Spring is the perfect time to visit the Netherlands, as the country's internationally renowned flower fields burst into vibrant colour.
On this exceptional cruise in April 2024, you'll be joined by award-winning landscape designer and Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost to see the country at its most colourful as you spend five days cruising the Dutch waterways.
You'll see the uniquely Dutch sight of the 19 historic windmills which line the canal banks at Kinderdijk, set against a beautiful backdrop of pancake-flat marshlands.
Adam will deliver an exclusive talk and a Q&A to answer your horticultural questions, and will join you on a trip to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Here, you'll witness an incredible seven million flowers covering 80 acres in a riot of colour, where imaginative landscaping gardening nestles amongst shimmering lakes, water-gardens and flowering shrubs of every hue.
You'll sail the Ijsselmeer, a tranquil inland bay, and see the series of beautiful villages along its shore which have made their living from the sea for centuries. Blend time in these peaceful historic villages with time exploring Amsterdam, one of Europe's most vibrant and fascinating cities, with its iconic canals and exceptional art museums.
Rotterdam is another port of call. You'll enjoy an informative guided tour of this captivating city, from the old harbour to the modern architecture, passing by the Witte Huis, Europe's first skyscraper, built riverviewin the Art Nouveau style.
Throughout the cruise you'll be sailing on the luxurious MS Emily Brontë , where all your meals are included in the opulent restaurant or the stylish Riverview Kitchen where you can enjoy glorious views as you dine from the ship's panoramic windows.
Adam Frost has designed gardens worldwide and won seven gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Adam is a popular presenter on Gardeners' World, an RHS Ambassador for Education and an author of four gardening books.
To add flights or Eurostar to your trip, please contact our reservations team
On arrival to Amsterdam, you'll transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship, MS Emily Brontë , moored near the city centre and railway station.
The friendly crew will welcome you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation - you'll immediately feel at home.
This morning, you'll sail into Enkhuizen, a picturesque port nestling at the edge of the former Zuiderzee. You'll visit the Zuiderzee Museum, which brings to life the 19th-century heritage of Holland with exhibits showcasing the artisan skills of yesteryear, like sailmaking, fish curing and blacksmithing.
The era is brought to life with an enchanting reconstructed village, where you'll see bakers, shopkeepers and smokehouse workers in traditional clothing serving you their wares, just as they would have done all those years ago.
You'll have time to explore. Enkhuizen, one of the principal ports of the Dutch Golden Age, with its gabled houses, narrow streets, bridges and waterways. Take in the atmosphere of its little streets and jumble of sailing boats in the harbour.
After a delicious lunch on MS Emily Brontë , you'll cruise along the Markermeer, a serene freshwater lake. Later in the evening, you'll enjoy a delectable à la carte dinner, after which you can unwind with a digestif at the bar to the soothing sound of the ship's pianist.
Today you'll wake up in historic Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second largest metropolis. Start your day with a guided tour of this captivating city, from the old harbour to the modern architecture, passing by the Witte Huis, Europe's first skyscraper, built in the Art Nouveau style.
Other highlights of Rotterdam include Europe's largest swing bridge, the Erasmus Bridge, arched Markthal and Cube Houses. There are also excellent museums, such as the vast Boijmans Van Beuningen, which houses a world-class collection of works by old and modern masters, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh to Dalí.
Your next port of call is Kinderdijk, where you can witness truly iconic Dutch landscapes, with 19 authentic windmills standing proudly on the canal banks, set against a starkly beautiful backdrop of sprawling marshland.
In the late afternoon, you'll be joined by special guest Adam Frost, who'll take part in a talk and Q&A, and will sign copies of his book**. Wrapping up a memorable day is a lavish Captain's Dinner in the ship's restaurant, as you enjoy the sparkling lights of this unforgettable city through the windows.
This morning you'll drive through scenic bulb fields to Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. You'll be able to truly appreciate the art of flower planting in Keukenhof's themed areas. Wandering among this kaleidoscopic tapestry set in a landscape of lakes, trees, pavilions and water features is truly magical. Adam Frost will join you on this excursion, giving his expert insights into the gardens.
After exploring Keukenhof, you'll return to Amsterdam to explore this beautiful city on a classic glass-topped canal cruiser. Its iconic network of 165 canals built in rings during the 17th century means a 'water's eye view' is the best way to absorb Amsterdam's history.
You'll see moored houseboats, quirky bridges, cobbled streets lined with tall, narrow merchants' houses, gabled civic buildings and homes of famous former residents such as Rembrandt, the greatest Dutch Golden Age artist, and Anne Frank, whose diaries tell a poignant tale of life under the Nazis.
After the canal tour enjoy exploring the characterful streets of Amsterdam at your leisure before returning to the cruise ship, where the chef has prepared a delicious dinner.
This morning you will disembark and return home.
Established 35 years ago, Riviera Travel offers exceptional
experiences at outstanding value for money. They were the
highest-rated cruise operator in a 2017 survey by Which? magazine.
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TS Tours Ltd specialises in creating bespoke tours, cruises and
rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips
combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational
people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.
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