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Dutch and Belgian river cruises
See the iconic sights of Belgium and Holland
There is no better way to explore the cultural and scenic attractions of the Netherlands and Belgium than on a river cruise.
There’s an extensive network of waterways and man-made canals criss-crossing large areas of Holland and Belgium, which enable you to explore the unique countryside, as well as a host of towns and cities, by boat. The inland waterways of the Netherlands also provide a link to Amsterdam.
Top Dutch & Belgian river cruises
Discover the traditional towns, cultural cities and key landmarks of Belgium and the Netherlands
As well as the unique scenery, a Dutch river cruise and Belgian cruise offer the opportunity to go ashore and explore a variety of cultural attractions…
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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 19th-century Rijksmuseum in the city’s Museum Quarter. Tree-shaded canals, historic bridges, colourful cafes, gabled buildings and plenty of bicycles combine to create an atmosphere that is unique to this city.
Find out moreAntwerp, Belgium
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. Antwerp was a great centre for the arts in the Renaissance period, with Rubens and Van Dyck both living and working here. It is also one of the leading centres in the world diamond industry.
Arnhem, Netherlands
The city of Arnhem is located on the banks of the Nederrijn and St Jansbeek rivers. It’s 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.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic marketplace, in the heart of old Bruges, is cradled by the river Reie and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The market and the ‘Burg’, the site of the former Bruges castle and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, are a key highlight. The city is also renowned for its cafes and bars where you can enjoy one of Belgium’s famous culinary exports – waffles and beer.
Ghent, Belgium
The quaint timber-framed buildings and stone fortifications of this typically Flemish city sit side by side among a network of canals. The cobbled streets and attractive squares are overlooked by the 91-metre-high bell tower of the medieval Cloth Hall.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Located in the Netherland’s South Holland province, the village of Kinderdijk is famed for its iconic windmills dating from the 18th century. There are 19 windmills and three pumping stations, as well as a network of dikes and reservoirs that control flooding in the polder.
When is the best time to cruise the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium?
Spring
In spring, the days are starting to get longer and the temperature is beginning to warm up. Many of the region’s flowers are beginning to bloom and there is no better way to see tulips, daffodils and crocuses than on a Dutch river cruise. Some of the attractions in the larger cities are also slightly quieter at this time of year.
Summer
In Summer you can look forward to much warmer weather with plenty of sunshine, ideal for relaxing on the ship’s sun deck. The long, balmy evenings offer opportunities to spend longer in certain destinations too.
Autumn
In Autumn the temperature will begin to cool. Mornings and evenings may be on the crisp side, but the daytime temperature should still be fairly mild. You can also explore the larger cities and their attractions at a time of year when there are fewer visitors and queues.
We offer a variety of excursions…
Step ashore and immerse yourself in these unique river cruise experiences.
A tour of Alkmaar and visit to the traditional cheese market
Join a guided walk to the heart of the city, observing the architectural highlights pointed out by your local guide. See several churches and museums, along with the city’s windmill and network of canals. Then, visit the Dutch Cheese Museum, founded in Alkmaar in 1983. Located in the historic Waaggebouw, overlooking the cheese market, the museum documents the history of cheese making, production methods and the cheese trade. You will also be able to experience the traditional Alkmaar Cheese Market at its most authentic, with bartering traders and farmers negotiating the prices of cheese in a ritual that has been taking place here since 1365.
Canal cruise in Giethoorn
Travel by coach to the car-free village of Giethoorn, where you a canal cruiser for a tour by water. Admire 18th and 19th-century farmhouses nestled between the trees and wooden bridges during a leisurely cruise. You will also learn about daily life in Giethoorn as you are guided by a local skipper. Afterwards, you can enjoy some coffee and cake.
See the Kinderdijk Windmills
Although windmills are slowly disappearing from the Dutch landscape, Kinderdijk boasts the largest collection within the Netherlands – totalling up to 19 with many still in working order. Enter the Kinderdijk Theatre, located in the Wisboom pumphouse, and watch a short film explaining the story of Kinderdijk and the history behind this windmill site. Take a tour inside a working mill and browse the exhibits of the museum inside.
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
Travel from your ship by coach to Keukenhof Gardens. Regarded by many as 'the most beautiful spring garden in the world', Keukenhof is in bloom from late March to early May, as every autumn a dedicated team plants over seven million spring flowering bulbs to create a striking display. Explore at leisure, following paths lined with flowers. The sculptures and statues create an interesting contrast against the floral backdrop. You may even pick up some design ideas for your garden back home!
Why choose a Saga river cruise?
You can enjoy all-inclusive local drinks and dining on board, as well as on-board gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. We will even get you to and from the ship with our included return UK travel service. Plus, our ships are always exclusive to Saga guests.
Return UK travel service included on all river cruises
Our popular return UK travel service is the perfect way to get your trip on one of our Saga river cruise ships off to a great start, and it's included on all our river cruises.
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