Holland Tulips Cruise

Join us for the Holland Tulips Cruise. This is an incredible 9-day river cruise tour through Holland and Belgium during tulip time on board an elegant Scenic Space-Ship.

There’s something irrepressibly joyful about witnessing nature spring to life and nowhere more so than in The Netherlands! See the very best of The Netherlands and Belgium on this fascinating journey that starts and concludes in charming Amsterdam – a city filled with historic waterways, exquisitely preserved canal houses and historic bridges. You will cruise through the sleepy towns of Veere and Hoorn, to thriving modern cities like Antwerp. You’ll see authentic windmills, learn about modern war history, and see the world-famous tulips meticulously laid out in brilliant patterns and rows at the famed Keukenhof Gardens. Join us on the Holland Tulips Cruise today! A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. 

Please note that this is an active tour and may not be suitable for those with mobility constraints.

Day 1 | Toronto > Amsterdam (D)

Meet our coach at one of our predetermined pickup locations today to be transferred to Toronto Pearson Airport. From here, we will board our flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands! This will be an overnight flight, so be sure to rest up for our big adventure ahead.

Day 2 | Amsterdam (D)

Welcome to Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital city is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece filled galleries, 16th-century canals, and narrow cobbled lane-ways filled with boutiques and cafes. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved houses and intersected by charming bridges. A warm welcome awaits you from the crew of the Scenic SpaceShip as we check in this afternoon. Raise your glass to the marvellous Holland Tulips cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Day 3 | Dordrecht (B, L, D)

This morning you’ll arrive in Dordrecht, one of The Netherlands’ oldest cities. Once an important trade city for wood, grain and wine, it’s made up of a historical city centre with buildings dating to the Middle-Ages, as well as merchant houses and warehouses along the harbour. From here, you will explore surrounding cities and villages. Our ship will depart Dordrecht after dinner so you have ample time to explore this lovely town at leisure this afternoon.

Day 4 | Veere (B, L, D)

You will arrive in Veere this morning, one of The Netherlands’ prettiest villages whose historic harbour is filled with yachts. Veere flourished in the 16th century when it became an important port for Scottish wool. This prosperity lasted two centuries and to this day the Scottish ties remain strong. Back on board this afternoon, you may wish to join in the oyster tasting as the cold conditions of the North Sea make it a perfect location for top quality, fresh oysters!

Day 5 | Antwerp (B, L, D)

This morning you will arrive in Belgium’s second city, Antwerp. Antwerp has a melange of architectural wonders, a medieval centre with cobbled streets and Gothic buildings, blended with modern architecture. It’s also the diamond capital of the world, with 70 per cent of the world’s diamonds traded there. It’s all aboard the Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon as you cruise towards the Dutch city of Arnhem!

Day 6 | Arnhem (B, L, D)

Arrive in Arnhem, a city made famous by the Battle of Arnhem, a bold but failed attempt to outflank German forces during WWII. It resulted in thousands of British and Polish troops being killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Much of the city and its river bridges were destroyed by the battle and subsequent bombings, but Arnhem has been rebuilt and is now an attractive and picturesque city.

Day 7 | Hoorn > Amsterdam (B, L, D)

The wonderful town of Hoorn was once a prosperous trading centre from the Middle-Ages to the 17th century. Its main harbour, Binnenhaven, houses beautiful traditional warehouses, and there are many historical buildings and monuments throughout town. Some of the highlights include a defence tower used in the 16th and 17th centuries, and a well-preserved city gate first built in 1578. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure as you cruise towards Amsterdam. You may wish to spend time in the wellness centre, relaxing with a massage, or head to the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Day 8 | Amsterdam – Keukenhof Tulip Gardens (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning enjoy an excursion to the famed Keukenhof Gardens – one of the highlights of this trip! Here you will get to see the most magnificent display of more than seven million tulips in bloom, carefully arranged in beautiful patterns and colours; making it one of the most magical public gardens in the world. Return to Amsterdam this afternoon for free time to explore this city steeped in history, art and quirky culture. You could fill an afternoon wandering the labyrinth of narrow laneways and canals. You may also opt to visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh; take a walk-through Anne Frank’s House; or hop aboard a scenic canal cruise passing elegant merchant’s residences, churches and warehouses that date from the Golden Age.

Day 9 | Amsterdam > Toronto (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the Amsterdam airport for our onward journey home. The flight home from Amsterdam will return to Toronto where our coach will be waiting to return us to our original pickup locations!

Book now with a $750 per person non-refundable deposit . Final payment due December 20, 2024. Cancellation insurance is recommended – call the office for pricing. Prices are subject to change based on airfare costs. A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. Please visit our website for full terms and conditions: www.cardinalcoachtours.ca/our-policy/.

Cancellations received prior to December 20, 2024 will result in a loss of deposits. Cancellations received after December, 2024 are 100% non-refundable. Please note advanced seat selection for air is not available. Please note that this is an active tour. We suggest you are able to: Walk 4-5 km over the course of a day with no problem, can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to 3km (with included breaks), handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance and climb two flights of stairs with ease.