Tulips and Windmills with Uniworld

Arrive at Brussels International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

It may be the diamond capital of the world, but Antwerp is also known for a number of other sought-after cultural gems, including Golden Age art and Belgian beer, waffles and fries. Visit Antwerp’s striking Cathedral of Our Lady, with its UNESCO-designated belfry and its historic surroundings, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the metro and experience the city like a local. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Choose between... Antwerp Historic Downtown Highlights: Wisdom and Justice await you in Antwerp’s Market Square—handsome statues of these virtues overlook the triangular plaza, the historic heart of the medieval city. It’s an easy walk from the ship, and you’ll stop at the glorious Cathedral of Our Lady on the way. or Do as the Locals Do: Antwerp Walking Tour Residents of Antwerp are called Antwerpenaars, and you’ll feel like one during your guided tour of this bustling multicultural city. Hop on the metro for a quick ride to the beautiful Central Station, then stroll down the Meir and much more.

Your next day in Belgium offers you the chance to visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, but there’s nothing museum-like about the city. It’s lively and brims with cutting-edge boutiques and galleries. Choose between... Bruges Walking Tour with Canal Cruise See why Bruges gives Amsterdam a run for its money as the “Venice of the North” as you cruise through the UNESCO-designated city center. or Ghent Walking Tour Since cars are completely banned in Ghent’s historic center, it’s a particularly pedestrian-friendly area. Stroll with your guide from the Church of Saint James, with its two Romanesque towers, to the Friday Market square and much more.

Today, your ship docks in the Zeeland village of Veere. A harbor village on the shores of the Western Scheldt, Veere may be a small town now, but its stately 15th-century town hall tells of a grander past. For three centuries it was the bustling center of the wool trade with Scotland; the wealth from this trade built the splendid church with its tall and ornate steeple that dominates the village, as well as the handsome mansions on its main street. Choose between... Stroll into the Artists’ Village of Veere Wander with the Cruise Manager through Veere’s central marketplace, where you will spot the well-known Scottish Houses, so called because Scottish wool merchants built them early in the 16th century when Veere was the primary port for Scottish trade goods. or Delta Works Drive The Dutch have been protecting their lowlands from the sea for 2,000 years. Back in 1953, a particularly bad storm flooded the countryside and killed almost 2,000 people, so they began a series of massive engineering projects called the Delta Works.

Rotterdam is thoroughly modern—you’ll soon understand why it’s sometimes called “Manhattan on the Meuse”: The Maas Tower, the Montevideo, the Millennium Tower and the spectacular Erasmus Bridge make for a dazzling skyline. Begin your day by exploring this modern city on a Dutch culinary stroll, with a stop at the architectural milestone, Market Hall. Erected in 2014, it’s known for its futuristic look and unique culinary offerings. Later, head to Kinderdijk to discover why windmills are such an iconic symbol of Holland; marvel at their engineering and learn about their role in changing the course of Dutch history. Choose between... Dutch Culinary Stroll to Rotterdam’s Market Hall Get a taste for Rotterdam’s culinary prowess and architectural achievements on a walk to Market Hall. Built in 2014, this extraordinary building is known for its futuristic look and unique culinary offerings—from bars and food stands to full-service restaurants. or Rotterdam, City of the Future With water levels rising in a country where much of the land is below sea level already, the Netherlands has a particularly vested interest in combating climate change. Learn how the country’s most modern city is also amongst its greenest as you get around town via electric city tram and sustainably-powered water taxis. Along the way, you’ll visit a floating farm, the circular beer brewery that helps feed its cows, and more. or 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. or Let’s Go: Biking the Dams and Windmills Set out from Rotterdam to the town of Alblasserdam, where you'll begin an invigorating bike ride through quintessential Dutch scenery. Pedal through the countryside to pass the windmills of Groot-Ammers and Streefkerk.

For your choice of excursions today, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is home to 97 works by native son Vincent van Gogh as well as other notable artists and sculptors. Or opt for a walking tour of Nijmegen. Choose between... Nijmegen Walking Tour As you join a local guide on a walk through the streets of Nijmegen, you might be surprised by the youthful energy you find in the Netherlands’ oldest city. Discover a history that stretches back to the Romans and learn how this town recovered from World War II devastation to become the lively center it is today. End your visit in Nijmegen’s best shopping district, where you can branch out on your own to browse the small boutiques, popular chains and local restaurants available there. or Kröller-Müller Museum Visit Helene Kröller-Müller bought seven Van Goghs in a single day in 1912, valuing the painter’s then-little-appreciated work for his “great and novel humanity.” She went on to purchase many more of his paintings, and in the process, she almost single-handedly rescued him from obscurity and established his modern-day reputation.

Spend some time exploring the picture-perfect town of Enkhuizen and leave the modern world far behind as you visit a recreated 19th-century Dutch village. Later, you’ll discover the town of Hoorn’s seafaring past, where the swashbuckling derring-do of Dutch explorers will come to life on a guided walking tour of this historic locale. Choose between... Dutch Maritime Traditions of the Zuiderzee Characteristic buildings—houses, cottages, warehouses and churches—were collected from all over the region to re-create an authentic 19th-century Dutch village: the Zuiderzee Outdoor Museum. It truly feels as though you have left the 21st century behind and entered an extraordinarily charming past as you walk through this village. or Dutch Cheese Trail The Netherlands is a major world producer of cheese, making nearly a billion kilograms yearly. Nowadays, most of this cheese is made industrially in factories, which not only produces significantly more waste, but also eschews the more traditional processes that make Dutch cheeses unique. Featured Excursion Hoorn Walking Tour Did you ever wonder why the tip of South America is called Cape Horn? It's a misspelling of Hoorn, the home port of Dutch explorer Willem Schouten, who named it after his hometown when he arrived there in 1616. In the 17th century, Hoorn was a booming center of international trade, rivaling Amsterdam, and an important home base for the Dutch East India Company.

Spend half a day among millions of brilliantly colored flowers in Keukenhof, then mix it up a bit with a visit to and exploration of Haarlem’s art, history and Dutch lifestyle. Choose between... Haarlem - Art, History, and Dutch Lifestyle Dubbed one of Europe’s best-kept secret destinations, Haarlem is as quintessentially Dutch as they come. On today’s leisurely walk around the city, you’ll discover an abundance of Dutch charm, quaint streets, authentic windmills and charming local hot spots. You’ll walk past the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the country and former home of merchant and banker Pieter Teyler. or Tulip Farm & Windmills Today encapsulates everything there is to love about our springtime Tulips & Windmills itinerary. On this tour, you’ll take a scenic trip out to a local tulip farm to learn about the country’s most colorful export. On the way, pass by some charming windmills, enter one for a private tour, and hop aboard a small boat for a cruise (a popular Dutch weekend activity). Featured Excursions 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. 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.

The Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam, has been an international port and financial center for 400 years. Your day begins with a morning visit to the Fabrique des Lumières. Later, see the sites by canal boat. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Choose between... Amsterdam Canal Cruise It’s called the “Venice of the North” for a reason: Canals crisscross the heart of the old city, and bridges link some 90 islands. As the principal city in a newly independent Holland, Amsterdam was a boom town in the early 17th century, rapidly outgrowing its medieval walls. or Refugee Canal Cruise Amsterdam has always been a deeply international city. In fact, over half of today’s population identifies as belonging to two or more cultures. Hop aboard a colorful wooden boat—which once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean—and settle into the cushions laid along the floor of the ship for a unique take on the popular canal cruise. During your 90 minute ride, you’ll listen to stories from your refugee guide that highlight the remarkable contribution of immigrants to Amsterdam over the centuries. Featured Excursion A Morning at the Fabrique des Lumières Start your day with a visit to Westergasfabriek, a 19th-century gas factory that has long since been abandoned, reclaimed, and transformed into a thriving cultural space. Many festivals and galleries are hosted here, including the stunning Fabrique des Lumières.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your flight home.