Located in Northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is much more than the vibrant bulb fields it's known for and what better way to uncover its secrets than on a relaxing river cruise?
Old harbour towns, history and horticulture are the perfect way to fulfil your Dutch adventure. And on a river cruise, you can enjoy your trip with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel. Bond with fellow travellers, dine to excellent cuisine, relax in the spa or take a dip in the pool. We’ll meander down the Dutch waterways, stopping in medieval Bruges, stunning landscapes scattered with tulips (imported into the country during the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire) and magnificent historic windmills.
Accompanied by expert Tour Managers, discover the magnificence of this low-lying country. Cities like Rotterdam will have you gazing at architecture whereas Enkhuizen still exudes the atmosphere of the Golden Age. And a Dutch experience isn’t complete without a trip to the famous Amsterdam. Raise your glasses on an open-top canal cruiser and immerse yourself in history. Moor by narrow merchant houses and walk the cobbled streets at your leisure. See bicycles everywhere you turn, rummage through the Waterlooplein flea market or set your sights on the Van Gogh Museum and, unlike anything before, see how he used pain and passion to portray the beauties of our world. Nothing is quite as wonderful as the surprises of the Netherlandic waterways.
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The Netherlands uses the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.
Amsterdam
From its scenic canals and rich history to the iconic cultural scene, Amsterdam is one of the most famous cities in the world. This thriving capital has brilliant museums and galleries, delicious cuisine and beautiful green spaces to explore.
Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming city located near the capital that often gets overlooked. However, it can be a great alternative to the bustling streets of Amsterdam. Despite its size, there is a lot to do and see in Haarlem. You can explore the cosy historic centre, visit museums that showcase the work of world-renowned Flemish artists, dine at a myriad of restaurants, and even take a trip to the nearby beach.
Rotterdam
Located on the Meuse River, Rotterdam was rebuilt post-WWII and today is one of the most unique cities in the Netherlands with in-your-face architecture that's atypical of the otherwise historic buildings the country is known for.
Arnhem
The capital city of the Gelderland province, Arnhem is steeped in history and surrounded by green, open spaces, including not one but two national parks. It's known as a centre for fashion and design and a great place to experience the Netherlands' gastronomic scene.
Explore the Amsterdam canals
Amsterdam is home to a network of 165 canals, built in rings around the centre during the 17th century. Today, the canals offer a different perspective on a thriving city - you can relax and watch the cityscape unfold from the windows of a glass-topped canal cruiser.
Discover the Flemish art scene
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian are just some of the art's most influential painters, but what do they have in common? They're all from the Netherlands! This art legacy is evident in the many museums and galleries in the capital and around the country - including the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam - so you can't really say you've visited the Netherlands without taking in at least one museum.
Visit Keukenhof gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is the world's largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Carpets of tulips hyacinths, daffodils and other blooms arranged in rows, swirls and every other imaginable shape bring to life the country's horticultural roots - over 80% of flower bulbs worldwide are grown in the Netherlands.
See the windmills of Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 19 idyllic windmills of Kinderdijk are not just for show. On a visit here, you'll dive into the world of windmills, water and willpower and find out more about how these iconic symbols of the Netherlands prevent flooding.
The weather in the Netherlands is mild with a temperate Oceanic climate. In winter, the daytime temperature varies from 2-6°C and 17-20°C in the summer, as the Netherlands is quite flat, it's often breezy and rain is common throughout the year (although less so in summer).
The Netherlands isn't really known for its cuisine, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dishes and staples worth trying. Head into any bar while you're away and you'll likely see locals consuming Bitterballen - a deep-fried meat-based snack coated in breadcrumbs - the perfect companion to Dutch beer. Of course, if you prefer a sweeter treat, Stroopwafek (stroopwafels) a thin round waffle cookie made from two layers of sweet baked dough, held together with a sweet syrup filling. For dinner, you could try Stamppot (potatoes mashed with root vegetables, such as turnip, carrot and onion, or leafy greens like kale and spinach) served with a rookworst or Hollandse Nieuwe - raw herring served with chopped onions.
Tipping isn't engrained within the culture in the Netherlands however, if you receive excellent service a 10% tip in bars and restaurants is appreciated but not expected.
Overall, the Netherlands is not a particularly religious country with 57% of the population 15 or older declaring no religious affiliation - 18% identified as Roman Catholic, 14% as Protestant, 5% as Muslim and 6% as 'other' including Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist.
Navigating the country's many waterways is a truly authentic way to travel, as inhabitants are used to travelling by boat and living on or at the water's edge. It puts you in the heart of the country and takes you to places you probably never thought of visiting. From the vantage point of the water, you can see everything from the thriving capital, Amsterdam, to the idyllic windmills that have become symbolic of the Netherlands.
Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise Video
As you sail through picturesque waterways, discover the artisanal traditions of what was once the world’s greatest naval power, the remarkable art of the Flemish masters and the old Zuiderzee.
