Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise

The adventure begins as you board your five-star cruise ship. The friendly crew welcomes you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation – you’ll feel immediately at home.

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 guided tour this morning.

Found in the historic centre 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 specialising 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 harbour.

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. 

Wake up in historic Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second largest metropolis, situated where the Rhine flows into the North Sea. 

Known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’, Rotterdam 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. 

This morning, we embark on a guided walk to explore some of the sights of this captivating city, including the Cube Houses, arched Markthal (market hall), and the maritime museum. 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. Located under a 40-metre-tall arch, the Markthal's ceiling is covered in a large mural. “Cornucopia”, by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, shows massively enlarged images of food products alongside flowers and insects, referencing Dutch still-life paintings from the 17th century. It's over 11,000 square meters in size. The Maritime Museum is one of the largest and most prominent maritime collections in the world. It includes one million objects from Dutch naval history from the end of the 15th century to today. 

You could choose to stay to explore either of these further with a little time at leisure before heading back to the ship. 

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. So impressive in fact, that the windmills have held UNESCO World Heritage status for over 220 years.

Later we return to the cruise ship, where the chef has prepared a sumptuous dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience. 

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 to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Nothing prepares you for the dazzling carpet of colours 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 breath-taking 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 where you will have the afternoon to explore this beautiful city as you wish.  

With so many activities to choose from, maybe you opt to absorb Amsterdam’s history from the water on a canal cruise? A network of 165 canals built in rings during the 17th century defines life in its centre. 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. 

Or explore Amsterdam’s characterful streets on foot – with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals, it is the ideal walking city. You might choose to 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.  

There are over 75 museums and galleries in Amsterdam and exceptional art is always close by. From small galleries to the world-class Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, both holding huge collections and art-lovers could easily lose track of time wondering the exhibition halls. Or, if you prefer history, you could take a poignant walk-through Anne Frank’s House. 

Wrapping up a memorable day is tonight's dinner in the ship’s restaurant, and as evening falls and the lights of this unforgettable city sparkle in the night, enjoy some well-known melodies during a guitar performance.