Days 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S., Arrive in Amsterdam

Smithsonian Journeys travelers depart the U.S. for Amsterdam, the Netherlands via overnight transatlantic flights. After a morning arrival at Schiphol International Airport, transfer to Amsterdam and embark the Amadeus Queen (April 6-14) or Amadeus Riva (April 10-18). Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be on board to help with suggestions for independent activities. There is time to relax and settle in. In the early evening, gather for a presentation by a local speaker on Contemporary Netherlands. Afterward, board a private canal boat for a unique cruise through Amsterdam’s famous tree-lined canals. See the city's unique bridges, quaint Dutch houses and highlights of the bustling harbor with narration by a local guide. After returning to the ship, dinner will be served on board. (D)

Day 3 — Amsterdam

After breakfast depart the ship to explore the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, an 80-acre paradise of tulips, hyacinths and other beautiful flowers. Enjoy a short walk around the grounds with your expert guide and learn the story of these magnificent gardens. Lunch will be served on board and the balance of the day is free of planned activities. This evening, gather for a festive welcome reception and dinner on board the ship. (B,L,R,D)

Day 4 — Kampen

Arrive in Kampen and choose one of three included shore excursions.

Choice #1 – Kampen Walking Tour with Hanseatic Ship:  Rich in history, Kampen is known for its former prominence as a Hanseatic city and has an ancient tradition of commerce and shipping. Participate in a walking tour where you will see the Church of St Nicholas, the Gothic House, and the Town Gates.  Pass by the Old Town Hall, where the fish market has been held since the 14th century. Visit a Hanseatic “kogge” ship along the way.

Choice #2 – Kampen Walking Tour with Brewery Visit: This tour will also feature a walking tour of historic Kampen, visiting the Church of St. Nicolas, the Gothic House, Town Gates, Old Town Hall, and the fish market. Then stop to visit a local brewery to learn about Dutch beers and enjoy a tasting.

Choice #3 – Fairytale Village of Giethoorn: Visit the whimsical, car-free village of Giethoorn which seems to have materialized out of a fairytale. Rove through the four miles of picturesque canals by boat. Afterward, stroll through the village on foot. Soak in the scene of exquisite, 18th-century farmhouses set against the Weerribben Wieden nature preserve as you immerse yourself in the pleasures of small-town Dutch life.

Return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, a lecture on the Hanseatic League will be presented by a local expert. The balance of the day is free so that you can explore this fascinating town independently. (B, L, D)

Day 5 — The Hague / Delft / Gouda

Today, join one of three included tours ashore.

Choice #1 – The Hague featuring Mauritshaus: Travel to The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city by coach, and be sure to snap some pictures at thePeace Palace. Pass by the Binnenhof where the Dutch parliament meets. Afterward, visit the Mauritshuis where the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer will be on display.

Choice #2 – Royal Delft: Travel to Delft where a walking tour is planned. Stroll through the Market Square and see the historic and cultural highlights of Old Delft. Continue to the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory, established in the 17th-century, and learn about the history, development, and production of Delft Blue and Royal Delft. See a master painter at work and visit the museum that has treasured antique pieces on display. Afterward, there’s time to follow your own path and explore on your own. 

Choice #3 – Gouda; City of Cheese: Travel by coach to Gouda. Upon arrival, you’ll see the historic Market Square and visit the Sint Jan Church, the longest church in the Netherlands. The church is world-renowned for its Gouda glass. These stained-glass windows, particularly those from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, display scenes from the Bible and from Dutch history. The guided visit concludes with a sampling of the celebrated Gouda cheese. Your local guide will take you through the history and differences between these famous cheeses. 

Spend time in early evening enjoying new friends at an informal reception in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 6 — Zeeland Coast / Neeltje Jans Island / Veere

The story of the Netherlands and its battle with the sea is an epic one. Travel along the coast of Zeeland to the artificial island of Neeltje Jans and the Delta Expo. During an innovative audio-video presentation, learn about the Delta Works, a series of massive dams and storm surge barriers, conceived after the destructive North Sea flood in February 1953. There is time to visit one of the storm surge barriers. Return to the ship where the remainder of the day is at leisure in Veere. Late in the day meet fellow travelers for an informal discussion about the day’s discoveries in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Bruges / Antwerp

Take your choice of one of the following included walking tours in Bruges.

Choice #1 – Cultural Bruges: Begin with a walking tour of this storybook town, located in West Flanders, with twisting lanes, canals, and arched bridges. See the Marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Visit the Groeninge Museum with its remarkable collection of Flemish and other noteworthy master painters.

Choice #2 – Bruges and Beer: See the historic and cultural highlights of Bruges then visit the Brewery de Halve Maan where an expert guide will explain the process of brewing the famous Belgian beer. During the visit, you have the chance to sample the wares.

Choice #3 – Bruges and Belgian Chocolate: Tour the historic and cultural points of interest in Bruges then visit a chocolaterie where you’ll learn about the history of Belgian chocolate and sample some of the treats.

There’s free time for lunch independently and exploring Bruges on your own before returning to the ship in Antwerp. (B,D)

Day 8 — Antwerp

This morning, attend a talk by a local speaker on Contemporary Belgium. Afterward, stroll through the city on a guided walking tour to see medieval architecture, and other historic and cultural treasures of the city. Antwerp dates back to the 13th-century and features a wealth of medieval architecture. Their treasures are preserved today in the city's many churches and museums. Antwerp is well-versed in gems of all sorts as more than 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the city's Diamantkwartier, making it the largest diamond district in the world. 

The balance of the day is free of planned activities. This evening, join fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 9 — Return to the U.S.

After an early breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Brussels Airport for the flight to your U.S. gateway city. (B)

Please note that there may be changes to the itinerary necessitated by operational considerations. 

Days 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S., Arrive in Brussels

Smithsonian Journeys travelers depart the U.S. for Brussels, Belgium via overnight transatlantic flights. Upon arrival at Brussels Airport, transfer to Antwerp and embark the Amadeus Queen (April 13-21) or Amadeus Riva (April 17-25).

In late afternoon, stroll through Antwerp on a guided walking tour. Antwerp dates back to the 13th-century and features a wealth of medieval architecture. Their treasures are preserved today in the city's many churches and museums. Antwerp is well-versed regarding gems of all sorts as more than 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the city's Diamantkwartier, making it the largest diamond district in the world. This evening a local speaker joins you for a presentation on Contemporary Belgium with dinner immediately following. (D)

Day 3 — Bruges / Veere

Take your choice of one of the following shore walking tours in Bruges.

Choice #1 –Cultural Bruges:  During a guided walking tour of Bruges, stroll along winding cobbled lanes and across tiny arched bridges.  View the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.  Afterward, visit the Groeninge Museum, which offers a rich array of Belgian artwork. Highlights include collections by Flemish primitives, various Renaissance and Baroque masters, along with pieces from the Neo-classical periods of the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Choice #2 – Bruges and Beer:  There is no doubt that Belgium is the country of beer since it offers more than 450 varieties of brew. You will begin your guided walk in Bruges where you are given the impression that you have stepped back in time. Your guide will lead you through the narrow, twisting cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals, and gabled facades. View the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. The highlight is undoubtedly a visit to a well-known local brewery De Halve Maan. At the end of your brewery tour, you will have a choice to taste one of their delicious Belgian beers. 

Choice #3 – Bruges and Belgian Chocolate: Bruges, the capital city of the province of West Flanders, is where you will learn much about this historic city. Join your guide for an entertaining walk through the quaint, cobbled streets and past centuries-old buildings, including the marketplace with its impressive Guild Halls. View the Belfry Tower that stands in the center of town, the Town Hall, the 12th century Gothic Basilica of the Holy Blood, which used to be the residence of the Count of Flanders, and the Church of Our Lady, a 13th-century cathedral. Then, you will walk to a chocolatier where you will enjoy an informative visit and learn about the history of Belgian chocolate.  

There’s free time for lunch independently and exploring the city on your own. This evening, get together with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner on board. (B,R,D)

Day 4 — Veere / Zeeland Coast / Neeltje Jans Island

The story of the Netherlands and its battle with the sea is an epic one. Travel along the coast of Zeeland to the artificial island of Neeltje Jans and the Delta Expo. During an innovative audio-video presentation, learn about the Delta Works, a series of massive dams and storm surge barriers, conceived after the destructive North Sea flood in February 1953. There is time to visit one of the storm surge barriers. Return to the ship where the remainder of the day is at leisure in Veere.

In early evening, spend time with your fellow traveling companions in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — The Hague / Delft

Today, join one of three included half-day tours ashore.

Choice #1 –The Hague featuring Mauritshaus: Travel to The Hague, seat of the Dutch government. See the Peace Palace and the Binnenhof where the national parliament meets. Visit the residential suburb of Wassenaar, home to the King of the Netherlands. Visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which showcases the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer will be on display.

Choice #2 – Royal Delft: Travel to Delft where a walking tour is planned. Stroll through the Market Square and see the historic and cultural highlights of Old Delft. Continue to the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory, established in the 17th-century, and learn about the history, development, and production of Delft Blue and Royal Delft. See a master painter at work and visit the museum that has treasured antique pieces on display. There’s free time on your own.

Choice #3 – Gouda; City of Cheese: Travel by coach to Gouda. Upon arrival, you’ll see the historic Market Square and visit the Sint Jan Church, the longest church in the Netherlands. The church is world-renowned for its Gouda glass. These stained-glass windows, particularly those from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, display scenes from the Bible and from Dutch history. The guided visit concludes with a sampling of the celebrated Gouda cheese. Your local guide will take you through the history and differences between these famous cheeses.

Spend time enjoying new friends at an informal gathering in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L,D,R)

Day 6 — Kampen

This morning, you’ll have your choice of one of the following tours ashore.

Choice #1 – Kampen Walking Tour with Hanseatic Ship:  Rich in history, Kampen is known for its former prominence as a Hanseatic city and has an ancient tradition of commerce and shipping. Participate in a walking tour where you will see the Church of St Nicholas, the Gothic House, and the Town Gates.  Pass by the Old Town Hall, where the fish market has been held since the 14th century. Visit a Hanseatic “kogge” ship along the way.

Choice #2 – Kampen Walking Tour with Brewery Visit: This tour will also feature a walking tour of historic Kampen, visiting the Church of St. Nicolas, the Gothic House, Town Gates, Old Town Hall, and the fish market. Then stop to visit a local brewery to learn about Dutch beers and enjoy a tasting.

Choice #3 – Fairytale Village of Giethoorn: Visit the whimsical, car-free village of Giethoorn which seems to have materialized out of a fairytale. Rove through the four miles of picturesque canals by boat. Afterward, stroll through the village on foot. Soak in the scene of exquisite, 18th-century farmhouses set against the Weerribben Wieden nature preserve as you immerse yourself in the pleasures of small-town Dutch life.

Return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, a lecture on the Hanseatic League will be presented by a local expert. The balance of the day is free so that you can explore this fascinating town independently. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Amsterdam

This morning, gather for a presentation by a local speaker on Contemporary Netherlands. Start exploring this morning on a unique cruise through Amsterdam’s famous tree-lined canals. See the city's charming bridges, quaint Dutch houses and highlights of the bustling harbor with narration by a local guide. This afternoon, follow your own path and discover Amsterdam independently. Dinner is served on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Amsterdam

After breakfast depart the ship to explore the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, an 80-acre paradise of tulips, hyacinths and other beautiful flowers. Enjoy a short walk around the grounds with your expert guide and learn the story of these magnificent gardens. This evening, join fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 9 — Return to the U.S.

After an early breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for the flight to your U.S. gateway city. (B)

Please note that there may be changes to the itinerary necessitated by operational considerations.