Cruise Description

Explore Holland and Belgium in more ways than ever on this Active &Discovery European cruise. Begin in Amsterdam and sail for Middelburg for a variety of excursions from Classic to Active to Discovery inclusions. Continue to Belgium and marvel at the artistry and natural beauty of the region. In Brussels, walk the ancient streets and sample treats at a Belgian chocolate-making workshop. Explore by bike or take a guided tour! In Antwerp, discover centuries of history. Experience the Red Star Line Museum where brave emigrants boarded ocean liners for America long ago, or see the stunning altarpiece by master painter Rubens in the Cathedral there. Take an architecture tour by bicycle through Rotterdam or create a classic Delft tile in a pottery workshop. Return to Amsterdam to enjoy the colourful city of canals. Take a painting class, ride a bike through the Dutch countryside, or relax on a canal cruise through the grachten of this city of a Golden Age. A fantastic 8-day adventure through Holland and Belgium on this Active & Discovery river cruise in Europe!

Day 1
How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG (D)

Day 2
A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE - Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Tour of the Delta Works, the largest flood-protection system in the world, and a miracle of modern technology, OR:
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT (B,L,D)

Day 3
Flemish Artwork and Street Artists
ACTIVE - Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart,s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore Ghent-"The Diamond of Flanders"- with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You,ll visit St. Bavo,s Cathedral-with its remarkable Flemish artwork.
Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS (B,L,D)

Day 4
Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet
ACTIVE - Take a bike tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes. OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafes, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.
The afternoon is free to explore Brussels -considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.
Later enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP (B,L,D)

Day 5
Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens, Art
Join your Adventure Host for today,s special activities.
ACTIVE - Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don,t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You,ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.
This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp,s signature Belgian waffles and crepes-or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 6
Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons
ACTIVE - Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city 'De Rotterdam', and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers.OR:
DISCOVERY - Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter's room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile,OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.
Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor. In the evening enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 7
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
DISCOVERY - Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters' techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:
DISCOVERY - Visit the Floriade, International Horticoltural Expo, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening that is held every 10 years in the Netherlands, OR:
ACTIVE - Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)