Holland & Belgium in Bloom & Copenhagen

Welcome to Amsterdam, where you’ll be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. (D)

This morning, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Holland’s main attractions as you venture to Zaanse Schans. Historic windmills, distinctive wooden houses, and artisan workshops make up this quintessentially Dutch town, where the smell of freshly baked goods and the sight of spinning windmills offers a truly memorable experience. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing picturesque scenery and iconic fields of tulips.

Relax on board your Star-Ship this afternoon, as we welcome a local clog painter on board for a demonstration. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at this unique craft. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tour to Zaanse Schans windmills
• EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Rotterdam is a unique example of a Dutch city. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this contemporary city, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Architectural tour of Rotterdam
• EmeraldACTIVE Cycling and tasting tour of Rotterdam
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Delft pottery factory (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Royal Delft Tile Workshop (extra expense)

Today, you will have an exclusive visit to the beautiful Mauritshuis museum, home to the best of Dutch painting from the age of Rembrandt and Vermeer – and specially known for being the home of the “Girl with the pearl earring”. In the afternoon, those feeling more active can enjoy a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Private visit to the Mauritshuis
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside

This morning, you’ll arrive in Belgium's largest port Antwerp. Located on the River Scheldt, the city's large harbour provides a link to the sea. Home to the famous Baroque artist Pieter Paul Rubens, Antwerp attracts art-lovers from all over the world.

Enjoy a guided tour of the city centre, with its café-lined cobbled lanes. Admire the Renaissance city hall and Hat Steen, a medieval fortress that was built during the early Middle Ages and one of the oldest buildings in Belgium. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Antwerp at your leisure. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Antwerp
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Bruges (extra expense)

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Nijmegen
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Paleis Het Loo (extra expense)
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour

Experience traditional Holland today during a visit to the beloved Keukenhof Gardens. Nestled in the middle of the region’s tulip farms, where row-upon-row of technicolour flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, the gardens boast incredible displays of millions of bulb varieties, all perfectly assembled by an expert landscape architect. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
• DiscoverMORE Visit to the flower auction at Royal FloraHolland in Aalsmeer (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Hoorn with Dutch apple pie making (extra expense)

Welcome to Denmark and Copenhagen, the fascinating capital city that is home to centuries of Danish royal family history. You'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for your included 3-night stay, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and tour director. (B)

Today, join a guided city tour and enthralling journey through the heart of Denmark's capital, where rich historical landmarks blend with picturesque waterways. As you glide through the serene canals, you'll pass by charming old buildings and iconic sights, such as the colourful Nyhavn district, where prolific Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, lived and drew inspiration for his literary fairy tales. Along the way, you'll also spot the regal Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish royal family. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Copenhagen and canal cruise

Begin your day with a visit to the striking Christiansborg Palace, once the home to kings and queens and today, seat of the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend exploring Copenhagen at leisure and soaking up the sights of this enchanting Nordic city. You may wish to visit the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, or Rosenborg Castle, a four centuries-old Renaissance castle that houses the Danish crown jewels. Or perhaps relax at one of Copenhagen's delightful café terraces, or sample delicious open-faced sandwiches with a cold beer at one of the capital’s many restaurants. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your Copenhagen explorations. (B)

• EmeraldPLUS Visit to Christiansborg Palace

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to Copenhagen, leaving with treasured memories of your marvellous Rhine Cruise and fairy-tales of the Danish capital. (B)