10 Mar See Holland & Belgium in Bloom with luxury operator Emerald Cruises
Sailing the picturesque waterways of Holland & Belgium has never been easier, thanks to Emerald Cruises welcoming flights from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, City and Southend, for its acclaimed Holland & Belgium in Bloom sailings.
The eight-day round-trip from Amsterdam is a fascinating tour of the Low Countries, filled with plenty of high spots on the way.
From the off, guests get to explore Holland’s hidden gems and can jump on their bike like a local for a guided tour of Waterlands – the wet ‘back garden’ of Amsterdam – past picturesque fields of tulips, or head for the distinctive wooden homes of Zaanse Schans, where historic spinning wheels and the smell of freshly baked goods show there’s something special in the air.
The sailing winds its way through canals and waterways, taking in the best of the region. In Rotterdam, cycle through the city on a tasting tour or get creative with a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Delft pottery works. In Antwerp, the cute cobbled lanes are the perfect spot for a coffee to recover from the prices in the many diamond dealerships, while Arnhem offers the opportunity to see the magnificent house and gardens of Paleis Het Loo, which once served as the Dutch royal family’s summer residence.
Back in Amsterdam, a final day brings a tour of Keukenhof Gardens. Nestled in the middle of the region’s tulip farms, the gardens boast incredible displays of millions of bulb varieties, all perfectly assembled by an expert landscape architect. For the final flourish, don’t forget your clogs – during the sailing an artist will come on board to help you decorate your very own pair to take home.
The 8-day Holland & Belgium in Bloom sailings operate in March and April only, with sailings for 2023 and 2024 now on sale. The cruise, aboard a luxury Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, calls at Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Rotterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Arnhem and Amsterdam.
Prices for 2023 Sailings, departing on 31 March 2023 and 3 April 2023, start from £2,095 per person.
Prices for 2024 Sailings departing on 30 March 2024, 7 April 2024 and 14 April 24, start from £2,565 per person.
