8 days from Amsterdam to Brussels

March 31, 2024

This itinerary adds a contemporary flair to the classic tulip time experience, where you’ll find an ideal mix of old and new, historic and modern, in some of Europe’s liveliest cities. You’ll spend time in Amsterdam and Maastricht, allowing you to discover great shopping, countless active options and mouthwatering foodie destinations. Explore Belgium’s historical and contemporary capital city of Brussels, home of a rich and vibrant culinary tradition. Discover Antwerp’s penchant for tasty treats, including Belgian waffles, beer, pralines and chocolate on a walking discovery tour of the diamond capital of the world. In splendid Maastricht, a city with hundreds of national heritage sites, you’ll uncover why it’s known as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Holland.

Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps with a stroll through Nuenen, where you’ll wander through the sites that inspired much of his art. Or venture into the town of Heusden and marvel at a historic working mill, learn to make bread at a local bakery, or wander through the remnants of a 13th-century fortress. Delight in a visit to Kinderdijk to see it’s 19 well-preserved windmills that have stood the test of time. In colorful Amsterdam, you’ll be treated to an exclusive “Morning with the Masters” visit without crowds to the Amsterdam Hermitage Museum–the perfect bookend to an unforgettable journey.

DAY 1: Amsterdam (Embark)

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. 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.

DAY 2: Amsterdam

The Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam has been an international port and financial center for 400 years, endowing it with a lively cosmopolitan feeling to match its historic architecture. The famous Keukenhof Gardens is a 70-acre park planted with millions of tulips and other flowers—an extraordinary sight in the spring.

Choice of Half-day at Keukenhof Gardens or Amsterdam canal cruise

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 3: Schoonhoven (Kinderdijk)

Bike around the silversmithing town of Schoonhoven, best known for its abundant silversmiths, clock makers and quaint shop-lined avenues. Or venture forth to captivating Kinderdijk to see its 19 well-preserved, UNESCO-designated windmills.

Choice of Kinderdijk windmills or “Let’s Go” biking the dams and windmills or Schoonhoven walking tour

DAY 4: Heusden

Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps today as you stroll through Nuenen, where the artist once lived and painted “The Potato Eaters.” After a delicious lunch, you may choose to walk or cycle through Heusden, or choose from a panoply of other ways in which you can experience this charming region.

Featured Excursions:

Heusden “Village Day”

Van Gogh “Village Day” in Nuenen with a country lunch

DAY 5: Maastricht

Your next stop in The Netherlands—Maastricht—is a city with more than 1,670 national heritage sites, some of which can be seen on your Old Town walking tour. And not only that, but it’s known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of Holland and loved for its convivial lifestyle and historic center, which has long played a strategic role in European politics. Or you can choose to make a pilgrimage to the 65-acre Netherlands American Cemetery and memorial, the final resting place of 8,301 U.S. soldiers who perished during the Second World War. The cemetery is the only American military center in The Netherlands and sits near the famous Cologne-Boulogne highway that was constructed by the Romans for Caesar to use for his conquests. Choose to explore the beguiling banks of the Meuse River, the second oldest river in the world.

Featured Excursion:

“Let’s Go” Maas River biking

Choice of Maastricht walking tour or Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial visit

DAY 6: Antwerp

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, Belgian beer, waffles, pralines and fries, chocolate and more. Your walking tour of Antwerp, complete with Belgian treats, features the City Hall, Market Square and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses four extraordinary works by one of the city’s most beloved sons—Peter Paul Rubens.

Featured Excursion:

Antwerp walking tour with Belgian treats

DAY 7: Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a treasure trove of historic architecture, along with a rich culinary tradition—chocolate!—and a vibrant culinary capital. Food lovers will be lured by the divine aromas drifting from delightful cafés and chocolate shops. After a panoramic tour of Belgium’s historical and contemporary capital city, get an up-close view of the city center with a guided tour on foot. Then, treat yourself to some delicious chocolate.

Featured Excursion:

Brussels city tour with chocolate tasting

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 8: Brussels (Disembark)

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