The Best of The Netherlands in Bloom

Famous for its tulips, windmills, and wooden clogs, The Netherlands is a delightful country with scenic landscapes, historic monuments, and vibrant cities. You’ll get to know the country on this affordable tour starting and ending in Amsterdam. The capital of Holland is a pleasant, 700-year-old city whose elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, renowned museums, and picturesque canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a lovely atmosphere. Hop on a boat cruise—the best way to see Amsterdam—through the elegant canals lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”. Stay in Rotterdam, South Holland’s capital, a young city with the world’s busiest port and known for its modern architecture and design. You’ll also stay in some of the minor but interesting nearby towns where you’ll discover the rural atmosphere of this country. The Netherlands is known for legendary flower production. On selected departures, visit the spectacular 70-acre Keukenhof garden to see the incredible display of a kaleidoscope of seven million flower bulbs. You’ll also enjoy a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery Factory to see how this precious pottery is made. Visit Gouda, known for its namesake cheese and seasonal cheese market, regularly held on the medieval Markt square. Take a stroll in Volendam, known for its old fishing boats, characteristic small houses, drawbridges, and canals. Additionally, drive over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, constructed to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. For the value-minded travel lover wanting to have an in-depth experience of the Netherlands, this is the perfect adventure!

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 splendour 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 Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,000 flight credit per person
• 6-night Best of The Netherlands guided tour with Cosmos, Amsterdam return
• Hand-picked hotels, 8 meals, select highlights, transfers plus more
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam with breakfast
• 7-night The Netherlands in Bloom river cruise onboard Avalon Vista
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 03 – 21 April 2027

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for the welcome dinner at the local restaurant.

Day 2: Amsterdam

For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus amid Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and a visit to a diamond centre, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own, perhaps by browsing one of the many marvellous museums or looking both ways in the city where bicycles outnumber cars by four times!

Day 3: Amsterdam – The Hague/Keukenhof – Delft - Rotterdam

Begin your day with an orientation drive of The Hague to see the Dutch Parliament and the International Court of Justice, or, during the tulip blooming season, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures from April 3 to May1, weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.

Day 4: Rotterdam – Gouda - Arnhem

Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.

Day 5: Arnhem – Giethoorn - Groningen

This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals for a more quaint version of Venice or Amsterdam. Discover idyllic, storybook-like scenery while floating on an optional canal cruise, then flip for delicious Dutch pancakes for a light lunch. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its centre is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands.

Day 6: Groningen – Volendam - Amsterdam

Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog and Dutch cheese workshop, then continue to the fishing village of Volendam. Return to Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Amsterdam

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. The day is yours to relax and discover this delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants and lively marketplace. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

Day 2: Maritime Atmosphere and Vibrant Culture

Active Excursion: Take a Bike Tour with your Avalon Adventure Host to explore this lovely town and discover its typical Dutch atmosphere

Classic Excursion: Join a fascinating Guided Walking Tour through picturesque Hoorn, a bustling base for the Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age.

This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing to Enkhuizen.

Enkhuizen - Home and Hearth in a Dutch Harbor Town

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Walking Tour to experience the charm and beauty of this historic harbor village.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

Day 3: Tulips Fields, Flower Farms and the Zuiderzee

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Classic Excursion: Take a guided tour of Zuiderzee Museum to discover cultural traditions and maritime history

Discovery Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of local tulip fields and Dutch flower farms.

This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing afternoon of sailing.

Day 4: WWII Valor and Polder Pedaling

Active Excursion: Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen—the oldest town in the Netherlands—first built by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. See the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII.

This afternoon, enjoy free time on your own and relax at one of the numerous cafes. Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 5: Dutch History, School Spirit, and an Architectural Feast

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic Excursion: Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, and historical buildings, and remarkable cobblestoned town centre.

Day 6: Cathedrals, Carats and Crêpes

Active Excursion: Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

During free time, you might take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district. Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 7: Historic Harbor and Dutch Specialties

Active Excursion: See Willemstad by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.

Discovery Excursion: Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Kinderdijk.

Kinderdijk - Harnessing the Wind for 300 Years

Active Excursion: See the windmills of Kinderdijk by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of Kinderdijk where 19 windmills were built in 1740 as flood prevention and water management. You’ll hear about the windmill’s vital role in the Netherlands' history and why it became a national symbol of Holland.

This evening, enjoy a quick sailing to Rotterdam.

Day 8: Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet

Active Excursion: Enjoy Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host—cycling in and around is the best way to explore the city

Classic Excursion: Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvellous Erasmus Bridge.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

Day 9: Canals of Captivating Amsterdam

Active Excursion: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on a morning walk in Amsterdam

Classic Excursion: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available, or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 10: Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet

Active Excursion: Enjoy Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host—cycling in and around is the best way to explore the city

Classic Excursion: Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvellous Erasmus Bridge.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

Day 11: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 19-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.