Best of Holland & Belgium

There's an optional 2-night pre-cruise experience in Amsterdam (Sept 23 - 25). Includes hotel, breakfast, excursions, and transfers to the boat.

The cost is $1,050 per person, double occupancy. ($1,700 for single occupancy).

BONUS: If you book your air through Ama, they'll take care of your transfers. Please also consider giving yourself a one-day buffer in the event of travel delays. 

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise. (D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Kampen. From this port, you may venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice.” Capture wonderful photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, which are seemingly lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Alternatively, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Utrecht. This city has served as the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and is 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. For more active exploration, cycle with your bike guide and make your way through the city along canals and historic streets.

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)

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. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, a 13th-century fortified castle built to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Flanders. (B,L,D)

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 culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy 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)

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, 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)

Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

THE ITINERARY: 

Looking for a deeper dive into this cruise itinerary? 

Check out Ama Waterway's round-trip Amsterdam-to-Amsterdam itinerary here. 

THE YACHT:

Learn more about the AmaSofia, our yacht for this journey, here. 

SPECIAL OFFER!

Register before July 31st and save $750 per person. As of August 1st, the standard group discount applies.

ASK ME ABOUT THE ONE-CATEGORY COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE AND PREPAID GRATUITIES BONUS OFFER!

Stateroom Options:
Suite $8,528 (before 7/31; $9.028 starting 8/1)
Category AA $7,128 (before 7/31; $7,628 starting 8/1)
Category AB $6,928 (before 7/31; $7,428 starting 8/1)
Category BA $6,728 (before 7/31; $7,228 as of 8/1)
Category BB $6,528 (before 7/31; $7,028 after 8/1)
Category CA $5,928 (before 7/31; 6,428 after 8/1)
Category CB $5,528 (before 7/31; $6,028 after 8/1)
Category D$4,379 (before 7/31; 4,879 after 8/1)
Category E $4,329 (before 7/31; $4,829 after 8/1)

*This special group pricing is per person at double occupancy and includes all port charges, taxes, and fees. 

Past cruisers will enjoy additional discounts and benefits. Ask me for details.

A $400 deposit (50% non-refundable) holds your spot. Balance is due June 27, 2027.

We will be traveling on the new (2026) AmaSofia. Click here for a closer look at the ship and your stateroom options. 

HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• All gourmet, award-winning food onboard.
• Unlimited fine wine and beer with lunch and dinner.
• Luxury accommodations and stellar views from your stateroom.
• All excursions, including an array of hiking, biking, and leisurely walking tours. 
• Wellness classes are held onboard every morning.
• Guest lectures 
• And so much more...

Also, if we book your airline tickets through AmaWaterways (they have terrific contracted rates with the airlines), you'll enjoy free airport transfers.

HERE'S WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips and gratuities (unless otherwise stated)
• Items of a personal nature
• Airport transfers (unless you purchase air through Ama Waterways)
• Anything not expressly listed in the inclusions above

Late September brings comfortable autumn weather to both Holland and Belgium, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 66°F (15°C to 19°C) and cooler evenings dipping to 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C). The weather can be wonderfully varied, with sunny skies giving way to occasional rain showers, so be sure to pack layers and a lightweight waterproof jacket to stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Many travel experts consider September one of the best times to visit Holland and Belgium, as the countryside begins to glow with autumn colors and the seasonal foods, local beers, and festive flavors of fall start to emerge.

For all other questions related to your Ama Waterways river cruise, check out the frequently asked questions here.

That's what I'm here for! Email [email protected] with all your questions, and let's get you one step closer to your river cruise.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out our FAQs here.