Dutch Cities and Keukenhof Gardens in Spring aboard Spirit of the Rhine

Travel to Rotterdam to embark Spirit of the Rhine. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.

Depart Rotterdam, 0900.
Arrive Dordrecht, 1100.

Dordrecht, the oldest city in the region of South Holland, sits at the confluence of three waterways, the Rhine, the Meuse and the Merwede. In the early 11th century Count Dirk III built a castle here to gain control of the shipping routes, and the city grew up around it. There is a selection of fine churches, due to early links with the Protestant reformation. Other attractions include the old city hall, which spans the canal, the 13th-century Augustijnenkerk and 17th-century city gate.

Included excursion

Join an expert guide and walk from the ship into Dordrecht to explore the city’s rich history. See key sights such as the Big Church (Grote Kerk), the historic City Hall, and the statue of the De Witt brothers. Pass the Augustine Monastery, where in 1572 the first gathering of the Free States took place. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Depart Dordrecht, 0800.
Arrive Utrecht, 1200. Depart 1800.
Arrive Zaandam, 2200.

Take our transfer service into Utrecht, where the medieval heart of the city is overlooked by the 14th-century Domtoren bell tower. Opposite the tower on Domplein square is the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Each corner of the city hides a quirky museum, art gallery, little church or a view of the city’s network of canals.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included walking tour of the city.

Today an included excursion visits world-famous Keukenhof Gardens.

Included excursion

Visit Keukenhof Gardens, ‘the most beautiful spring garden in the world!’. Spend the day exploring the grounds, which cover an area of 79 acres, independently. Admire displays of millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, and perhaps pick up some ideas for your own garden from the themed gardens here.

Depart Zaandam, 0700.
Arrive Amsterdam, 0900.

Today you have the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, which started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. See some of the city’s key sights such as the Royal Palace on Dam Square or the floating flower market.

Included excursion

On this included tour you will be accompanied by an expert local guide as you discover the city on board one of its glass-topped canal boats.

Depart Amsterdam, 0700.
Arrive Enkhuizen, 1300. Depart 1900.

Cruise the IJssel Lake to Enkhuizen, once known as Herring Town. Enkhuizen was one of the Dutch East India Company’s main operational ports in the 17th century and rivalled Amsterdam in status. The Zuiderzee Museum here exhibits over 140 historic buildings from villages around the former Zuiderzee, and there is also a quirky bottle ship museum – home to the world’s largest collection of ships in bottles! Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Visit the Zuiderzee Museum, which exhibits over 140 historic buildings from villages around the former Zuiderzee. The museum comprises of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, there are frequent steps and some walking over cobblestones will be required.

Arrive 0800.

The city of Rotterdam was restored following bombing during World War Two and is now home to an array of modern architecture. There are a number of sculptures in the city too including works by Picasso, De Koning and Gabo.

Included excursion

An included excursion explores the city by coach, stopping at the historic Delfshaven district with its traditional gabled buildings, the Cube Houses, which are built at an angle across a bridge, and at the Markthal, a combined indoor food market and apartment block – all of which are explored on foot, with some steps to negotiate.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine after breakfast and begin your return journey to the UK.