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AmaStella, Best of Holland & Belgium (Taste of Christmas) ex Amsterdam Return

Cruise AmaStella, Best of Holland & Belgium (Taste of Christmas) ex Amsterdam Return
Cruise Line AmaWaterways
Ship AmaStella
Destination EU Rivers
Brief Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam roundtrip aboard AmaStella.
Type of Cruise River
Departure Date 22 Nov 2025
Cruise Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam roundtrip aboard AmaStella.

Day 1 AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B,L,D)

Day 3 HELLEVOETSLUIS, NETHERLANDS
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your time here, you can tour of this medieval harbor town and see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You may also choose to visit a traditional Dutch flat bottom boat. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B,L,D)

Day 4 GHENT, BELGIUM
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D)

Day 5 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. In the afternoon, visit Beersel Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, south of Brussels. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting (B,L,D)

Day 6 ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s famous chocolates and waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B,L,D)

Day 7 DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK, NETHERLANDS
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)

Day 8 AMSTERDAM
Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Sailing Dates
22 Nov 2025
20 Dec 2025
21 Nov 2026
19 Dec 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
22 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers Embark Overnight
23 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers
23 Nov 2025 Utrecht, Netherlands
24 Nov 2025 Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands
25 Nov 2025 Ghent, Belgium
26 Nov 2025 Brussels (Brugge), Belgium
27 Nov 2025 Antwerp, Belgium
28 Nov 2025 Dordrecht, Netherlands Overnight
28 Nov 2025 Kinderdijk
29 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers Disembark
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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