Keukenhof Gardens

Rivers of blue hyacinths curve through the trees, and great drifts of brilliantly hued tulips and daffodils carpet Keukenhof’s 70-plus acres (32 hectares). It’s probably the most spectacular flower garden in the world, and it’s only open for a few weeks each spring. Gardeners plant some seven million bulbs on these grounds, making it a showcase for the Netherlands’ legendary flower industry. There’s more to see than just flowers, of course: There are intriguing exhibits in pavilions scattered throughout the estate, as well as concerts and activities for kids. After you’ve seen all of the vibrant blossoms and perhaps even bought some bulbs to grow at home, you’ll meet up with your guide and continue by motorcoach to the ship.

Note: If you’re thinking about buying bulbs from Keukenhof or perhaps having items shipped home, make sure the vendor provides the documentation necessary for the import of bulbs or plants into your home country. Rules for importing flower bulbs and plants vary from country to country.

Respect in the Red Light District

The Red Light District—or, as it is referred to locally, De Wallen—has been the center of Amsterdam’s sex work industry for several hundred years. It’s famous for the neon lights, partygoers, and “coffeeshops” that proliferate in the area, as well as the windows where some of the sex workers stand to attract clients. Today, you’ll visit the Prostitution Information Center to discover the important work they’re doing to educate visitors on the lives of sex workers for a respectful take on the popular Red Light District tour. Meet one of their experts, a current De Wallen sex worker, for a fascinating talk on the history of the district and her story. After, she will give you pointers on places to explore in the area (guided walking tours past the windows are not allowed here), followed by a Q&A back at the center.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Nights Out: Lookout Tower Amsterdam

How does an after-dinner nightcap with a view sound? Step off the ship and into the rooftop bar of A’DAM, which offers an unparalleled 360° panoramic view of Amsterdam and its surroundings. Sip your drink while you take in the city from above and admire the evening sky.

Kinderdijk Windmills

At one time 10,000 windmills operated in the Netherlands, pumping water away from low-lying lands (much of the country is below sea level) and creating what are known as polders—arable land reclaimed from the water. Though the mighty windmill has been replaced by newer technology, you can see how effective the system was in Kinderdijk, where a group of 19 windmills erected in the 18th century still function. Most are ground-sail windmills (meaning their sails nearly touch the ground as they whirl) and each one was carefully situated to make sure one did not block another’s wind. Each windmill moves the water a little farther, pumping it from field to canal, from canal to river. Climb the steep stairs of a mill and look out over the quiet fields that would be underwater were it not for the ingenuity of the Dutch. (Of course, you can simply admire it from the outside. But if you do that, you won’t see how the mill keeper’s family lived.) These mills are kept in working order partly as a backup in case modern technology fails, and they were used as recently as WWII, when there was no fuel to keep newer pumping stations working.

Let’s Go: Biking the Dams and Windmills

Set out on an invigorating bike ride through quintessential Dutch scenery. Beginning and ending in Schoonhoven, you’ll ferry across the Lek river, pedal through the quaint countryside, and pass the unique windmills of Groot-Ammers.

Let’s Go: Bike along the Waal

Cycling is a favorite pastime amongst Gorinchem locals and Nederlanders visiting from other parts of the country. It’s a great way to take in the scenery as you pedal past plentiful green spaces, a plethora of waterways, and unique fortified structures. The ferries here are designed to accommodate cyclists looking to traverse the river-rich town, so we’ll get about just like the people of Gorinchem do as we bring our bikes aboard for a river crossing.

Gorinchem Walk with Museum Visit

Meet a local guide for a walk in this charming, fortified town, during which you’ll walk the ramparts, see the historic windmill, and visit a museum to Hendrick Hamel. A 17th-century sailor, Hamel was the first known European explorer to pen a first-hand account of Korea, and the town takes great pride in his legacy. Monuments to Hamel can be found in both the Netherlands and South Korea as a symbol of the ongoing relationship between the two nations. During your walk, you’ll also pass by a memorial in front of the home of Esther van Vriesland, a young victim of the Holocaust who kept a diary of her experiences during the war.

Castle Loevestein Visit

From the ship, we’ll board a ferry for a ride to Castle Loevestein, a significant monument of the Dutch Waterline situated shortly outside of the town of Gorinchem. Founded by Knight Dirc Loef van Horne in 1358, Loevestein grew into a formidable castle on funds gained when van Horne demanded an illegal river toll from passing ships. After discovering his crimes, the state confiscated his castle and transformed it into a soldiers’ village. Eventually, Loevestein became a state prison for political and religious dissidents (most famously Hugo de Groot, known as the father of international law, whose surprising escape method is one of the many interesting stories you’ll hear on your tour).

Maastricht Walking Tour

Meander through the historic city center of Maastricht with your local guide and take in all of the city’s prettiest sites. During your walk, you’ll discover the picturesque streets of the Stokstraat Quarter and various charming promenades across the old and new city centers. You’ll take a peek into City Hall to see the wall tapestries, stucco, ceiling paintings, and mantelpieces inside. As you go, you’ll hear the fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes of Maastricht history, its progression from Roman settlement to early industrial powerhouse, and the Mestreechter Geis (or “the Spirit of Maastricht”, which is what they call their local way of life).

Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial Visit

More than 8,000 American soldiers lie under white crosses and Stars of David among the rolling hills of Limburg. They died fighting in this area following the Normandy invasion, earning, as the commemorative inscription says, "praise that will never die." A memorial is inscribed with the names of another 1,723 whose remains were never found or identified. It's the only American battlefield cemetery in the Netherlands; infantrymen and pilots, mechanics and bombardiers are interred in this serene and surprisingly uplifting place. Not only Americans visit this memorial. Thousands of families from the Netherlands and surrounding nations come to honor those who fell liberating their countries from the Nazi occupation.

Chocolate Nation

In the center of Antwerp, you’ll find a whole museum dedicated just to Belgian chocolate. Walk inside to discover the love story that is Belgium’s relationship with the sweet treat, follow the path of the cocoa bean from the farms of Ecuador to the world’s largest cocoa storage port in Antwerp, and of course, you’ll sample a variety chocolates during your time here.

Antwerp Walking Tour with Belgian Treats

It may be the diamond capital of the world, but Antwerp is also known for a number of other gems—maybe just not of the rock variety. Step onto the streets of Antwerp and take in the Golden Age art, sip Belgian beer, and taste the waffles, pralines, fries, and chocolates that make Antwerp, Antwerp. This walking discovery tour takes you through the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the city. Continue on and enjoy tastings of other sorts—perhaps a local spirit or even the catch of the day as you journey past the Steen Castle, City Hall, and the Brabo Fountain.

Brussels City Tour & Belgian Waffles

On our way into the city center, we'll take you on a panoramic tour of the major sightseeing spots in Brussels, such as the Royal Residence, Chinese Pavilion, and Japanese Pagoda. From there, we'll set out on foot to see the city up close—and taste an iconic local sweet along the way: Belgian waffles! Walking around, it may feel like you see them on practically every street, but we’ll make sure you try one of the best examples around for a real taste of what makes Belgian waffles so delicious.