When debating travel options through Europe, a river cruise through the Netherlands should be near the top of your list. A web of canals wind their way across the picturesque landscape and provide this part of Europe with a distinctive charm. A scenic cruise is the ideal way to explore the “Green Heart” of Holland.

Staying in a floating hotel

European river barges are specially constructed for transport across rivers and canals. A few still transport goods, as they have done for centuries, but they’re more often used for accommodation and touring now.

The fleet at Cultural Cruises Europe has been constructed to provide top-class accommodation for our guests. As you board, it will be clear that no expense has been spared in outfitting our floating hotels.

A spacious, and stylish, cabin will be your home base while you journey with us. Each unit has en-suite facilities and air conditioning to ensure your stay is in the pinnacle of comfort. Upper deck cabins enjoy glorious views of the surrounding countryside through generous windows.

When you’re ready to relax, the teak sundeck is the perfect spot to sit back, sip on some fine wine, and ruminate on the days activities.

Popular river cruise routes through the Netherlands

As experienced, local operators we’ve selected each of our routes to showcase the best of the region, no matter your interests.

Our Wealth of Culture tour follows a south-west path from Amsterdam to Bruges, or in the reverse. We start our river cruises from Amsterdam and travel through several charming towns before arriving in the Belgiuan city of Antwerp. From Antwerp we travel on to Ghent, and then historic Flanders Fields. Our final destination is Brugge, known far and wide as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.

The Holland Culture Tour is for those looking to get under the skin of this delightful country. You’ll embark on an intimate tour through the Dutch provinces of North Holland, South Holland and Utrecht. A winding, circular route traces a leisurely path through the “Green Heart” of the Netherlands. Starting in Amsterdam, you’ll visit a succession of quaint towns and cities. Your floating hotel is always your home base, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore this great countryside by bus and bicycle.

Finally, the Battlefields Cruise is ideal for history buffs wanting to unpack the historic WWII era. Tracing a southward (or northward) path from Amsterdam to Maastricht, stops include some of the most significant locations and battlefields of this terrible conflict. From the underground caves of resistance fighters to the hotel where the German forces capitulated in the Netherlands, you will gain a deep and profound understanding of the war in this region.

A few hightlights (among many) for a river cruise

No visitor to Holland should leave without seeing the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. Art lovers will enjoy seeing Vermeer’s famous “Girl With A Pearl Earring” in Delft. Gouda is more than delicious cheese, this quaint town also has a majestic church with 72 stained glass windows. Finally, get ready for a kaleidoscope of colours at the world’s largest flower auction in the town of Aalsmeer.

A dutch cruise to remember

If the above sounds like your cup of tea, don’t hesitate to get in touch and plan your travel. Spots for this seasons tours are filling up fast and we don’t want you to miss the magic of Holland river cruises.

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