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Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands Round-trip
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Tue, Jun 16, 2026
Operator
Ship
Departure
Jun 16, 2026
Arrival
Jun 23, 2026

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Save $2500 per couple on select 2026 Europe river cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3419
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Save $2500 per couple on select 2026 Europe river cruises

Save $2500 per couple on select 2026 Europe river cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2026 Europe river cruise to receive $2500 off per couple ($1250 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $1250 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 5, 2024 and June 30, 2025 for travel for select cruises in 2026. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2026 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1138 PRMW1138

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3391
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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $3,000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146


River Cruise Itinerary

There’s no better way to spring into action and catapult into culture than on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium. Belgian chocolate workshop, classic paintings, and even graffiti walls glow brighter when you experience them in the most interactive ways. Discover the graceful ways of Holland on an Active & Discovery cruise. The way the wind moves the grasses beneath the stalwart windmills of the “Low Countries;” how the city cobblestones buzz with the ubiquitous bicycles and lively cafes and canals in Amsterdam; or the narrow houses evoking a time gone by. The visions of Holland come to life as you float past unforgettable scenes, pedal past incomparable views, and unleash your inner artist with a graffiti workshop. On an Active & Discovery cruise, our varied selection of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions from Amsterdam to Brussels and back lets you experience Holland and Belgium in the ways that move you most. Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Soak in castle and farmland views on a walk through the woods and dunes of Domburg. •Pedal past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages through the Dutch countryside.•Take an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam to see the design highlights of Europe’s largest seaport.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Visit a century-old oyster farm in Middleburg and savor the catch of the day.•Paint the town red, green or whatever color you choose on an interactive tour of Ghent’s Graffiti Street.•Discover your inner artist at a Delft tile pottery workshop in Rotterdam or a painting class in Amsterdam. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the waterways of Holland and Belgium.

  1. Day 1
    AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
    Tue, Jun 16, 2026
    How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®.

    Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

    Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

    During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

    Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

    (D)

  2. Day 2
    MIDDELBURG
    Wed, Jun 17, 2026
    A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade

    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

    ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:

    DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family-owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied by a glass of wine is the perfect ending to this beautiful experience, OR:

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

    (B,L,D)

  3. Day 3
    GHENT, BELGIUM
    Thu, Jun 18, 2026
    Flemish Artwork and Street Artists

    ACTIVE Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser-known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:

    DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:

    CLASSIC Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

    Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming patrician houses. You won’t miss the opportunity to explore Ghent since this Optional Excursion ends with an orientation walk of the "Diamond of Flanders."

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    BRUSSELS
    Fri, Jun 19, 2026
    Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet

    ACTIVE Take a Bike Tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:

    DISCOVERY Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.

    The afternoon is free to explore Brussels —considered home to the European Union--and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.

    Later enjoy live entertainment onboard.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

    (B,L,D)

  5. Day 5
    ANTWERP
    Sat, Jun 20, 2026
    Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens’ Art

    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

    ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don’t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world*, OR:

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

    This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM

    (B,L,D)

    *Not available on departures 507 & 903 as closed on Mondays.

  6. Day 6
    ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND
    Sun, Jun 21, 2026
    Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons

    ACTIVE Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city ‘De Rotterdam,’ and the iconic Central Station. In the city center, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers. OR:

    DISCOVERY Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter’s room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile, OR:

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.

    Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

    In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

    (B,L,D)

  7. Day 7
    AMSTERDAM
    Mon, Jun 22, 2026
    Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

    ACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Tour which provides a unique perspective of Amsterdam from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:

    DISCOVERY Take a Tour to the Street Art Museum, see nearly 200 large-scale artworks featuring artists from around the world. Afterwards, attend a hands-on workshop with an instructor who will guide you in creating your own group mural to discover your inner artist, OR:

    CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

    This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

    (B,L,D)

  8. Day 8
    AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
    Tue, Jun 23, 2026
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

    (B)

Countries Visited

Belgium, Netherlands

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.



Accommodation Information

Port Charges:
$231 are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

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
4.4
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 67 reviews - currently showing 20 reviews with comments only

Great service. All done quickly & efficiently. Great cruise. Great price

This was my fourth river cruise with Avalon, and I love everything about them! The ships, the rooms, the staff, the food - all excellent. The staterooms have every imaginable convenience. The variety and quality of the meals are top notch. The staff was incredibly helpful and cheerful, and they are welcoming to solo travelers, like myself. I would happily book a fifth European cruise with them, until I run out of rivers!

Had a wonderful time. Everything was to our expectations and more. Will do it again.

Avalon had all details worked out, never felt confused or unsure of the daily activities. Worry free vacation

Our Cruise Director Yony was fabulous our waiter/waitress

Nina was just terrific, very informed about traveling with tips to help novice travelers. Any questions we had she answered promptly, found all the discounts she could which made the tip more affordable for us. I would highly recommend her as we are going to use her to book again for our next adventure.

Overall a great trip since my wife and I did a lot of things on our own with the Captain's blessing like riding bikes along the Danube and meeting the boat at the next port. If you are looking for an active trip with lots to do, Avalon's Active Discovery cruise would be for you.

We were very pleased with everything. Only one area that was somewhat disappointing. Our train ride for our extended days in Paris. There were four couples, eight people. We all had first class tickets and two couples, four people were in one car and were offered two meals; breakfast, lunch and drinks. Two couples, four people (us in our car) were not offered any food. So upon arrival two couples were able to start touring immediately. We had to find something to eat first at our own expense.

Sailing with Avalon was fantastic. The ship was really nice - like new even thou it was 4 years old, The food and drinks provided were gourmet cuisine. The tour director Monica was wonderful- extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The crew was great - so friendly and bent over backwards to serve us with a smile. Avalon did a great job getting people to feel comfortable and interact with each other. We all felt like good friends at the end of the trip. The included tours were excellent - led by knowledgeable persons native to the countries who shared much local history. Since the Danube was low we were unable to start our cruise in Nuremburg as planned, but Avalon took us all at no additional cost to a great classical concert in Vienna which was an optional excursion previously. The optional excursions were also excellent - a good variety led by knowledgeable locals who really wanted to share with us everything they could to help us understand the history as well as the present day political and economic situations in these various countries. I admit the great weather may have helped our overall great experience, but I cannot say enough good things about traveling with Avalon. I would definitely recommend them to friends and would love to travel with them again soon.

Best experience ever! From booking to traveling, just what was expected.

Avalon provides great service, excellent meals and a beautiful ship to travel on.

Everything was well done - including late breakfast!

The cruise director was was excellent. The entire staff on the Avalon Impression was amazing!

These Avalon guys are great! Food, accommodations, people - hard to find fault with anything. We saved quite a bit by booking an early season cruise and could see why. The weather was okay, but not great, and the flowers in The Netherlands were a little short of their peak.

Avalon continues to provide a superior class service for the price. Our river cruise boat had a large cabin with ample space, and a bathroom big enough that two people could use it at the same time when getting ready. The personal service by not only the cruise director, but all the staff on board, was excellent. I would not hesitate to use Avalon in the future.

The hotel in Prague was not near the city center, requiring a subway ride to get to the historic area. The hotel was very nice, but staying in the historic area has benefits. Also the choice of restaurants at the hotel we stayed at were limited.

Absolutely a wonderful trip! The Capitals of Europe River Cruise was excellent, and we added Berlin to our experience. I would recommend Avalon Waterways as the "only" way to travel down the Danube. We are looking forward to another River Cruise in the future!

Everything was great with the exception of the last part of the trip, we were supposed to be staying at the intercontinental hotel in Prague and to our surprise we were at the Hilton and we had extended our time in Prague and had to switch hotels. Other than that it was a great trip! 

Staff on the boat were great ! We had a serious problem with luggage on the trip. No luggage for 4 days. The staff helped in any way they could. Because of Easter we were unable to shop for anything and they washed clothes for free and gave us some badly needed toilet articles.

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