UNIWORLD
8 Days | Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time
Northbound

BRUSSELS TO AMSTERDAM

OVERVIEW
Discover the stunning beauty of Belgium and Holland in the springtime, when the fairytale countryside blooms with vibrant new life. Acres of tulips as far as the eye can see, windmills silhouetted against the sky, the very fields van Gogh himself once painted—these are just a few of the sights that await you in Holland and Belgium during tulip season. On this unforgettable cruise through one of the most breathtaking regions of Western Europe, you’ll explore bustling towns that were once ancient Roman settlements, hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures in medieval villages, and walk in the footsteps of Peter Paul Rubens and Vincent van Gogh.

Begin your adventure in Belgium’s sophisticated capital city, Brussels, where you’ll witness a demonstration of artisanal chocolate making at renowned confectioner Planet Chocolate—with a tasting included, of course! Next, delve into the history of another Belgian treat that’s famous the world over—beer—during a brewery tour in Antwerp. You’ll then move on to a feast for the eyes at the fascinating Rubens House, where the works of famed Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens will come to life.

Your journey through Holland begins in the culturally and historically rich city of Maastricht, where the majestic Meuse and Jeker rivers meet. Visit Neunen—home of the lovely Van Gogh Village—and the old silversmith town of Schoonhoven, just a quick jaunt from Kinderdijk and its famous windmills.

Enriched by the sights and sounds of the verdant Dutch countryside, you’ll conclude your cruise in Amsterdam, one of the great capital cities of the world. Once you’ve explored the myriad charming canals and cafés, you’ll visit the legendary Keukenhof gardens, which boasts 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

From magnificent displays of natural beauty to wondrous works by artists and artisans, the splendors of this region will take your breath away.

Day 1 | Brussels, Belgium. Embark. Arrive at Brussels Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.

Day 2 | Brussels. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Brussels city tour with choice of Planet Chocolate demonstration and tasting OR Floralia Brussels at Castle Groot-Bijgaarden. After a panoramic tour of Belgium’s historical and contemporary capital city, get an up-close view of the city center with a guided tour on foot. Then, treat yourself to something delicious at Planet Chocolate, or visit Castle Groot-Bijgaarden, beautiful gardens open to the public just one month each year. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. Note: The Spring Show at Castle Groot-Bijgaarden is only offered for cruises that depart on or after April 3.

Day 3 | Antwerp. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Antwerp walking discovery tour with Belgian brewery tasting OR Antwerp city tour with Rubens House visit. Your walking discovery tour of Antwerp features the City Hall, Market Square and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses four extraordinary works by one of the city’s most beloved sons—Peter Paul Rubens. Then enjoy a beer tasting at a local brewery. Or, you can choose a panoramic city tour that includes a tour of the palatial home in the heart of the city where Rubens once lived and worked.

Day 4 | Maastricht, Holland. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Maastricht walking discovery tour OR Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial visit. Your first stop in the Netherlands—Maastricht—is a city with more than 1,670 national heritage sites, some of which can be seen on your Old Town walking discovery tour. Or, you can choose to make a pilgrimage to the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of 8,301 U.S. soldiers who perished during the second World War.

Day 5 | Cuijk (Nuenen). Heusden. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Van Gogh “Village Day” in Nuenen with countryside lunch, and choice of exclusive Hieronymus Bosch exhibit visit at Noordbrabants Museum OR Heusden “Village Day”. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps today as you stroll through Nuenen, where the artist once lived and painted The Potato Eaters. After lunch in an old water mill, view the Hieronymus Bosch exhibit at the Noordbrabants Museum, or choose to walk or cycle through Heusden, where you can observe a working mill or learn to make bread at a local bakery.

Day 6 | Schoonhoven (Schoonhoven or Kinderdijk). FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Schoonhoven walking discovery tour OR Kinderdijk windmills. Take a walking discovery tour of the silversmithing town of Schoonhoven, or venture forth to Kinderdijk to see its 19 well-preserved, UNESCO-designated windmills. Learn about the historical significance of these engineering marvels in the Netherlands’ long quest to hold back the sea. If you wish, you’ll have an opportunity to venture inside one of these iconic structures.

Day 7 | Amsterdam. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of full day at Keukenhof Gardens* OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Amsterdam walking tour. The famous Keukenhof Gardens is a 70-acre park planted with millions of tulips and other flowers—an extraordinary sight in the spring. Spend the day here or “Do as the Locals Do” in Amsterdam, with a guided stroll through the historic canal district and a look inside the Museum Van Loon, a restored 17th-century canal house. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner. Note: Lunch is not included with the full day at Keukenhof Gardens.

Day 8 | Amsterdam. Disembark. Disembark the ship and transfer to Schipol International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Amsterdam.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

NORTHBOUND ITINERARY 8 DAYS | BRUSSELS TO AMSTERDAM Click HERE to view 8-day SOUTHBOUND itinerary.