The Netherlands in Bloom

Pricing is based on departure date: 29 April 2027

If you’re dreaming of flowers waving and windmills whirling, cobblestones and canals, and delicious Dutch treats, this Avalon cruise through the Netherlands brings it all to life. Sail while Holland is blooming during tulip season to see your visions blossom with history, beauty, and breathtaking natural splendor for the senses. From maritime marvels of a proud fishing tradition of the harbors of the “low countries” to the heights of modern science and engineering from A to Zuiderzee!

Your Avalon Cruise Includes

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner with flexible dining options

• Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

• Evening Happy Hour, except embarkation night

• 24-hour speciality tea, coffee and Club Lounge snacks

• Choice of included shore excursions as per itinerary

• Wellness activities, fitness centre and use of bikes and e-bikes

• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment

• River-view accommodation with premium bedding and L’Occitane toiletries

• Onboard live music and evening entertainment

Itinerary Map

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1 | Amsterdam, Netherlands – Embarkation

Welcome to Amsterdam! Depending on your arrival time, explore the city’s elegant canal houses, cafés and lively streets before boarding your Avalon river ship. Settle into your accommodation, discover your surroundings and enjoy your first dinner on board as you begin your journey.

Day 2 | Hoorn & Enkhuizen – Historic Dutch Harbours

Discover Hoorn, a picturesque harbour town with a rich seafaring past. Choose a bike tour with your Avalon Adventure Host or a guided walking tour exploring its connection to the Dutch East India Company and the Golden Age.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing to Enkhuizen, where a guided walk introduces you to the historic harbour and charming streets. Return to your ship for live entertainment this evening.

Day 3 | Enkhuizen – Tulip Fields & Maritime Traditions

Choose between two experiences showcasing Dutch heritage. Visit the Zuiderzee Museum with a guide to learn about the region’s maritime history and cultural traditions, or discover local tulip fields and flower farms on a guided excursion.

Back on board, relax as the scenery unfolds during an afternoon of sailing towards Nijmegen.

Day 4 | Nijmegen – Roman Heritage & Scenic Cycling

Explore Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, on a guided tour revealing its Roman origins and the impact of the Second World War. Alternatively, join a bike ride through the Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, taking in green fields and waterways.

Spend the afternoon exploring independently or relaxing at a local café. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board before continuing towards Maastricht.

Day 5 | Maastricht – Cobbled Streets & Historic Architecture

Discover Maastricht on a guided sightseeing tour through this lively university city. Admire its churches, historic houses and cobbled centre while learning about its heritage.

Your Adventure Host will also have activities available today. This evening, sail towards Belgium and your next destination, Antwerp.

Day 6 | Antwerp, Belgium – Grand Squares & Belgian Flavours

Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host or join a guided city tour. Discover the Grote Markt and its ornate guildhall façades, admire the city hall and see the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to works by Rubens.

During free time, you might purchase Belgian waffles or crêpes, wander the old waterfront or explore the renowned diamond district before returning on board.

Day 7 | Willemstad & Kinderdijk, Netherlands – Cheese & Windmills

Explore Willemstad on a guided walk or bike ride, discovering restored buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Enjoy a cheese tasting on board as you sail towards Kinderdijk. Here, choose a guided visit or bike ride among the famous windmills and learn how they helped the Dutch manage water and protect their land from flooding. Continue to Rotterdam this evening.

Day 8 | Rotterdam – Spring Gardens or City Discoveries

Choose how to spend your day. Visit Keukenhof on a full- or half-day guided excursion to admire its extensive gardens and colourful spring flowers. Alternatively, explore Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host or join a sightseeing tour featuring the city’s striking architecture and Erasmus Bridge.

The published programme also lists a guided Gouda walking tour as an alternative to the full-day excursion; available combinations should be confirmed on board.

Before dinner, enjoy sailing through Rotterdam’s harbour.

Day 9 | Amsterdam – Canals & Time to Explore

Experience Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past elegant merchant houses, or join your Adventure Host for a morning walk.

The afternoon is yours to browse shops and galleries, explore the canal-lined streets or choose an optional guided excursion at additional cost. Return to your ship for your final evening on board.

Day 10 | Amsterdam – Disembarkation

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Amsterdam, bringing your Netherlands and Belgium river journey to a close.

Your ship: Avalon Vista

Discover Europe’s waterways aboard Avalon Vista, where spacious accommodation and inviting outdoor spaces bring the passing scenery into focus.

Panorama Suites & Open-Air Balconies
Spread across two decks, the 200-square-foot Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony®. Relax in your private sitting area and enjoy fresh breezes and uninterrupted river views.

Wake Up to the View
In Panorama Suites, Avalon’s Comfort Collection beds face the windows, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery from the comfort of your bed.

Relax on the Sky Deck
Watch riverside towns and landscapes drift past from the spacious Sky Deck, complete with comfortable loungers, shaded areas and a whirlpool.

Open-Air Dining
Enjoy the Sky Bistro’s outdoor setting, adding another opportunity to appreciate the scenery as you dine.

Stay Active & Connected
Keep up your exercise routine in the onboard fitness centre and stay in touch with friends and family using complimentary Wi-Fi.

Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Nijmegen, Maastricht, Antwerp, Willemstad, Rotterdam, Amsterdam.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.