Name: Discover The Netherlands River/Garden Cruise April 2026
Start: 2026-04-20T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-04-28T00:00:00.000Z
Location: DGT NL 26

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29 reviews

Apr 20 - 28, 2026

Group size: 2 - 10

Discover The Netherlands River/Garden Cruise April 2026

DGT NL 26

Apr 20 - 28, 2026

Group size: 2 - 10

Welcome to the Discover The Netherlands Garden Tour - April 2026!

Join us for one pre-night hotel stay and all-inclusive, luxe river cruise on the Avalon Waterways Envision. Sail through the Dutch countryside and picturesque cities, stopping to explore iconic botanical gardens, tulip fields, flower markets, and extensive garden landscapes.

You will be joined by your hosts, Ray and Wendy Eaton* to sail through Rotterdam’s harbor, said to be the world’s busiest port. Garden enthusiasts will delight in a visit to see the breathtaking colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” Next, sail through Belgium and back into Holland while choosing between two or three guided excursions per day and dining on exquisite cuisine.

This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise concludes with more time to explore the wonderful city of Amsterdam. See the most fascinating views of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

A $1,000 deposit per person is required to hold your reservation. The deposit is due no later than October 20, 2025, with final payment due no later than January 16, 2026.

This tour does not require a minimum number of tour participants to establish viability, however, *we need a group tour minimum of 10 guests to be fully guided by your hosts.

Airfare can be arranged once your booking is confirmed, by making it on your own, or adding it to your reservation, to be booked through Avalon.

When booking your airfare, you must be scheduled to arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) by 3:30pm on Monday, April 20, 2026.

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. Participants must be able to endure moderate physical activity (optional daily activities may include 2-3 hours of walking) and should be in overall good health!
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

For more information on this, or any of our other tours, please leave a message for Ray

at 816-842-7500 or send an email to [email protected].

Travel protection insurance protection is included for the pre-night hotel and cruise with Avalon Waterways.

Copy the url below and paste in your browser for coverage, customizing the policy by State of Residence near the bottom of the page:

https://affinitytravelcert.com/document/pdfs/Globus_Landing.html

Lodging
8 nights - 4-star hotel and luxury cruise ship
Transportation
Private transfer from and to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Welcome Reception
Welcome Reception the evening of arrival
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners - as indicated on The Itinerary
Activities
All visits and activities indicated on itinerary
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to all activities stated on itinerary
Tour Guide
Services of an English speaking tour guide
Tips
All Avalon gratuities *see more below
Taxes
Tourist taxes and port fees
Trip Insurance
Trip Protection Insurance - see link for details

Airfare
Travel to/from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (unless added to your booking)
Personal Expenses
Guide and Driver Tips
*While not required, tipping a tour guide or driver is appreciated, depending on satisfaction of the services provided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for portions not covered by the Avalon Waterways Trip Protection Policy
Optional Activities
Tour Extensions
Pre and Post Tour Extensions are available. For information on these, please email Discover Garden Tours directly - [email protected]

Double Panorama Suite - Cat B, per guest

Deposit: $1,000

Available until October 20, 20256 left

Panorama Suite

200 sq ft

2 twin or 1 queen bed

Sapphire or Royal Deck

Includes Travel Protection Insurance of $479 pp

$6,732

Deposit: $1,000

Double Panorama Suite - Cat A, per guest

Deposit: $1,000

Available until October 20, 20256 left

Panorama Suite

200 sq ft

2 twin or 1 queen bed

Sapphire or Royal Deck

Includes Travel Protection Insurance of $479 pp

$6,832

Deposit: $1,000

Double Panorama Suite - Cat P, per guest

Deposit: $1,000

Available until October 20, 20256 left

Panorama Suite

200 sq ft

2 twin or 1 queen bed

Sapphire or Royal Deck

Includes Travel Protection Insurance of $519 pp

$6,982

Deposit: $1,000

Single Occupancy - By Request

Available until October 20, 2025Pre-registration

Single Occupancy Rooms are limited on this tour and available only by request.

Call Ray at 816-842-7500 or email [email protected] for details.

Post-Tour Extension

Available until October 20, 2025

As requested - contact Ray at 816-842-7500 or [email protected]

DAY 1 - AMSTERDAM
DAY 1 - AMSTERDAM
Arrival to Amsterdam
Monday, April 20, 2026

● Arrival (before 3:30 pm) at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
● Meet your guide
● Transfer to the Hotel
● Welcome Dinner

Lodging - Hotel Westcord Jakarta (or similar)

After landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you will be greeted by your Avalon representative for transfer to the hotel. At the hotel, you can settle in, tour the area on your own, and get ready for your Welcome Dinner.
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DAY 2 - HOLLAND
DAY 2 - HOLLAND
Embarkation - Amsterdam and Holland
Tuesday, April 21, 2026

● Breakfast at the hotel

● Lunch on your own, or join the group for a light lunch - TBD

● Explore Amsterdam at your leisure, OR

● Join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans where you’ll see a
wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.

● Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. (Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm)

● Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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DAY 3 - AMSTERDAM
DAY 3 - AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Wednesday, April 22, 2026

● Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
   Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in
   Amsterdam, OR:

● DISCOVERY EXCURSION:
   Access Amsterdam’s secret gardens hidden behind the brick façades –
   a unique opportunity as they are normally closed to public, OR:

   Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction—the largest in the world, where around 20
   million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
   Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past
   stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM
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DAY 4 - ROTTERDAM
DAY 4 - ROTTERDAM
Dutch Treats and Flower Sweets
Thursday, April 23, 2026

● Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
   Experience Rotterdam by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the
   “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest
    flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as
    well as other bulbs, planted each year.

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    As an alternative to the full-day tour, you can join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of
   Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus
   Bridge.

Take some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink with equal parts coffee and milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP
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DAY 5 - ANTWERP
DAY 5 - ANTWERP
Cathedrals, Carats and Crêpes
Friday, April 24, 2026

● Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
   Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

● DISCOVERY EXCURSION:
    Visit a Botanical Garden, where you will admire an amazing variety of plants,
   tree and flowers, OR:

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined
   with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the
   Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

   Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby
   capital, Brussels—considered home to the European Union, and admire its
   magnificent palaces and cathedrals. If you are a garden lover, you can continue
   your experience and visit a Communal Garden in the area.

You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

● DISCOVERY EXCURSION:
    Join your garden expert for a botany lecture onboard.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT
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DAY 6 - GHENT
DAY 6 - GHENT
Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery
Saturday, April 25, 2026

● Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
    Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

● DISCOVERY EXCURSION:
    Join us in the Landscape Park Bulskampveld for the ultimate relaxing day in the
   biggest forest in the west of Flanders, OR:

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”—with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this
   showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its
   remarkable Flemish artwork.

    Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of
    Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its
    crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming
    patrician houses. You won’t miss the opportunity to explore Ghent since this
    Optional Excursion ends with an orientation walk of the "Diamond of Flanders."

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

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DAY 7 - MIDDELBURG
DAY 7 - MIDDELBURG
A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town
Sunday, April 26, 2026

● Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of
   Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important
   role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.
During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing from Middelburg to Veere.

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
    Alternatively bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.

VEERE - History and Landscapes

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Join a Guided Walking Tour of Veere—a delightful historic town full of interesting
   sights dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Immerse yourself in its rich
   heritage, explore charming streets, and uncover hidden gems.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WILLEMSTAD
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DAY 8 - WILLEMSTAD
DAY 8 - WILLEMSTAD
Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic Harbor
Monday, April 27, 2026

● Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

● ACTIVE EXCURSION:
    See Willemstad by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

● CLASSIC EXCURSION:
    Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully
   restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.

● DISCOVERY EXCURSION:
    Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.

Join a lecture to learn about the importance of botany and nature in the country you are visiting.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
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DAY 9 -AMSTERDAM
DAY 9 -AMSTERDAM
DISEMBARKATION
Tuesday, April 28, 2026

● Breakfast

● Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning and a transfer to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS).

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Art in The Netherlands
Art in The Netherlands
Post Tour Extension
Tuesday, April 28 - Thursday, April 30, 2026

Includes:

• Visit to Rijksmuseum for a Guided Tour focusing on the history of Dutch Masters

• Visit the Van Gogh Museum

• Visit the Anne Frank House and Museum

• Explore the Stedelijk Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art

• Free Time to shop in Amsterdam

Meals and Lodging Included

*This optional extension is available when you book your reservation.

For more details, email [email protected]
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DAY 1 - AMSTERDAM

Arrival to Amsterdam

Monday, April 20, 2026

● Arrival (before 3:30 pm) at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

● Meet your guide

● Transfer to the Hotel

● Welcome Dinner

Lodging - Hotel Westcord Jakarta (or similar)

After landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you will be greeted by your Avalon representative for transfer to the hotel. At the hotel, you can settle in, tour the area on your own, and get ready for your Welcome Dinner.

It was a trip of a lifetime. A trip that was inspiring for gardeners. The private gardens that we visited were well selected and the garden owners were brilliant with their designs and very friendly. I have utilized many ideas here in Coastal Carolina. I am a bird watcher and saw so many species . The food was great. The architecture was so interesting and the tulips were at their peak.

By V M for Discover The Netherlands Garden Tour on Apr 27, 2025

The Costa Rica trip could not have gone better. Our tour guides were all extremely knowledgeable, incredibly personable and fun. Jose' and Susan were a perfect team. The hotels were excellent and the food was so delicious. We probably could have used less food. Maybe skip some of the lunches. Also thought the dinner making outing was just so-so. Weather, birds, and nature were spectacular. Overall, a wonderful experience.

By Diane T for Discover Costa Rica Garden Tour with Susan Mahr on Feb 14, 2025

This was the trip of a life time. I was absolutely thrilled with the different immersive experiences we had. We were involved with sugar and cacao processing. We also picked herbs and veges we would later use prepping a meal. Went to locations where we saw wildlife and exotic flowers unique to the area we were traveling. Susan Mahr was nothing less than amazing as an educated tour guide, master gardener and bird watcher. She anticipated our questions and sent us information we didn't even know we would want or need! When we were at Lankester, our guide would look to Susan for help in filling in the blanks. At the end of tour she sent us a diary detailing the highlights of our itinerary. We are able to relive the tour all over again in the comfort of our homes. Susan has mentioned she would like to lead a group on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. I would sign up for that in a heartbeat. She says it is an entirely different habitat than the pacific side. We would see different birds, flowers and animals. If you create that trip, I recommend you also use Jose Saenz . Susan and Jose work really well together. Jose is the ultimate guide and is SO proud of his country. Wherever we went, people knew him. He was sensitive to people's needs. If someone needed something at the grocery store, souvenir store or pharmacy, he would get them there. Jose was a funny lighthearted guy as well as a birdwatcher, botanist and professional photographer. He befriended each one of us. Preselected menus were sent to us a day in advance. So when we arrived somewhere for a meal, it was ready! He knew where the best places were to spot a ketzel, macaw or toucan. When one of our travelers spotted a sloth, he stopped the bus and took professional photos for us all. He was amazing! I will recommend your company to my friends and siblings. Thank you for organizing this trip!

By Kelly B for Discover Costa Rica Garden Tour with Susan Mahr on Feb 13, 2025

Fabulous tour, Susan Mahr is great, incredibly knowledgeable as was our local guide.

By Sue K for Discover Costa Rica Garden Tour with Susan Mahr on Feb 13, 2025

This was a fantastic trip. We enjoyed wonderful tours of a vanilla farm, coffee plantation, coca farm, herb farm and botanical gardens. The private garden tours were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and always knew where to stop for great picture taking.