We’ll leave by coach to visit the windmills of Kinderdijk. It’s the only place in the world where we can see so many windmills in one place, and that’s one of the reasons why they were listed as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The mills were built in the 18th century to remove water from the polder as everything is below sea level. The Dutch are masters at water management, and this attraction is the best place to learn how they have dealt with their struggles against the sea over the centuries. The area was also the inspiration for a familiar children’s game. Legend has it that after a flood in 1491, as someone from the local village was inspecting the damage, they saw a cradle floating in the water. As the floating cradle came nearer, a cat was seen trying to keep it balanced by jumping back and forth so that no water could get in. When the cradle came close enough for someone to pick it out of the water, they saw a baby quietly sleeping inside. This folktale is now well known as "The Cat and the Cradle."
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the excursions can change.
- Times are approximate.
We’ll leave by coach to visit the windmills of Kinderdijk. It’s the only place in the world where we can see so many windmills in one place, and that’s one of the reasons why they were listed as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The mills were built in the 18th century to remove water from the polder as everything is below sea level. The Dutch are masters at water management, and this attraction is the best place to learn how they have dealt with their struggles against the sea over the centuries. The area was also the inspiration for a familiar children’s game. Legend has it that after a flood in 1491, as someone from the local village was inspecting the damage, they saw a cradle floating in the water. As the floating cradle came nearer, a cat was seen trying to keep it balanced by jumping back and forth so that no water could get in. When the cradle came close enough for someone to pick it out of the water, they saw a baby quietly sleeping inside. This folktale is now well known as "The Cat and the Cradle."
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the excursions can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Northern European Culture and Charm: A Cruise between The Netherlands and Belgium. (port-to-port cruise)
AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2) - ROTTERDAM or surroundings(2) - ANTWERP - BRUSSELS - ANTWERP - GHENT - VEERE - DORDRECHT - BRUSSELS
Climb aboard an unforgettable cruise to fascinating cities and through the gorgeous scenery found in The Netherlands and Belgium. This journey takes you from charming Amsterdam to vibrant Brussels—with ports of call in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, and other historically and culturally rich destinations. Let the rhythm of the water and the beauty of the passing scenery take you away from it all. This cruise is much more than a trip—it’s a total immersion in the history, traditions, and natural wonders found in two fascinating countries.
An Exclusive Cruise to Top Sites in Northern Europe (port-to-port cruise)
BRUSSELS - ANTWERP - GHENT - MIDDELBURG - VEERE - DORDRECHT - BRUSSELS
From the Belgian capital to the famous Windmills of Kinderdijk, discover the beauty of northern European cities and the authenticity found within. A cultivated mix of architecture and local cuisine. Crisscross Brussels and its medieval Grand-Place, retrace the steps of immigrants embarking to the USA during the 19th and early 20th centuries at the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, and visit one of the best-kept secrets in that city—the magnificent Nottebohm Room. In Ghent, you'll come across amazing Flemish architecture revealing an unquestionable medieval heritage, and you won't escape without enjoying a local brew, if that's your style. Stroll the romantic streets of Bruges, taking in the fairytale-like atmosphere. Further along, learn about the years of engineering needed to complete the intriguing Delta Works. Lastly, visit one of the most iconic sites in Holland, the famous Windmills of Kinderdijk—a prime example of 1,000-year-old Dutch know-how.
The Best of The Netherlands (port-to-port cruise)
AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1) - HOORN - GOUDA - ROTTERDAM or surroundings(1) - AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1)
Vacation in the Netherlands on an unforgettable cruise across the Markermeer and Dutch canals. Visit all the must-see sites, including Edam, Volendam, Gouda, the windmills of Kinderdijk, The Hague and the Mauritshuis, Haarlem, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.