TULIP TIME RIVER CRUISE

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Springtime in Holland and Belgium gives new meaning to the word “color.” With seasonal blossoms ready to burst, the fields of Holland and Belgium erupt in a spectacle of epic proportions. The spring season is heralded with the appearance of crocus, daffodils, and hyacinth that in turn trumpet the arrival of the main event–tulip season. Nature lovers and green thumbs will relish this ultimate garden party on an Avalon Garden & Nature cruise. Glide through a kaleidoscope of flowering color on the canals and waterways, stopping to smell the roses — and hundreds of other flower varieties — along the way. From Rotterdam’s 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens to the secret gardens of Amsterdam, see windmills standing watch over a sea of tulips. Visit the world’s largest flower auction where horticulturists, botanists, and landscape artists display nature’s handiwork on a scale found nowhere else.

TULIP TIME HIGHLIGHTS FOR GARDEN AND NATURE LOVERS 

8 Day River Cruise Brussels to Amsterdam 

See your visions of tulip season in Holland and Belgium come into view while cruising from Brussels to Amsterdam-perfect for garden and nature enthusiasts. For flower lovers, an expert botanist will provide lectures onboard, sharing his knowledge about botany and the world of plants! Take in the quintessential Dutch scenes of windmills, waterways, and seemingly endless rows of blooming color. Embark in Brussels and sail to Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders.” Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. Sail to Bossuit for moving battlefield remembrances, including In Flanders Fields Museum and the Last Post Ceremony. On to Holland for a visit the former Dutch East India Company trading port. You’ll tour a marvel of flood-protection at the Delta Works in Veere. In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management and marvel at the Erasmus Bridge in the historic port city of Rotterdam. 

Be amazed at the varieties and volume of tulips and other flowering bulbs in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem and delight in a visit to see the breathtaking blooming colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” With 70 acres of parkland and lakes, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens with more than 7 million flowering bulbs each year.

This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise concludes with two nights in Amsterdam. Take a guided canal cruise past bridges and homes of a golden age.

CRUISE OVERVIEW 

8 DAYS

2 COUNTRIES

COUNTRIES:

  • Belgium 
  • Netherlands

CRUISE 

AT-A-GLANCE 

Day 1 Brussels (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception 

Day 2 Ghent: Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Bossuit: Visit to Flanders Field Museum in Ypres; visit to the battlefields; Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.

Day 4 Middelburg—Veere: Choice of guided tour in Middelburg or bike with your Adventure Host; visit of the Flood Museum and guided walking tour of Veere or hiking, or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Kinderdijk—Rotterdam: Choice of guided tour in Kinderdijk or bike with your Adventure Host; harbor cruise in Rotterdam; choice of guided tour in Rotterdamor bike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Zaandam—Haarlem: Free time in Zaandam or half-day visit to Keukenhof Gardens visit or Bike with your Adventure Host; guided tour in Haarlem or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or biking tour or visit Amsterdam secret gardens 

Day 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

ALWAYS INCLUDED 

CRUISE EXPERIENCES 

You’ve always forged your own path… with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind – offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you’ll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi 
  • Panoramic windows 
  • Elegant, contemporary design & décor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Dining

  • Avalon FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Daily a la carte breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily specials
  • Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
  • Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
  • Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
  • Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro – a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine and canapés
  • Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
  • Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day

Health and Fitness

  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • Fitbits®
  • All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM

Suites & Staterooms

  • Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L’Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • USB Ports
  • And, much more

AVALON CHOICE

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

CLASSIC

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

DISCOVERY

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

ACTIVE

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go – from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

PERSONALIZE YOUR TRIP 

Avalon YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. YourWay offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Bucharest, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with YourWay custom itineraries.

Are you ready to begin planning your Tulip Time River Cruise? With pricing beginning at $2,999 per person for Spring 2024 NOW is the best time to reserve your cabin. Most cabins for the 2023 season are already booked.

Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi! My name is Kenneth Reece, a native from Stockbridge, Georgia. I am a travel agent for Modern Travel Professionals. I opened Enchanted Gardens Florist & Gifts in 1986--when I was just 19. My love affair with Disney started in 1998 when I added Walt Disney collectibles to my merchandise displays. When I started to learn about the rich history of The Walt Disney Company, (which is required to successfully sell Walt Disney Animation Art) is when my store came alive. I've enjoyed hosting Disney Artists, Sculptors & Imagineers for in-store signing events, and was thrilled to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank a few times as a guest of the company. One of my fondest Disney memories is that of holding one of Walt Disney's personal Academy Awards while visiting the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, CA. As my love of Disney grew, I began planning trips to Disney for my clients at my store, which grew into a new career! After a few years of both running my retail store and planning travel, I closed my brick & mortar store, moved to Vero Beach, Fl where I've been planning travel full-time now for over five years. Vero Beach has small-town charm with world-class luxury. It's an incredible place to live. I help take care of my parents here, and travel extensively with them. Together, we visit Disneyland and The Walt Disney World Resort often. I've planned tours in England, Scotland, Paris, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, & France including Disneyland Paris. Living in Vero Beach, where retirees seem to outnumber all other age groups, I've become an expert on helping people travel who are "young at heart". Living a short road trip away from the Orlando area, I visit the theme parks at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando & Sea World often. Many times I'm there once a week! I've stayed at every Disney Resort in North America, toured every hotel at the Universal Resort, and have taken over 25 cruises, being a Platinum Castaway Cay member with Disney Cruise Line. I've cruised to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Trans-Atlantic (East & Westbound), Mediterranean & Northern Europe. Also, if you need restaurant recommendations, I've personally ate at most of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort & at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa is my favorite resort at Disneyland. I've attended various events at Walt Disney World such as: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Star Wars Weekends, Disneyana Conventions, EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, The Flower & Garden Festival and the new Festival of Arts. Contact me for personalized, concierge-level service. I'll help you as much (or as little) as you like, whatever your needs. I want to provide you with a worry free, incredible vacation, with memories that will last a life time.