Tulips - And Museums - In Amsterdam With Avalon

The re-opening of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the perfect reason to book an Avalon Waterways Dutch cruise, not only to marvel at the famous treasures on show in the city but to experience Holland’s culture, architecture and landscapes, which many famous artists drew their inspiration from - painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen and Halls, who all feature in a Gallery of Honour at the Dutch state museum after its grand opening last week.

Avalon’s 8-day ‘Tulip Time’ river-cruise takes in all this and more, including the tranquil, open landscapes of Holland and Belgium. Highlights include the Keukenhof’s magnificent spring flowers in amazing displays (above) and the picturesque wooden windmills of Kinderdijk.  Visitors will also enjoy a guided walk in Veere, a canal cruise in cosmopolitan Amsterdam, sightseeing with local guides in Antwerp, Ghent and Middelburg as well as the fascinating city of Maastricht. The voyage is priced from £1,639 per person.

The 8 day ‘Tulips of Northern Holland’ cruise combines the well-known attractions of the Netherlands with those off the beaten track. Cruise from historic Haarlem to explore northern Holland, surrounded in tulip fields, and the charming area of Friesland, famed for its black and white cows. The cruise crosses the Ijsselmeer for a tour of the small town of Hoorn before visiting the pretty coastal town of Enhuizen and its ZuiderZee Museum, the Batavia shipyard in Lelystad, and an historic windmill near the fishing village of Volendam. In Arnhem, guests will visit the the city's Kröller-Müller Museum or nearby Het Loo Palace, and, from Rotterdam, an optional excursion is available to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens. Highlights also include a visit to the famous cheese-making town of Edam, as well as a canal cruise in Amsterdam. It is priced from £1,609 per person. 

Prices quoted include return flights, seven nights full board deluxe cruise with wine served at dinner, private door-to-door home pick-up service, onboard gratuities,  guided city sightseeing and airport transfers. Extra nights in Amsterdam are available from £85 per person.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists.

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Experience Andre Rieu Live With eWaterways

eWaterways, the niche river cruise experts, continue to expand their luxury cruise portfolio with the addition of five-star river yacht Royal Crown. The luxury cruiser renowned for its private members’ club feel and bespoke client service includes a unique opportunity to see André Rieu, the internationally renowned Dutch violinist and composer at the Vrijthof Theatre, as part of her European sailing programme.

The André Rieu Journey is an 8-day river cruise on which guests will discover the historically rich cities of Rotterdam, Willemstad, Veere, Middelburg, Antwerp, Maastricht and Nijmegen. Starting in the celebrated Dutch city of Rotterdam, uests are welcomed onboard with a cocktail reception before settling in to their cabins and enjoying the first of many fine dining experiences.

The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly Maastricht and the evening’s musical event at the Vrijthof. Arriving at daybreak in the famous city, guests will notice how the architecture contrasts that of other Dutch cities due to its Belgian and German influences. The day can be spent sightseeing on an official tour or discovering the traditional market and the sophisticated shopping district before experiencing an unforgettable open air concert hosted by André Rieu and his orchestra at the Vrijthof.

After an exceptional night of classical entertainment, Royal Crown voyages to Nijmegen. Arriving here during the afternoon you will have a few hours of leisure time to explore this pretty waterfront town, set against the dramatic backdrop of the city centre, where old and new combine effortlessly.

Historic buildings have been given a modern twist and its strategic location was the main reason why the Romans established themselves here. The town blossomed under Emperor Karl the Great and Nijmegen later became a member of the Hanseatic League and an important university town. The ship leaves here during the night, heading back towards Rotterdam.

At full capacity, Royal Crown caters for just 88 guests in 44 luxuriously appointed cabins with flatscreen TVs and other mod cons to promise a memorable and refined cruise holiday. Often described as an “Orient Express on Water”, the river yacht exudes 1930s glamour and style with Art Deco design and bespoke butler service.

The 52-strong team caters to individual needs with every comfort onboard considered, from the choice of pillow to a favourite drink. The traditional ambiance and décor is propelled into the 21st century with modern facilities, ncluding a deluxe spa, golf putting area, well-equipped fitness room and 24-hour multimedia business lounge.

The Andre Rieu Journey departs on July 10 for 8 days, starting and finishing in Rotterdam, and includes a ticket to the Andre Rieu concert in his home town of Maastricht. Prices start from £1,299 per person.

For more information, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or the luxury and river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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