Our Holland Culture Tour is an intimate tour of the Dutch provinces of North Holland, South Holland, and Utrecht. Gain a new-found respect and understanding of Dutch culture through the art museums, churches, ancient towns, markets and landmarks that make up the lowlands. Whether by ship, bus, canal boat, bike or foot, this tour traverses the “green heart” of Holland starting at The Rijksmuseum and winding its way past Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Haarlem, Rembrandt’s home in Leiden, the 14th century town of Vianen, the “Old and new” churches of […]
Kinderdijk’s windmills & Zaanse Schans
Discover Amsterdam, Dordrecht and Gouda
The history of Rembrandt
Through the Green Heart of Holland
Our Holland Culture Tour is an intimate tour of the Dutch provinces of North Holland, South Holland, and Utrecht. Gain a new-found respect and understanding of Dutch culture through the art museums, churches, ancient towns, markets and landmarks that make up the lowlands.
Whether by ship, bus, canal boat, bike or foot, this tour traverses the “green heart” of Holland starting at The Rijksmuseum and winding its way past Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Haarlem, Rembrandt’s home in Leiden, the 14th century town of Vianen, the “Old and new” churches of Delft and the picturesque town of Gouda to name but a few attractions you’ll experience.
All the while you’ll be wined, dined, entertained and informed by our 1st class crew and expert tour guides as you come to know the true essence of Holland, it’s people, culture and cuisine.
Day 1: Amsterdam
Our Holland Culture Tour kicks off with a welcome by and introduction to the crew and your tour guide. After that we’ll visit the stunning Rijksmuseum of Dutch art and history, where a knowledgeable local guide will show you the best the museum has to offer.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll drift back towards the ship on a canal boat for a bubbly welcome drink, followed by the first dinner aboard.
Day 2 – Amsterdam – Haarlem
While you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, the ship will sail to Haarlem where you’ll take a stroll through Haarlem to visit the magnificent Saint Bavo church to hear its famous organ, followed by a guided visit to the Frans Hals museum.
Day 3 – Haarlem – Cruquis – Leiden – Utrecht – Vianen
After breakfast we’ll board a bus to the Cruquius museum of water management. After that, the bus will take you to Leiden center, birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university of the Netherlands.
After lunch, you can rest your feet in the bus while it rolls through the ‘Green heart’ of Holland. The Magnifique II awaits you in Utrecht, and from there you’ll sail to the port just outside the fourteenth century fortified town of Vianen.
Day 4 – Vianen – The Hague Delft – Rotterdam
From Vianen, our bus departs for The Hague. A walking tour of the inner city brings you to the beautiful museum villa, The Mauritshuis, where you’ll see Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring.”
After lunch, the bus takes us to Delft where you’ll walk to the Candelaer, a small factory where the famous Delft Blue pottery is made. The bus then brings you to Rotterdam, where the ship is docked for dinner on board.
Day 5 – Rotterdam – Kinderdijk – Gouda
We begin day five in the village of Kinderdijk where we’ll visit the nineteen beautiful old windmills that were built over 300 years ago to pump water out of the surrounding lowlands. We’ll then lunch aboard the Magnifique as it continues its journey to Gouda. Explore the quaint town of Gouda on foot or by bike. And of course, a cheese tasting is part of the excursion!
Day 6 – Gouda – Oude Wetering
We’ll visit Gouda’s Market square, after which a guide will show you around the 123 majestic meter-long Saint Jan’s church with its 72 stained glass windows, depicting many biblical and historical scenes.
At the town of Alphen aan den Rijn, you can either stay on the ship and sail to Oudewetering or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue your journey the Dutch way and ride the twenty kilometers there on a bicycle (highly recommended!).
Day 7 Oude Wetering – Amsterdam
After a light, early breakfast, a bus takes you to the world’s biggest flower auction in the town of Aalsmeer. On returning to the ship, you can enjoy a second breakfast while sailing to Amsterdam. We’ll then visit “THIS IS HOLLAND”, which uses the latest technology to let you experience what it’s like to fly across the country.
Farewell dinner on the boat after which we raise a toast to the many happy memories and new friends we will have made over the course of the cruise.
Day 8: Amsterdam
We won’t let you leave with an empty stomach! Enjoy your last breakfast aboard before disembarking from 9 a.m.
The price of a charter depends on many things. The beauty of the tours that we offer is that they are fully customizable. We can add extra services such as special bikes, extra meals or we can organize visits to the highlights of the region where you cycle that are not included in the program. That all affects the price. You can request a quote here for a trip of your choice. Our team of specialists will assist you to choose the right ship and itinerary or design a customized program for you.