2024 DUTCH & BELGIAN DELIGHTS RIVER CRUISE – SOLD OUT

In the morning, you will arrive in Arnhem, one of Europe’s most unique cities. Voted “greenest city in Europe”, Arnhem rebuilt itself after the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film “A Bridge Too Far”, and is now a thriving fashion town with fine museums and beautiful parks. In the morning join the city tour of Arnhem and for the afternoon  choose between a trip to the Open Air Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum. Relax on board in the evening, enjoying a delicious dinner as your vessel cruises onwards to the next destination.  (B,L,D)

After a relaxing morning sailing and lunch, for your afternoon excursion, you can visit the Netherland’s “modern wonder of the world,” the Delta Works, which protect the southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. This excursion also includes a visit to the historic village of Veere. Alternatively, you can take part in a walking tour of Middelburg to see and learn more about its significant history and rich culture. (B,L,D)

Tour of Delta Works experience and Veere (walking)  – Afternoon

In the afternoon, you can join the Bruges excursion. Bruges, the capital of the province of West Flanders, is home to one of the most charming city centers in Belgium and is also known as the “Venice of the North” thanks to its many canals. If you prefer to remain in Ghent, you can sample some local delicacies as part of an afternoon beer and chocolate tasting.  (B,L,D)

Tour of Ghent with medieval Fortress Gravensteen – Morning

Discover Ghent, one of the most attractive cities in Belgium with a rich heritage of medieval buildings. Stroll through the picturesque center, pass by the Unesco World Heritage Ghent Belfry, where 54 bells ring out. Continue with a visit of St. Bavo Cathedral, where you can admire one of the most important works of art of the Middle Ages – the Ghent Altarpiece by Hubert and Jan van Eyck.

Afterwards, visit the impressive Gravenstein Fortress, built in the 12th century by the Count of Flanders after his return from the Crusades. It is the only preserved medieval moated castle with an almost completely intact defense system in Flanders. Enjoy free time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship.

Duration: approx. 3.5 hours

Walking grade Level 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs

Tour of Bruges – Venice of the North – Afternoon

After a coach ride, you will reach Bruges. Due to the canal system the city is also known as the “Venice of the North” and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic marketplace – the center of old Bruges – is cradled by the river Reie and was recognized as cultural world heritage site by UNESCO.
As you walk along the maze of winding, cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you will be transported to medieval times. Besides various other sights, the market, the ‘Burg’ (the site of the former Bruges castle and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are especially worth seeing.

Duration approx. 5 hours

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stair

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Belgium Beer Tour and chocolate tasting – Afternoon

Creating beautiful, great-tasting chocolate is an art, with Belgium chocolate being a gold standard. The chocolate industry dates back to the 17th century when explorers brought back cocoa beans from South America, which were then used to make hot chocolate for the wealthy. As the chocolate industry grew, a law was passed in 1884 specifying no less than 35% cocao be used, which gives Belgium chocolate its rich flavor. During this excursion, indulge your passion for sweets with a visit to one of Belgium’s chocolatiers and learn more about how chocolate is made and taste one of the true delicacies of Belgium.

Continue your exploration of local specialties with the rich taste of Belgian beer. Beer has been brewed in Belgium from at least the 12th century. Begun as a way to raise funds, local French and Flemish abbeys would brew and distribute beer as a sanitary option to available drinking water. Visit a local brewery to learn more about the history of beer and enjoy a tasting.

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

In the afternoon, explore Antwerp in a comfortable coach. Famous for its diamond trade, the city also boasts many cultural highlights such as the Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow guests, while your vessel returns to the Netherlands. (B,L,D)

Tour of Brussels with Atomium and Cinquantenaire Park – Morning

After a comfortable coach ride you will reach Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Your tour starts in the verdant Laken area, which boasts landmarks such as the Heysel stadium, Notre Dame of Laken, the famous Atomium and the royal residence.

The tour continues through the eastern part of the city, including the Cinquantenaire park with its impressive U-shaped buildings, and the city center with the royal palace, the city park and the palace of justice. To conclude the tour, walk through Europe’s oldest shopping mall before you head back to the ship.

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

Tour of Antwerp with visit of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral -Afternoon

Discover Antwerp and with it, one of Europe’s largest ports. Walk through the attractive old center of the city and visit the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady), the largest Gothic church in Belgium. This church contains valuable treasures, such as works by Rubens, wall paintings dating back to the 15th century and many more. However, the church is more than just a museum, it is still an active place of worship. After your visit to the cathedral, enjoy some free time to explore this wonderful city with its lively shopping scene.

Duration: approx. 3.5 hours

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

After lunch, tour the lovely canal town of Delft, renowned for its Delft Blue ceramics which have been manufactured and hand painted there since the seventeenth century. This evening, your Brand g Signature Entertainment will provide a fitting finish to the day.  (B,L,D)

Tour of Kinderdijk and visit to the windmills -Morning

Holland is famous for its traditional windmills, of which more than 1,000 still exist today. The largest collection of windmills can be found near Kinderdijk. This is a group of 19 well-preserved windmills, built around 1740. During your stop at Kinderdijk, visit one of the old mills and learn more about the work of the mills in the past and the changes due to modern technology.

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

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Rotterdam harbor cruise and culinary stroll through the Market hall -Morning

A harbor cruise in Rotterdam, the largest seaport in Europe, is simply a must. Embark on one of the excursion boats and discover this modern innovative port, with its cranes, docks, shipyards and towering container stacks, as well as many sights and the spectacular Rotterdam skyline.

Continue your tour to the unique Rotterdam market hall. It is the first of its kind building a hybrid between market hall and housing, formed in an arch shape. The market hall offers a diverse range of products from coffee to cheese, flowers, fresh breads and pastries as well as a supermarket and restaurants.

Duration approx. 3.5 hours

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs

Tour of Delft with visit to the Royal porcelain pottery – Afternoon

Delft is one of the oldest Dutch cities. The old town holds numerous sights that bear witness to its past as a flourishing trade city in the Golden Age. Despite a severe city fire in the 16th century and a devastating explosion of the armory in the 17th century that spared few buildings, Delft has a well-preserved historic town crisscrossed by canals. After Amsterdam, Delft has become the most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, attracting about one million visitors annually.

Historically, Delft is well-known for William of Orange, the main leader in the Dutch revolt against Spain in the 1500s. William of Orange moved into the fortified city in 1572 and was assassinated under the reward of King Philip II in 1584. He is buried in the crypt of the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), where members of the royal family have been buried ever since.

After visiting this historic city, we will make a stop at the famous porcelain manufactory “Royal Delft”, which has created the famous Delft Blue porcelain since 1653.

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

Amsterdam welcomes you back today and you have a wealth of excursion options to choose from! In the morning, cruise through the lovely, verdant canals of Amsterdam while learning more about the city’s history and significance. You will also pay a visit to the flower market.

After lunch, you can visit Waterland in North Holland, where you will stop in the charming fishing village of Volendam and the equally picturesque town of Edam. Renowned for its cheeses, this is the perfect spot for a cheese tasting (included in the excursion). Alternatively, you can visit Haarlem in the afternoon, where you will learn more about its art, history and the Dutch lifestyle. If you’d like to see the amazing Floriade flower and horticultural exhibition, which is held in the Netherlands every 10 years, you can, instead, join the full-day excursion for a visit to this unmissable event.

This evening, join us for your farewell Brand g Signature Entertainment followed by the festive Captain’s Gala Dinner will provide a fitting finish to the day. (B,L,D)

Tour of Amsterdam with canal trip -Morning

Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.

Duration approx. 4 hours

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs

Tour of Holland waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting -Afternoon

Take a drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam, built on the shore of the former Zuiderzee. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighborhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes.

Board your coach and drive out of Volendam and into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and sample the local product. On your way back to your ship, you will enjoy a short walk through the quaint village of Edam, famous for its cheese. Given its narrow streets, continue through the village on foot and see the Carillon tower, once part of a church that was destroyed in the 19th century. Walk to the cheese weighing house and the Dam with its 18th century town hall.

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

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Tour of Haarlem – art, history and Dutch lifestyle – Afternoon

Haarlem is just a short drive outside Amsterdam. Once a major North Sea trading port surrounded by defensive walls, it retains its medieval character with picturesque cobblestone streets and gabled houses.

With spectacular monuments dating back nearly 800 years, it’s no wonder so many great artists of the Golden Age wanted to capture its beauty and atmosphere. Not only is it home to some of the best museums and world-famous artwork in the Netherlands, but it is also regularly voted one of the best shopping cities in the country.

Walk with your guide through the old historic center of Haarlem with its beautiful “hofjes” (almshouses built around leafy courtyards).

Visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo, located on the Great Market in the middle of Haarlem. The church was built by Catholics in 1245 and still dominates the Haarlem skyline. The main eye-catcher in the church is the impressive organ by Christian Müller of Lower Saxony. The organ dates back to 1738 and is the most reproduced instrument in the world. After visiting the church, you can enjoy some free time to explore the center on your own before returning to Amsterdam.

Duration approx. 4 hours

Walking grade Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.