Tulip Time Highlights 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Belgium and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the grandeur of Brussels to the medieval charm of Ghent, the poignant history of Ypres, and the windmill-dotted landscapes of Kinderdijk, every day brings a new adventure. Explore the Dutch harbor town of Middelburg, the vibrant city of Rotterdam, and the quintessential Dutch town of Zaandam. The tour concludes in the iconic city of Amsterdam, known for its colorful canals and 'Golden Age' architecture. Enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours, bike rides, and canal cruises, and savor delicious meals onboard your Suite Ship. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a unique insight into the rich history and stunning landscapes of these two European gems.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Imagery II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Brussels to Ghent
Day 1 – Day 1: Brussels to Ghent
- Brussels
- East Flanders - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Belgium! Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding in Brussels. Please ensure your flights arrive by 2:00 pm and that you are onboard by 5 pm. As we set sail for Ghent, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard. Overnight, we cruise to Ghent.
Day 2 – Day 2: Ghent to Bossuit
Day 2 – Day 2: Ghent to Bossuit
- East Flanders
- Kortrijk
- More
- Muinkpark
- Saint Bavo's Cathedral
- More
Today, explore Ghent, the 'Diamond of Flanders,' with a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to St. Bavo's Cathedral. Alternatively, you can explore Ghent by bike or enjoy an excursion to the natural reserve 'Citadelpark.' In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard as we cruise overnight to Bossuit.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bossuit to Middelburg
Day 3 – Day 3: Bossuit to Middelburg
- Kortrijk
- Zeeland
- More
- In Flanders Fields Museum
- Menin Gate
- More
Today, visit the In Flanders Field Museum in Ypres, where you'll learn about the invasion of Belgium and the trench war. After lunch at the museum's café, visit battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials. In the evening, experience the Last Post Ceremony under the arches of the Menin Gate. We cruise overnight to Middelburg.
Day 4 – Day 4: Middelburg to Kinderdijk
Day 4 – Day 4: Middelburg to Kinderdijk
- Zeeland
- Vlissingen
- Rotterdam
- More
- Lighthouse North Head
- More
Join a guided walking tour through Middelburg, where you'll see the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall. After lunch onboard, you can choose to bike from Middelburg to Veere. In Veere, explore the town with an expert local guide. We cruise overnight to Kinderdijk.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kinderdijk to Zaandam
Day 5 – Day 5: Kinderdijk to Zaandam
- Rotterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Nederwaard Molen No5
- Erasmusbrug
- More
Today, explore the windmills of Kinderdijk by bike or join a guided tour. Later, cruise through Rotterdam harbor and explore the city by bike or join a guided sightseeing tour featuring the marvelous Erasmus Bridge. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as we cruise overnight to Zaandam.
Day 6 – Day 6: Zaandam to Amsterdam
Day 6 – Day 6: Zaandam to Amsterdam
- North Holland
- Amsterdam
- More
Arrive in Zaandam and spend the morning exploring this quintessential Dutch town. In the afternoon, cruise to Haarlem while enjoying lunch onboard. In Haarlem, a major flower bulbs growing district, explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features and gabled houses. In the evening, we sail to Amsterdam.
Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam
Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
Today, explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise or join a biking tour through the Dutch countryside. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might consider joining one of the optional excursions available. Overnight, we dock in Amsterdam.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
- More
Your memorable cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands concludes after breakfast. We wish you a safe journey home.
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