Trip Reports
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
6 Ports
1-2 May
Setting sail from Brussels
As the home of the European Parliament, Brussels may come as something of a surprise to visitors expecting a bland and humourless city. The Grand Place, surrounded by grandiose guildhalls, is one of the finest squares in all of Europe, and the city has a rich cultural heritage; former residents include Magritte, Brueghel and Hergé, creator of Tintin. The city also boasts an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés and bars, where you can sample moules-frites, Belgian waffles or dangerously drinkable Trappist beer.
Our tip
Belgian food is seriously outstanding, so do your homework (or ask us to do it for you) and get top restaurant reservations in advance.
3 May
Belgium: Antwerp
Antwerp is a city bound up with the arts, once home to the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck, and more recently carving out a reputation as the fashion capital of Belgium. It’s also a magnet for shopaholics, with designer boutiques and jewellers galore.
4 May
Belgium: Bruges
The beautifully preserved old town of Bruges is a maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer. Make sure you sample the many sybaritic pleasures on offer, including dangerously drinkable Trappist beer and delectable Belgian chocolate.
5 May
Netherlands: Dordrecht
Dordrecht was first granted a town charter in the 13th century, and its importance as a merchant city is reflected in the delightful historic architecture of the old harbour. Just outside the city is the watery expanse of Biesbosch National Park, a freshwater delta criss-crossed by walking trails and cycle paths.
6 May
Netherlands: Rotterdam
One of the great ports of Europe, Rotterdam’s impressive skyline can be seen from far and wide. With great architecture both ancient and modern, fantastic exhibition and concert halls, theatres, pretty galleries and numerous museums, there is so much to do when you stay here.
7-8 May
Arriving in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, and comes alive with vibrant spring colours during tulip season. The Amsterdam canal belt is now officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from them there are so many neighbourhoods to explore, such as the Jordaan with its higgledy-piggledy streets and its famed garden courtyards (hofjes). There are also a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, not to mention some more, shall we say, quirky options.
Our tip
Explore by water, or by bicycle to get a feel for the city – a hop on hop off canal boat, or rented bike or pedalo will do the trick.
Your home from home
Tauck’s most modern design, the Inspiration Class, offers the most space per guest of all European river vessels.
What we love
Rich woods are complimented by muted tones, giving these ships an airy and luxurious feel. The alternative restaurant with outside seating at the rear is an idyllic place for a relaxed lunch as you cruise to your next call and the regional cuisine served in the Dining Room is excellent.
| Capacity | 130 Guests |
|---|---|
| Staff | 43 International Staff |
| Style |
Active days followed by sophisticated evenings. |
| Inclusions |
|
| Length | 443 feet |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Brussels
We like the intimate and centrally located Hotel Le Dixseptième.
Day trips from Brussels
Visit Waterloo. The battlefield is located 20km from Brussels and a good guide will bring it alive.
Two nights in Amsterdam
There is a fantastic range of canal front hotels to choose from, but we love the new Waldorf Astoria.
Around Amsterdam
Visit windmills in Zaanse Schans, the flowers at Keukenhof, or the cheese market in Alkmaar.
