Tulip Time
8-Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam
April 1–8, 2027 | Only 10 Suites Reserved
Starting from $6,155 per person for a Panorama Suite*
*Price is per person and based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars. Includes cruise, Cat B Panorama Suite, pre-paid gratuities, and port charges. Also includes a $2200 discount per person. Travel insurance, extra nights, airport transfers and airfare are additional. Please inquire. The deposit amount is $250 per person and non-refundable. Please note that this page is for information only; the final itinerary and options will be determined by Avalon Waterways.
Don’t need a Panorama Suite? The Deluxe Stateroom package starts at $4,276 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes Pre-Paid Gratuities and port charges. Also includes a $2200 discount per person.
Please note that space is filling quickly for 2027. Let me know as soon as you can if you’d like to join!
Tulip Time
This springtime river cruise begins in Amsterdam, a city I never get tired of wandering. Think historic architecture, cozy cafés, and plenty to explore before we set sail through Holland and Belgium. You’ll cruise past Rotterdam’s massive harbor (one of the busiest in the world) and visit Keukenhof — the “Garden of Europe” — where millions of tulips and spring flowers absolutely steal the show.
From there, it’s on to Belgium. In Antwerp, you’ll explore a city shaped by centuries of diamond trading, where historic buildings meet modern design. Ghent is another highlight, with a guided walk through its medieval streets and a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral.
Back in the Netherlands, you’ll discover Middelburg, once a powerful trading city, still rich with grand architecture and lively market squares. The journey wraps up in Amsterdam with time to soak it all in — including a canal cruise through the iconic grachten, lined with Golden Age homes and some of the city’s most beautiful views.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam (Embark)
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your river ship by late afternoon. Settle into your suite and enjoy your first evening aboard. You’ll have free time to explore Amsterdam’s canals and historic streets or join an optional visit to places like Zaanse Schans with its classic windmills and heritage village.
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Day 2: Rotterdam
Cruise to Rotterdam, a modern Dutch port city. Explore its striking skyline and harbour, with options to walk the city with your Adventure Host or visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens (a highlight of tulip season) and its colourful floral displays.
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Day 3: Antwerp, Belgium
Arrive in Antwerp, known for diamond trading, elegant architecture, and lively squares. Choose from guided walks of the city including the Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady, or bike around with your group. Optional excursions to Brussels are sometimes offered.
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Day 4: Ghent, Belgium
Discover Ghent’s medieval heart with its canals and historic buildings. On a guided tour you’ll likely visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, or if you prefer, take a full-day optional excursion to Bruges with its picturesque streets and canals.
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Day 5: Middelburg & Veere (Netherlands)
Return to the Netherlands and explore Middelburg, an ancient trading town with a Gothic town hall and historic landmarks. You’ll also visit the charming town of Veere — either on foot or by bike with your Adventure Host.
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Day 6: Willemstad
Willemstad is a small Dutch harbor town full of character. Enjoy guided walks through its restored historic center or bike around to take in its riverside atmosphere. On some sailings there’s even a fun on-board cheese tasting.
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Day 7: Amsterdam
Return to Amsterdam for more exploration. You can join an early walk with your Adventure Host, visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction (one of the largest flower markets in the world), or discover the city’s winding canals on a guided walking or canal cruise.
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Day 8: Amsterdam (Disembark)
After breakfast, your cruise concludes. Say goodbye to the ship and head home or continue exploring Amsterdam on your own.
What’s included?
Your Tulip Time Cruise package includes luxurious river cruising aboard Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ship®, complete with spacious accommodations and daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, plus sparkling wine with breakfast, and complimentary coffee, tea, and filtered water throughout the day. You’ll enjoy daily guided sightseeing and Avalon Choice excursions at every port — with options to choose Active, Discovery, or Classic experiences so you can explore each destination your way. On board, take advantage of the friendly English-speaking crew, expert Cruise Director, adventure host services, and access to bicycles and e-bikes for self-guided exploration. This all-inclusive fare makes it easy to relax and soak up tulip season along the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
Please note, itineraries and excursions may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please refer to your booking documents as the official itinerary.