Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Train Station to Tauck's riverboat where embarkation begins at 4:00 PM. Settle into your cabin and join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your luxurious Tauck river ship (D)

Today, you have a choice of excursions. One offers you the opportunity to visit the famed, Rijksmuseum. Housing over one million objects of different arts, crafts and artifacts created the years of 1200 – 2000 A.D. (8,000 of which are displayed publicly), the Rijksmuseum is home to some of the greatest historical and artistic masterpieces in the world, including a collection of paintings from the likes of Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals; your other option offers a visit to the Zaanse Schans neighborhood to get an idea of what life was like in 17th- and 18th-century Holland; see the historic windmills and green wooden houses from the period.

Nicknamed the "Venice of the North" for the sheer number of canals (165 to be exact) found throughout the city proper, they'll be on full display this afternoon during some free time to explore Amsterdam as you please. Illuminated artwork and sculptures lining the canals add a special glow to the city's winter landscapes at night, and are a highlight of this evening's festive canal cruise. (B/L/D)

A leisurely morning cruise brings you to Schoonhaven in south Holland for a drive to historic Gouda, famous for its namesake cheese, but also inviting with its lesser-known candles – and stroopwafels. Join a local guide for a walking tour of its compact canal-ringed city center – in December the market and Town Hall are stunningly candlelit! See the pride of the town, the monumental 17th-century Waag, (weighing house) and the Town Hall. Credited with inventing stroopwafels, an iconic waffle sandwich with syrup in the center, Gouda was the only city to make them until 1870. Enjoy a demonstration and a tasting during your visit to Gouda today!

Continue on to the royal city of Den Haag for a walking tour that includes a visit to Escher in the Palace; housed in an 18th century palace that was once home to the Dutch royal family and is now a museum, it features a permanent exhibition of works by Dutch graphic artist MC Escher. (B/L/D)

A choice of shore excursions today includes a locally guided walking tour of Rotterdam or a visit to Delft and its porcelain factory. In Rotterdam, view world-class architecture and urban design, along with outdoor sculptures randomly placed, and as you make your way to the city's covered Markthal; topped with sought-after glass-walled apartments, the market is lined with some 96 stalls enticing with a taste of Dutch culinary specialties under an arched fruit-and-vegetable muralled ceiling.

Little changed since Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer lived here in the 17th century, the historic center of Delft is a veritable time capsule of medieval treasures and Golden Age glories. Tour the city's Royal Delft factory to learn more about the distinctive blue and white Delftware pottery first introduced by local artisans in the 17th century, before returning to your ship in Rotterdam. Enjoy dinner tonight as your riverboat cruises to Antwerp. (B/L/D)

Your riverboat arrives in Bruges this morning where you'll embark on a sightseeing tour. Explore the fortified medieval city, nicknamed "The Venice of the North" for its countless canals, on foot, meandering past its canals, magnificent squares, and narrow cobblestone lanes. Return to your riverboat for dinner in the Compass Rose this evening. (B/L/D)

Sugar and diamond trading put Antwerp on the map in the mid-16th century when it was one of Europe's most important cities. Today it is also famous for being the home of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, inviting you to walk in the artist's footsteps and see his masterpieces where he painted them. Traditionally held every December, the Antwerp Christmas Market is spread over different squares of the city, within walking distance of the Grote Markt and other landmarks you'll see today. Guided sightseeing showcases the highlights of Antwerp this morning before returning to your riverboat for an afternoon of cruising and onboard delights. (B/L/D)

Wake up in Brussels this morning, disembarking after breakfast for a tour of the city that visits the enchanting cobblestoned square, Grand-Place, surrounded by ornately gilded 17th-century guildhouses, and the festive holiday markets of Winterfest, infused with the joys and spirit of the season. Time at leisure this afternoon lets you experience winter's wonders in Brussels as you wish. Join us aboard your riverboat this evening for a reception and farewell toast followed by dinner. (B/L/D)

Tour ends: Brussels. Disembark your riverboat by 9:00 AM this morning and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Brussels Airport, Centraal Train Station or Brussels Midi Station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B)