Overview
Embark in Brussels and sail to Ghent “The Diamond of Flanders.” Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. For moving battlefield remembrances, visit In Flanders Fields Museum and take part to the Last Post Ceremony. On to Holland for a visit to the former Dutch East India Company trading port of Middelburg. In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management, and in Rotterdam the Erasmus Bridge. You’ll see why windmills are a symbol of Holland!
Take in the tulips and other flowering bulbs in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem and conclude your river cruise through Belgium and Holland with a visit to Amsterdam. Take a guided canal cruise past bridges and homes of a golden age.
9 Days
Brussels
Amsterdam
Itinerary
Filling Fare and Fabled Beer
Spend a day at leisure to sample Brussels hearty cuisine and famous beer.Ancient Landmarks and New Finds.
- Classic: 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT (B/D)
Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.- 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GHENT (B/L/D)
Battlefield Remembrances in Flanders.
- Active: Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Visit the In Flanders Field Museum in Ypres—named for the soldier's famed poem. Learn about the story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilization, the four years trench war in the Westhoek, the end of the war, and the lasting remembrance to follow. After your visit, enjoy lunch at the museum's café
- Discovery: Following the museum, visit battlefields, cemeteries, memorials, and private collections.
- Discovery: Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG (B/L/D)
A Spicy History in Middelburg's Dutch Harbor Town.
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Halland learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.
- Active: Alternatively, bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM (B/L/D)
Harnessing the Wind for 300 Years.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. Enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.- Active: Experience Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM (B/L/D)
Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of Flowers.
Arrive in Zaandam this morning with free time to explore this quintessential Dutch town. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Cruise to Haarlem this afternoon while enjoying lunch onboard. HAARLEM: Tulips and North Sea Trading Ports.- Active: Enjoy an easy bike ride to the beach with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Visit Haarlem, a major flower - bulb growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyards.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.
- Active: Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
- Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
- Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
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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 Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
