Exclusive Tour with Barefoot Travel
8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam
April 10-17, 2027
Hello! My name is Sarah, Owner of Barefoot Travel, a local Niagara-based travel agency. I want to invite you to join me on this unforgettable springtime river cruise through Belgium and Holland.
In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to experience this cruise myself, and I absolutely fell in love with every moment. From strolling the quaint towns, to meeting friendly locals, and discovering the breathtaking sites, this journey captured my heart. It was such a magical experience that I now want to share it with you, so you can enjoy the beauty, culture, and charm of these remarkable countries on your own river cruise adventure.
Your springtime river cruise begins in the vibrant Dutch capital of Amsterdam, a city with over 700 years of history. Before embarking, enjoy time to explore its iconic architecture, charming cafés, and world-class dining. From here, your journey continues through Holland and Belgium, sailing past the impressive harbor of Rotterdam, often regarded as one of the busiest ports in the world.
A highlight for many is a visit to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, famously known as the “Garden of Europe.” Spanning 70 acres of landscaped parkland and tranquil lakes, Keukenhof showcases nearly seven million blooming bulbs, creating a breathtaking display of spring color that delights garden lovers and photographers alike.
The cruise continues to Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, where centuries of diamond-trading history blend seamlessly with striking modern architecture and historic monuments. In Ghent, discover the city’s rich heritage on a guided tour with a local expert, including a visit to the magnificent St. Baaf’s Cathedral.
Crossing back into Holland, you’ll explore Middelburg, once a prosperous trading hub. Its historic affluence is still evident today in landmarks such as the Gothic Town Hall, Abbey Tower, and lively Market Square. Your journey comes full circle as you return to Amsterdam for more time to explore this captivating city, highlighted by a scenic canal cruise along the elegant grachten, lined with beautifully preserved homes from the Dutch Golden Age.
Avalon Active & Discovery Excursions
Avalon Waterways’ Active & Discovery Excursions are designed for curious, engaged travellers who want to experience Europe beyond the postcard views. These included excursions go deeper into each destination, offering hands-on experiences, cultural immersion, and opportunities to explore at your own pace.
Active Excursions are perfect for guests who enjoy movement and adventure. Options may include guided biking along scenic river paths, invigorating hikes through vineyards and historic landscapes, or walking tours that cover more ground while still allowing time to soak in local sights and stories. These excursions are led by knowledgeable local guides and tailored to be engaging—not extreme—so they’re accessible for most active travellers.
Discovery Excursions focus on learning, culture, and authentic local experiences. Guests might participate in cooking demonstrations, tastings with local artisans, behind-the-scenes cultural visits, or workshops that bring regional traditions to life. These experiences are designed to connect travellers with the heart of each destination in a meaningful and memorable way.
With Avalon, you can choose the experience that best suits your interests and energy level each day—whether that means exploring actively, discovering something new, or simply enjoying the journey. There’s no pressure to keep up, just the freedom to travel your way.
Cruising with Avalon Waterways
Cruising with Avalon Waterways is more than just a vacation—it’s an invitation to see Europe in a whole new way. Their river cruises combine comfort, elegance, and personalized exploration, allowing you to experience the culture, history, and beauty of each destination up close.
Onboard, Avalon’s Suite Ships offer spacious accommodations with wall-to-wall panoramic windows, private balconies, and thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation and convenience. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll feel the warmth and attention to detail that make your journey truly unforgettable.
Avalon’s included excursions are carefully curated to suit every traveler. Active excursions are perfect for those who love to explore on foot or by bike, while Discovery and Classic excursions offer rich cultural experiences, from guided city tours to immersive visits to local markets, castles, and gardens. And for moments when you want to wander at your own pace, the flexible schedule gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems independently.
Dining onboard is a highlight of the Avalon experience. Enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine while taking in the ever-changing scenery of Europe’s rivers. From casual meals to elegant dinners, each dining experience is designed to delight your palate and complement your journey.
One of the true joys of cruising with Avalon is the unique perspective you gain from the river. Instead of rushing between cities, you glide gently from one scenic destination to the next, waking up each morning in a new city, ready to explore. Whether it’s the colorful tulip fields of Holland, the historic streets of Belgium, or the iconic canals of Amsterdam, every day is a new adventure.
With Avalon Waterways, you don’t just see Europe—you experience it fully, with comfort, style, and flexibility that makes every moment unforgettable.
Discover Avalon’s Panorama Suites — The Ultimate in River Cruise Comfort
One of the most remarkable features of an Avalon Waterways cruise is the experience of staying in a Panorama Suite — thoughtfully designed, spacious accommodations that redefine river cruising comfort.
Avalon’s Panorama Suites are significantly larger than industry standard, giving you room to relax, unwind, and truly enjoy your time on board. What sets them apart is the innovative wall‑to‑wall, floor‑to‑ceiling panoramic windows that open wide to create a true Open‑Air Balcony — letting you enjoy fresh air, riverside views, and the feeling of gliding through Europe right from the comfort of your suite.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Generous living space with contemporary, comfortable design
- Plush bedding and premium linens for a great night’s sleep
- Thoughtfully appointed bathrooms and storage for all your cruise essentials
- A seating area perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while watching the river pass by
Whether you’re watching the sunrise over quaint villages, the changing light over historic cities, or the lush countryside unfold between ports, your Panorama Suite becomes a front‑row seat to Europe’s most iconic scenery.
Avalon’s Panorama Suites bring the beauty of the destination into your living space, so every moment of your journey — from dawn to dusk — feels open, bright, and unforgettable.
Tulip Time Cruise – Holland & Belgium
Experience the beauty of spring as you sail through Holland and Belgium, enjoy included excursions, and relax in Avalon’s Panorama Suites with breathtaking river views.
AVALON PANORAMA - Click here ( https://www.avalonwaterways.ca/river-cruise-ships/avalon-panorama/) to view details on the ship, including a video of the ship, stateroom description, and deck plans.
Key Features & Highlights:
- Duration/Route: 7-night/8-day cruise, typically starting and ending in Amsterdam, featuring stops in Holland and Belgium.
- Keukenhof Gardens: A highlight visit to the "Garden of Europe," featuring 70 acres of parkland and millions of bulbs.
- Active & Discovery Options: Daily choices include guided city walks, canal cruises, biking tours through the Dutch countryside, or visits to specialized, smaller tulip fields.
- Cultural Immersion: Stops often include the Delta Works, historic towns of Middelburg and Veere, and the artistic city of Ghent.
- Onboard Experience: Ships feature Panorama Suites with open-air balconies, FlexDining options, and an Adventure Host for active excursions.
Book by Thursday, March 25, 2026, to be included in an Exclusive Niagara Tulip Event being held in May. Book by this date, and you will have an exclusive invite to a local tulip farm for a group picture and a bunch of tulips. Then, we will visit a local winery so you have a chance to meet fellow cruisers.
A non-refundable deposit of 250 CAD per person is due to guarantee stateroom.
Itinerary
AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Holland! Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 PM, with all guests required to be on board by 5:00 PM.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and begin discovering this delightful 700-year-old city, known for its elegant architecture, charming cafés, inviting restaurants, and lively marketplaces.
This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers and take time to explore the ship as you settle in for your first night on board.
Rotterdam Dutch Treats and Floral Delights
Active Excursion
Explore Rotterdam on foot with your Adventure Host and experience the city up close.
Classic Excursion
Choose a full- or half-day guided tour of Keukenhof Gardens, famously known as the “Garden of Europe.” Wander through 70 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland and lakes, home to the world’s largest flower gardens, where more than seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other bulbs bloom each spring.
Classic Excursion (Alternative)
Opt for a guided sightseeing tour of Rotterdam, highlighting the city’s innovative and modern architecture, including the striking Erasmus Bridge.
Enjoy free time along Rotterdam’s harbor—perhaps with an artisan beer, a slice of traditional appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a local favorite made with equal parts coffee and milk. You may also borrow a bike from the ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area at your own pace.
Before dinner, relax and take in the sights on a cruise through Rotterdam Harbor.
Later in the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Evening / Overnight Cruise to Antwerp
Included Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
While a variety of excursions are included with your cruise, additional optional experiences may be available for purchase to further enhance your free time.
Antwerp, Belgium Cathedrals, Carats & Crêpes
Active Excursion
Discover Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, riding through historic neighborhoods and along the city’s scenic waterfront.
Classic Excursion
Join a guided tour of Antwerp, a refined and historic city known for its art and architecture. Visit the lively Grote Markt, lined with beautifully preserved 16th-century guildhall houses, and admire the impressive City Hall. The tour also includes the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, home to stunning altarpiece paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.
Optional Excursion
Alternatively, you may choose a guided optional excursion to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, where grand palaces and striking cathedrals reflect the city’s rich political and cultural history.
If you prefer independent exploration, enjoy time at leisure sampling Antwerp’s famous Belgian waffles and crêpes, or wander this wonderfully bike-friendly city—from its historic wharfs to the renowned Diamond District.
Evening / Overnight Cruise to Ghent
Included Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Ghent Medieval Marvels & Canals
Active Excursion
Cycle through Ghent’s charming streets and along its scenic canals with your Adventure Host, discovering hidden corners and historic landmarks along the way.
Classic Excursion
Join a guided tour of Ghent, one of Belgium’s most enchanting cities. Visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and explore the Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress that tells the story of Ghent’s rich history. Stroll along the picturesque canals and through lively squares, experiencing the city’s vibrant culture and architecture.
At leisure, enjoy time to wander Ghent’s quaint shops, cafés, and galleries, or simply relax along the canal and watch the city come alive.
Evening / Overnight Cruise to Middelburg
Included Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Middelburg, Holland - Veere, Historic Middelburg & Dutch Elegance
Active Excursion
Take a guided bike ride through Middelburg, exploring the city’s historic streets and scenic surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Classic Excursion
Discover Middelburg on a guided walking tour, once a thriving trading hub of Holland. Admire the impressive Gothic Town Hall, climb the Abbey Tower for panoramic views, and stroll through the bustling Market Square, soaking in the city’s rich history and elegant architecture.
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps stopping at a café for a traditional Dutch treat, or simply taking in the charming streets and canals of this historic city.
Evening / Overnight Cruise to Willemstad
Included Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Willemstad
Start your morning in the charming Dutch town of Willemstad, known for its historic harbor and iconic windmills.
Choose the excursion style that suits your travel style:
Active Excursion:
Join your Adventure Host for a guided bike ride through Willemstad, exploring scenic pathways, historic streets, and picturesque views of the harbor and countryside.
Classic Excursion:
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Willemstad, where you’ll discover beautifully restored buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, along with the town’s fascinating maritime history.
Discovery Excursion:
Back on board, indulge in a Dutch cheese tasting, a delicious way to experience one of the Netherlands’ most famous culinary traditions. In the afternoon, relax on board as your ship sets sail toward Amsterdam, cruising through the scenic waterways of the Netherlands.
Meals Included:
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Overnight:
Cruising to Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Canal Cruise
Spend your final day back in Amsterdam, revisiting your favorite sights or exploring areas you may have missed at the start of the cruise.
Classic Excursion
Take a guided canal cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic grachten, lined with elegant homes dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. Enjoy the city from a unique perspective as your guide shares stories of its history and architecture.
Alternatively, spend the day exploring Amsterdam at your own pace, wandering markets, museums, and charming neighborhoods, or indulging in a leisurely lunch at a local café.
Evening Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner on board, sharing memories of your springtime adventure through Holland and Belgium.
Included Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Amsterdam, Departure
After breakfast, your cruise concludes. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward journey home. Flights should depart according to your travel plans.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Dates: April 10 – April 17, 2027
Departure & Return: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cruise-Only Pricing (per person, twin occupancy):
| Suites | Price pp twin occupancy CAD | Price single supplement plus CAD |
| Panorama Suites CAT B | $7255 | $6498 |
| Panorama Suites CAT A | $7305 | $6576 |
| Panorama Suites CAT P | $7355 | $6653 |
Pricing includes Port Charges & Pre-Paid Gratuities
Airfare, transfers, pre- and post-stay, and travel insurance not included.
Book by Thursday, March 25, 2026, to be included in an Exclusive Niagara Tulip Event being held in May. Book by this date, and you will have an exclusive invite to a local tulip farm for a group picture and a bunch of tulips. Then, we will visit a local winery so you have a chance to meet fellow cruisers.
A non-refundable deposit of 250 CAD per person is due to guarantee
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
