Port Activities on a Tulip Time River Cruise
A Tulip Time River Cruise has been on my bucket list for a long time. Take a river cruise and sail through the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent. Indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region. Here are some more activities at some of the popular ports.
Amsterdam, Netherlands pre/post cruise activities
Most Tulip Time river cruises begin and/or end in Amsterdam. We recommend you take some extra days to explore the city.
Admire Amsterdam’s historic harbor and canals, where you’ll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge.
Discover writer Anne Frank's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist.
One of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe."
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visit a family-run tulip farm with over one million tulips, each in different phases of growth and in many species and colors.
Visit the Zuiderzee Museum, providing insight into the maritime culture and history of the lively Zuiderzee region.
Take a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside.
Ghent, Belgium
Discover two medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges.
Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and Ghent Cathedral, and then visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.
Visit the Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo.
Learn about the art of Belgian chocolate making and join a master chocolatier as he shares his insights.
Antwerp, Belgium
Explore this trendy city on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady.
Take a guided bike tour around the city.
Visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque painter.
Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer.
Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Take a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties.
Visit Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.
Visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum.
Venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century.
