Avalon Waterways, Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium from Amsterdam, September 6, 2023

Cruising from: Amsterdam, Netherlands;

Departure Date: 6 September, 2023;

Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways;

Cruise Ship: Tranquility II;

Duration: 8 days;

Ports of Call: Amsterdam, Middelburg, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Amsterdam;

Day 0 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a rich history and famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Beside many parks, open spaces, and squares throughout the city, Amsterdam is famous for De Wallen, the red-light district. It is an unusual city to explore.

Day 1 Middelburg, Netherlands

Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland, is a small and quiet city and it is also one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. In the heart of the city lies the Liebfrauen Abbey, which now houses the Zeeuws Museum. Another remarkable sight is the abbey tower, 'Lange Jan', which can even be seen from a distance. The terraces of the many restaurants and cafes dotted around the square invite visitors in for coffee or lunch. It's also definitely worth trying the Zeeland delicatessen, which includes mussels, oysters and freshly-caught fish.

Day 2 Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is the Belgium's fourth-largest - and most beautiful - city and home to a quarter of a million people and a flourishing flower export trade. An important port, Ghent's city center is a pedestrian area that is like. Ghent is a perfect blend of industry and medieval architecture which will appease every travellers European city palette. Nightlife and food are also good with some truly great food being served at a range of restaurants that will suit all budgets. Beer is king in Belgium and Ghent is home to the famous Gruut beer.

Day 3 Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium. Brussels is also the capital of Europe, so there is always something fun going on: a music festival, chocolate event, or film festival. Situated right near Mont Des Arts, there is the Musical Instruments Museum, which hosts an extensive collection and offers headphones for visitors to listen to extracts of the unique sounds for each instrument, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, and Autoworld. Brussels is known for its vast green spaces. There are numerous parks which are the best places to spend time taking in the scenic views, fresh air, and local scene.

Day 4 Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is Belgium's second city and one of the biggest port in the world, second in Europe. Famous for its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its architectural and cultural contrasts, Antwerpen is a favorite destination of travelers. The old city, within the arc once formed by the 16th-century fortifications, has many narrow, winding streets and old buildings. This area contains the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the nation's finest Gothic buildings.

Day 5 Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is, besides one of the largest ports in the world, also the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is a city of many faces: a tough port city, a trendy nightlife city, a sophisticated shopping city, and a hip artistic city. Above all, Rotterdam is the architecture city of Holland that stimulates innovation. There are many things to do while visiting - shopping, enjoy some excellent food, and visit a range of museums and attractions in and around the city centre.

Day 6 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a rich history and famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Beside many parks, open spaces, and squares throughout the city, Amsterdam is famous for De Wallen, the red-light district. It is an unusual city to explore.

Day 7 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a rich history and famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Beside many parks, open spaces, and squares throughout the city, Amsterdam is famous for De Wallen, the red-light district. It is an unusual city to explore.