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?
Why river cruising is a great way to see The Netherlands
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.
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.
Top experiences on a river cruise in the Netherlands
Accompanied by our 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, making them one of the first countries to adopt the Euro. And while tipping isn't ingrained within the culture in the Netherlands, tips are appreciated but not expected.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is infamous for its scenic canals, rich history and plethora of museums and galleries.
Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming city located near the capital that is a great alternative to the bustling streets of Amsterdam. There is a lot to do and see in Haarlem, from exploring the cosy historic centre, to visiting museums, and from dining at myriad restaurants, to visiting 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
Built in rings around the centre during the 17th century, 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
The Netherlands was home to many artists, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian. Visit the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and many more.
Visit Keukenhof gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is the world's largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres of tulips hyacinths, daffodils and other blooms.
See the windmills of Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 19 idyllic windmills of Kinderdijk showcases the world of windmills, water and willpower. 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).
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, Stroopwafels are 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.
If you're a UK citizen, you don’t need a visa to visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, you do need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least three months after you plan to depart. We would always recommend checking the latest rules before you travel!
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.