Travel with Us - "Tulip Time" Aboard the AMA SERENA - March 27, 2026

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Day 1 – Amsterdam
Embarkation
Begin your 7-night river cruise in the charming city of Amsterdam, known as the “Venice of the North” for its picturesque canals and gabled houses. With more than 1,200 bridges and a rich artistic legacy that includes Rembrandt and Van Gogh, Amsterdam offers a perfect blend of old-world beauty and modern culture. (D)

Day 2 – Amsterdam → Kampen
The IJsselmeer Scenic Cruising
Sail across the IJsselmeer, a vast inland bay created from the former Zuiderzee, bordered by traditional Dutch towns and quaint fishing villages. This body of water played a vital role in the Netherlands’ maritime history.

Kampen Excursions:

• Giethoorn Tour: Discover the idyllic “Venice of the North,” a fairytale village of thatched cottages and peaceful canals where boats replace cars.
   
• Flevoland Tulips & Bulb Fields: Witness vibrant stretches of tulip fields in Flevoland, the Netherlands’ youngest province, reclaimed entirely from the sea.
   
• Kampen Bike Tour: Explore Kampen’s medieval streets, city gates, and old merchant houses on two wheels through this charming Hanseatic city.
   

Day 3 – Delta → Bruinisse
Scenic Cruising through the Dutch Delta
Cruise through the intricate waterways of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta, where engineering marvels protect the Netherlands from the sea.

Bruinisse Excursions:

• Zierikzee City Tour: Explore the historic harbor town of Zierikzee, renowned for its medieval architecture and the 15th-century “Nobelpoort” gate.
   
• Delta Works & Neeltje Jans: Visit one of the world’s most impressive flood defense systems, the Delta Works, and learn how Dutch ingenuity turned a natural disaster into an engineering triumph.
   
• Bike Tour: Cycle along scenic dikes and villages, experiencing the balance between land and water that defines Dutch life.
   

Day 4 – Ghent, Belgium
Ghent Walking Tour with Adoration of the Mystic Lamb:
Uncover the medieval grandeur of Ghent, home to the stunning St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the world-famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers.

• Chocolate Workshop: Learn the art of Belgian chocolate-making in a hands-on workshop celebrating Belgium’s sweetest tradition.
   
• Full-Day Bruges Excursion: Travel to Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its cobblestone streets, canals, and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child.”
   

Day 5 – Antwerp, Belgium
Walking Tour and Cathedral Visit:
Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s diamond capital and the home of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, where Rubens’ masterpieces still adorn the walls.

• Antwerp Bike Tour: Pedal through historic squares and along the Scheldt River.
   
• Floralia Flower Show: Experience spring in bloom at Floralia Brussels, featuring over a million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils at Groot-Bijgaarden Castle.
   
• Belgian Chocolate, Beer & Waffle Tasting: Indulge in Belgium’s iconic delicacies—artisanal chocolates, golden waffles, and world-renowned craft beers.
   

Day 6 – Dordrecht → Rotterdam
Dordrecht Excursions:

• Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills with Private Windmill Visit: Visit the iconic Kinderdijk, home to 19 beautifully preserved windmills built in the 18th century—a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing Dutch water management.
   
• Kinderdijk Bike Tour: Cycle among windmills and waterways for a closer look at this quintessential Dutch landscape.
   

Rotterdam Excursions:

• Rotterdam Walking Tour & Tasting: Discover the Netherlands’ modern face with its innovative architecture, lively markets, and culinary delights.
   
• Royal Delft Tour: Visit the historic Royal Delft Factory, the last remaining 17th-century manufacturer of hand-painted blue-and-white Delftware.
   
• Rotterdam Architectural Bike Tour: Experience Rotterdam’s cutting-edge skyline, including the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge.
   
• Delfshaven “Pilgrim Fathers” Walking Tour: Step back in time in the preserved harbor district where the Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620.
   

Day 7 – Amsterdam
Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam
Enjoy a relaxing morning as your ship glides back into Amsterdam’s canal-lined beauty.

Amsterdam Excursions:

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Glide past historic gabled houses and charming bridges that define the city’s UNESCO-listed canal belt.
   
• Keukenhof Gardens Excursion: Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, where over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths burst into color across 79 acres of floral artistry.
   

Day 8 – Amsterdam
Disembarkation
Bid farewell to your ship and newfound friends as your journey through the Netherlands and Belgium comes to an end—filled with timeless charm, cultural treasures, and springtime splendor.

Travel is not only about seeing new places but also immersing yourself in different cultures. With Jade Rose Travel, LLC, you'll have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and traditions.

 Extend your adventure by adding a few days before or after your cruise to fully experience the charm of Amsterdam. Wander through the historic canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where narrow gabled houses line the waterways and cozy cafés invite you to linger. Visit world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer; the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing the artist’s largest collection of works; and the poignant Anne Frank House, offering a glimpse into the city’s wartime history. Explore the Jordaan neighborhood, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and inviting brown cafés serving local favorites like bitterballen (crispy meat croquettes) and Dutch apple pie. Don’t miss sampling fresh stroopwafels from a street market, or enjoying dinner at one of the city’s canal-side restaurants featuring traditional dishes such as stamppot or Indonesian rijsttafel—a culinary reflection of the Netherlands’ rich heritage. Whether cycling along the canals, cruising by boat at sunset, or relaxing in Vondelpark, Amsterdam offers countless ways to savor its art, history, and distinctive Dutch charm. 

Pricing includes cruise fare, port fees, all onboard meals, guided excursions, and a daily happy hour featuring drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Airfare and hotel accommodations are not included but can be added for an additional cost. All offers are subject to availability, and prices are subject to change without notice.