Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Welcome to Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, galleries filled with masterpieces, 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneway, and streets busy with cyclists. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago. It’s particularly charming in spring, when the signature Dutch tulips are in full bloom.

Board your ultra-luxury 5-star Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon, meet your fellow guests and raise a glass to the start of a fascinating journey ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)

Arrive early this morning in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in Holland, it dates back to the 11th century. Dordrecht was once an important merchant city, drawing its wealth from wood, grain and wine. More than 1,000 historic monuments can be found in its historic centre, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres. In spring and summer, the nearby town of Gouda also hosts its famous Cheese Markets.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from one of the following excursions this morning:

• Walking tour of Dordrecht: Admire the city’s picturesque streets, winding canals and historic buildings on a walking tour. Highlights include Groothoofd Quay, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Old Water Tower.
• Excursion to Delft: Travel to the nearby city of Delft, famed for its blue and white pottery and visit the only remaining 17th-century pottery factory to see the masters at work.
• Excursion to Kinderdijk: Visit the traditional village of Kinderdijk to see its World Heritage listed windmills, which are an icon of Dutch culture.
• Gouda Cheese Markets: A local guide will show you around the historic city of Gouda, known for its namesake cheese. Visit the main square where a traditional cheese market, first initiated in 1395 and is still operating. (Note: the cheese market is open every Thursday morning; tours that fall on a different day will still visit Gouda but not the market.) (B/L/D)

Dock this morning in Bruinisse, a mussel fishing village set on an ocean estuary. Known simply as ‘Bru’ it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, rich heritage and sumptuous seafood. It’s also the gateway to the 13th-century town of Veere, considered one of the prettiest in the Netherlands. On board today, you can savour locally grown oysters in the ultimate 'farm-to-table' experience, with the shellfish brought directly from the icy waters of the North Sea.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following for your morning excursion:

• Guided tour of Veere: Travel to the nearby town of Veere for a guided tour of its many charms, including the port area, Scottish merchant houses, impressive church and 15th-century town hall. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.
• Delta Works visit: Visit the engineering marvel that is the Delta Works, a system of dams, locks and levees that protects the towns on the delta plain against flooding. (B/L/D)

Crossing the border this morning, you’ll dock in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and one of the world’s most important seaports. Despite being bombed extensively during World War II, it retains its medieval heart, cobbled lanes, riverside fortress and impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is famed for its vibrant fashion, entertainment and culinary scenes.

Scenic Freechoice: These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

• Walking tour of Antwerp: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Antwerp, known as the diamond capital of the world. Explore sights such as the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen Castle, the Medieval fortress, and main square lined with extravagant buildings.
• Craft Beer & Chocolate pairing: Take your taste buds on a journey of flavour with two of Belgium's most iconic culinary delicacies – chocolate and beer.
• Excursion to Ghent: Visit one of Belgium's most historic cities and join a local guide to explore its wealth of medieval buildings, charming canals and factories, relics of its industrial past that have been reborn as cultural hotspots. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Arnhem after lunch. Located at the edge of the Veluwe Nature Reserve, the city offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by dense forest, lush green parklands and riverside promenades. Arnhem also played an important role in World War II and the campaign ultimately helped bring about the end of the conflict. This evening, learn about The Netherlands’ famed tulips and how they are grown at an engaging on board lecture.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way this afternoon with one of these excursions:

• Arnhem Airborne Museum: Visit the Airborne Museum, which gives an in-depth account of the Battle of Arnhem. Follow in the footsteps of the British servicemen who parachuted into the city in September 1944 after long years of German occupation.
• The Netherlands Open Air Museum: Learn about the lives and traditions of ordinary Dutch people through the ages at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Your local guide will take you on an exploration of this fascinating 44-hectare outdoor museum, to see replicas of historic houses, mills and farmhouses.
• Palais Het Loo: Art lovers will enjoy the Palais Het Loo. Dating to 1685 it served as the royal family's summer home for centuries and is now an incredible museum showcasing the family’s rich history, elaborate décor, art collection and grand gardens. (B/L/D)

Spend this morning in Hoorn, a prosperous trading centre from the Middle Ages to the 17th century and once a bustling Dutch East India Company port. Its main harbour, Binnenhaven, is lined with beautiful warehouses, while there are many historic buildings and monuments throughout town, including a well-preserved city gate first built in 1578.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region with one of today's selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Walking tour of Hoorn with tasting: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Hoorn and its inner harbour. You can also sample some local delicacies, such as fish and cheese.
• Cheese farm: Learn the tradition of cheesemaking in the Netherlands. Meet a local producer, tour the farm and discover the secrets behind their long-standing techniques.
• Ancestry of the Kitchen – traditional Dutch apple pie making class: Recipes hold a special place through the generations. Become part of the family in the kitchen today as you learn to make an authentic Dutch apple pie with a local cook.
• Cycling tour of Hoorn: Join your local guide on an active cycling tour of Hoorn. See some of the key sights of the city, like the Oosterkerk (the Old Church), as you cycle towards Ijssel Lake dyke, the biggest lake in The Netherlands.

This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure as you cruise towards Amsterdam. Relax with a massage (additional cost), or head to the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Scenic Enrich:

• Fabrique des Lumierès: Experience an exclusive after-hours visit to the immersive digital art installation Fabrique des Lumierès. Sip a glass of champagne as you step inside the former 19th century gas works, admiring the works of the worlds most renowned artists projected onto the 17-metre-high walls, accompanied and complemented by a musical soundtrack. (B/L/D)

Today is a celebration of spring. Join your fellow guests on an excursion to the legendary Keukenhof Gardens, home to the nation’s most magnificent display of tulips. In a truly breathtaking display, more than seven million tulips from 800 varieties are carefully arranged into artistic patterns and vibrant displays. This is one of the most magical gardens in the world, seen at its most colourful moment.

Return to Amsterdam this afternoon for free time to explore this city steeped in history, art and quirky culture. Cruise the canals, do as the locals do and hop on a bike, visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, or take a poignant walk-through Anne Frank’s House. (B/L/D)

Your journey concludes this morning. After one final breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam airport for your onward journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)