Highlights of Holland and Belgium

Travel to Rotterdam and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart Rotterdam, 0900.
Arrive Dordrect, 1100. Depart 1800.
Arrive Utrecht, 2300.

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 1300.

The medieval centre of Utrecht 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.

Continue sailing through the afternoon and overnight.

Included excursion

Take our complimentary transfer service into Utrecht to explore the medieval centre of the city at your own pace.

Arrive Middelburg, 0800. Depart 1400.
Arrive Ghent, 2200.

The market town of Middelburg is the capital of the province of Zeeland. The elegant architecture reflects the town’s prosperity under the influence of the Dutch East India Company.

Included excursion

Discover the 12th-century abbey and the wonderfully ornamented Gothic facade of the 15th-century town hall on a walking tour. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Depart 1900.

The quaint timber-framed buildings and stone fortifications of this typically Flemish city sit side by side among a network of canals.

Included excursion

Take our complimentary transfer service into Ghent and embark an open-air canal boat for a picturesque cruise along the city’s canals. Enjoy a unique view of its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks accompanied by your local guide.

Arrive 0100.

Among the city’s many highlights is the 16th-century Grote Markt, which is home to the famous Brabo fountain, and a large Gothic cathedral. The city was a centre for the arts in the Renaissance period, with Rubens and Van Dyck both living and working here. Antwerp is also one of the leading centres in the world diamond industry.

Included excursion

Depending on your ship’s berth, you will either have a short coach transfer into the city centre or you will walk directly from your ship with your expert local guide. Explore the old town, passing the Market Square, with its gabled guild houses, the Brabo statue and the City Hall. Continue to the medieval Vlaaikensgang (Pie Alley) and the Groenplaats, home to the statue of the Belgian painter PP Rubens. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available. At the end of your guided walk you will return to your waiting ship or you may choose to stay in the centre for free time and return later independently.

Depart Antwerp, 0500.
Arrive Brussels, 1300.

The historic centre of Belgium’s capital city centres around the UNESCO-listed square, Grand Place, which is overlooked by Gothic architecture. In contrast, the wide cosmopolitan avenues that surround the old town are lined with huge buildings, including the Palais de Justice and the headquarters of the European Parliament.

Included excursion

Travel into Brussels by coach for an included walking tour of the historic centre, where the UNESCO-listed square, Grand Place, is overlooked by Gothic architecture enclosing museums, cafes and guildhalls. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however an included tour with reduced walking is also available.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and begin your return journey.