Keukenhof Gardens and Highlights of Holland aboard Spirit of the Rhine

Travel to Rotterdam to embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart Rotterdam, 1000.
Arrive Dordrecht, 1200. Depart 1900.

Following a morning on the water, arrive in Dordrecht, which is within walking distance from the ship. The oldest city in the region of South Holland, Dordrecht 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 historic harbour and a selection of 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. 

Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Join a walking tour directly from your ship into the city of Dordrecht. Along the way you will see the Big Church (Grote Kerk), the historic City Hall and the statue of the De Witt brothers. You will also explore the Groothoofds Gate, a grand entrance to the city, and the Four River Point, where several rivers converge. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles over an hour and a half, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1400.

Arnhem, located on the banks of the Nederrijn and St Jansbeek rivers, is best known for its connection to one of the famous battles of World War Two and the subject of the epic war film A Bridge too Far. You can walk into the centre of the city independently to see the traditional Dutch architecture lining the cobbled central square. Your ship will moor overnight in Utrecht. 

Included excursion 

Travel by coach to the De Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to deer, moeflon and wild boar, and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum and sculpture garden. The museum houses over 180 drawings and nearly 90 paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, one of the largest collections in the world. As exploration during this tour is independent, walking is at your discretion, but we suggest you should expect to walk approximately one to one-and-half miles to maximise your experience.

Arrive Zaandam (for Keukenhof Gardens), 0800. Depart 1800.
Arrive Amsterdam, 2000.

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. As exploration of Keukenhof Gardens is independent, walking is at your discretion, but we suggest you should expect to walk approximately one mile to maximise your experience in the gardens.

Depart Amsterdam, 1400.
Arrive Rotterdam, 2200.

Today you have the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, which started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. The city’s key sights include 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.

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