Keukenhof Gardens and Belgian Cities

Travel to Amsterdam to embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart Amsterdam, 0400.
Arrive Dordrecht, 1300. Depart 1900.

Following a morning on the water, arrive in Dordrecht, which can be reached on foot 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 into Belgium.

Arrive 1000. Depart 1700.

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. Discover the 12th-century abbey and the wonderfully ornamented Gothic facade of the 15th-century town hall.

Sail overnight.

Arrive Brussels, 0800. Depart 1400.
Arrive Antwerp, 2100.

Spend the morning in Belgium’s capital city, where the historic centre features a UNESCO-listed central square, Grand Place, which is overlooked by Gothic architecture enclosing museums, cafes and guildhalls. Around the corner are the Renaissance-style Royal St Hubert Galleries, consisting of three covered shopping arcades. 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, as well as the landmark Atomium building.

Begin sailing to Antwerp later this afternoon and mooring here overnight.

Depart 2000.

See some of the city’s many highlights, such as the 16th-century Market Square which is home to the famous Brabo fountain and a large Gothic cathedral, on an included walking tour this morning.

The city was a great 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.

Sail overnight.

Arrive Rotterdam (for Keukenhof Gardens), 0900. Depart 1700.

Today an included excursion visits Keukenhof Gardens, 'the most beautiful spring garden in the world!'

Spend the day admiring displays of millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at the most breathtaking time of year and perhaps pick up some ideas for your own garden from the themed gardens here.

Arrive 0200.

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.

This morning you can join an included cruise along Amsterdam’s canals to the city centre with its historic bridges and gabled houses. See the famous Skinny Bridge, the Montelbaanstoren tower and the Jewish Quarter.

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