Compare Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels - Southbound 2023 by Tauck vs Springtime in Holland by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Welcome to Amsterdam / Embark Riverboat

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Train Station to Tauck's riverboat where embarkation begins at 4:00 PM. Settle into your cabin and join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 Amsterdam, historic windmills & a Light Festival

Travel to the Zaanse Schans neighborhood to get an idea of what life was like in 17th- and 18th-century Holland; you'll see the historic windmills and green wooden houses from the period. After lunch onboard ship, the afternoon is free for you to explore Amsterdam as you please. Illuminated artwork and sculptures lining the canals add a special glow to the city's winter landscapes at night, and are a highlight of this evening's festive canal cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 Gouda & Den Haag

A leisurely morning cruise brings you to Schoonhaven in south Holland for a drive to historic Gouda, famous for its namesake cheese, but also inviting with its lesser-known candles – and stroopwafels. Join a local guide for a walking tour of its compact canal-ringed city center – in December the market and Town Hall are stunningly candlelit! Visit 15th-century Sint-Janskerk (the Church of St. John), astonishing with 64 magnificent stained glass windows, many of which date back to the mid-1500s, and see the pride of the town, the monumental 17th-century Waag, (weighing house) and the Town Hall. Credited with inventing stroopwafels, an iconic waffle sandwich with syrup in the center, Gouda was the only city to make them until 1870. Enjoy a demonstration and a tasting during your visit to Gouda today! Continue on to the royal city of Den Haag for a walking tour that includes a visit to Escher in the Palace; housed in an 18th century palace that was once home to the Dutch royal family and is now a museum, it features a permanent exhibition of works by Dutch graphic artist MC Escher.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 4 A Taste of Rotterdam or a Day in Delft

A choice of shore excursions today includes a locally guided walking tour of Rotterdam or a visit to Delft and its porcelain factory. In Rotterdam, view world-class architecture and urban design, along with outdoor sculptures randomly placed, and as you make your way to the city's covered Markthal; topped with sought-after glass-walled apartments, the market is lined with some 96 stalls enticing with a taste of Dutch culinary specialties under an arched fruit-and-vegetable muralled ceiling. Little changed since Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer lived here in the 17th century, the historic center of Delft is a veritable time capsule of medieval treasures and Golden Age glories. Tour the city's Royal Delft factory to learn more about the distinctive blue and white Delftware pottery first introduced by local artisans in the 17th century, before returning to your ship in Rotterdam. Enjoy the chef's signature dinner tonight as your riverboat cruises to Ghent.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 5 City Sightseeing in Ghent & Bruges

Your riverboat arrives in Ghent this morning, one of Belgium's oldest cities. Drive to the fortified medieval city of Bruges for a guided exploration along its meandering canals, magnificent squares, and narrow cobblestone lanes. After time for lunch, enjoy free time to explore as you wish, or depart for Ghent. One of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent is home to gabled guild houses and private mansions and linked by canal bridges. Both cities are best enjoyed on foot. Return to your riverboat for dinner. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Bruges, Belgium

Day 6 Gems of Antwerp

Sugar and diamond trading put Antwerp on the map in the mid-16th century when it was one of Europe's most important cities. Today it is also famous for being the home of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, inviting you to walk in the artist's footsteps and see his masterpieces where he painted them. Traditionally held every December, the Antwerp Christmas Market is spread over different squares of the city, within walking distance of the Grote Markt and other landmarks you'll see today. Guided sightseeing showcases the highlights of Antwerp this morning before returning to your riverboat for an afternoon of cruising and onboard delights.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Antwerp, Belgium

Day 7 Brussels in Winter

Wake up in Brussels this morning, disembarking after breakfast for a tour of the city that visits the enchanting cobblestoned square, Grand-Place, surrounded by ornately gilded 17th-century guildhouses, and the festive holiday markets of Winterfest, infused with the joys and spirit of the season. Time at leisure this afternoon lets you experience winter's wonders in Brussels as you wish. Join us aboard your riverboat this evening for a reception and farewell toast followed by dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour ends: Brussels. Disembark your riverboat by 9:00 AM this morning and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Brussels Airport, Centraal Train Station or Brussels Midi Station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3) - WIJK BIJ DUURSTEDE

Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided visit of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour in Amsterdam. You'll be able to explore and learn about all the must-see and out-of-the-way sites.In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Volendam and Zaanse Schans. Sailing to Wijk Bij Duurstede. Overnight stop.

Day 3 WIJK BIJ DUURSTEDE - ROTTERDAM

This morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an excursion for both packages: The Keukenhof gardens(2)(only on pre-booking before departure). Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.

Day 4 ROTTERDAM - ANTWERP

We'll spend the whole day cruising towards Antwerp. Upon arrival in Antwerp, we'll set out with our hostess to explore the old town.

Day 5 ANTWERP

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of a transfer by coach(1) from Antwerp to Amsterdam (with a supplement). End of our services.