From March through May, the Netherlands dazzles with its annual display of millions of tulips and other flowers, making it worthy of inclusion for any bucket list. AmaWaterways’ Tulip Time itinerary will satiate any flower lover, but also goes well beyond the blooms,  offering guests an authentic experience of all that is offered in this fairytale country.

From the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges and Ghent to the chocolates, waffles and cheeses of Belgium to the canals of Amsterdam, this eight-day sailing fills the days with a myriad of experiences. More than 30 departures run from March 13 through May 5, 2025 at fares starting at US $2,560 / CAD $2,330 (with applicable savings offers). Savings offers include stateroom savings of up to 20% and waived single supplements on select departures.

Tulips certainly take center stage as AmaWaterways opens the doors to several renown gardens: Flevoland, Netherland’s newest province and the largest non-natural island in the world, where fields of Lelystad, Dronten, Zeewolde and Noordoostpolder are bursting with color; the annual spring flower show at Antwerp’s Floralia, featuring one million bulbs hand-planted each year; and the best known and one of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof, with its millions of flowering bulbs on 32 hectares.

Interspersed between the flowers are excursions, bike tours and extensive sightseeing. Highlights include a stroll among the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses in the canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice”; a guided tour of the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee where guests can choose visiting Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works or learn the history of the Delta Works at the Flood Museum; a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe; an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18^th century.

Sweets lovers and those seeking more active options can enjoy a glass of champagne in Ghent while a master chocolatier talks about the history of chocolate; indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer on a culinary tour of Antwerp; cycle through the Dutch countryside near Kampen; bike around Antwerp, taking in the city’s Steen Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain, and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady; or combine the two options with a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the “Gateway to Europe,” while tasting local specialties.

Guests wishing to spend more time in Amsterdam are welcome to add a two-night pre-cruise stay at a five-star hotel in the city of canals and enjoy guided tours of the charming city and a scenic cruise along the canals of Haarlem.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com. 

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine.

Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.