Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise with Amsterdam Extension

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 center 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 specializing 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 harbor. 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.

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 harbor to the modern architecture, passing by the Witte Huis, Europe’s first skyscraper, 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. 

There are also excellent museums, such as the vast Boijmans Van Beuningen, which houses a world-class collection of works by old and modern masters, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh to Dalí, and some rare and beautiful glassware.

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. 

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. Later we return to the cruise ship, where the chef has prepared a sumptuous dinner.

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 through the scenic bulb fields to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Nothing prepares you for the dazzling carpet of colors 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 breathtaking 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!

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 center, 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 we remain moored dockside so you can 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 discover the interior of Anne Frank’s house, 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 the lavish Captain’s Dinner in the ship’s restaurant, as evening falls and the lights of this unforgettable city sparkle in the night.

HAARLEM

We'll say goodbye to our fellow explorers today and disembark our first-class ship to explore more of the Netherlands. Our first visit is to Haarlem, a charming, historic city at the heart of the Netherlands' tulip-growing region. With famous museums, stores, restaurants and a nearby beach, being bored here is simply not an option.

Haarlem is famous for art as the home to renowned Dutch Golden Age painters, including Frans Hals and Jacob Van Ruisdael, whose work now hang in the city's Frans Hals Museum. There are more than ten museums in the city's museum district, offering exhibits on everything from scientific treasures to contemporary art. And towering above the skyline is the medieval Gothic church, known simply as Grote Kerk, or big church. Its striking 246-foot spire rises higher than any other building in the city, but it's best known for the famous Müller organ, a giant gilded instrument designed by the renowned Amsterdam organ builder Christian Müller. Here we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Haarlem's highlights before free time for lunch in one of the city's many restaurants.

After lunch, taste the flavours of Haarlem with one of the Netherlands' most famous exports - beer. Enter a beer-lovers heaven with a visit to a charming brewery. Here we’ll sample locally brewed craft beers so good you’ll want to take home bottles for all your friends – don’t worry, there'll be lots of delicious snacks on hand to help soak up the beer.

In the afternoon, we return to Amsterdam and check into our centrally located four-star hotel, where we stay for three nights. Spend the evening settling in and exploring the local area at leisure.

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam, once a small fishing village, grew into a bustling trade hub and became one of the wealthiest cities in the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Today, the capital of the Netherlands is a captivating city combining its rich history with a modern and progressive atmosphere.  With its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and diverse culinary scene, Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, art, and contemporary charm.

This morning our walking tour starts with the 13th-century Dam Square, home to Koninklijk Palace, a grand 17th-century palace that is still used to hold official receptions. Other must-sees in Dam Square are Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax works museum, the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) - often used for art exhibitions - and Beurs van Berlage, an old stock exchange building now used as a concert hall and an exhibition space.

Next, the Amsterdam flower market, the only floating flower market in the world - and the most fragrant. Here, we explore the multitude of stalls spread across houseboats, a tradition carried over from the old days when the market was supplied by boats. We'll then journey through the UNESCO-listed canal belt, admiring the beautiful canal houses with their distinctive gabled roofs.

This afternoon, we experience a delectable cheese-tasting experience in the charming Jordaan District. Explore this fascinating country through the distinctive flavours of traditional Dutch cheeses, such as Gouda, Edam and Maasdam, complemented by perfectly paired wines to enhance the tasting journey.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Amsterdam as you choose.

RIJKSMUSEUM

Enjoy a captivating journey through the art and history of the Netherlands with a visit to Rijksmuseum. The museum houses an extensive collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. To enhance your experience, the museum offers guided tours, audio guides, and informative displays that provide valuable insights into the artworks and historical context.

Beyond paintings, the museum also features an impressive collection of historical artefacts, including intricate Delftware ceramics, period furniture, and silverware. These objects offer a glimpse into the daily lives and craftsmanship of the past. The museum shop is also worth a visit, offering a range of art-related souvenirs, books, and unique gifts to commemorate your visit. 

Discover Amsterdam at your own pace with an afternoon at leisure. You may opt to visit any of the city's famous museums and galleries - such as the Van Gogh and Anne Frank Museum - take a leisurely bike ride or unwind in one of the cosy cafes in De Negen Straatjes (or The Nine Streets). The choice is yours.

RETURN HOME

Today we'll say goodbye to Amsterdam and prepare for our journey home.