Best of Holland & Belgium (Christmas)

Day

Date

Arrival

Departure

13th Dec 2025 Saturday

Amsterdam

Day Overview

AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.

Experiences

Activity

EMBARKATION

About Amsterdam

There is a fairytale quality to the tree-lined canal streets of Amsterdam. Boutiques, cafes, apartments and hotels may hide behind the facades of the gabled townhouses, but the look of this beautiful old city has not changed much since its 17th-century Golden Age. Some 7,000 historic buildings remain, many of them beautiful merchants' mansions, located along canals that are laid out in five concentric circles, connected by bridges and intriguing small streets. No matter how many times you walk along the canals, they are enchanting to see, even when traffic and whizzing bicycles dispel the Old-World illusion. On a silent Sunday morning or on a summer evening when the old facades are floodlit, the city is magical.

Amsterdam is small enough that much of the city can be covered on foot, allowing visitors to savor sights such as the charming no-two-alike gables atop the houses, houseboats bedecked with potted greenery and masses of blooms in the colorful, floating flower market. Shops offering antiques and avant-garde art beckon everywhere. Outdoor markets, selling everything from postage stamps and parakeets to "junk-tiques," are another intriguing facet of the city.

Considered one of Europe's major art capitals, Amsterdam boasts three great Dutch museums as well as a branch of the Hermitage, the famous trove of art treasures in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Anne Frank House and Rembrandt's home are also popular attractions. In the performing arts, the city has two international stars: the National Ballet and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. (A 2008 poll from classical music magazine Gramophone called the latter the world's best.)

The canal streets of the old city are protected by ordinance and will never change, but Amsterdam is expanding outward and architecture buffs will find both modern and historic neighborhoods to explore. Though quite close to the old city, Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), known as "the wave" for its free-form facade (shaped like a whale), is the part of the Eastern Docklands area where shipping docks have given way to neighborhoods of striking contemporary design that now house more than 20,000 people. Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, a concert hall for jazz and modern music, is adjacent to the terminal, and ongoing construction will bring many more amenities, including hotels.

With so much to see and do, Amsterdam makes for a rewarding stay before or after cruising.

14th Dec 2025 Sunday

Amsterdam

Day Overview

AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B,L,D)

Experiences

Activity

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Activity

Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam

About Amsterdam

14th Dec 2025 Sunday

Utrecht

Day Overview

Experiences

Activity

Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit

Activity

Castle de Haar visit

Activity

Bike tour

About Utrecht

Utrecht, a vibrant city in the Netherlands, combines rich history with modern charm. Its iconic canals, medieval architecture, and the stunning Dom Tower create a picturesque backdrop. Utrecht is also known for its lively cultural scene, featuring festivals, museums, and a thriving university community. A delightful destination to explore!

15th Dec 2025 Monday

Hellevoetsluis

Day Overview

HELLEVOETSLUIS, NETHERLANDS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your time here, you can tour of this medieval harbor town and see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You may also choose to visit a traditional Dutch flat bottom boat. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B,L,D)

Experiences

Activity

Cruising the Delta

Activity

Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour

Activity

Delta Works and Flood Museum Tour

Activity

Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit

Activity

Haringylietdam bike tour

16th Dec 2025 Tuesday

Ghent

Day Overview

GHENT, BELGIUM. There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D). . *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Experiences

Activity

Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour

Activity

Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit*

Activity

Bike tour

Activity

Highlights of Bruges tour

Activity

Castle of the Counts of Flanders

About Ghent

Brugge (Bruges) may be the better known -- and possibly better looking -- of Belgium's medieval cities, but Ghent (Gent) is a viable alternative, as it is larger (twice the population), more authentic and less crowded, especially during the busy summer months. Its central location puts it almost equidistant from Brugge, Brussels and Antwerp.

In medieval times, Ghent was second only to Paris in power and population. The source of its wealth was the making of cloth, using imported English wool. Ghent was also once a major trading port, due to its ideal location at the intersection of two rivers (Schelde and Leie) and along a network of connecting canals. Today, the waterways are used mostly for pleasure barges and sightseeing launches -- the latter recommended as an alternative to walking -- and the city's heady past is reflected in the richness of its civic, commercial, religious and residential architecture.

Ghent is reached via the cruise ports of Antwerp or Zeebrugge. (River boat passengers arrive just outside the city center.) No need to be cooped up in a bus there -- the best methods of transportation are two feet, two wheels or a boat. In fact, most of Ghent's historic center is car-free, and its narrow lanes are inviting to explore. And, when you're not walking, feel free to stare at the city's eclectic architecture -- whether it be the three towers of Ghent (the belfry, St. Bavo's Cathedral and St. Nicholas' Church), the foreboding Gravensteen Castle, the schizophrenic Stadhuis or the elegant facades along the Graslei and Korenlei Rivers.

17th Dec 2025 Wednesday

Brussels

Day Overview

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. In the afternoon, visit Beersel Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, south of Brussels. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting (B,L,D)

Experiences

Activity

“Capital of Belgium” tour

Activity

Laeken bike tour

Activity

Beersel Castle tour

Activity

Belgian chocolate tasting

About Brussels

If you've been to Brussels before, chances are you were there on a business trip. After all, only one-third of the 6 million people who visit Belgium's capital each year do so for pleasure. Of the tourists who visit the country, many skip over Brussels in their rush to see the scenic canals and cobblestones of nearby Bruges. But as locals will make a point of noting, there's much more to Belgium than Bruges. The city boasts it's "the heart of Europe" for its role as the capital of the European Union and its multiculturalism. Locals say that the March 22, 2016, terrorist attacks, which took place at Brussels Airport and a subway station that killed 32 people, were an act of extremist individuals and not indicative of the city as a whole. Indeed, a makeshift memorial to the victims features chalked messages of love and peace on buildings and on cobblestones in multiple languages and alphabets. The messages include "Love wins," "Je suis Bruxelles" and "Hart bove Haat." Visitors should move beyond Brussels' modern and somewhat sanitary government buildings of the Quartier European and instead dive deeper into into the historical heart of the city. In its intimate historic core, centuries-old houses hug narrow cobblestone alleyways, neatly dressed waiters serve lunch on the terraces along the Place du Grand Sablon, and the mighty Gothic spire of the Hotel de Ville soars above Grand Place, one of Europe's most magical squares. South of the center, you'll see the curving facades and wrought-iron balconies of the city's gracious Art Nouveau neighborhood, while to the north, you'll find the wide green lawns and the vibrant blooms of the Botanic Garden. The city has expanded its pedestrianized central zone, turning the area around the Place de la Bourse into a place for street acrobats and musicians to showcase their talents. It's easy to walk to most places you'll want to visit, but for those who need a ride, taxis are easily hailed. Art, history and culture are celebrated in more than 100 museums throughout the city, featuring everything from delicate Belgian lace to musical instruments and vintage cars. The newest offering is the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art, MIMA, in the Molenbeek neighborhood, which features different exhibits, mostly be street artists. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium recently opened a unique exhibition of the work of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, with videos and displays allowing for a deeper look at the lost master's works. Brussels also has a sense of fun and whimsy. Cartoon murals adorn the facades of buildings throughout the old city, a tribute to the comic strip tradition that thrived in Belgium in the early-20th century. The Belgian Comic Strip Center includes a museum that looks at pioneers of the genre as well as contemporary masters and up-and-coming artists. Permanent exhibitions address the invention of comic strips and a deeper look at the art of the Smurfs. (Yes, the Smurfs!) An even older tradition involves the city's most famous mascot, Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. Locals delight in dressing him up in various costumes (Elvis, Mozart, a vampire, a samurai warrior) and occasionally substituting beer for water in his stream. In 1987 Jeanneke Pis, a female counterpart to the famous statue was erected in another section of the city. And as if that wasn't enough, in 1998, a canine counterpart to the two was erected as a tongue-in-cheek tribute. (All this little bronze dog needs is a fire hydrant!) Just in case statues of peeing children aren't enough of a draw, here's perhaps the best reason to visit Brussels: With the businesspeople tucked away in the modern part of town and a good portion of Belgium's tourists fighting the crowds in Bruges, it's easier there than in most European capitals to find a quiet corner to call your own.

18th Dec 2025 Thursday

Antwerp

Day Overview

ANTWERP, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s famous chocolates and waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B,L,D)

Experiences

Activity

“City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit

Activity

Bike tour

Activity

Belgian beer tour

Activity

Flavors of Belgium

Activity

Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum

About Antwerp

Flanders, the northern half of Belgium, has four lovely cities to visit. Brussels is the national capital, and it's full of well-heeled diplomats as the home of the European Union. Brugge by comparison is tiny and almost impossibly beautiful in its own medieval way. Ghent can be a tourist trap, but it's also very much a place for students. Antwerp, of the four, is the trendiest. It's the fashion hub of the Low Countries and a renowned center in the international diamond industry. "Cut in Antwerp" commands international respect in jewelry circles.

Though it receives its share of visitors, drawn to its churches, medieval guild houses and winding backstreets, Antwerp is the least touristy of Belgium's Big Four. Everyday life goes on, largely undisturbed by visitors, and it goes on with enthusiasm. There are lots of places to eat in Antwerp, but the majority are full of locals.

Antwerp is also home to one of the pre-eminent collections of artwork by the painter Peter Paul Rubens, who spent much of his life there. Visitors can tour the house where he ate, slept and painted, and then check out samples of his work in the Cathedral of Our Lady. A more 19th-century kind of art can be found across town in the stylish residential neighborhood of Zurenborg, where most of the opulent mansions are showcases of Art Nouveau architecture and interior design.

Antwerpenaars are very proud of their city. In fact, someone whose parents were both born in Antwerp can refer to himself as a "sinjoor" from the Spanish, Senor. The people of Antwerp are also proud of their Flemish identity. Belgium has long been governed by a French-speaking minority based in Wallonia, the southern half of the country. Antwerp has led the Flanders region in maintaining the Flemish language, cuisine and culture. This has occasionally been taken to extremes, particularly by the Antwerp-based political party Vlaam Belang, which has pushed an anti-French-speaking agenda and campaigned for Flemish independence.

While most Antwerpennaars do not hold such extreme views, there is still a lingering rivalry within Belgium between Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. Visitors should be aware that speaking French to the locals in Antwerp may sometimes be received as rude or insulting. If you don't know Flemish (or Dutch, to which it's quite similar), try English instead.

19th Dec 2025 Friday

Dordrecht

Day Overview

DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK, NETHERLANDS. Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)

Experiences

Activity

“Holland’s Oldest City” walking tour

Activity

Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven

Activity

Gorinchem excursion

Activity

Bike tour

About Dordrecht

Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, offers a delightful day out with its historic harbour, charming architecture, and fascinating museums. It's a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy along the way.

19th Dec 2025 Friday

Kinderdijk

Day Overview

Experiences

Activity

Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills

Activity

Kinderdijk bike tour

About Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is a village in the Netherlands in the province South Holland, about 15 km east of Rotterdam. It is situated in a polder at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers. To drain the polder, a system of 19 windmills was built around 1740. This group of mills is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands and was placed on the list of UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

20th Dec 2025 Saturday

Amsterdam

Day Overview

AMSTERDAM. Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B). . (B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.

Experiences

Activity

DISEMBARKATION

About Amsterdam

AmaStella Bars and Lounges

The lounge and bar are located on the Violin Deck and serve as a meeting point for enrichment programs, daily briefings and evening entertainment. The area is bright and cheerful with plenty of seating space arranged in conversational settings. During the evening, before and after dinner, the piano player performs playing a wide range of music and taking requests.

AmaStella Services

The reception deck is open 24/7 to help guests with any questions or needs. Complementary Wi-Fi is offered ship wide with computers in every stateroom. A nice-sized library with several books and board games is located just off the lounge. The gift shop, also on the Violin Deck, features high-end costume jewellery as well as souvenirs representing the countries the ship visits. Laundry service is available for a fee.

On the Piano Deck are the spa and fitness centre. The spa offers 30- and 60-minute massages as well as a hair salon. Reservations are required and prices are very reasonable.

The fitness centre is on the Piano Deck. It is spacious for a river cruise ship and offers two treadmills, two stationary bikes, a resistance band machine, weights and an exercise ball. There is a fitness track on the Sun Deck that is available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pedal bikes are also available; reservations required.