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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam 2026(WAD)
Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium
Starting from $2,830Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression
River Cruise Description
There's no better way to spring into action and catapult into culture than on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium. Belgian chocolate workshop, classic paintings, and even graffiti walls glow brighter when you experience them in the most interactive ways. Discover the graceful ways of Holland on an Active & Discovery cruise. The way the wind moves the grasses beneath the stalwart windmills of the "Low Countries;" how the city cobblestones buzz with the ubiquitous bicycles and lively cafes and canals in Amsterdam; or the narrow houses evoking a time gone by. The visions of Holland come to life as you float past unforgettable scenes, pedal past incomparable views, and unleash your inner artist with a graffiti workshop. On an Active & Discovery cruise, our varied selection of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions from Amsterdam to Brussels and back lets you experience Holland and Belgium in the ways that move you most. Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:*Soak in castle and farmland views on a walk through the woods and dunes of Domburg. *Pedal past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages through the Dutch countryside.*Take an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam to see the design highlights of Europe's largest seaport.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:*Visit a century-old oyster farm in Middleburg and savor the catch of the day.*Paint the town red, green or whatever color you choose on an interactive tour of Ghent's Graffiti Street.*Discover your inner artist at a Delft tile pottery workshop in Rotterdam or a painting class in Amsterdam. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely "you" ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the waterways of Holland and Belgium.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $3,080 | Call Us! |
| Jun 16, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,080 | Call Us! |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $2,830 | Call Us! |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $3,480 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG
(D)
Day 2 MIDDELBURG
A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:
Discovery
Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family-owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied by a glass of wine is the perfect ending to this beautiful experience, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT
(B,L,D)
Day 3 GHENT, BELGIUM
Flemish Artwork and Street Artists
Active
Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser-known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:
Classic
Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS
(B,L,D)
Day 4 BRUSSELS
Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet
Active
Take a Bike Tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:
Discovery
Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP
(B,L,D)
Day 5 ANTWERP
Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens’ Art
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don’t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world*, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM
(B,L,D)
*Not available on departures 507 & 903 as closed on Mondays.
Day 6 ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND
Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons
Active
Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city ‘De Rotterdam,’ and the iconic Central Station. In the city center, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers. OR:
Discovery
Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter’s room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 7 AMSTERDAM
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
Active
Join a Guided Kayak Tour which provides a unique perspective of Amsterdam from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
Discovery
Take a Tour to the Street Art Museum, see nearly 200 large-scale artworks featuring artists from around the world. Afterwards, attend a hands-on workshop with an instructor who will guide you in creating your own group mural to discover your inner artist, OR:
Discovery
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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