Windmills & Tulips in 'Olde Netherlands'

Welcome to Amsterdam! Your Old Netherlands in the Spring Cruise begins here in the Netherlands’ capital. If your arrival schedule permits, take a Canal Ring (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) tour on the charming waterways lined with 16^th and 17^th century merchants’ homes and warehouses, visit one of the renowned city museums (e.g. Amsterdam Rijksmuseum. Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam), tour the Anne Frank House (note: online tickets are made available on their website two months in advance, please plan accordingly), or simply stroll through the lively streets. This modern city with old world charm and historic significance provides the perfect starting place for your Teeming River Cruises’ tour. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, please join us for a mandatory safety meeting in the lounge.

Explore the historic maritime city of Hoorn, lined with gable brick row houses and stylish shops. This seaport town was one of the trading cities that joined forces to create the Dutch East India Company, explaining Hoorn’s prominence as a center of trade during Holland’s Golden Age. Stroll the Rode Steen, the picturesque main square overlooked by the striking façade of the Westfries Museum and former cheese warehouses. Wander through the lively harbor area, still studded with sailing boats and centuries-old warehouses. Admire the imposing Hoofdtoren defensive tower, dating to the 16^th century. Completely restored in the 1900s, this prominent landmark now houses a restaurant. Pose beside the three bronze cabin boys (representing heroes of the children’s books by Johan Fabricius) on the quay wall and listen with them to “the voice of the sea, which entices and intoxicates”.

Schoonhoven is a charming 13th Century town that is easy to get around by foot. Known as the “Silver City”, Schoonhoven will delight you with its history of artisan gold and silversmiths. Also known for its clocks and variety of shops and boutiques. Visit the Dutch Silver Museum or explore the old city walls of this gorgeous port.

Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a charming village renowned for having the largest concentration of old-style windmills in the Netherlands. At one time, windmills were used to help control flooding in the Netherlands, pumping massive amounts of water out of the lowlands and creating arable land known as polders. Although most windmills have since been replaced by newer technology, a group of 19 impressive 18th-century windmills still function in Kinderdijk. Ascend the steep stairs of a mill and look out over fields which would be nonexistent if it weren’t for this impressive Dutch ingenuity.

You will have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a charming Belgium town. In fact, you can choose between two. Discover the picturesque port city of Ghent known for its medieval architecture. Feast your eyes on the 12th-century Gravensteen castle, the majestic Cathedral of St. Bavo, the Old Market (Groentenmarkt), and the Graslei (i.e. a row of guildhalls along the Graslei Canal). Or you could travel to the captivating Medieval city of Bruges. Not only the capital of West Flanders, this fairy-tale marvel has also earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage City. Step into Bruges and back in time, strolling the cobblestone lanes and dreamy canals. In fact, due to the wealth of canals in Bruges, it is often referred to as “the Venice of the North”.  Enchanting market squares are lined with architectural masterpieces. Taste the old-world charm of the Historic Centre of Bruges, tour the De Halve Brewery, meander through the Markt, or explore the Groeninge Museum. Prepare to lose your heart in this captivating Belgium jewel.

Guests departing on April 2 will need to disembark by 10 AM. 

Vlissingen is a lively seaside and tourist resort that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Boulevard is the most famous part of Vlissingen and runs parallel to the beach with hotels and restaurants sprawling across the promenade. Stroll along this waterfront treasure and experience impressive ships so close you can almost touch them. The city holds 300 monuments to which it owes its typical maritime character.

As you cruise into the major port city of Rotterdam with its impressive skyline, you will understand why it’s often referred to as the “Manhattan on the Meuse”. Although the city dates back to 1340, the city center was almost completely destroyed in World War II. The reconstructed cosmopolitan city is now known for its modern, unique architecture. Some of these architectural highlights are the Cube houses, Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, Van Nelle factory, and Kop van Zuid. For something more quaint head to Delfshaven, one of the most pleasant districts in Rotterdam. Since this area was spared during the WW II bombings, it is filled with historic buildings and exudes the charm of pre-war Rotterdam. Discover the Pilgrim Fathers’ Church where the pilgrims gathered before setting sail for America. Visit the city brewery (i.e. De Pelgrim) and a replica of an 18th-century warship (i.e. De Delft). If you’re up for something a little quirky try Rotterdam street golf in historic Delfshaven through treacherous cobblestones, old bridges, and narrow alleys. http://rotterdamstreetgolf.nl/docs/meedoen.htm Alternatively, you could head to the delightful nearby Dutch town of Delft (12 minutes by train), home to the famous Delft porcelain factory and painter Johannes Vermeer.

As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Nijmegen will be sure to delight! It was once a fortified city and is full of interesting historic buildings and museums such as the Valkhof Museum, a fascinating museum with Roman antiquities and famous art pieces and once the site of a Roman camp. The war memorials commemorate the residents of Nijmegen who were killed during World War II. It is also home to the oldest shopping street in the Netherlands, the Lange Hezelstraat. Nijmegen is full of delights!

Your cruise comes to an end back in the incredible city of Amsterdam. As we complete our tour, our hope is that your journey has been a delight to the senses as you have tasted of the cultural enjoyments, rich history, and breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands and Belgium. Depart after breakfast to explore this world-class city on your own. If you’re staying on in Amsterdam, today would be a perfect day to round out your Old Netherlands in the Spring Tour with a trip to the nearby Keukenhof Gardens abloom with tulips and/or Zaanse Schans Windmill Village. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Old Netherlands in the Spring Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.