Tulips, Windmills, and Rivers: Your Perfect Spring Getaway for 2025 & 2026

Imagine celebrating the end of the winter with a spring Tulip Time Europe river cruise! Imagine Holland’s fields of vibrantly colored tulips.

Tulip Time cruises are uniquely suited for our travelers looking to savor the beauty of spring. Running from late March to early May, these itineraries coincide with the tulip season’s peak bloom, when the Dutch countryside transforms into a colorful quilt of red, pink, orange, purple, and yellow.

Explore the Enchanting World of Tulip Time River Cruises

When springtime arrives in Europe, there is no better way to experience the season’s magic than by embarking on a Tulip season river cruise. These picturesque sailings wind through the heart of the Netherlands and Belgium's vast waterways of charming canals and rivers, showcasing breathtaking fields of tulips, enchanting medieval towns, gothic architecture, and decadent chocolates, along with outstanding beers. If you’re seeking a travel experience that combines nature, culture, and history, a Tulip season cruise offers it all.

Key highlights include:

• Keukenhof Gardens: Often called the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is a must-visit destination. With over seven million flowers in bloom, this sprawling garden offers an unforgettable sensory experience.

• Historic Windmills: Iconic windmills dot the landscape, with sites like Kinderdijk providing a glimpse into the Netherlands’ engineering marvels and centuries-old traditions.

• Amsterdam’s Canals: Many cruises begin or end in Amsterdam, offering a chance to explore its UNESCO-listed canal system and renowned museums.

• Belgian Highlights: Some itineraries extend into Belgium, where you can savor Belgian waffles, chocolates, and the medieval charm of cities like Ghent and Bruges.

The Allure of River Cruising

Unlike ocean cruises, river cruising offers an intimate and leisurely way to explore Europe. Smaller ships mean fewer passengers, personalized service, and a front-row seat to the scenery along the riverbanks. On a Tulip Time cruise, you’ll travel through narrow waterways that ocean liners can’t access, bringing you directly into the heart of cities and villages.

Benefits of river cruising include:

• Unpack Once: Enjoy the convenience of unpacking your bags just once, with your floating hotel transporting you to multiple destinations.

• All-Inclusive Luxury: Many river cruise lines offer inclusive pricing, covering meals, drinks, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi.

• Cultural Immersion: With smaller groups and curated excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to engage more deeply with local traditions and landmarks.

Choosing the Right River Cruise Line

Several river cruise lines offer Tulip Time itineraries, each with its own style and amenities. Here are the five popular options among our clients:

• AmaWaterways

  Known for its luxurious ships, gourmet dining, and wellness programs, AmaWaterways offers a premium experience.

• Viking River Cruises

  With a focus on cultural enrichment and elegant simplicity, Viking is a favorite among seasoned travelers.

  
  

• Avalon Waterways: Avalon’s spacious Panorama Suites and flexible dining options make it an excellent choice for comfort and convenience.

  

  
  

• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: For travelers seeking opulence, Uniworld’s exquisitely designed ships and personalized service stand out.

  
  

  

  
  

• Tauck Tours: Tauck is renowned for its exclusive experiences, small-group excursions, and high-quality service, making it an excellent choice for discerning travelers.

What to Expect on a Tulip Time Cruise Itinerary

A typical Tulip Time cruise lasts 7-10 days and includes a variety of ports and experiences. This AmaWaterways' Tulip Time itinerary e’s an overview of what you can expect:

Day 1 Amsterdam EMBARKATION

Embark your ship in Amsterdam for your 7-night cruise. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam, Kampen

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Kampen. Venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice.” Capture incredible photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, seemingly lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. In the afternoon, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside or visit Flevoland's vibrant tulip fields. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Delta scenic cruising, Bruinisse

After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, join a guided tour to the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee, brimming with delights, from its 16th-century stone-built Gravesteen to its lovely harborside shops and cafes. This excursion includes a photo stop at the Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works. Alternatively, focus your tour on the history of the Delta Works at 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. Prefer discovering Bruinisse on two wheels? Join our guide for an exhilarating bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Ghent

Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral and its Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Those with a sweet tooth can visit a chocolate maker's shop. After being greeted with a glass of champagne, a master chocolatier will brief you on the history of chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to taste different types of pralines - and try your hand at making your own. Alternatively, take a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Grote Markt and Burg Square, visit the centuries-old Church of Our Lady with its prominent spire, and, if you choose, sample some of the local specialties, from Belgian fries to waffles to chocolate, before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Antwerp

Explore this trendy city 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. For a more active exploration of the area, join a guided bike tour. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer. Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Rotterdam

During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. While here, you’ll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum. If you prefer a more active adventure, then go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and past some of its famous landmarks and architecture. 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. Visit a private windmill via electric boat. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. Or, if you wish to explore the history of US immigration, join us on an excursion that visits Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell, plus tour the FENIX Museum of Migration, a former harbor warehouse currently being transformed into this unique educational experience. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Scenic cruising into Amsterdam

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising before venturing out in the afternoon on a smaller boat specially designed to glide beneath the many bridges of Amsterdam. Admire the city’s historic harbor and canals, where you’ll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. Alternatively, marvel at one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof**, which presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe." (B,L,D)

Day 8 Amsterdam DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

The above itinerary, which was in effect on 1/20/24, is subject to change.

When to Book Your Tulip Time Cruise

Tulip Time cruises are highly popular and tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak bloom in mid-April. Most of the time, our clients book their tulip season cruises 9-12 months in advance to secure your preferred cabin type and travel dates. That said, with some luck and flexibility, we sometimes can get winter-weary travelers booked onto a tulip season sailing only a few months away.

If you’re planning a group trip or celebrating a special occasion, booking 12-24 months in advance enables us to get enough cabins and advocate for you with the cruise line for added perks which could include private excursions or a shipboard celebration. And, of course, group discounts.

Packing Tips for a Tulip Time Cruise

Spring weather in the Netherlands and Belgium can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack wisely. Here are some tips:

• Layers: Bring clothing that you can layer, such as sweaters, light jackets, and scarves, to adjust to changing temperatures.

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing plenty of walking during excursions, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is a must.

• Rain Gear: Include a compact umbrella and a waterproof jacket, as spring showers are common.

• Daypack: A small backpack or crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials like water, sunscreen, and your camera.

Enhancing Your Tulip Season Cruise Experience

To make the most of your Tulip Time river cruise, consider the following tips:

1. Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions: Extend your trip with additional days in Amsterdam or other European cities to deepen your exploration.

2. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to savor regional specialties like Dutch stroopwafels, herring, and Belgian mussels with fries. Though your meals are included on the cruise, it’s worth the experience to enjoy regional foods in the local settings.

3. Photography: Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.

4. Engage with Locals: Take the time to chat with locals during excursions to gain insights into their culture and way of life. These encounters during your trip are what you can’t buy.

A Journey to Remember

A Tulip Time river cruise is more than just a vacation. It’s a celebration of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant tulip fields, exploring centuries-old cities, or savoring the flavors of the region, every moment promises to be unforgettable.

As a cruise specialist, I’m here to help you plan every detail of your Tulip-themed Europe river cruise adventure. From selecting the perfect cruise line to arranging pre- and post-cruise experiences, I’ll ensure your journey is seamless and tailored to your preferences.

Don’t wait to make your springtime travel dreams come true for this year or next cruise. Let’s start planning your Tulip Time canal and river cruise today!

Happy Traveling!

-Connie