The Charms of Holland & Belgium

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.

This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals or join the EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Dordrecht; the oldest city in Holland, before travelling to the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon throughout the world. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax on board or explore the city of Dordrecht further. EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Kinderdijk Windmills

This morning we arrive in Antwerp – Belgium’s biggest port, positioned on the River Sheltz with a large harbour linking to the sea. As Belgium’s second largest city, it has been pivotal in the country’s history of occupations and conquests. Home to the famous Baroque artist Pieter Paul Rubens, it attracts art lovers and diamond dealers from all over the world. Having been decimated during WWII, today the city is modern and organised, yet still retains an intriguing medieval heart. Enjoy the guided walking tour of the city centre, passing by its café-filled cobbled lanes, admiring the Renaissance Town Hall and the unique Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, the symbol of Antwerp before passing through the charming 16th century inner yard, the ‘Vlaeykensgang’. Discover More: Excursion to the medieval town of Bruges (extra expense)

After a relaxing morning spent sailing through the Dutch waterways, arrive in Maastricht, Holland’s oldest fortified city. Your city tour will provide you the opportunity to pass by many museums, churches, historical buildings, hidden alleys and squares. You will be amazed by all the different architecture found in the city, ranging from Roman excavations to the modern design of the Bonnefantenmuseum.

Arnhem is most famous for its great battle during World War II, its iconic bridge – the sight where the British forces were captured. Today you will tour the Airborne Museum Hartenstein which is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem In 1944. The main building was the headquarters of the British command during the battle, and now houses exhibits of military uniforms and weapons.

This morning you will arrive in Hoorn, which was once a base for the Dutch East India Company, making it a prosperous and powerful trading town. Today, this 13th century town is home to many listed buildings and the former Oostereiland prison. Once in Hoorn, you will be transferred by coach to Edam – a town known all over the world for its cheese, where you will enjoy an orientation walking tour. Afterwards, you will be taken on an orientation tour of the fishing village of Volendam, followed by free time for exploring the small fishing port and the old centre where some residents still wear traditional Dutch costume. EmeraldPLUS: Clog Painting on board EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour in Hoorn

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.