Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens

Eight-day river cruise from London through Dutch and Belgian waterways.

Illustration of Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens

Vacations By Rail's Springtime Tulips and Keukenhof Gardens cruise is an eight-day escorted journey from London through the Netherlands and Belgium aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Amara. Beginning with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, the tour combines river cruising with carefully chosen excursions: visits to medieval Bruges and Ghent, a reflective stop at the Ypres Battlefield, a heritage steam train ride through Dutch tulip fields near Hoorn, and a full-day visit to Keukenhof Gardens to see spring floral displays. Expert onboard talks and a guest presentation from horticulturist Charlie Dimmock provide cultural and historical context. All meals, drinks with dinner, rail and coach transport, and shore excursions are included. The pace is relaxed, with multiple days spent cruising and optional activities at each port, making it well-suited to couples, history enthusiasts, and travellers seeking structured comfort with occasional independent exploration time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The May 6th departure swaps Days 2 and 7, visiting Keukenhof Gardens on Day 2 instead; confirm your specific departure date itinerary with Vacations By Rail.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included; they can be arranged separately.
  • Airport transfers and flights are not included; you must arrange your own way to London St Pancras for the Eurostar departure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: ship

    To Amsterdam to board our luxurious ship

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Amsterdam. A shuttle bus takes the group to the waterfront to board the cruise ship, with a welcome drink and dinner in the panoramic restaurant.

  2. Day 2overnight: ship

    Exploring the sights of Amsterdam

    A scenic canal cruise of Amsterdam after breakfast, lunch onboard, then a free afternoon to explore the city before sailing toward Ghent. Note: on the May 6th departure, Days 2 and 7 are swapped, visiting Keukenhof Gardens on this day instead.

  3. Day 3overnight: ship

    Excursions to beautiful Belgian cities

    Arrival in Ghent with an onboard talk on nearby battlefields, then a choice of an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided tour of Ghent including a chocolate tasting.

  4. Day 4overnight: ship

    The battlefields of Ypres or at leisure in Ghent

    Optional excursion to the Ypres Battlefield including entrance to Sanctuary Wood, or explore Ghent at your own pace including the Graslei and Korenlei canal quays. The ship sails toward the Netherlands after lunch.

  5. Day 5overnight: ship

    Heritage and history in the Netherlands

    Sailing toward Arnhem with an onboard talk on the Battle of Arnhem, then a choice of the Hartenstein Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek or the Netherlands' Open-Air Museum.

  6. Day 6railovernight: ship

    Hoorn & the Medemblik steam railway

    A guided walking tour of Hoorn's historic center including the Hoofdtoren, a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie, then a ride on the Medemblik steam train through the Dutch countryside before rejoining the ship to sail toward Amsterdam.

  7. Day 7overnight: ship

    The vibrant displays of Keukenhof Gardens

    Horticulturist Charlie Dimmock joins the ship for a presentation and Q&A, followed by a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Final night onboard with a gala dinner and live music from a Dutch sea shanty choir.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Leisurely breakfast, disembark and say goodbye to the ship's crew, then travel by rail from Amsterdam toward Brussels and catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam after breakfast, passing gabled townhouses and bridges before sailing toward Ghent.
  • Day 3Choice of an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided tour of Ghent that includes a chocolate tasting.
  • Day 6Guided walking tour of Hoorn's historic center, including the Hoofdtoren, followed by a ride on the Medemblik steam train through Dutch countryside with tulip fields and windmills.
  • Day 7Horticulturist Charlie Dimmock joins the ship for a presentation and Q&A, followed by a full-day visit to Keukenhof Gardens to view spring floral displays.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Tips
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam outbound and return via Brussels, the Medemblik steam train, and 1st and Standard Class rail on local networks throughout the tour.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the eight days.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights onboard MS Amadeus Amara, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), a drinks package with dinner each night, rail and coach travel, Wi-Fi, tips, and all excursions including Keukenhof Gardens, canal cruises, and optional battlefield or museum visits.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 1, meaning minimal walking. You move between the ship, guided tours, and coach transport; excursions are largely guided with optional or leisurely-paced elements.
When does this tour run?
The tour runs during spring, typically in April and May, to coincide with Keukenhof Gardens' bloom season.
What hotels are included?
All seven nights are spent onboard the MS Amadeus Amara river cruise ship; no separate hotels are part of the package.

Similar journeys