, which houses the Westfries Museum and its collection of ceramic tiles, silver, china and model ships.

Depart Lelystad, 1300.
Arrive Zaandam, 2000.

Lelystad, located along the Markermeer lake, is built on reclaimed land. Founded in 1967, it was named after Cornelis Lely, who engineered the Afsluitdijk dam, making the reclamation possible. Visit the car-free village of Giethoorn on an included excursion and enjoy a cruise along the picturesque canals.

Depart Zaandam, 1800.
Arrive Amsterdam, 2000.

Set off on an included excursion to spend the day at Keukenhof Gardens. Spread across 32 hectares, Keukenhof is described as ‘the most beautiful spring garden in the world’, and here you can admire a variety of colourful show gardens and horticultural displays featuring many floral species, including tulips and hyacinths.

Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. Among the most interesting sights are the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the floating flower market, the Central Railway Station, which is built on thousands of wooden piles, and the grand 19th-century Rijksmuseum.

Tree-shaded canals, historic bridges, colourful cafes, gabled buildings and plenty of bicycles combine to create an atmosphere that is unique to this city.

This morning, an included excursion visits a traditional dairy farm on the outskirts of the city where you can sample locally produced cheese, followed by a cruise along Amsterdam’s canals to the city centre with its historic bridges and gabled houses.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and begin your return journey.