Flying from Newcastle 2025
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Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise
Five days away
Free Superior drinks package
4 nights on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers
6 included experiences
Full board dining
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Free on-board Wi-Fi
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
All port charges & airport taxes
Checked luggage
Highlights
Enjoy two culture-filled guided tours including iconic Kinderdijk and innovative Rotterdam.
Marvel at the spectacular Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden covering nearly eighty acres.
Visit the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen that recreates the 19th-century heritage of Hollands inland bay.
Experience a classic Amsterdam glass-topped canal cruise
Flying from Newcastle
02 Apr 2025 £1,699 pp
07 Apr 2025 £1,599 pp
13 Apr 2025 £2,149 pp
DAY ONE Arrival in Amsterdam
The adventure begins as you board your five-star cruise ship. The friendly crew welcomes you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation – you’ll feel immediately at home.
DAY TWO Enkhuizen
Overnight the ship has gently steered a course north. As dawn breaks, you’re greeted by views of Enkhuizen, a picturesque port nestling at the edge of the former Zuiderzee. It is also home to the Zuiderzee Museum, which we will experience on our visit this morning.
Found in the historic centre of Enkhuizen, it superbly recreates the 19th-century heritage of Holland’s inland bay and combines interesting exhibits with demonstrations of the artisan skills of yesteryear, such as sailmaking, fish curing and blacksmithing. The open-air museum is particularly captivating, as the era is brought to life with a charming village atmosphere, where the likes of bakers, shopkeepers and smokehouse workers don traditional clothing and serve you their wares, just as they would have done all those years ago.
During the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th-century, the Netherlands dominated world maritime trade, becoming fabulously prosperous. Enkhuizen, as one of the country’s principal ports specialising in trade in the East Indies, flourished. Merchants keen to display their wealth created this town of gabled houses, narrow streets, bridges and waterways. It’s a delight to explore, taking in the atmosphere of its little streets and jumble of sailing boats in the harbour.
Cruise along the Markermeer
After a delicious lunch on board, we cruise along the Markermeer, the southwestern part of the IJsselmeer, the great freshwater lake created when the Zuiderzee was separated from the North Sea by a series of dams and dykes built during the 1920 and ’30s. This mammoth engineering achievement now protects low-lying areas from flooding and has allowed the reclamation of 626 square miles of fertile land.
Before long, thoughts turn to tonight’s à la carte dinner, served with panache by the restaurant staff, after which why not unwind with a digestif at the bar to the soothing sound of the ship’s pianist.
Included experience
Entry to Zuiderzee Museum.
DAY THREE Rotterdam & Kinderdijk
Wake up in historic Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second largest metropolis, situated where the Rhine flows into the North Sea. This morning we embark on a guided tour of this captivating city, from the old harbour to the modern architecture, passing by the Witte Huis, Europe’s first sky scraper, built in the Art Nouveau style.
Known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’, it is the largest European cargo port and has been a conduit for trade since the 14th century. Unsurprisingly, its logistical significance made it a target for bombing during the Second World War and its old town was destroyed, with only the Church of Saint Lawrence left standing. During the following decades Rotterdam was reconstructed with typical Dutch optimism and engineering expertise and now boasts an abundance of innovative and imaginative architecture.
Other highlights of Rotterdam include Europe’s largest swing bridge, the Erasmus Bridge, arched Markthal (market hall) and Cube Houses. The Erasmus Bridge is a cable-stayed and bascule construction in the heart of Rotterdam, which is aptly dubbed ‘the Swan’ because of its striking structure. Whilst the vibrant yellow Cube Houses, known locally as Kubuswoningen, are another architectural masterpiece. Built on stilts and tilted at bizarre angles, they were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s and remain an iconic part of the city to this day.
During lunch on board you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows as we leave Rotterdam’s skyline behind. A significant part of the Netherlands lies up to 22 feet below sea level, but an intricate network of dykes and polders, the Netherland’s unique drainage systems, has kept the seawater at bay and allowed land reclamation.
Kinderdijk
At the very heart of this fascinating reclaimed region is Kinderdijk, our next port of call. Here, you can witness a truly iconic polder scene – a series of 19 authentic windmills lining the canal banks, set against a starkly beautiful backdrop of pancake-flat marshland.
Windmills are symbolic of Dutch history and the never-ending battle with the sea, and visiting these beautifully preserved structures is like stepping back in time. So impressive in fact, that the windmills have held UNESCO World Heritage status for over 220 years.
Later we return to the cruise ship, where the chef has prepared a sumptuous dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience.
Included experiences
Guided tours of Rotterdam & Kinderdijk.
DAY FOUR Keukenhof & Amsterdam
A long spring season and the polders’ well-drained soil create the perfect environment for growing the Netherlands’ world-famous tulips, first imported into the country from the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century.
This morning we drive to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Nothing prepares you for the dazzling carpet of colours created by the seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other blooms arranged in rows, swirls and every other imaginable shape. The art of flower planting reaches breath-taking heights in Keukenhof’s themed areas and wandering among this dramatic pageant of hues set in a landscape of lakes, trees, pavilions and water features is magical – and provides gardeners with a wealth of inspiration to take home!
Amsterdam
We return to Amsterdam to explore this beautiful city on a classic glass-topped canal cruiser. A network of 165 canals built in rings during the 17th century defines life in its centre, and our ‘water’s-eye view’ is the best way to absorb Amsterdam’s history. Relax and watch this unique cityscape unfold as our guide explains the many intriguing aspects of life here.
You’ll see moored houseboats, quirky bridges, cobbled streets lined with tall, narrow merchants’ houses, gabled civic buildings and homes of famous former residents such as Rembrandt, the greatest Dutch Golden Age artist, and Anne Frank, whose diaries tell a poignant tale of life under the Nazis.
Amsterdam is the ideal walking city and you are free to explore its characterful streets at your leisure. Exceptional art is always close by, from small galleries to the world-class Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, both holding huge collections.
You might choose to rummage through the Waterlooplein flea market or relax at a café sipping a rich Dutch coffee and watching the locals trundle over cobbles along the canals on their high-handlebar bicycles.
Wrapping up a memorable day is tonight's dinner in the ship’s restaurant, and as evening falls and the lights of this unforgettable city sparkle in the night, enjoy some well-known melodies during a guitar performance.
Included experiences
Visit to Keukenhof, canal cruise in Amsterdam & live guitar performance.
DAY FIVE Return home
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & The Dutch Bulbfields
Eight days
Free Superior drinks package
7 nights on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers
10 included experiences
Full board dining*
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Free on-board Wi-Fi
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
Return Eurostar, Thalys & transfers
All port charges & airport taxes
Checked luggage
*except for one lunch
Highlights
Explore Antwerp, visiting the Grote Markt, the Renaissance town hall and the opulent Brabo Fountain on our tour
Experience a classic Amsterdam glass-topped canal cruise, viewing a variety of gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges along the way
Visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek and the Commonwealth War Cemetery
Marvel at the spectacular Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden covering neaerly eighty acres
Enjoy guided walking tours of picturesque Ghent and historic Bruges, arguably Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval town
Flying from Newcastle
14 Apr 2025 £2,799 pp
17 Apr 2025 £2,849 pp
DAY ONE Arrival in Amsterdam
Your adventure begins in Amsterdam, as you board your five-star ship. The dedicated crew welcomes you aboard, ensuring you settle in to your extremely comfortable and well-appointed cabin. There’s time to familiarise yourself with your first-class floating hotel before experiencing the chef’s specially chosen menu for your first dinner on board.
DAY TWO Amsterdam & Hoorn
Breakfast is an on-board institution and you’re always assured of an enticing range of choices. There’s no better way to explore delightful Amsterdam than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here.
The tour brings a real insight into the history and everyday life of Amsterdam, a maritime, financial and cultural powerhouse uniquely located facing both the sea and the heartlands of Europe. As we glide over the calm canal waters, you’ll see a fascinating variety of typically Dutch narrow gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges immortalised by the great artists, and learn about its famous canalside residents, from the tragic Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries hidden in a merchant’s house, to Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Master.
Hoorn
A splendid lunch awaits our return as we slip away from the quayside towards the IJsselmeer, the enormous inland lake created when the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea by a series of dykes and dams. Our port of call is Hoorn, once a prosperous port of the Dutch East India Company.
Reminiscent of another age, it’s a charming mix of imposing buildings dating from the 15th century onwards, brick-built warehouses, cobbled squares and twisting alleys. Hoorn’s ships traded the world over, with one sailor even naming the southern tip of South America after his hometown – Cape Horn. There’s time to explore this intriguing spot and its boat-filled harbour, dominated by the distinctive 16th-century Head Tower, before returning to our cruise ship to enjoy dinner. And, after dinner, you can relax with a nightcap and enjoy the sounds of traditional Dutch music performed live on board.
Included experience
Canal cruise in Amsterdam, visit to Hoorn & live traditional music performance.
DAY THREE Amsterdam & Hoorn
Breakfast is an on-board institution and you’re always assured of an enticing range of choices. There’s no better way to explore delightful Amsterdam than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here.
The tour brings a real insight into the history and everyday life of Amsterdam, a maritime, financial and cultural powerhouse uniquely located facing both the sea and the heartlands of Europe. As we glide over the calm canal waters, you’ll see a fascinating variety of typically Dutch narrow gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges immortalised by the great artists, and learn about its famous canalside residents, from the tragic Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries hidden in a merchant’s house, to Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Master.
Hoorn
A splendid lunch awaits our return as we slip away from the quayside towards the IJsselmeer, the enormous inland lake created when the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea by a series of dykes and dams. Our port of call is Hoorn, once a prosperous port of the Dutch East India Company.
Reminiscent of another age, it’s a charming mix of imposing buildings dating from the 15th century onwards, brick-built warehouses, cobbled squares and twisting alleys. Hoorn’s ships traded the world over, with one sailor even naming the southern tip of South America after his hometown – Cape Horn. There’s time to explore this intriguing spot and its boat-filled harbour, dominated by the distinctive 16th-century Head Tower, before returning to our cruise ship to enjoy dinner. And, after dinner, you can relax with a nightcap and enjoy the sounds of traditional Dutch music performed live on board.
Included experience
Canal cruise in Amsterdam, visit to Hoorn & live traditional music performance.
DAY FOUR Antwerp
This morning there’s a chance to marvel at the Captain’s skill as he calmly navigates the busy River Scheldt and moors in Antwerp, birthplace of the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. We enjoy a tour led by a local guide taking in its numerous highlights and lesser-known features.
Once part of the Spanish Empire, Antwerp grew wealthy during its 16th-century Golden Age, when it was Europe’s largest port north of the Alps, with profits invested in the city’s Flemish art and architectural heritage, and later it became the world’s diamond trading centre. At its heart is the captivating main square – the Grote Markt – dominated by ornately gabled guildhouses, the Renaissance town hall and opulent Brabo Fountain.
This afternoon is free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting Rubens’ extravagant former home and studio, the magnificent Gothic cathedral or even the painstakingly restored train station, of such architectural splendour it is often called the ‘Railway Cathedral’.
Included experience
Guided tour of Antwerp.
DAY FIVE Bruges
After breakfast we drive to Bruges for a guided walking tour. The historic centre is made up of serene canals, narrow cobbled streets, romantic gabled houses and exquisite churches. The main square is dominated by the soaring Belfry, whose 47 bells chime to create an idyllic atmosphere. After lunch at your leisure, the afternoon is free for you to explore.
Tonight, the chef prepares superb dishes for you to enjoy at the Chef's Dinner.
Included experience
Guided tour of Bruges.
DAY SIX Ghent & Ypres
Today we awake in picturesque Ghent and we explore this medieval gem in the company of local guide. Highlights include the gorgeous waterfront and van Eyck brothers' Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Saint Bavo Cathedral.
After lunch you are free to spend your afternoon in Ghent.
Ypres
Alternatively, you can join our tour to Ypres, synonymous with the horrors of the Great War and now a place of reflection.
Included experience
Guided tours of Ghent & Ypres.
DAY SEVEN Keukenhof & Amsterdam
Early risers discover the ship making effortless progress along the delightful waterways and you experience the somewhat surreal effect of cruising above the surrounding reclaimed polders – it’s almost like flying! Today we visit Keukenhof, the heart of the glorious Dutch bulbfields.
On arrival, nothing prepares you for the dazzling spectrum of colours stretched out before you in the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. The art of flower planting reaches breath-taking heights at Keukenhof, a gardener’s heaven created by more than seven million tulips, daffodils and other blooms set among a beautiful landscape of shimmering lakes, ancient trees, flowering shrubs and water gardens.
Amsterdam
We re-join our ship in Amsterdam and after lunch you’re free to explore as you wish. Amsterdam is an art-lover’s dream. The Rijksmuseum is an architectural marvel itself, but it holds a magnificent collection of works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, while admirers of post-Impressionism might prefer the Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s greatest collection of works by this genius of a man. Or relax in a pavement café, absorbing Amsterdam’s special atmosphere over a rich Dutch coffee, browse the many shops or perhaps just stay on board to catch up on some reading.
After dinner tonight retire to the lounge to enjoy some well-known melodies during a guitar performance.
Included experiences
Visit to Keukenhof & live guitar performance.
DAY EIGHT Return home
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Tours operated by Riviera Travel. ATOL NO 3430
Westoe Travel act as agents for Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel Terms and Conditions apply
All passengers must have a valid passport for this tour. Depending on the country issuing your passport, a visa may also be required. More information can be found at the Identity & Passport Service
Identity and Passport service
Customers should ensure that they are fit enough to travel, please check with your General Practitioner and www.fco.gov.uk/travel and www.nathnac.org
The latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office about traveling abroad
Foreign and commonwealth office
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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Mobility We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns
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