Sarah Bretz, ContributorFrom March through May, the Netherlands explodes with beautiful colors as its annual display of millions of tulips and other flowers blossoms. River cruise line AmaWaterways offers an itinerary called ‘Tulip Time,’ which will satisfy any flower lover.
The itinerary also offers an authentic experience of other highlights in the region, including the medieval architecture of Bruges; the chocolate, waffles, and cheese of Belgium; and the canals of Amsterdam. The eight-day sailing will be offered over 30 times from March 13 through May 5, 2025, with fares starting at $2,560.
Tulips, as the name of the itinerary suggests, take center stage on the adventure as AmaWaterways opens the doors to several renowned gardens: Flevoland, the annual spring flower show at Antwerp’s Floralia, and Keukenhof — one of the world’s largest flower gardens.
Destination Highlights
Interspersed between the flowers are excursions, bike tours, and extensive sightseeing.
- A walk among the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses in the canal-filled village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice
- A guided tour of the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee where guests can choose visiting Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works or learn the history of the Delta Works at the Flood Museum
- A full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe
- An excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century
Those who love sweets or who are seeking more active options can do things such as:
- Enjoy a glass of champagne in Ghent while a master chocolatier talks about the history of chocolate
- Indulge in chocolate, waffles, and beer on a culinary tour of Antwerp
- Cycle through the Dutch countryside near Kampen
- Bike around Antwerp, taking in the city’s Steen Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain, and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady
- Combine the two options with a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the “Gateway to Europe,” while tasting local specialties
Travelers who want to spend more time in Amsterdam can add a two-night pre-cruise stay at a five-star hotel. It includes guided tours of the city and a scenic cruise along the canals of Haarlem.
Comments
Have you ever taken a river cruise and if so, what region did you sail? Would you consider taking this Tulip Time itinerary with AmaWaterways? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
