Dutch Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Welcome to the ‘Venice of the North.’ Your journey begins in Amsterdam, a city defined by its 17th-century canal rings and vibrant, artistic soul. Upon boarding your Scenic Space-Ship, you’ll be greeted by your crew and personal butler. Spend the afternoon settling into your suite or taking a preliminary stroll along the Amstel River. This evening, join your Captain for a welcome cocktail followed by a gala dinner as the ship prepares to navigate the historic waterways of the Low Countries.

The morning brings you to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland. You may choose to explore its historic center or head directly to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk. Here, nineteen perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills stand as a testament to the Dutch mastery of water. Whether you choose a guided tour inside a working mill or a scenic bike ride along the dykes, the sight of these wooden giants spinning against the vast Dutch sky is the quintessential image of the Netherlands. Later, enjoy a tasting of local Dutch cheeses as you sail toward Belgium.

Anchor in the charming fishing village of Veere, once a thriving hub of the wool trade. Today, its quiet streets and historic ‘Scots Houses’ offer a peaceful retreat. For those interested in modern marvels, visit the Delta Works—a massive storm surge barrier system often called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Alternatively, explore the medieval town of Middelburg on a guided walking tour. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a coffee on a quayside terrace or cycle through the dunes before the ship sets course for the diamond capital of the world.

Antwerp is a city of layers, where medieval history meets cutting-edge fashion and world-class diamond trading. Your morning exploration might lead you to the Grote Markt, centered by the Brabo Fountain and surrounded by ornate guildhalls. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, or join a culinary tour to discover why Belgium is the world’s gold standard for chocolate and waffles. For a more intimate look at history, visit the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed 16th-century printing press that feels like stepping back 400 years into the heart of the Renaissance.

Today explores the resilience and royalty of the Netherlands. In Arnhem, famously the site of ‘A Bridge Too Far,’ you can visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein to learn about the pivotal WWII paratrooper operations. For a more regal experience, choose a visit to Paleis Het Loo, the former summer residence of the Dutch Royal Family. The palace’s baroque gardens and opulent interiors provide a window into the life of the House of Orange-Nassau. As you return to the ship, the lush riverbanks provide a scenic backdrop for an evening of fine dining and local Belgian beer.

Hoorn was once one of the most prosperous ports of the Dutch East India Company, and that Golden Age wealth is still visible in the town’s gabled houses and historic harbor. You may choose to explore the town on foot or take a guided excursion to the nearby Enkhuizen Zuiderzee Museum, which recreates Dutch life as it was centuries ago. For those seeking activity, the flat polders around Hoorn are perfect for an e-bike ride through traditional Dutch villages. This evening, enjoy a local musical performance on board as the ship makes its final approach back toward Amsterdam.

The grand finale of your journey is a celebration of the Dutch spring. Travel to Keukenhof Gardens, where over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create a kaleidoscopic landscape of color. It is one of the world’s largest floral displays, accessible only for a few weeks each year. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam for a canal cruise through the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways, passing under historic bridges and past narrow merchant houses. For your final evening, a farewell dinner on board serves as the perfect bookend to your exploration of the Low Countries.

After a final breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers. Your butler will assist with your luggage as you disembark for your transfer to Schiphol Airport or your post-cruise hotel. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the scent of the spring blooms and the timeless image of windmills on the horizon—a properly executed journey through the heart of the Low Countries.