In April the Netherlands is in full bloom, and a cruise on rivers and canals is a calm way to experience the colours of spring. The cruise starts in Zaandam just north of Amsterdam and takes us through the Dutch countryside to the old fortified town of Wijk bij Duurstede, Arnhem and Nijmegen before ending in Amsterdam. Along the way you can purchase a trip to the flower auction in Aalsmeer and the Keukenhof gardens, where millions of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils bloom in spring. A journey of flowers, windmills, historic towns and time to enjoy life on board.
Highlights
- Keukenhof and the Aalsmeer flower auction – available to purchase on board
- Zaandam and the windmills of Zaanse Schans
- Arnhem, Nijmegen and the fortified town of Wijk bij Duurstede
- The canals of Amsterdam
- 6-day river cruise on MS Leonora
- All meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Zaandam
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Overnight in Zaandam.
Day 2Zaandam and Wijk bij Duurstede
The ship stays in Zaandam until 13:30. The town is known for its green wooden houses and for the Czar Peter House, where the Russian tsar lived while learning shipbuilding here in 1697. A few kilometres away lies Zaanse Schans with its characteristic windmills and old wooden houses. In the afternoon we sail on, arriving in Wijk bij Duurstede at 19:00.
Day 3Wijk bij Duurstede, Aalsmeer and Keukenhof
Wijk bij Duurstede is a small fortified town on the Lek with an old centre and the well-known Rijn en Lek windmill. In the Viking Age, the trading town of Dorestad stood here.
Today you can purchase a trip on board to the flower auction in Aalsmeer and the Keukenhof gardens. Aalsmeer is home to one of the world's largest flower auctions, where millions of flowers are traded every day and sent on around the world. From the visitor gallery you can watch the flowers being moved and sold. The trip continues to Keukenhof near Lisse, one of the world's largest flower parks. Every spring, millions of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other bulbs bloom in themed gardens, pavilions and along lakes and paths.
At 16:30 we sail from Wijk bij Duurstede, arriving in Arnhem at 20:00.
Please note: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed at weekends. On the 8 April departure this day falls on a Saturday, so the trip goes to Keukenhof only.
Day 4Arnhem and Nijmegen
The morning is spent in Arnhem, known for the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. In nearby Oosterbeek the Airborne Museum tells the story of Operation Market Garden, and the town also has a pleasant centre with a pedestrian street and shops. At 14:00 we sail to Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, arriving at 17:00. The evening can be spent walking along the Waal and in the old town.
Day 5Amsterdam
Early in the morning we sail from Nijmegen, arriving in Amsterdam at 13:30. The afternoon is free to experience the city's canals and narrow gabled houses, ideally from the water on a canal cruise.
Day 6Amsterdam
Disembarkation in Amsterdam at around 09:00. Our flower cruise in the Dutch spring comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 6 days / 5 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Trip to Aalsmeer and Keukenhof – available to purchase on board
- Other trips
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
