There are certain travel experiences that feel almost dreamlike—and tulip season in Holland and Belgium is absolutely one of them.  Exploring Northern Europe with Windstar Cruises on their 7-day Tulip Season in Holland and Belgium itinerary is not only visually stunning, but also deeply immersive.  From vibrant flower fields to storybook cities and intimate ports, this is one of the most unique and beautiful ways to experience Europe in the spring.  

The Windstar Difference – Small Ship, Big Experience:  One of the reasons I love recommending Windstar is their small-ship yacht-style approach to cruising.  With far fewer guests onboard, the experience feels relaxed and more personal, less crowded in ports and onboard and focused on authentic, immersive travel experience, it is truly a 180 degrees from the ordinary.  With approximiately 150-300 passengers, Windstar Cruises offers sailing itineraries world wide, with late port stops and overnights.  An excellent cruise options for the 40+ traveler, and for solo travelers.  Because of it’s size, we experienced both the North Sea and inland waterways, including the Scheldt River, close-to-town docking locations and easy-to-access ports – often walkable right from the ship.  That said, while sailing in the North Sea, there was noticeable movement, even in good weather, something I would absolutely prepare clients for, who have sensitivity to motion.     

Perfect Spring Weather and Easy Amsterdam Access.  We were incredibly lucky to enjoy sunny, spring-like weather throughout the entire voyage, which made every experience even more enjoyable.  Our journey began in Amsterdam, where the ship is docked within walking distance of the city centre.  While Windstar offers private transfers, I found:  Taxis or private transfers are more cost-effective; the train is an option (best for light luggage), and the city itself is very walkable.  One important tip I always share with clients:  book attraction tickets in advance, especially for popular sites like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.  

A Note on Exploring European Cities:  Amsterdam and many of the ports we visited are lively, historic cities with 1) cobblestone streets 2) bikes everywhere (and they always have the right-of-way!) and 3) trams and cars sharing the space

A Memorable Departure:  We set sail from Amsterdam with a dramatic and emotional moment – a Windstar tradition.  As we departed, flags were raised to the music of “Conquest of Paradise”, setting the tone for what truly feels like a curated and elevated travel experience.

Harlingen – Hidden Gem of the Netherlands:  Our first top was Harlingen, a charming and lesser-known port.  A highlight excursion took us to Leeuwarden, where we discovered medieval architecture, a fascinating leaning tower and connections to European royal history.  This is exactly the kind of destination you wouldn’t typically experience without a small ship.

Keukenhof Gardens – the Star of the Show:  For many travelers – including myself – Keukenhof Gardens is the highlight of the itinerary.  We timed our visit perfectly, with thousands of tulips in full bloom.  It truly feels like walking through a living painting.  A few insider tips:  We had about 4 hours, which felt just right; arriving earlier helps avoid peak crowds; expect more lines for food and restrooms after midday.  The gardens are easy to walk, with paved paths and accessibility options.  And yes, you can even purchase tulip bulbs to be shipped to Canada in the fall.

Bruges – A Fairytale Come to Life:  Our stop in Zeebrugge included an excursion to Bruges, and it was absolutely unforgettable.  This medieval city is filled with cobblestone streets and canals; horse-drawn carriages (which also have the right of way); and incredible chocolate shops at every turn.  Highlights included a visit to the Chocolate Museum, complete with tastings and a stop for authentic Belgian Waffles (highly recommended!).  It is one of the most charming cities I’ve ever visited and truly a guest favorite.

Antwerp – Culture, Cuising & Overnight Stay:  One of the biggest advantages of this itinerary is the overnight stay in Antwerp.  The ship docks right in the city centre, making it incredibly easy to explore.  Some of the highlights were walking tour through the historic square, pation dining in beautiful spring weather and a unique and memorable Belgian beer tour.  The beer tour was led by a passionate local expert who took us to authentic, non-touristy pubs, where we sampled a variety of local beers and traditional snacks like cheeses, sausages and sardine pâté.  The overnight stay meant we could fully enjoy the city’s atmosphere after dark – a huge bonus compared to typical port visits.

Ghent – Medieval Beauty by Canal:  From Antwerp, we travelled to Ghent, another highlight.  A scenic canal boat tour offered a different perspective of the city, followed by free time to explore on foot.  We also visited St. Bavo’s Cathedral, adding a cultural and architectual dimension to the day.

Seemless Disembarkation:  disembarkation in Amsterdam was well organized and efficient.  The ship’s transfer to the airport was reasonably priced and overall logistics were smooth – make for a stress-free end to the journey.

Liz Noyle, Vacation Travel Advisor
T:  1-866-926-4070 ext 1406
E:  lnoyle@harveystravel-cwt.com