Itinerary

Amsterdam, Middelburg, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam.

Description

Pricing based on departure date: 25 July 2026 2026

Discover the graceful ways of Holland on an Active & Discovery cruise. The way the wind moves the grasses beneath the stalwart windmills of the “Low Countries;” how the city cobblestones buzz with the ubiquitous bicycles and lively cafes and canals in Amsterdam; or the narrow houses evoking a time gone by. The visions of Holland come to life as you float past unforgettable scenes, pedal past incomparable views, and unleash your inner artist with a graffiti workshop. On an Active & Discovery cruise, our varied selection of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions from Amsterdam to Brussels and back lets you experience Holland and Belgium in the ways that move you most.

Itinerary Map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 – Amsterdam (Embarkation)
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Amsterdam. Optional seasonal visits include Keukenhof Gardens during tulip season or Zaanse Schans windmills outside the season. Evening sail to Middelburg.

Day 2 – Middelburg
Choose how you explore:

• Active: Walk through dunes and see Castle Westhove.

• Discovery: Visit Yerseke, the Netherlands’ famous oyster town, with tastings.

• Classic: Guided walking tour of Middelburg’s canals and historic Town Hall.
  Sail overnight to Ghent.

Day 3 – Ghent, Belgium
Your choice of sightseeing:

• Active: Bike tour through Ghent’s outskirts.

• Discovery: Graffiti Street tour with hands-on street-art experience.

• Classic: Ghent’s medieval treasures and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
  Optional full-day excursion to Bruges also available. Evening sail to Brussels.

Day 4 – Brussels
Choose from:

• Active: Bike tour around Laken and Expo pavilions.

• Discovery: Belgian chocolate-making workshop.

• Classic: Guided tour of Brussels, including the Town Hall and Atomium.
  Free afternoon to explore. Evening entertainment onboard. Sail to Antwerp.

Day 5 – Antwerp
Enjoy one of the following:

• Active: Bike tour discovering Antwerp’s historic neighborhoods.

• Classic: Red Star Line Museum or a city tour including the Cathedral of Our Lady and Rubens’ works.
  Free time for Belgian waffles, shopping, or the diamond district. Evening sail to Rotterdam.

Day 6 – Rotterdam, Holland
A day of design and culture:

• Active: Architecture Bike Tour including Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge.

• Discovery: Delft tile painting workshop.

• Classic: Sightseeing tour of Rotterdam’s modern landmarks.
  Harbor cruise before sailing to Amsterdam.

Day 7 – Amsterdam
Final full day with several ways to explore:

• Active: Kayak tour along Amsterdam’s canals.

• Discovery: Street Art Museum visit + hands-on mural workshop.

• Classic: Guided walking tour or classic canal cruise.
  Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 8 – Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your cruise concludes after breakfast.

Your Ship: Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination is one of Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships, designed to bring the Danube to your doorstep. Featuring two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, the ship offers Europe’s only Open-Air Balcony experience. With spacious 200 sq ft Panorama Suites that are more than 30% larger than standard river cruise cabins, guests enjoy sweeping river views from a window-facing bed and generous living space.

Onboard, guests can relax on the Sky Deck with premium lounge seating, whirlpool and al fresco dining, stay connected with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, and enjoy Avalon's signature light dining and locally inspired cuisine. With a friendly English-speaking crew, dedicated Cruise Director and thoughtfully designed social spaces, Avalon Illumination delivers a modern, elegant and highly personalized river cruising experience.