Discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime. Admire the colorful Tulip carpets and flower displays, stroll amidst Kinderdijks’ lush green countryside dotted with the world-famous windmills, taste the local cheeses and learn about the traditions of the friendly Dutch and Flemish people. In Belgium, admire famous medieval cities like Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges with their stunning architecture and traditions and sample the delicious pastries and chocolates.

Itinerary:

Day 1, Sat. DEPART USA. Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.

Day 2, Sun. ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND.
Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history. Explore the 700 year-old European capital with its elegant and classic architecture, cafйs, restaurants, lively marketplace and exciting nightlife. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 3, Mon. AMSTERDAM - VOLENDAM - EDAM.
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive morning cruise through the historic canals of Amsterdam. Once back on board, a short cruise on the Ijsselmeer takes you to Volendam. The afternoon tour takes you from Volendam to the village of Edam, famous for its wonderful cheese. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Tue. ARNHEM.
Arrive in Arnhem early this morning. Tour the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, which shows the course of events during the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major battles of World War II. After the tour, return to the ship around lunchtime and spend a leisurely afternoon and evening cruising through Holland and on to Belgium. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Wed. ANTWERP, BELGIUM.
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Antwerp, one of the world's most important ancient seaports. See the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady, and admire the city's superb architecture. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels. After dinner, your cruise departs for Ghent. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Thu. GHENT.
Disembark after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. This city is the real diamond of Flanders. In its own way, Ghent has preserved its medieval charm while remaining current with the times. The afternoon is yours to explore Ghent further or to take an optional excursion to Brugges, one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Fri. WILLEMSTAD, HOLLAND - DORDRECHT.
This morning, sail through the Dutch region of Zeeland. This region is home to one of the world's most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, which took over 30 years to complete. During this morning's cruise, you will pass some of these magnificent projects, then stop in charming Willemstad for a walking tour and spend some free time to shop or explore on your own. During lunch, continue cruising towards Dordrecht and the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest group of original windmills in Holland. Tonight, enjoy a special music performance on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Sat. UTRECHT - KEUKENHOF - AMSTERDAM.
Cruise along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Utrecht, where you disembark for a morning excursion to the famous Keukenhof Gardens to admire the spectacular display of bulb flowers in bloom. Keukenhof also offers several ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill which can be toured and several terraces to relax in. Return to your ship in Amsterdam for lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Sun. DEPART AMSTERDAM.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Amsterdam. (B)