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Heart of Belgium & Holland

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Heart of Belgium & Holland - Northbound

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Our Price From
US$4,690
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brussels
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Heart of Belgium & Holland Itinerary (Tauck)
Countries Explored: Belgium, Holland
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brussels
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Heart of Belgium & Holland Itinerary (Tauck)
Countries Explored: Belgium, Holland
Cruise Line
Tauck
Ship
Departures
Passengers
130
Crew
50
Launched
2014
Refurbished
2020
Cruise Code
QHX
Cruise Line
Tauck
Ship
Departures
Passengers
130
Crew
50
Launched
2014
Refurbished
2020
Cruise Code
QHX

Overview

Be as active as you like as you venture off-the-beaten rivers to charming inland waterways in Belgium and the Netherlands. Here daily life unfolds in leisurely bicycle rides along country lanes, guided walking tours in quintessential Dutch villages steeped in history and cultural riches, a beer tasting at a Belgian brewery, a visit to the newly opened Royal Museum of Fine Art in Antwerp, a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam and an unforgettable dinner at a 14th-century castle on a private island open just for Tauck guests.
Be as active as you like as you venture off-the-beaten rivers to charming inland waterways in Belgium and the Netherlands. Here daily life unfolds in leisurely bicycle rides along country lanes, guided walking tours in quintessential Dutch villages steeped in history and cultural riches, a beer tasting at a Belgian brewery, a visit to the newly opened Royal Museum of Fine Art in Antwerp, a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam and an unforgettable dinner at a 14th-century castle on a private island open just for Tauck guests.

Itinerary

Tour begins: 4:00 PM. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport or train station to your riverboat; check-in time is 4:00 PM. Join us aboard your riverboat for a welcome reception followed by dinner. Stay Seven Nights: Tauck River Ship (D)

Enjoy a day in Brussels, exploring the sights with local guides who share insider anecdotes about life here past and present on a choice of excursions. See landmark sights that speak volumes about history, from its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture to the Guild Houses lining Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or experience culinary discoveries that tempt with a taste of chocolate, waffles and beer, perfected through the generations.

After free time to enjoy as you wish, return to the riverboat as it sets sail for Antwerp. Dinner is at leisure tonight. (B/L/D)

Belgium's largest port city, Antwerp has long been a magnet for art lovers and diamond traders. It was of Europe's most important – and one of its richest – cities in the mid-16th century when merchants traded sugar and diamonds here. Golden Age artists Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck and Frans Snyders called Antwerp home in the 17th century and Renaissance monuments and a still unfinished 13th-century cathedral enrich the variety of architectural styles that grace its medieval heart. Join a local guide on a sightseeing drive and walking tour that explores the historic gems of this lively town, from bustling Grote Market to medieval guild houses, baroque churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and atmospheric squares.

Following a morning of exploration in Antwerp proper and lunch aboard your ship, you'll be met with a choice of excursions this afternoon! One option offers you a visit to the newly renovated and recently reopened Royal Museum of Fine Arts for a look at its impressive collection of art from the 14th through the 20th century, with an impressive hall dedicated to the art of its native son, Pieter Paul Rubens. Another takes you on brewery tour across the city highlighted with tastings of the city's famous Belgian beers at local establishments.

Your final choice offers you additional time to spend the afternoon exploring as you wish in Antwerp; a shuttle will be available to bring you back to the riverboat. Cocktails and dinner are at leisure tonight onboard ship; set sail for Bruges this evening. (B/L/D)

You're off on a choice of excursions this morning. One brings you to flemish city of Bruges, known as "the Venice of the North," for its canals and tiny medieval streets; have lunch in town. On your walking tour in cobblestoned, fairy tale-like Bruges, you'll feel like you've walked into a painting by Jan Van Eyck, who captured life in the city during its heyday in the 15th century. The hike up the stairs of the medieval bell tower is well worth the effort; you'll be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views.

The other choice brings you to another flemish city, Ghent, for a walking tour through its Old Town; the pedestrian-friendly cobblestoned town center feels like an outdoor museum of early Flemish architecture. Think about climbing to the top of the 14th-century belfry, crowned with a dragon, for the view – Ghent laid out before you is a visual feast of castles, churches, and historic merchants' houses. Be sure to try the local specialty, Ghent noses, a traditional raspberry candy sold at stands on the street – or a warm waffle with sugar or honey.

Your final choice is a bicycle ride into the Belgian countryside alongside a local guide. Have cocktails and dinner onboard as your riverboat charts a course towards Gorinchem. (B/L/D)

Voted "the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands," Gorinchem was founded in 1,000 AD, fortified in the 13th and 14th centuries, and today boasts the largest fully intact fort in the Netherlands. A quintessentially Dutch town with flowers and windmills, it is surrounded by green polders with grazing cows. The city was originally part of the Dutch Waterline of defense and the historic city center is still a well preserved walled fortress. Join our local guide for a walking tour of its historic heart, viewing its charming canals, the well-preserved Renaissance-style and medieval architecture, and pretty parks and gardens.

Alternatively, visit the home of Hendrick Hamel, a Dutch sailor who provided the first Western account of Korea. Explore as you wish this afternoon, before joining us for a Tauck Exclusive dinner at Slot Loevestein. Set in a nature reserve on a private island, the 14th-century castle has served as a prison, residence and toll taker; tonight it will be yours to enjoy as the island and castle are open for Tauck guests only. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a choice of guided shore excursions as your riverboat is docked in Rotterdam, founded as a fishing village in the 13th century. A living monument to Holland's Golden Age until it was bombed to rubble during World War II, the city today welcomes with world-class architecture and urban design, along with surviving traces of Old Rotterdam in Delfshaven (Delft Harbor) and Oude Haven (Old Harbor).

You may choose to stay in town to explore the sights with a local guide, with time at leisure to explore as you wish; embark on a guided excursion to Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt, and home to charming architecture, canals and historic sights, including the country's oldest university or get to know Rotterdam on a beer tour across the city. Return to the riverboat late afternoon; following dinner this evening, enjoy musical entertainment in the Lounge. (B/L/D)

Spend the day in the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland, known for its artistic heritage, historic canals, and narrow houses with gabled facades, living legacies of the city's Golden Age. Art masterpieces hang in its acclaimed museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, where the Old Masters hold court. Bicycles and canal boats are key to the city's character; gardens bloom with Dutch bulbs; and its cultural treasures are among the most significant Europe.

You have a choice of excursions today, each offering great insight into Dutch life. One takes you on a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, seeing such works as The Milkmaid by Vermeer, Self-portrait by Van Gogh, The Merry Family by Jan Steen and Rembrandt's Night Watch. The otherbrings you to the nearby city of Volendam for a bike ride past dikes, windmills and small bridges on your way to a local farm for a cheese-making lesson. Return to your riverboat for a musical performance before a farewell toast and dinner. (B/L/D)

Tour Ends: Amsterdam.

Disembark your riverboat this morning by 9:00 AM. A transfer is included from Tauck's riverboat to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Station. Fly home anytime. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B)

Tour begins: 4:00 PM. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport or train station to your riverboat; check-in time is 4:00 PM. Join us aboard your riverboat for a welcome reception and Captain's toast followed by dinner. Stay Seven Nights: MS Grace (D)

Enjoy a day in Brussels, exploring the sights with local guides who share insider anecdotes about life here past and present on a choice of excursions. See landmark sights that speak volumes about history, from its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture to the Guild Houses lining Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or experience the best of the city on a tour by motor coach and on foot.

After free time to enjoy as you wish, return to the riverboat as it sets sail for Antwerp. An onboard wine presentation precedes dinner at leisure tonight. (B/L/D)

Belgium's largest port city, Antwerp has long been a magnet for art lovers and diamond traders. It was of Europe's most important – and one of its richest – cities in the mid-16th century when merchants traded sugar and diamonds here. Golden Age artists Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck and Frans Snyders called Antwerp home in the 17th century and Renaissance monuments and a still unfinished 13th-century cathedral enrich the variety of architectural styles that grace its medieval heart.

Join a local guide on a walking tour that explores the historic gems of this lively town, from bustling Grote Market to medieval guild houses, baroque churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and atmospheric squares.

Following a morning of exploration in Antwerp proper and lunch aboard your ship, you'll be met with a choice of excursions this afternoon! One option offers you a visit to the newly renovated and recently reopened Royal Museum of Fine Arts for a look at its impressive collection of art from the 14th through the 20th century, with an impressive hall dedicated to the art of its native son, Pieter Paul Rubens.

Another takes you on brewery tour across the city highlighted with tastings of the city's famous Belgian beers at local establishments. Your final choice offers you additional time to spend the afternoon exploring as you wish in Antwerp. Cocktails and dinner are at leisure tonight onboard ship. (B/L/D)

You're off on a choice of excursions this morning. One brings you to flemish city of Bruges, known as "the Venice of the North," for its canals and tiny medieval streets; have lunch in town. On your walking tour in cobblestoned, fairy tale-like Bruges, you'll feel like you've walked into a painting by Jan Van Eyck, who captured life in the city during its heyday in the 15th century. The hike up the stairs of the medieval bell tower is well worth the effort; you'll be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views.

The other choice brings you to another flemish city, Ghent, for a walking tour through its Old Town; the pedestrian-friendly cobblestoned town center feels like an outdoor museum of early Flemish architecture. Think about climbing to the top of the 14th-century belfry, crowned with a dragon, for the view – Ghent laid out before you is a visual feast of castles, churches, and historic merchants' houses. Be sure to try the local specialty, Ghent noses, a traditional raspberry candy sold at stands on the street – or a warm waffle with sugar or honey. Have cocktails and dinner onboard as your riverboat charts a course towards Gorinchem. (B/L/D)

Voted "the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands," Gorinchem was founded in 1,000 AD, fortified in the 13th and 14th centuries, and today boasts the largest fully intact fort in the Netherlands. A quintessentially Dutch town with flowers and windmills, it is surrounded by green polders with grazing cows. The city was originally part of the Dutch Waterline of defense and the historic city center is still a well preserved walled fortress.

This morning, depart by water taxi to the water castle of Slot Loevestein, where your arrival is greeted by a choice of activties. Choose from either a guided tour of the premises - learning about the castle's rich and longstanding history, an archery lesson, a Djembe workshop (a large drum played with bare hands) or a fencing lesson. Lunch is back aboard the ship as you'll enjoy an afternoon of cruising en route to your next destination - Rotterdam.

Tonight, join us for an after-hours to the Mauritshuis, home to many incredible Dutch Golden Age paintings from the likes of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Steen and counteless others. You won't have to go too far for dinner, as you'll dine in the presence of these incredible works of art following your tour. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a choice of guided shore excursions as your riverboat is docked in Rotterdam, founded as a fishing village in the 13th century. A living monument to Holland's Golden Age until it was bombed to rubble during World War II, the city today welcomes with world-class architecture and urban design, along with surviving traces of Old Rotterdam in Delfshaven (Delft Harbor) and Oude Haven (Old Harbor).

You may choose to stay in town to explore the sights with a local guide, with time at leisure to explore as you wish; embark on a guided excursion to Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt, and home to charming architecture, canals and historic sights, including the country's oldest university or get to know Rotterdam on a beer tour across the city. Return to the riverboat late afternoon. (B/L/D)

Spend the day in the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland, known for its artistic heritage, historic canals, and narrow houses with gabled facades, living legacies of the city's Golden Age. Art masterpieces hang in its acclaimed museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, where the Old Masters hold court. Bicycles and canal boats are key to the city's character; gardens bloom with Dutch bulbs; and its cultural treasures are among the most significant Europe.

You have a choice of excursions today, each offering great insight into Dutch life. One takes you on a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, seeing such works as The Milkmaid by Vermeer, Self-portrait by Van Gogh, The Merry Family by Jan Steen and Rembrandt's Night Watch. The other brings you to the nearby city of Volendam for a bike ride past dikes, windmills and small bridges on your way to a local farm for a cheese-making lesson. Return to your riverboat for a farewell toast and dinner followed by a musical performance. (B/L/D)

Tour Ends: Amsterdam.

Disembark your riverboat this morning by 9:00 AM. A transfer is included from Tauck's riverboat to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Station. Fly home anytime. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Experience the storied 650-year history of Slot Loevestein, set on an island reserve that's yours to explore during an exclusive Tauck dinner
  • Visit the quintessentially Dutch town of Gorinchem, alive with flowers and windmills and surrounded by polders where doe-eyed cows graze, on a locally guided tour

  • All private Tauck shore excursions
  • Enjoy a choice of guided excursions in Bruges, including a walking tour of its historic heart with a local expert or an active bicycle excursion out into the countryside led by an expert guide
  • All gratuities to the ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
  • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks
  • Airport and train transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

  • 20 included meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.

  • Experience the storied 650-year history of Slot Loevestein, set on an island reserve that's yours to explore during an exclusive Tauck dinner
  • Visit the quintessentially Dutch town of Gorinchem, alive with flowers and windmills and surrounded by polders where doe-eyed cows graze, on a locally guided tour

  • All private Tauck shore excursions
  • Enjoy a choice of guided excursions in Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam
  • 20 meals (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)

  • 20 included meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.

Life Onboard MS Inspire

MS Inspire
MS Inspire

Maintaining Tauck's high standards for quality and comfort, MS Inspire cruises exclusively for Tauck on the Danube River as part of their Destination Fleet. Read more

Distinctively Inclusive
Distinctively Inclusive

Carefree river cruising with everything included in one upfront price. If it means a better travel experience for our guests, Tauck include it! Read more

Led by Experts, Guided with Care
Led by Experts, Guided with Care

From the moment you arrive to the moment you return home, Tauck's team of Tauck Directors, Cruise Directors & local guides are there to ensure everything runs smoothly. Read more

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Tauck Europe River Cruises (2026) Brochure

Tauck Europe River Cruises (2026)

Set sail along Europe’s storied rivers with Tauck, where small-ship elegance and thoughtful details create journeys that feel both personal and elevated. With newly reimagined riverboats debuting on the Seine and Rhône, you’ll enjoy enhanced wellness spaces, inviting social areas and beautifully designed accommodations crafted with guest feedback at more heart. Supported by an expert team dedicated to seamless travel, every moment unfolds effortlessly, allowing you to relax, connect and savour the Tauck difference long after you return home.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $4,690
From $5,090
From $7,390
Wednesday 06 May 2026 06 May 26 Brussels
Wednesday 13 May 2026 13 May 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$5,490
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 03 Jun 2026 03 Jun 26 Brussels
Wednesday 10 Jun 2026 10 Jun 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Inspire
River View
US$5,490
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 17 Jun 2026 17 Jun 26 Brussels
Wednesday 24 Jun 2026 24 Jun 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$5,490
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Brussels
Wednesday 26 Aug 2026 26 Aug 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$4,690
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 07 Oct 2026 07 Oct 26 Brussels
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$5,490
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 28 Oct 2026 28 Oct 26 Brussels
Wednesday 04 Nov 2026 04 Nov 26 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$4,690
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 02 Jun 2027 02 Jun 27 Brussels
Wednesday 09 Jun 2027 09 Jun 27 Amsterdam
Details
MS Inspire
River View
US$5,990
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 06 Oct 2027 06 Oct 27 Brussels
Wednesday 13 Oct 2027 13 Oct 27 Amsterdam
Details
MS Grace
River View
US$5,990
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 20 Oct 2027 20 Oct 27 Brussels
Wednesday 27 Oct 2027 27 Oct 27 Amsterdam
Details
MS Inspire
River View
US$5,290
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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 Tauck. 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.

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