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16 Day Tastes of Belgium & Holland with Rhine River Cruise Monarch Princess

Antwerp, Belgium Round-trip
Length: 16 Days - Departs: Tue, Sep 16, 2025
Operator
Departure
Sep 16, 2025
Arrival
Oct 01, 2025

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Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

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River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Belgium
    Tue, Sep 16, 2025
    Depart for Belgium
  2. Day 2
    DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Antwerp
    Wed, Sep 17, 2025
    Arrive in the capital city of Brussels, and transfer to Antwerp located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
    Overnight: Antwerp
  3. Day 3
    DAY 3, Thursday - Visit Chocolate Nation, Antwerp Walking Tour
    Thu, Sep 18, 2025

    This morning, visit Chocolate Nation and embark on a journey into the world of Belgian chocolate. Watch as an expert chocolatier demonstrates the art of chocolate making, and savor some decadent samples. Later, take a walking tour of Antwerp one of Europe's most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. During the walking tour, view the diamond district, the unique marketplace, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Admire the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast
  4. Day 4
    DAY 4, Friday - Medieval Bruges, Ghent City Tour
    Fri, Sep 19, 2025
    Discover the medieval city of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys. View the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. Next, travel to the historic city of Ghent, a showcase of Flemish wealth, located in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. The city tour includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo Cathedral, Church of St. Nicholas, the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Afterward, return to Antwerp
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
    Sat, Sep 20, 2025
    Today is free to explore Antwerp at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise. Depart Antwerp and travel north to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, begin your panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and Nieuwmarkt with the most impressive of Amsterdam's remaining city gates. Afterward, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals of historic Amsterdam for an up-close view of stately mansions, 16th century gabled merchant houses, and churches with bell towers. Late afternoon return to Antwerp
    Optional: Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast
  6. Day 6
    DAY 6, Sunday - Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Willemstad
    Sun, Sep 21, 2025
    Begin your exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, on the north bank of the river Noord. Visit the well-known windmill park, dotted with 19 traditional windmills built in the 1700s. Learn about their significance and the vital role they played in the development of the country. During this excursion, tour a windmill and gain insight into the daily lives of millers and the crucial part these windmills had in water management. Next, head to the city of Dordrecht boasting a rich maritime heritage. Conclude with a tour of Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is acclaimed for its well-preserved fortifications. View some of the town's architectural landmarks; the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, the first church built in the Netherlands specifically for Protestant worship, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast
  7. Day 7
    DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Brussels City Tour
    Mon, Sep 22, 2025
    Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Brussels City Tour. In the afternoon, head to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Begin the exploration of the city with a panoramic tour offering views of the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architecture. Admire the intricate facades of guild halls, the towering spire of the Town Hall and the Maison du Roi. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. Free time to explore the city on your own and to have dinner before returning to Antwerp
    Optional: Brussels City Tour
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast
  8. Day 8
    DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Madurodam Tour*, or Optional Keukenhof Gardens Tour*
    Tue, Sep 23, 2025
    On your last day at leisure in Antwerp, join the optional Madurodam* or Keukenhof Gardens*. Travel to The Hague to visit Madurodam, a delightful miniature park. Explore the intricately detailed replicas of famous buildings, bridges, and landmarks from across the Netherlands, all meticulously crafted with precision. Admire the miniature versions of Amsterdam's canals, windmills, and tulip fields and discover interactive exhibits that showcase the country's rich history, culture, and innovation. Afterward, free time to explore The Hague before heading back to Antwerp. Along the way, stop at the port city of Rotterdam for a panoramic tour. In season (dependent on weather) between mid-March to mid-May, the Madurodam optional is replaced with the Keukenhof Gardens Tour. Explore the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world. On the return to Antwerp, stop at the port city of Rotterdam for a panoramic tour. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
    *Keukenhof Gardens Tour operates March 20-May 11 and the Madurodam Tour operates May 12-Mar 19.
    Optional: Madurodam Tour
    Optional: Keukenhof Gardens Tour
    Overnight: Antwerp
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    DAY 9, Wednesday - Transfer to Amsterdam, Cruise Embarkation
    Wed, Sep 24, 2025
    This morning, depart Antwerp and transfer to the port in Amsterdam. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising
    Thu, Sep 25, 2025
    Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon, cruise south for Germany
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Friday - Cologne City Tour
    Fri, Sep 26, 2025
    Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you savor lunch on board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Saturday - Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising
    Sat, Sep 27, 2025
    The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
    Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Sunday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Speyer
    Sun, Sep 28, 2025
    Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
    Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Monday - Strasbourg City Tour
    Mon, Sep 29, 2025
    A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail towards Breisach in the Rhine Valley
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  15. Day 15
    DAY 15, Tuesday - Breisach Walking Tour
    Tue, Sep 30, 2025
    Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Basel. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  16. Day 16
    DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Switzerland
    Wed, Oct 01, 2025
    This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport in Basel for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

Stay & Explore Package Includes

  • Flights New York-Brussels, Basel-New York
    Other departure cities available.
  • 14 nights First Class accommodations
  • 7 nights Antwerp
  • 7 nights outside cabin aboard the First Class
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel & cruise porterage
  • River port charges of $190 per person
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 2-8)
  • Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise (Days 9-16)
  • Services of local guides
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Shore excursions per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions

  • Special Features

  • Take a walking tour of Antwerp where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded
  • Visit Chocolate Nation and embark on a journey into the world of Belgian chocolate
  • Tour Bruges, home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings
  • Explore the historic Flanders port of Ghent, a showcase of Flemish wealth
  • Visit the windmill park in Kinderdijk built in the 1700s and still in use today
  • Discover Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River, named after King Willem of Orange
  • In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals
  • Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland
  • Discover 2000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture
  • View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising vertically from the waters
  • Stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rüdesheim
  • Visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years

  • River Cruise Features & Amenities

  • Wine and beer with dinners
  • Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
  • Self-serve coffee and tea station
  • Lounge serving premium spirits
  • Fitness center and daily morning exercises
  • Non-smoking ship interior
  • Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English
  • Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

    Not Included:
    Optional tours, optional shore excursions and gratuities.


    Additional Information:
    Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

    Passengers returning from Basel on day 16 should select flights that depart no earlier than 10 AM

    Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

    While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

    Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

    Ship Information

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    Cabins

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    Life on Board

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    Questions & Answers
      Ask A Question

    Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

    Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

    Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

    The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

    Customer Reviews

    Overall Rating
    4.5
    Accommodations
    4.4
    Itinerary
    4.4
    Professional Staff
    4.7
    Repeat with Operator
    4.4
    Value for Money
    4.6

    Ratings based off 35 reviews - currently showing 14 reviews with comments only

    Great trip,all went smoothly,great tour, lovely sites , great food and drinks. Will go again!!!

    David was great. He helped me find a great cruise at a great price, which was a challenge considering that I was booking two single rooms.

    Adam was excellent. Very helpful.

    The Gate 1 River Cruise was absolutely amazing.

    Simple process and nice to have your own rep. Had travelled on viking before, and found our gate one tour very good compatible for better value

    Gate 1 Danube River cruise exceeded our expectations and provided terrific service AND value! Beautiful ship and fabulous staff. Don't let their 'travel for less' slogan mislead you: they deliver FULL VALUE and service. We would travel with them again in a heartbeat.

    We had a wonderful time on this trip (14 day Danube with Budapest and Prague). One thing we noticed in the cabin: 1. Lack of outlets/USB ports at bedside tables 2. WiFi was really too basic. Dining room: While the breakfast and desserts were good, the lunch and dinner items left much to be desired. There was a lack of vegetable variety. The soups were very salty and the fish was fishy.

    Greatly appreciated the sessions that included information on the next days ports. Also found the on site mini tours of each port very enjoyable. Although we elected to go on much of the optional paid tours, it was great to learn some background information of each site.

    I will only book Gare 1 going forward. This was an excellent experience.

    Although we had to cut our trip short due to an illness. Shannon was there to make sure everything was taken care of.

    GateOne did a great job in every detail. We were pleased with the food, events, tours and staff. The complete tour was delightful. Thanks for a great experience!

    The operator's staff was friendly, efficient, and professional. Would definitely travel with them again.

    An amazing trip in every way--staff, crew, and, in fact, all who worked on the boat gave A+++ service--have raved about the trip to all my friends. On-land accommodations were also commensurate with ship accommodations, including guides, bus drivers, and hotels and hotel staff. .

    We loved the casual atmosphere on the river cruise portion of the trip. Our guides throughout were exceptional in their knowledge and personal relations. The entire staff was always friendly and helpful. There were so many good experiences and trips. We were exhausted by the last day. Maybe too many good experiences with too little time to explore on our own. We were able to see so much for a very reasonable cost. Hopefully, another Gate 1 trip is in our future.

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      Starts
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    AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Gate1. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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