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Best of Holland & Belgium (Christmas)

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Best of Holland & Belgium (Christmas)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$3,052
Balcony
$4,021
Suite
$6,834
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Best of Holland & Belgium (Christmas) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Holland, Belgium
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Best of Holland & Belgium (Christmas) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Holland, Belgium
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
AUX
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
AUX

Overview

Spend the holidays taking in all the seasonal charms and delights of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways. Taste rich Belgian chocolates and listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s De Haar, Brussels’ Beersel and Ghent’s Castle of the Counts of Flanders. With the Holiday season in full swing, experience the glowing waterways of Amsterdam, Brussels and more as cities come to life with strings of lights, festive music and photo-worthy decorations. Indulge in an onboard...read more Christmas dinner and local holiday traditions as you sail on the most elegantly decorated ship on the river. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium during the magical wintertime!
Spend the holidays taking in all the seasonal charms and delights of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways. Taste rich Belgian chocolates and listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s De Haar, Brussels’ Gaasbeek and Ghent’s Castle of the Counts of Flanders.

With the holiday season in full swing, experience the glowing waterways of Amsterdam, Brussels and more as cities come to life with strings of lights, festive music and photo-worthy decorations, and...read more perhaps a Christmas Market or two. Indulge in an onboard Christmas dinner and local holiday traditions as you sail on the most elegantly decorated ship on the river. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium during the magical wintertime!

Itinerary

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise
  • Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
  • Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit OR Castle de Haar visit OR Bike tour

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your time here, you can tour of this medieval harbor town and see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You may also choose to visit a traditional Dutch flat bottom boat. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Cruising the Delta
  • Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour OR Delta Works and Flood Museum Tour OR Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit
  • Haringylietdam bike tour

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent's moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B/L/D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Excursions:

  • Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour OR Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit* OR Bike tour
  • Highlights of Bruges tour OR Castle of the Counts of Flanders

Explore Belgium's captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. In the afternoon, visit Beersel Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, south of Brussels. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Capital of Belgium” tour OR Laeken bike tour
  • Beersel Castle tour OR Belgian chocolate tasting

Explore Belgium's trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium's famous chocolates and waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit OR Bike tour
  • Belgian beer tour OR Flavors of Belgium OR Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum

Established in 1220, Holland's oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city's wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht's fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Holland's Oldest City” walking tour OR Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven OR Gorinchem excursion OR Bike tour
  • Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills OR Kinderdijk bike tour

Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise
  • Scenic cruising
  • Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit
  • OR Castle de Haar visit
  • OR Bike tour

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your time here, you can tour of this medieval harbor town and see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You may also choose to visit a traditional Dutch flat bottom boat. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Scenic cruising
  • Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour
  • OR Delta Works and Flood Museum Tour
  • OR Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit
  • OR Haringylietdam bike tour

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent's moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B/L/D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Excursions:

  • Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour
  • OR Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit*
  • OR Bike tour
  • Highlights of Bruges tour
  • OR Castle of the Counts of Flanders

Explore Belgium's captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress nestled in the enchanting countryside just outside Brussels, which features opulent rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Capital of Belgium” tour
  • OR Belgian chocolate tasting
  • OR Laeken Bike tour
  • Gaasbeek Castle tour

Explore Belgium's trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium's famous chocolates and waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit
  • OR Bike tour
  • Belgian beer tour
  • OR Flavors of Belgium
  • OR Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum

Established in 1220, Holland's oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city's wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht's fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Holland's Oldest City” walking tour
  • OR Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven
  • OR Gorinchem excursion
  • OR Bike tour
  • Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills
  • OR Kinderdijk bike tour

Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Life Onboard AmaStella

AmaStella
AmaStella

On board, you’ll find an inviting fireside library, fitness room, heated pool with convenient swim-up bar, a stunning Main Lounge, massage and hair salon. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call. Read more

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Sophisticated, contemporary and elegantly appointed, your spacious stateroom serves as your personal oasis for rejuvenation. Read more

Award-Winning Dining
Award-Winning Dining

All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you'd like. Read more

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us. Read more

Active Ways To Discover
Active Ways To Discover

All of our guided hikes and bike tours are included in the cruise fare so you have more choices when it comes to how you prefer to explore. Read more

Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025) Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025)

Flowing through multiple countries and four iconic capitals – Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Belgrade – the Danube winds through Old-World Europe, where castles were built, kings and queens were crowned, and visionary artists were inspired. With ships cruising the Danube River nearly year-round, no two journeys on this storied waterway are the same....more Plus, we offer an unparalleled variety of included excursions to suit every kind of traveler – in every single season.

Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart....more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Triple Savings
Saturday 13 Dec 2025
Saturday 20 Dec 2025
Ship AmaStella
River View
Save $1,087
$3,052
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,117
$4,021
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,204
$6,834
View Cabins
Triple Savings
Saturday 12 Dec 2026
Saturday 19 Dec 2026
Ship AmaStella
River View
Save $1,102
$3,546
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,126
$4,322
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,213
$7,135
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AmaWaterways. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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