ABOUT THE TOUR
Take a delightful spring cruise with Guest Lecturer Douglas Skeggs and Tour Leader Joanna Worsley along the intricate net of waterways that wind through Holland and Belgium aboard the elegantly luxurious MS Amadeus Riva. The tour encompasses not only the art, history, culture, food, and wine of the region but also iconic views of lazily spinning windmills, blossoming foliage and sleepy riverside towns. Shore excursions will be organised exclusively for our group, guided by Douglas Skeggs, who will also give a series of captivating onboard lectures on the Dutch and Flemish masterpieces.
After embarking in Amsterdam, our first stop is Arnhem, site of the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, and the nearby Kröller-Müller-Museum which houses the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world. We continue to the picturesque city of Middleburg and on to Ghent, before driving to Bruges, ‘Venice of the North’ and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with its historic marketplace, maze of winding, cobbled alleys and romantic canals.
Our next stop is Antwerp to visit Rubens’ 17th century town house, where many of his paintings hang, and the city’s beautiful Cathedral. Following an excursion from Rotterdam to the delightful historic town of Brielle, we end back in Amsterdam and the magnificent Rijksmuseum with its art collection from the ‘Golden Age’ when Dutch painting was at its most prolific. For those that have been to the Rijksmuseum with Douglas before, there is the alternative option of a walking tour to explore Amsterdam’s network of canals and beautiful 17th century architecture.
TOUR LEADERS
Joanna Worsley
Douglas Skeggs
8 days from £3,495 per person
TOUR DATE: 13 – 20 April 2026
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: £280
Price Includes
- Accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary
- Full board including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack
- Coffee, tea and ice water with all meals on board
- Free flowing regional red and white wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
- All entrance fees, visits, excursions and transportation as per the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- Gratuities to staff onboard
- Gratuities to guide/s
- Gratuities to bus driver/s
- Porterage
- Services of a professional cruise director
- The services of your tour leader and guest lecturer throughout
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)
- Government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 19/03/25
Day-by-Day Overview
7 nights on board the MS Amadeus Riva
Monday 13 April: London / Amsterdam
Depart London on a flight to Amsterdam (flights not included). Group transfer to the dock to board MS Amadeus Riva for a 7-night cruise.
Welcome Cocktail accompanied by a Shanty Choir performance followed by Welcome Dinner.
Tuesday 14 April: Arnhem
On arrival in Arnhem, depart by private coach for a visit to the Kröller Müller Museum guided by Douglas Skeggs, followed by a coach tour of Arnhem including the WWII sights and bridge.
Return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon at leisure with tea on board as the ship travels on. Dinner on board.
Wednesday 15 April: Middleburg
Arrive in Middleburg and private morning walking tour of the city with a local guide.
Return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon at leisure with tea on board as the ship travels on. Dinner on board.
Thursday 16 April: Ghent & Bruges
Arrive in Ghent and depart by private coach for a walking tour of Bruges with Douglas Skeggs. Visit the Alms Houses, St. John’s Hospital and Pharmacy and the Cathedral followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Ghent and option to visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altar or reboard for afternoon tea. Dinner on board.
Friday 17 April: Antwerp
Arrive in Antwerp and depart on foot for a walking tour of the Old Town and Cathedral of Our Lady with a local guide.
Return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon at leisure with tea on board as the ship travels on. Dinner on board.
Saturday 18 April: Rotterdam & Brielle
Arrive in Rotterdam and depart by private coach for a morning walking tour of Brielle with a local guide.
Return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon at leisure with tea on board as the ship travels on. Dinner on board.
Sunday 19 April: Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and depart by private coach for a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum with Douglas Skeggs. Alternatively depart on foot for private tour of Amsterdam with a local guide.
Return to the ship for lunch. Option to visit the Rembranthuis or afternoon at leisure with tea on board. Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Monday 20 April: Amsterdam / London
Disembark and group transfer to Amsterdam Airport for a flight to London (flights not included).
The team understand our family’s needs and consistently tailor each trip to suit us perfectly. From carefully chosen hotels to excellent local partners and well-planned touring, the advice and recommendations are always spot on.
We’ve been using Ultimate Travel for many years and have always experienced first-class, friendly, and professional service. Catherine has been our go-to person in recent years, and her exceptional support has made every trip trouble-free. Our holidays with AmaWaterways have been seamless, and we’re truly grateful to Catherine for making it all possible.
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