Trip summary statistics
Limited DatesMarch – May Only
11days
Dutch Tulips and Waterways of Holland
Europe River Cruise, Amsterdam, Holland River Cruise, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Middelburg, Willemstad
Sail on a 7-night Holland River cruise from Amsterdam, exploring Dutch and Belgian cities.
Savor shore time, from exploring Keukenhof’s tulip gardens to Bruges medieval canals.
Discover the world’s largest flower auction with an expert, including the lively bidding.
Explore Dutch art history among masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Consult your Cruise Expert to curate the perfect Tulip season voyage from March to May.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
The Best of Land & Sea
The finest cruises paired with privately guided land tours
We expertly plan
Private guides, wonderful hotels and the perfect cruise itinerary & ship selection
We don't settle
Refining your itinerary until you're happy, even while you're traveling.
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Europe River Cruise to Amsterdam to Holland River CruiseBon Voyage
- Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet - Private
- Netherlands Welcome Package
- Amsterdam - Embarkation
- Avalon Waterways Amenities & Inclusions
Rotterdam to Holland River CruiseTulips of the Keukenhof
- Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet
Antwerp to Holland River CruiseSights and Insights
- Cathedrals, Carats and Crepes
Ghent to Holland River CruiseMedieval Moments
- Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery
Middelburg to Holland River CruiseA Journey Back in Time
- A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town
Willemstad to Holland River CruisePostcard-Perfect
- Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic Harbor
Amsterdam to Holland River CruiseExplore a City of Contrasts
- Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
AmsterdamThe Journey Continues…
- Amsterdam - Disembarkation
- Port Transfer - Private
- Heineken Experience Admission
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Amsterdam
AmsterdamLose Yourself in Nature
- Aalsmeer Flower Auction (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Self-Guided: Best of Amsterdam Neighborhoods
AmsterdamMarching through the Museum
- Rijksmuseum Admission
- Van Gogh Museum Admission
AmsterdamUntil Next Time…
- Airport Transfer (departure) - Private
EUROPE RIVER CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM TO HOLLAND RIVER CRUISE
Bon Voyage
Meet your private English-speaking assistant outside of airport customs. Waiting with a sign with your name on it, they will direct you to your awaiting private transfer, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. The day is yours to relax and discover this delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, restaurants and lively marketplace.
Your extraordinary Avalon Waterways river cruise is packed with world-class inclusions and thoughtful amenities designed to make your journey as seamless as it is unforgettable. Enjoy all-inclusive dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine, paired with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Choose from a variety of immersive shore excursions, whether you prefer guided sightseeing, active adventures, or hands-on cultural experiences. Stay connected with complimentary wifi and unwind in an inviting, elegantly designed onboard setting. Wellness-focused travelers can take advantage of a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga classes, and an open-air Sky Deck with whirlpool access, all while enjoying healthy menu options crafted with fresh ingredients.
Avalon Waterways’ exceptional onboard amenities further enhance your voyage. Savor handcrafted cocktails and locally inspired dishes in sophisticated lounges and restaurants. Bask in panoramic river views from the spacious Sky Deck or indulge in relaxation with a soothing onboard massage. In the evenings, enjoy regionally themed entertainment, live music, and special performances that bring your destinations to life. For explorers, complimentary bicycles and Active Discovery excursions offer unique ways to experience each port of call. With Avalon, every detail is designed for a personalized and enriching river cruise experience.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
ROTTERDAM
Tulips of the Keukenhof
Today, experience Rotterdam by foot with your Adventure Host, or join a full- or half-day shared tour of breathtaking Keukenhof. Known as the “Garden of Europe” for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof has more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. As an alternative to the full-day tour, you can join a shared sightseeing tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.
Take some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink with equal parts coffee and milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
ANTWERP
Sights and Insights
Today explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, or join a shared tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens. You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crepes, or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
GHENT
Medieval Moments
Explore Ghent, “The Diamond of Flanders”, with a shared sightseeing tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, with its remarkable Flemish artwork. Alternatively, explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
MIDDELBURG
A Journey Back in Time
Join a shared walking tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading. Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.
After a lunchtime sailing, join a shared walking tour of Veere, a delightful historic town full of interesting sights dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Immerse yourself in its rich heritage, explore charming streets, and uncover hidden gems.
Alternatively, opt for an active excursion, biking from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
WILLEMSTAD
Postcard-Perfect
This morning, join a shared walking tour of Willemstad, where you will discover its historic harbor, iconic windmills and its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th century. Alternatively, you may choose to see Willemstad by bike, led by your Adventure Host.
Later, enjoy a cheese tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
AMSTERDAM
Explore a City of Contrasts
This morning, you have a plethora of excursion choices. Perhaps you'll start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam. Maybe you'll discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day, and then enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast. Perhaps you'd prefer to discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path shared walking tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city. Or, perhaps you prefer to explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
Whichever excursion you choose this morning, take some free time this afternoon to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
Where you’ll be staying
Panorama Suite (B)
AMSTERDAM
The Journey Continues…
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.
Hosted in a historic former brewery on the outskirts of Amsterdam's city center, the Heineken Experience offers insight into the history and heritage of Heineken beer. With your admission, enjoy an interactive, self-guided journey through the brewing past, discovering how Heineken transitioned from its humble beginnings as a small Dutch brewery, to what it has become today, one of the world's most iconic and popular beers. Tie it all together with a refreshing finale in the tasting room, where you're treated to a delightful Heineken beer.
With an array of options across the city, deciding which restaurants to try during your stay in Amsterdam may prove challenging. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Amsterdam, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Splendid City Room
AMSTERDAM
Lose Yourself in Nature
Embark on an early morning flower-filled odyssey, accompanied by an expert guide. Today, you're invited to explore the vibrant Aalsmeer Flower Auction, an absolute behemoth in the floral world and a true marvel of human endeavor. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction stands as the undisputed kingpin of its kind, holding the distinguished title of the world's largest flower auction. At the auction, be captivated by a dynamic sea of flowers. Delve into the historical context with movies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the intricate bidding processes. Capture moments through thoughtfully designed photo experiences and engage in an auction game, shedding light on the intricacies of the floral trade. After this exhilarating journey through the heart of the global flower trade, your experience culminates in a return transfer to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is comprised of 7 districts, each encompassing their own set of major landmarks and attractions, making individual neighborhood exploration truly rewarding. While most visitors stay within the historic center, there's plenty more to Amsterdam waiting to be discovered and explored at your leisure. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition that showcases our suggestions for a self-guided discovery of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Splendid City Room
AMSTERDAM
Marching through the Museum
Enjoy ticketed access to the iconic Rijksmuseum on Amsterdam's famous Museum Square. With your admission, you'll be able to browse the incredible treasures on hand, a showcase of 8,000 pieces of art and history spanning 800 years, including masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, from the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer, among others.
Make your way to Amsterdam's world-famous Van Gogh Museum, a celebration of the works of famed 19th century Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. Your included admission ticket grants you access to view highlighted works of what is the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, spanning the various creative phases of his life. Witness famous pieces from his days in the Netherlands, like Avenue of Poplars in Autumn (1884), The Potato Eaters (1885), and Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette (1886), to his days in France, with Wheat Field with a Lark (1887), The Yellow House (1888), and Wheatfield with Crows (1890). A number of self-portraits are also on display, offering a glimpse into the mind of this misunderstood creative genius.
Where you’ll be staying
Splendid City Room
AMSTERDAM
Until Next Time…
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
HOLLAND RIVER CRUISE
Avalon Tranquility II
Your Avalon river cruise will bring new tranquility to your traveler's soul, but you'll also find plenty of ways to excite your adventurous spirit to cruise your way! While on board, enjoy the intimate setting of the Avalon Tranquility II with two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Tranquility II's Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It's the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy free Starlink Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Relaxed luxury and new discoveries await from ship to shore on the Avalon Tranquility II.
AMSTERDAM
The Albus Hotel
Step into a warm and welcoming design hotel, The Albus, situated in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, and nestled within the streets between the famous canal belts. Enjoy a sense of bliss as you relax in the lounge, dine on creative dishes on-site, or sip cocktails at the bar. Guestrooms are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, accessed through a whimsical artwork corridor that's curated to delight. Keen on the principles of sustainability, The Albus prides itself on being the first hotel in Europe with no CO2 emissions.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








