Colours of the Netherlands & Belgium

Tour/Cruise

Amsterdam → Amsterdam

Explore the colourful and quirky Netherlands from the water on a 14-night cruise to neighbouring Belgium. Glide past windmills, discover historic WWII sites and delight in the individual flair of Dutch cities and towns. Wander the lively streets of Amsterdam, visit The Hague, enchanting Ghent and Antwerp.

Highlights

Visit the Delta Works, one of the world’s most impressive modern engineering achievements. Learn about this vast network of dams, storm surge barriers and sluices, built over more than 30 years to protect the Netherlands from flooding after the devastating North Sea Flood of 1953. It remains one of the largest flood-protection systems ever constructed and is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Visit Keukenhof Gardens, encompassing more than 70 acres of renowned gardens and parklands. Relish the chance to admire the spectacular display of bulb flowers in bloom, including colourful tulips.
Visit the Sir John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux on the Somme. Through immersive multimedia displays and personal accounts, learn how Australian soldiers served on the Western Front and gain deeper insight into the battles and stories that shaped Australia’s wartime history.
Experience the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Netherlands. Wander among the 18th-century mills and canals that once drained the surrounding polders, and learn how this ingenious system helped the Dutch live safely below sea level.

From price

$9,595

$6,795

From price per person, twin share

Tour Provider	Travel Marvel
Number Of Days	15
Start Location	Amsterdam, Netherlands
End Location	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Age Range	Avg. 45+
Group Size	10 to 45
Tour Style	Premium
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)

Start	End	Availability	From price
29 Mar 2027	12 Apr 2027	Available	$9,495 $6,995
08 Apr 2027	22 Apr 2027	Available	$10,195 $7,695
05 Jul 2027	19 Jul 2027	Available	$10,895 $8,395
16 Mar 2028	30 Mar 2028	Available	$9,595 $6,795
30 Mar 2028	13 Apr 2028	Available	$9,995 $7,195
27 Jun 2028	11 Jul 2028	Available	$10,695 $7,895

Itinerary details

Day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Enjoy time to explore this vibrant city at leisure before meeting your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 2 - Amsterdam

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals aboard a glass-top boat with a local guide, gliding through the city’s maze of waterways before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace.

Enhance Your Journey – Muiderslot Castle

Visit one of the Netherlands’ best-known medieval castles. Dating to the 13th century, Muiderslot is famed for its round corner towers, surrounding moat and picturesque gardens.

Day 3 - Arnhem

In Arnhem, visit the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ to learn about the Battle of Arnhem, where Allied forces attempted to secure a bridgehead across the Rhine in September 1944 during Operation Market Garden.

Day 4 - Nijmegen

Join a guided tour of Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, set near the German border. Discover its historic streets, landmarks and architecture, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace or relax in one of the city’s welcoming cafes or bars.

Day 5 - Maastricht

Set out on a guided tour of Maastricht, a historic city closely linked with the formation of the modern European Union. Wander cobbled streets, see sections of the old city walls and visit the Basilica of Our Lady, one of the city’s oldest churches, while discovering how this Roman settlement evolved into today’s lively university town.

Enhance Your Journey – Regional Wine Tasting

Explore one of the Netherlands’ oldest underground cellars, traditionally used for wine storage. During a guided visit, learn about the region’s wine heritage before sampling three local wines.

Day 6 - Antwerp, Waterloo

Today visit the site of the Battle of Waterloo, where in June 1815 Wellington halted Napoleon’s advance toward Brussels. Walk the battlefield and learn how the Imperial Guard’s final assault was repelled, then explore the immersive museum that brings the events of the day to life. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore Antwerp at your own pace.

Day 7 - Antwerp

In Antwerp, set out on a guided walking tour. Discover the lively Grote Markt, see the historic Het Steen fortress and visit the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, or perhaps join a culinary experience highlighting the city’s famous flavours.

Enhance Your Journey – Chocolate Nation Tour

Sample Belgium’s renowned chocolate on a culinary tour and discover why it is considered among the world’s finest.

Day 8 - Ghent, Ypres

Arrive in Ghent and travel into the surrounding Flanders region to visit significant Western Front sites for a special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Western Front Battlefields

This morning, explore the Western Front with historian Hugh Dolan. Visit the V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, the 1st Division Memorial and the Gibraltar Blockhouse, and see the remains of a wartime bunker. Continue to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, dedicated to the 1917 battle, before paying your respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war graves site in the world, and walking the Polygon Wood battlefield. This evening, you may wish to attend the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

Day 9 - Ghent

Embark on a guided tour of Ghent, including a scenic canal cruise through the city’s historic waterways. The afternoon is at leisure, or you may wish to join an optional excursion.

Enhance Your Journey – Bruges

Travel to Bruges, the enchanting capital of West Flanders. Wander cobbled streets, admire winding canals and take in beautifully preserved medieval architecture, including the Markt and the impressive 83-metre-high Belfry.

Day 10 - Ghent, Somme Battlefields

Enjoy a moving Insider Experience today.

Insider Experience – Somme Battlefields

Explore the Somme battlefields, beginning with visits to the 1st and 2nd Australian Division Memorials. Continue to Villers-Bretonneux to see the Victoria School, where the words 'Do Not Forget Australia' remain a lasting symbol of gratitude from the local community, before visiting the Australian National Memorial.

You will also visit the Sir John Monash Centre, named for General Sir John Monash, commander of the Australian Corps in 1918. Through immersive multimedia displays and personal accounts, the centre shares the story of Australian soldiers who served on the Western Front.

Day 11 - Veere, Delta Works

From Veere, set out for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Delta Works

Visit the Delta Works, one of the world’s most remarkable modern engineering projects. Discover how this vast system of dams, storm surge barriers and sluices was built over more than 30 years to protect the Netherlands from flooding. Comprising 13 sections, the Delta Works form the largest flood protection system in the world and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Day 12 - Willemstad, Kinderdijk

This morning, join a guided walking tour of Willemstad. Later, cruise to Kinderdijk and visit the World Heritage-listed village, famed for its remarkable concentration of 18th-century windmills.

Day 13 - Rotterdam

Discover Rotterdam on a guided walk, taking in its striking modern skyline and the famous cube houses, with a stop at a local market to sample the city’s beloved stroopwafels.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hague

Join a guided tour of The Hague, visiting the Binnenhof and Buitenhof buildings (Inner and Outer Court) and the Peace Palace.

Day 14 - Amsterdam

Enjoy a day of exploration before gathering this evening for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Keukenhof Gardens

Visit Keukenhof Gardens, a vibrant floral showcase spanning more than 70 acres of landscaped parklands. Admire sweeping displays of spring bulbs, including colourful tulips (March–April departures).

Insider Experience - National Maritime Museum

Explore Amsterdam’s striking National Maritime Museum, where immersive galleries and historic vessels bring the Netherlands’ legendary seafaring past to life. (July departure).

Day 15 - Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport, where your journey comes to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose this tour?

This premium 14-night cruise offers a unique perspective of the Netherlands and Belgium by allowing you to glide past windmills and historic cities from the water. You will experience exclusive 'Insider Experiences' such as visiting the Delta Works—one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World—and the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, combining luxury travel with deep historical and engineering insights.

What type of traveller is this tour designed for, what type of traveller will enjoy this tour most?

This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate a premium experience and have an interest in history, engineering, and scenic beauty. Those who enjoy a blend of guided cultural discovery—ranging from WWII sites in Arnhem to the artistic flair of Antwerp and Ghent—and the relaxation of a river cruise will find this itinerary particularly rewarding.

What are the pros and cons of this tour?

The pros include a comprehensive itinerary covering multiple countries, a variety of guided tours, and the convenience of river cruising. You'll see major highlights like Kinderdijk and the Delta Works. A potential con is that some of the most iconic sites, such as the Peace Palace in The Hague or the gardens in Bruges, are offered as optional 'Enhance Your Journey' excursions rather than standard inclusions.

Is this a good option for solo travellers, couples, or families?

This tour is a wonderful option for couples and solo travellers looking for a premium, social atmosphere with a maximum group size of 45. While the text does not specifically mention family-oriented activities, the easy-to-moderate physicality and diverse sightseeing make it accessible for various adult groups.

Is this tour better for first-time visitors or experienced travellers?

This tour is excellent for both first-time visitors and experienced travellers. First-timers will love the comprehensive introduction to the Dutch and Belgian landscapes and cities, while experienced travellers will appreciate the deeper dives into specific interests like the Battle of Arnhem or the modern engineering of the Delta Works.

Is this suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. While it includes several walking tours and strolls through historic cities, the primary mode of transport is a river ship, which may be more comfortable for some. However, specific accessibility details for all sites are not provided.

Is this tour more focused on sightseeing, culture, or adventure?

This tour is primarily focused on sightseeing and culture. The itinerary is rich with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, historic cathedrals, and political landmarks, offering a deep dive into the heritage and lifestyle of the Netherlands and Belgium.

What is the pace of this tour (fast-paced vs relaxed)?

The pace of the tour is generally balanced. While there are many scheduled guided tours and city visits, the itinerary includes several days at leisure in cities like Antwerp and Ghent, allowing you to explore at your own speed.

Does the itinerary feel rushed or relaxed?

The itinerary feels thoughtfully paced. By spending multiple days in key hubs like Antwerp and Ghent and incorporating relaxing cruises between destinations, the tour avoids feeling rushed while still covering a significant amount of ground over 15 days.

Are key highlights and landmarks included?

Yes, many key highlights are included, such as the windmills of Kinderdijk, the Delta Works, and the waterways of Amsterdam. Other major landmarks, such as the Peace Palace in The Hague or the city of Bruges, are available through optional excursions to further customize your trip.

Are language barriers handled by the guide?

Yes, the tour includes a Cruise Director and local guides in cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, who are there to lead the excursions and provide insight, effectively handling the navigation and communication needs of the group.

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