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Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 4,051 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,890 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Amsterdam
 Trip Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Holland, Belgium
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
WAD

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium. Explore Holland and Belgium in more ways than ever on this Active & Discovery European cruise. Begin in Amsterdam and sail for Middelburg for a variety of excursions from Classic to Active to Discovery inclusions. Continue to Belgium and marvel at the artistry and natural beauty of the region. In Brussels, walk the ancient streets and sample treats at a Belgian chocolate-making workshop. Explore by bike or take a guided tour!

In Antwerp, discover...read more centuries of history. Experience the Red Star Line Museum where brave emigrants boarded ocean liners for America long ago, or see the stunning altarpiece by master painter Rubens in the Cathedral there. Take an architecture tour by bicycle through Rotterdam or create a classic Delft tile in a pottery workshop. Return to Amsterdam to enjoy the colourful city of canals. Take a painting class, ride a bike through the Dutch countryside, or relax on a canal cruise through the grachten of this city of a Golden Age. A fantastic 8-day adventure through Holland and Belgium on this Active & Discovery river cruise in Europe!

Itinerary

How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

During tulip season, 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. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG (D)

A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • Active: Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:
  • Discovery: Visit the fascinating Flood Museum to hear and see the stories of the flood of 1953, reconstruction, the Delta Works, and flood risk management – told by the people who have experienced it. Later, explore the town of Veere, OR:
  • Discovery: Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT (B/L/D)

Flemish Artwork and Street Artists

  • Active: Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Mountain Bike Tour, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart's content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:
  • Classic: Explore Ghent - "The Diamond of Flanders" - with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You'll visit St. Bavo's Cathedral - with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS (B/L/D)

Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet

  • Active: Take a bike tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafes, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels - considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP (B/L/D)

Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens' Art

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • Active: Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don't miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, OR:
  • Classic: 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.

This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp's signature Belgian waffles and crepes - or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM (B/L/D)

Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons

  • Active: Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city 'De Rotterdam', and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers. OR:
  • Discovery: Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter's room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile,OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor. In the evening enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)

Colourful Canals of Amsterdam

  • Active: Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
  • Discovery: Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters' techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:
  • Classic: Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Life Onboard

Avalon Passion
Avalon Passion

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships.

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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1 Star
Booking with our Avalon cruise with Hannah 0 , WA, Australia, Aug 2023
Thanks Hannah, everything went great. Despite Emirates delay into Amsterdam. The booked pickup waited an extra thirty minutes for us. We made the boat with 45 minutes to spare. Cabin 312 was excellent as was the whole cruise. See you sometime 2024. Thanks.
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Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
 
Panorama Suite
Category B
 
Panorama Suite
Category A
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
 
Panorama Suite
Category P
 
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)

  • Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
  • Twin Windows
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Royal Suite

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Brochure

River Cruises

Avalon River Cruises (2023-24)

Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 70 cruises on 10 rivers through 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover the European continent on its legendary rivers from the North Sea to the Black Sea. From the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, discover timeless tradition and beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and...more Saône—to name a few.

Availability

Exclusive DealDouble Qantas Points
Sunday 05 May 2024
Sunday 12 May 2024
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $5,753 $4,314
Save $1,439 Enquire
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Sunday 27 Apr 2025
Sunday 04 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
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Saturday 03 May 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Panorama
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Friday 06 Jun 2025
Friday 13 Jun 2025
Ship Name Avalon Imagery II
From: $6,374 $4,484
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Sunday 05 May 2024
Sunday 12 May 2024
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $8,658 $7,190
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Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Sunday 27 Apr 2025
Sunday 04 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Tranquility II
From: $8,904 $6,989
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Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Saturday 03 May 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Panorama
From: $9,131 $7,214
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Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Friday 13 Jun 2025
Ship Name Avalon Imagery II
From: $9,583 $7,661
Save $1,922 Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Category E  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D From $ 199
Category B From $ 1,799
Category A From $ 1,899
Category P From $ 1,949
Category S From $ 3,499
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. 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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