Compare Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound 2022 by Tauck vs Springtime in Holland by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. Upon arrival, a transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Train Station directly to your Tauck riverboat. After settling into your cabin, attend a discovery briefing, then enjoy a welcome reception followed by dinner this evening aboard the riverboat.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 Discover Floriade

Awaken on your riverboat today in Amsterdam – a vibrant blend of the historic and the contemporary, from its medieval core to the bustling shops, cafés and rich cosmopolitan life of a 21st-century European metropolis. After breakfast aboard ship – and as a special Dutch treat included on this river cruise – visit Floriade 2022, "the World's Fair of horticultural shows." Explore an international horticultural wonderland that celebrates Green Cities of the Future on 148 acres of land repurposed and reclaimed from the sea for a future rich in sustainability, greenery, food, energy and healthy living. Featuring four themed districts connected by bridges, walkways, gondolas and trains, this once in a decade exposition showcases green-themed, flower-filled exhibitions from more than 40 countries, along with cultural entertainment, art and cuisine that make it fun for everyone. Truly an energizing experience! Join us onboard this evening for a shanty choir performance; your riverboat cruises to Haarlem where you'll have an opportunity to spend time ashore if you wish.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 Magical Keukenhof Gardens & the Hague

Disembark the riverboat for an excursion to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the home of famous show gardens and millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, in various stages of bloom and particularly beautiful at this time of the year. A rolling carpet of color, Keukenhof is one of Europe's most iconic – and fragrant – places to witness springtime in all its glory. After lunch ashore, return to the riverboat for an afternoon of cruising. This evening, travel to The Hague (the royal city of Den Haag to the Dutch), for a sparkling Tauck Exclusive evening featuring dinner, live music and a tour showcasing Dutch Golden Age paintings at the Mauritshuis, a renowned art museum housed in a historic 17th-century building.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Bruges, Belgium

Day 4 Kinderdijk's Windmills & Dordrecht

Arrive this morning in the Dutch village of Kinderdijk, where 19 original 18th-century windmills – preserved today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – create an iconic polderscape that's better than any picture-postcard, which you'll enjoy on a boat cruise. There's no other place in the world besides Kinderdijk where can you see so many historic windmills together in an authentic setting. During your visit, discover how a windmill works both inside and out, and explore the quintessentially Dutch history of windmills. Alternatively, you can choose a bicycling excursion amidst the Kinderdijk windmills. Cruise on to nearby Dordrecht, a historic island city bordering no less than five rivers in the South Holland province of The Netherlands. Reflecting the definition of the Dutch word for harbor – "haven" – the city's charming harbor district preserves many historic warehouses, merchants' mansions and quays, and its role as a major port city from the 15th to 18th centuries. A walking tour reveals Dordrecht's notable architecture and monuments in its medieval inner city, as well as the surrounding ring of 19th-century buildings. Return to the ship for dinner and evening activities as you sail on to Belgium tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Willemstad, Netherlands

Day 5 Flemish Treasures in Ghent & Bruges

This morning, your riverboat arrives in the historic port city of Ghent in Flanders, arguably Belgium's most beautiful city. Take a walking tour of Ghent's Old Town; the pedestrian-friendly cobblestoned town center feels like an outdoor museum of early Flemish architecture. Think about climbing to the top of the 14th-century belfry, crowned with a dragon, for the view – Ghent laid out before you is a visual feast of castles, churches, and historic merchants' houses. Be sure to try the local speciality, Ghent noses, a traditional raspberry candy sold at stands on the street – or a warm waffle with sugar or honey. Continue on to Bruges, known to many as "the Venice of the North," for its canals and tiny medieval streets. On your walking tour along Bruges' cobblestoned lanes, you'll feel like you've walked into a painting by Jan Van Eyck, who captured life in the city during its heyday in the 15th century. The hike up the stairs of the medieval belltower is well worth the effort; you'll be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views. Enjoy dinner onboard tonight as you sail on to Antwerp.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Ghent, Belgium

Day 6 Antwerp & the Age of Exploration

Your riverboat arrives this morning in the major port city of Antwerp for a day in the capital of the Belgian province of Flanders. Take an orientation tour of the city and a guided walk through the city's historic center. As you stroll and hear stories and insights from your local guide, take in Grote Markt, the old market square; City Hall; the Cathedral of Our Lady; and numerous restored merchants' houses, harkening back to the days of the 16th-century Age of Exploration when Antwerp – at the time a powerful center of international commerce – was the richest city in Europe. Later, you'll have a choice between a visit to the Red Star Line Museum – whose interactive exhibits in the former warehouses of the Red Star Line shipping company tell the story of the more than two million immigrants from all over Europe, whose long journey to a new life in North America began right here in Antwerp. Or join us for a tour and tasting at a local brewery. After lunch aboard ship, you'll have some free time to explore more of Antwerp. Return to the ship and enjoy dinner and a musical performance this evening as the riverboat cruises to Brussels.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Antwerp, Belgium

Day 7 Discover Brussels

Morning guided sightseeing today in Brussels, Belgium's capital and a key center of European trade and culture since the 13th century, begins with a city tour that takes in the Atomium, a 338-foot-tall structure resembling atoms, built for the 1958 World's Fair and winds up at Grand-Place, one of Europe's loveliest city squares, boasting a Gothic town hall surrounded by Renaissance-era guildhalls. Return to the riverboat for lunch; this afternoon, you might choose to participate in a demonstration by a local chocolatier. Then join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner marking the end of this fabulous spring river cruise!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 8 Disembark & Journey Home

Tour ends: Brussels. Fly home anytime; all guests must disembark the riverboat by 9:00 AM. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Brussels Airport; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3) - WIJK BIJ DUURSTEDE

Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided visit of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour in Amsterdam. You'll be able to explore and learn about all the must-see and out-of-the-way sites.In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Volendam and Zaanse Schans. Sailing to Wijk Bij Duurstede. Overnight stop.

Day 3 WIJK BIJ DUURSTEDE - ROTTERDAM

This morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an excursion for both packages: The Keukenhof gardens(2)(only on pre-booking before departure). Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.

Day 4 ROTTERDAM - ANTWERP

We'll spend the whole day cruising towards Antwerp. Upon arrival in Antwerp, we'll set out with our hostess to explore the old town.

Day 5 ANTWERP

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of a transfer by coach(1) from Antwerp to Amsterdam (with a supplement). End of our services.