Friday, April 5 – Amsterdam, Holland – Tour Begins
Our springtime Dutch & Belgian vacation begins in the wonderfully walkable city of Amsterdam, the capital of Holland, also called The Netherlands. Meander along the canals, stroll over bridges and take in the sights and sounds of this picturesque city. This afternoon, join your fellow travelers for an Amazing Journeys Welcome & Orientation, followed by a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter where we will explore Dutch Jewry before, during and after World War II. Enjoy our first group dinner followed by Shabbat services at the beautiful and historical Portuguese Synagogue (D).
Saturday, April 6 – Amsterdam, Holland – Board Ship
Depart at 10 pm – This morning, set out on a walking tour to discover more of the city around Binnenstad, one of the impressive canal neighborhoods. We continue to Dam Square and the Begijnhof Courtyard to discover traditional 18th century living. Spend time at Anne Frank’s House, a moving and integral part of any visit to Amsterdam, where you will learn how the Frank family hid in their annex for two years from the Nazis. Enjoy some free time to explore De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) area. Continue to explore the city by coach and see Leidseplein Square, the Museum Quarter, and even our first of many windmills. This afternoon, we will board our home away from home for the next week, the Amadeus Cara. After a Welcome Cocktail and a celebratory Welcome Dinner, we will get to enjoy a performance on board by a traditional Dutch Shanty Choir, setting the mood for the days to come. (B, D)
Sunday, April 7 – Arnhem, Holland
Arrive at 8 am, depart at 6:30 pm – In the morning, we will arrive in Arnhem, one of Europe’s most unique cities. Voted “Greenest City in Europe”, Arnhem rebuilt itself after the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film “A Bridge Too Far” and is now a thriving fashion town with fine museums and beautiful parks. You will get to appreciate the city’s beautiful sights and delve deeper into the history and atrocities of World War II.
Situated in a beautiful National Park, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum which houses the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, among other fine artists, as well as an extensive outdoor sculpture garden. Take a stroll through the grounds or pick up one of the bikes on the property to enjoy the paths through the large park. Relax onboard in the evening, enjoying a delicious dinner as our vessel cruises onward to the next destination. (B, D)
Monday, April 8 – Middleburg, Holland
Arrive at 11 am, depart at 6 pm – Just before lunchtime, our cruise ship will dock in Middelburg. As one of the centers where the Dutch East India Company flourished in the seventeenth century, this lovely city features historic merchant houses and storefronts lining its canals.
Visit the Netherland’s “modern wonder of the world,” the Delta Works, which protects the southwest of the Netherlands from the rising sea. See this feat of engineering and the modern windmills which dot the countryside and coastline of this region. Visit the delightful, historic village of Veere which dates back to the 1300s, once a fishing village whose marina is now used for leisure yachts. Back onboard the ship, enjoy a group dinner and evening entertainment. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, April 9 – Ghent & Bruges, Belgium
Arrive at 2 am, depart at 7:30 pm – During the night, our vessel will dock in beautiful Ghent. Thanks to its importance as a medieval city-state in the late Middle Ages, Ghent boasts a wealth of well-preserved medieval architecture including Gravensteen Castle, the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353.
We will venture to Bruges, the capital of the province of West Flanders, home to one of the most charming city centers in Belgium. Filled with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and – of course – many canals, Bruges was an important center for fishing and trade. Visit the historic center with the Belfry of Bruges, Market Square and other historic sites with beautifully charming facades. (B, D)
Wednesday, April 10 – Antwerp & Brussels, Belgium
Arrive at 5 am, depart at 8 pm – Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium, welcomes you. Today, visit the politically and culturally significant city of Brussels which is situated nearby. Spend time in the city’s historic Old Town, taking in the massive Grand-Place, and sneaking a peek at the Manneken Pis. Continue to explore modern Brussels, a bustling city with brilliant architecture and a busy business district.
Spend time in Antwerp, a city famous for its diamond trade which boasts many cultural highlights such as the towering Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, while our vessel travels back to the Netherlands. (B, D)
Thursday, April 11 – Rotterdam, Holland
Arrive at 6 am, depart at 8 pm – In the early morning, our ship will arrive in Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands. After breakfast onboard, we visit Kinderdijk, home of the most unique windmill complex in the world. Built to drain water from the soil, these windmills are now protected by UNESCO and are one of the Netherlands’ most wonderful sites. Today will be a highlight as we explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and others bloom in waves throughout the spring, creating blankets of color and waves of flowers throughout the gardens. This evening, we join together for the festive Captain’s Gala Dinner which will provide a fitting finish to the day. (B, L, D)
Friday, April 12 – Amsterdam, Holland
Arrive at 5 am –Amsterdam welcomes you back today as you take an iconic canal cruise through the lovely, verdant canals of Amsterdam while learning more about the city’s history and significance.
After lunch, visit the region of Waterland in North Holland, where you will stop in the charming fishing village of Volendam and where the harbor greets visitors enjoying a stroll, and perhaps a Dutch beer or a stroopwafel.
Continue to the equally picturesque town of Edam, with its sleepy, small-town charm. Renowned for its cheeses, this is the perfect spot for cheese tasting. Join together with our Amazing Journeys friends this evening for our community Shabbat and Amazing Journeys Farewell event, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)
Saturday, April 13 – Amsterdam, Holland
Depart ship in the morning – This morning we disembark the ship with a group transfer to the airport, heading back home with memories of our Amazing Journey through the waterways of Holland and Belgium. (B)
Itinerary at a Glance
April 5 Radisson Blu, Amsterdam
April 6-13 Amadeus Cara
Please note:
1. Alternate hotel or ship may be used
2. The order of the tour may be changed
3. Some activities are weather-dependent
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until October 31, 2023, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From November 1 – December 1, 2023, the cancellation penalty is $850, the amount of the deposit. From December 2, 2023 – January 2, 2024 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre/post nights. From January 3 – February 1, 2024 the cancellation penalty is 85% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre/post nights. From February 2, 2024 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre/post nights. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Travel protection is highly recommended for participation in this program. Information will be included in your confirmation letter.
Passport & Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, no visas are necessary at this time. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.
Activity Level: 2 out of 5 – This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for 1-2 hours isn’t a big deal. You can navigate some hills, steps, cobblestones and uneven ground. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own.
Vaccines: At this time Holland and Belgium do not require any specific vaccinations for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. We will have more details in your confirmation email. It is recommended you bring along an official government issued Covid-19 proof of vaccination card as countries and venues along the way may still require it and there is a possibility you may be denied entry without.
Taxes, Fees & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the shipboard staff and crew, local guides, drivers, porters, restaurant staff.
Air & Transfers: For your flights, it is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. This tour begins and ends in Amsterdam (AMS). Transfers to the Amsterdam hotel are not included.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the cruise or tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing according in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
This cruise is operated by Amadeus River Cruises.
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