Dutch & Belgian Discovery

We embark on a morning walking tour of Antwerp, where our local guides will share this beautiful city with us, to discover the works of Peter Paul Rubens and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Sitting on the River Scheldt, Antwerp is Belgium’s biggest port and second-largest city after Brussels. During our visit wander down the cobbled lanes lined by cozy cafés and quaint bars. As we return to our boat for lunch, we will set sail for Brussels. Enjoy an evening cocktail as you savour the sights of the river Scheldt.

Today, we tour Brussels, an ancient yet modern city. We take a walking tour through the quaint avenues of Belgium’s capital to the ‘Grand Place.’Surrounded by opulent guild halls and anchored by the magnificent City Hall and the spectacular Maison du Roi (the “King’s House”), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its aesthetic wealth. We will be docked in Brussels for the next 36 hours, so take the opportunity to sample Brussels hearty cuisine and famous beer.

Belgium’s most beautiful jewel, Bruges is known for winding canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. Its oval-shaped, historic city centre features several market squares lined by splendid churches, whitewashed houses, and soaring towers including the iconic Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower overlooking Market Square.

Journeys Exclusive Excursion – Bruges City Tour

Join us on a Journeys by Van Dyke exclusive excursion to Bruges – Belgium’s most beautiful jewel. Our all-day excursion includes a guided walking tour as well as a boat cruise through the beautiful canals of one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Following some free time to enjoy lunch in the Market Square, we will make a stop at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery before returning to the ship.

Ghent, “The Diamond of Flanders,” is one of the country’s most entrancing cities. Our morning tour of the city will take us to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which houses an impressive number of art treasures including the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, a major work by Rubens, the ‘Calvary Triptych’, tombs of the Ghent bishops, and the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Lunch will be on board, before an evening of live entertainment as we cruise to Bossuit.

During the First World War, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned a poem in the midst of rows of poppies in Flanders field. The poppies in his poem are used today as vivid symbols of remembrance and new growth amidst the devastation of war. It is amidst poppies that our full-day is spent in Ypres. Beginning with the museum in Ypres, we learn about the invasion of Belgium and the permanent remembrance ever since. Then we visit the battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and private collections. We will enjoy a light supper, before we take part in the Last Post Ceremony. Taking place every evening under the imposing arches of the Menin Gate, the town of Ypres gathers for the sounding of the Last Post bugle call. We cruise overnight to Middelburg.

Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland, boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful town halls. A monumental town, an important city during the colonial times, overflows with a wealth of historical buildings and monuments reflective of those golden times. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise to Veere, a picture-perfect town with a busy yacht harbour, arriving in time to explore with a walking tour of this former fishing village which dates back to the early 16th century. From Veere we will visit the Delta Works. The largest flood-protection system in the world, it remains one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”

The windmill is a national symbol in Holland, and today we learn why as we tour Kinderdijk, the site of 19 windmills built in 1740. Following lunch, we will enjoy a tour of Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second-largest metropolis and Europe’s busiest port. Nearly levelled during World War II, Rotterdam now stands as a beacon of resilience, with its rebuilt architecture and diverse cultures marking it as a unique, modern metropolis. Today, Rotterdam is known for its lively cultural life, top-class museums, and diverse, multi-ethnic community – truly a 21st century city.

Marvel 32 hectares of Europe’s most beautiful tulip garden. After we visit Haarlem, a major flower-growing district outside Amsterdam.

Journeys Exclusive Excursion – Keukenhof Gardens

This morning, we visit the most beautiful tulip garden in Europe – Keukenhof. With over seven million flower bulbs planted and blooming annually over 32 hectares, this splendid floral display is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. On our return to the ship, we enjoy lunch, before an afternoon visit of Haarlem, a major flower bulb growing district outside of Amsterdam. Following our return on board, delight in an evening of river cruising as we return to Amsterdam.

Floating down Amsterdam’s canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city’s sights and attractions. Everything in Amsterdam seems a bit more magical when viewed from a boat. We explore Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal ring before returning to the ship for lunch, and an afternoon of free time to enjoy your final moments of our time in Amsterdam. This evening on board, join your fellow guests and toast to your Captain and crew at our farewell dinner.

Today we bid “tot ziens” to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flight home. Enjoy our private car to your home. (B)