Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium

8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Brussels
Escorted by Joslyn White, April 18 - April 26, 2026

Day-to-day Itinerary

Vacation overview

If you’ve dreamed of a view filled with windmills and blooming fields of color in Holland and Belgium, it all comes true on your European river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels! Cruise on the Rhine River to visit Nijmegen—the oldest city in the Netherlands. Choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or a bike ride. In Maastricht, tour the old cobblestoned university town.

On to Belgium for a sightseeing tour of medieval Namur and free time to browse its ancient architecture, charming cafes, and bookshops. In Liège, see the ancient quarters of the “Fiery City” as well as its romantic streets, steps, and tiny alleyways. Next, you’ll explore the city of Antwerp—birthplace of the master painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Stroll its cobbled lanes amid 16th-century guildhall houses and the cathedral’s stunning altarpiece paintings by the famous artist on your guided tour of the diamond capital. In Brussels, you’ll find landmark buildings of Town Hall with a collection of cafes and shops on the Lower Town streets on your guided tour. This river cruise through Holland and Belgium will bloom in your memory for seasons to come!

Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN

DINNER

Day 2 NIJMEGEN. EXCURSION TO ARNHEM

Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills

Active Excursion
Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:

Discovery Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:

Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICH

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 3 MAASTRICHT

Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast

Enjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.

Active Excursion
Maastricht's charm awaits, Follow your Adventure Host for a walk in this lovely town., OR:

Classic Excursion
Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, and historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center.

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 4 NAMUR, BELGIUM

Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafés

Active Excursion
Explore Namur's countryside by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.

Take free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LIÈGE

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 5 LIÈGE

Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles

Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Fiery City” of Liège with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don’t miss sampling authentically sweet Liège Waffles.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 6 ANTWERP

A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active Excursion
Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 7 BRUSSELS

Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts

Active Excursion
See Brussel's Aquaculture farm on bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Discovery Excursion
Join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience, OR:

Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés and shops of the Lower Town Streets.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS

BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 8 BRUSSELS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

BREAKFAST

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.

TYPES OF EXCURSIONS