River Cruises Direct

Dutch Waterways

Explore the beauty and sample the culture of the Dutch and Belgian waterways as you meander through mile after mile of stunning scenery, historic cities and countryside steeped with glorious colour; each location offering its own delights and experiences just waiting to be discovered. Your journey begins in Amsterdam heading north sailing the Ijsselmeer to Hoorn, before changing direction to visit Arnheim, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, Kinderdijk and Utrecht. 

A river cruise creates the perfect platform by which to travel the waterways of Europe; it maybe not the quickest way to travel, but it’s by far the most scenic. Life on-board is certainly relaxed, with an emphasis on thoughtful and considerate hospitality, together with the standards of a 5-star hotel, that simply travels with you. The pace of your holiday is entirely up to you – chose to pack your day with our optional excursions, explore yourself, or enjoy a more laid back approach, by letting the scenery come to you as you sit back and relax from the comfort of the fantastic sundeck. 

Exclusive to UK2 Travel; your week’s cruise will be on-board the new Amadeus Silver III, a vessel introduced in 2016, hosted by Amadeus; a name that defines the art of river cruising; provides authentic and culturally engaging land product and introduces guests to the privileged comforts of genuine river cruising.    

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE

Tulips and Windmills – Amadeus Silver III – 7 Nights Cruise on the 13th April 2017 - From only £895 per person

SPECIAL OFFERS - £400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT (Limited Availability)

Step on-board the Amadeus III, a truly luxury vessel introduced in 2016.

With a combination of modern elegance, perfectly equipped cabins and top class cuisine makes for an unrivalled platform to cruise the Dutch and Belgian waterways. Service on-board is attentive, friendly and engaged, leaving you with a feel of being contented and at-home. Cabins on-board include 12 spacious suites with walk-out balconies – 54 staterooms with drop-down panoramic windows plus 18 staterooms with standard window, all with luxury bathrooms and facilities. For full information on this delightful and exclusive cruise…. Click through.

Amadeus Silver III 

Exclusive Cruise - 13th - 20th April 2017 - from only £895 per person

Exclusive to UK2 Travel; your week’s cruise will be on-board the new Amadeus Silver III, a vessel introduced in 2016, hosted by Amadeus; a name that defines the art of river cruising; provides authentic and culturally engaging land product and introduces guests to the privileged comforts of genuine river cruising. 

SPECIAL OFFERS - £400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT (Limited Availability)

Onboard Facilities

• Panorama Restaurant
• Panorama Bar and Lounge
• Amadeus Club
• “Café Vienna” with Viennese coffee specialities
• Outdoor glass shielded
• “River Terrace”
• Sun Deck with Lido-Bar, lounge chairs, shade awnings, giant Chess Board and Shuffleboard
• Fitness Room
• Hair Salon, Massage Room
• Gift Shop
• Laundry Service
• Complimentary bicycles on board
• Wi-Fi available
• Elevator

Stateroom Amenities

• Suites (26,4 m2 / 284 sq.ft.) with comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom and walk-out exterior balcony
• Staterooms (17,5 m2 /188 sq.ft.) on Strauss and Mozart Deck with drop-down panoramic windows
• Staterooms (16 m2 /172 sq.ft.) on Haydn Deck with standard windows (cannot be opened)
• Cabins with connecting doors are available on Haydn Deck on request
• Mini-Bar (all staterooms except categories C-1 and C-4)
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration: double or twin bed
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathrooms with shower/WC
• Bathrobe in Suites
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe

Technical Data

• Built: 2016
• Registry: Germany
• Length: 135 m | 443 feet
• Width: 11,4 m | 37,5 feet
• Draft: 1,45 m | 5 feet
• Height above water:
• 6 m |19,8 feet
• Speed: 25 km/h | 15,5 mph
• Decks: 4
• Staterooms/Suites: 72/12
• Max. passengers: 168
• Crew members: approx. 46    

Tulips and Windmills - Exclusive Cruise

SPECIAL OFFERS - £400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT (Book by 24th March - Limited Availability)

Based on the Amadeus Silver III - 13th - 20th April 2017 - from only £895 per person

Day 1: Amsterdam

Your tulip cruise starts out from the Dutch city of canals, Amsterdam, where the Amadeus Silver III awaits. After boarding there's plenty of time in the afternoon to explore your floating hotel before we invite you to join us for a welcome cocktail in the panorama bar in the evening. Afterwards the crew will get you in the mood for your cruise with an exclusive welcome dinner. The vessel will stay in Amsterdam overnight.

Day 2: Amsterdam / Volendam

After breakfast those interested can take a city tour of Amsterdam. This is a chance to discover the main sights of this metropolis and pay a visit to the world-famous flower market -- and of course a trip on a canal is a must! Alternatively you can visit the world famous Van Gogh museum -- nowhere else in the world are so many works by this Post Impressionist painter housed under one roof.

At midday the vessel sails from Amsterdam heading north. Here we cross the 1,100 km2 Ijsselmeer Lake and in the afternoon reach the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, the starting point for our trip to northern Holland. After a walk through the village, you'll have the chance to visit a regional cheese dairy to watch Holland's most popular export being made before taking a trip to the small town of Edam with its world-famous cheese market. In the evening you return to the vessel and we set off for Arnheim the same night.

Day 3: Arnheim

In the morning, take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful views of the river landscapes from the sun deck, before arriving in Arnhem just in time for lunch. The varied afternoon programme has something to suit everyone. There's a trip to the local open-air museum with its 85 historic buildings, offering exciting insight into the daily lives of people in the past, whilst the 'Bridge of Arnheim' tour takes visitors to this former Second World War battlefield and includes a trip to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein. In the evening, it’s full steam ahead again as the vessel takes you to Middleburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland.

Day 4: Middelburg

We arrive in the small town of Middelburg at midday on the fourth day of your trip. Two different excursions are on offer in the afternoon, each charming in its own way. During a tour of the town you can visit the smallest university in the country as well as gain an insight into the rich history of the town with its impressive monuments and picturesque facades. Alternatively you can take a trip to the imposing Delta Works -- a pioneering architectural project established in 1953 following the devastating flood catastrophe. Today it serves as a protection against flooding and storm surges. Afterwards the trip takes you to the historic trading town of Veere before you return to the vessel and set sail from Middelburg in the early evening

Day 5: Ghent & Bruges

Overnight we cross the border into Belgium and reach the city of Ghent in the early morning, where the cruise vessel will be docked all day. It you wish, you can join a tour in the morning to learn about the country’s third largest city, especially the city centre which has protected monument status, and the St Bavo cathedral, famous for its ‘Ghent altar’ and 85 m bell tower.

In the afternoon you can enjoy a tour of the town of Bruges complete with another cultural highlight. The centre of this former European Capital of Culture has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and has numerous historic treasures to offer including the impressive Church of Our Lady and the belfry tower, the most important tower in the city. At 83m high and with 366 steps to climb, it offers unrivalled views over the city of Bruges. On returning from the excursion you will still have time for a lovely walk around Ghent, before your luxury cruise vessel continues on towards Antwerp in the evening.

Day 6: Antwerp & Brussels

Your ship arrives in Antwerp in Belgium early in the morning. After breakfast you can explore the city yourself or take a city tour. Antwerp is one of the world's most important centres of diamond trading as well as home to the largest Gothic church in Belgium, the 'Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal' containing some valuable paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. Those interested can take a trip to the Belgian capital of Brussels in the afternoon. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore this lively city, capital of the European Union. You'll have the chance to discover world-famous sights such as the Manneken Pis, Atomium and royal residence. When you're back on board, you'll be greeted by the captain inviting you to enjoy an elegant gala dinner before whiling away the evening in the panorama bar while the vessel sets sail for the Netherlands.

Day 7: Kinderdijk/Utrecht/Amsterdam

On your penultimate morning we arrive in Kinderdijk, a small Dutch town famous for its windmills were you'll find a total of 19 wind pumps dating from the 18th century. The mills have been replaced by more efficient pumps but many of the old structures still remain and can be visited as part of a tour. Anyone wishing to see these distinctive Dutch landmarks with their own eyes can do so during our morning excursion to Kinderdijk.

At midday the vessel sets sail for Utrecht where the highlight of your tulip cruise awaits: a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof flower park. This beautiful green area is only open to guests for 8 weeks of the year and during this time there are more tulips in flower here than anywhere else in the world. Over 7 million bulbs are planted here each year and each season visitors from all over the world come to the Keukenhof flower park to attend more than 30 flower shows and explore a 15 km long network of footpaths and the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands.

After this trip a coach will take you to Amsterdam where your ship is ready and waiting. During your last evening on board you can enjoy a Dutch folklore show in line with the theme of the trip and have a chance to reflect on your adventure-packed day.

Day 8: Amsterdam

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to the crew on board. The disembarkation in Amsterdam takes place in the course of the morning and the AMADEUS team will be on hand to help you with checking out. They're already looking forward to your next visit!

Port times and itineraries are subject to change.

Amadeus Silver III 

Exclusive Cruise - 13th - 20th April 2017 - from only £1,095 per person

Complimentary Return Transfers from North Wales to Manchester Airport

Coach Pickup Points: Bangor, Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl & Prestatyn.

Exclusive to UK2 Travel; your week’s cruise will be on-board the new Amadeus Silver III, a vessel introduced in 2016, hosted by Amadeus; a name that defines the art of river cruising; provides authentic and culturally engaging land product and introduces guests to the privileged comforts of genuine river cruising. 

Onboard Facilities

• Panorama Restaurant
• Panorama Bar and Lounge
• Amadeus Club
• “Café Vienna” with Viennese coffee specialities
• Outdoor glass shielded
• “River Terrace”
• Sun Deck with Lido-Bar, lounge chairs, shade awnings, giant Chess Board and Shuffleboard
• Fitness Room
• Hair Salon, Massage Room
• Gift Shop
• Laundry Service
• Complimentary bicycles on board
• Wi-Fi available
• Elevator

Tulips and Windmills - Itinerary

Day 1: Manchester - Amsterdam

Complementary coach transfer* (please see below) from the North Wales Coast to Manchester Airport for your direct flight to Amsterdam, departing at 14:45 hrs, arriving at 17:10 hrs. Transfer to the Amadeus Silver III.

Your tulip cruise starts out from the Dutch city of canals, Amsterdam, where the Amadeus Silver III awaits. After boarding there's plenty of time in the afternoon to explore your floating hotel before we invite you to join us for a welcome cocktail in the panorama bar in the evening. Afterwards the crew will get you in the mood for your cruise with an exclusive welcome dinner. The vessel will stay in Amsterdam overnight.

Day 2: Amsterdam / Volendam

After breakfast those interested can take a city tour of Amsterdam. This is a chance to discover the main sights of this metropolis and pay a visit to the world-famous flower market -- and of course a trip on a canal is a must! Alternatively you can visit the world famous Van Gogh museum -- nowhere else in the world are so many works by this Post Impressionist painter housed under one roof.

At midday the vessel sails from Amsterdam heading north. Here we cross the 1,100 km2 Ijsselmeer Lake and in the afternoon reach the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, the starting point for our trip to northern Holland. After a walk through the village, you'll have the chance to visit a regional cheese dairy to watch Holland's most popular export being made before taking a trip to the small town of Edam with its world-famous cheese market. In the evening you return to the vessel and we set off for Arnheim the same night.

Day 3: Arnheim

In the morning, take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful views of the river landscapes from the sun deck, before arriving in Arnhem just in time for lunch. The varied afternoon programme has something to suit everyone. There's a trip to the local open-air museum with its 85 historic buildings, offering exciting insight into the daily lives of people in the past, whilst the 'Bridge of Arnheim' tour takes visitors to this former Second World War battlefield and includes a trip to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein. In the evening, it’s full steam ahead again as the vessel takes you to Middleburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland.

Day 4: Middelburg

We arrive in the small town of Middelburg at midday on the fourth day of your trip. Two different excursions are on offer in the afternoon, each charming in its own way. During a tour of the town you can visit the smallest university in the country as well as gain an insight into the rich history of the town with its impressive monuments and picturesque facades. Alternatively you can take a trip to the imposing Delta Works -- a pioneering architectural project established in 1953 following the devastating flood catastrophe. Today it serves as a protection against flooding and storm surges. Afterwards the trip takes you to the historic trading town of Veere before you return to the vessel and set sail from Middelburg in the early evening

Day 5: Ghent & Bruges

Overnight we cross the border into Belgium and reach the city of Ghent in the early morning, where the cruise vessel will be docked all day. It you wish, you can join a tour in the morning to learn about the country’s third largest city, especially the city centre which has protected monument status, and the St Bavo cathedral, famous for its ‘Ghent altar’ and 85 m bell tower.

In the afternoon you can enjoy a tour of the town of Bruges complete with another cultural highlight. The centre of this former European Capital of Culture has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and has numerous historic treasures to offer including the impressive Church of Our Lady and the belfry tower, the most important tower in the city. At 83m high and with 366 steps to climb, it offers unrivalled views over the city of Bruges. On returning from the excursion you will still have time for a lovely walk around Ghent, before your luxury cruise vessel continues on towards Antwerp in the evening.

Day 6: Antwerp & Brussels

Your ship arrives in Antwerp in Belgium early in the morning. After breakfast you can explore the city yourself or take a city tour. Antwerp is one of the world's most important centres of diamond trading as well as home to the largest Gothic church in Belgium, the 'Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal' containing some valuable paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. Those interested can take a trip to the Belgian capital of Brussels in the afternoon. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore this lively city, capital of the European Union. You'll have the chance to discover world-famous sights such as the Manneken Pis, Atomium and royal residence. When you're back on board, you'll be greeted by the captain inviting you to enjoy an elegant gala dinner before whiling away the evening in the panorama bar while the vessel sets sail for the Netherlands.

Day 7: Kinderdijk/Utrecht/Amsterdam

On your penultimate morning we arrive in Kinderdijk, a small Dutch town famous for its windmills were you'll find a total of 19 wind pumps dating from the 18th century. The mills have been replaced by more efficient pumps but many of the old structures still remain and can be visited as part of a tour. Anyone wishing to see these distinctive Dutch landmarks with their own eyes can do so during our morning excursion to Kinderdijk.

At midday the vessel sets sail for Utrecht where the highlight of your tulip cruise awaits: a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof flower park. This beautiful green area is only open to guests for 8 weeks of the year and during this time there are more tulips in flower here than anywhere else in the world. Over 7 million bulbs are planted here each year and each season visitors from all over the world come to the Keukenhof flower park to attend more than 30 flower shows and explore a 15 km long network of footpaths and the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands.

After this trip a coach will take you to Amsterdam where your ship is ready and waiting. During your last evening on board you can enjoy a Dutch folklore show in line with the theme of the trip and have a chance to reflect on your adventure-packed day.

Day 8: Amsterdam

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to the crew on board. The disembarkation in Amsterdam takes place in the course of the morning and the Amadeus team will be on hand to help you with checking out. They're already looking forward to your next visit!

Transfer to Amsterdam Airport for your flight home, departing at 17:40 hrs, arriving into Manchester at 17:10 hrs. Complementary coach transfer* back to North Wales (please see below).

Price Guide

Price Includes:

• Return International Flights to/from the UK (some departure airports may have a flight supplement) OR Eurostar from St Pancras (via Brussels).
• Return coach transfers from North Wales to Manchester Airport
• Return transfers to the cruise from the airport or Amsterdam Central Station. 
• 8-day river cruise in an outside river-view stateroom.
• Round-trip itinerary with embarkation and disembarkation in Amsterdam.
• Services of an experienced cruise director throughout the cruise.
• On-board Concierge Service.
• Gourmet dining with all meals included (buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack) served in the Panorama-Restaurant.
• Quality red and white wines from Europe's famous wine regions with every dinner on board.
• 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water.
• Cocktail reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala Dinner.
• Music programme every day in the bar by a pianist or by the Amadeus music group.
• Complimentary use of on-board bicycles.
• English language spoken on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking allowed only on the Sun Deck).
• Wireless Amadeus audio guides by Quiet Vox for all excursions.
• All port taxes and local taxes.

Price Excludes:

• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary gratuities to guide and drivers (recommendation €5 per person per day)

Prices subject to availability, based on two people sharing.

Port times and itineraries are subject to change.

Complementary Coach Transfer - pick up points: Bangor, Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl & Prestatyn.

Amadeus Silver III - Staterooms and Suites

All Staterooms offer:

• A Choice of bed configuration – double or twin bed
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathrooms with shower/wc
• Hairdryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe
• Minibar payable locally (Strauss Deck and Mozart Deck only)

Category C4 Stateroom on the Haydn Deck (16m2 / 172 sq ft)

Our lead-in category stateroom; perfectly appointed with a luxury bathroom, C4 staterooms include all facilities which come as standard with exception to the mini-bar. This stateroom category is located lower mid-ship and are the furthest back on this deck, all C staterooms feature a standard window (cannot be opened)

Category C1 Stateroom on the Haydn Deck (16m2 / 172 sq ft)

Situated further forward than the C4 staterooms, so better in location, are again on the lower deck. The C1 category of staterooms are perfectly appointed with a luxury bathroom, C class staterooms include all facilities which come as standard with exception to the mini-bar. All C staterooms feature a standard window (cannot be opened)  

Category B4 Stateroom on the Strauss Deck (17.5m2 / 188 sq ft)

B category staterooms include fantastic panoramic drop-down window which creates a juliet style balcony; perfect to enjoy the passing scenery when spending time in your cabin. The B4 cabins are situated at the rear of the vessel, and feature luxury bathrooms, plus all amenities listed above. 

Category B1 Stateroom on the Strauss Deck (17.5m2 / 188 sq ft)

Situated slightly further forward, the B1 staterooms again feature a panoramic window which drop-down creating a juliet style balcony; perfect to enjoy the passing scenery when spending time in your cabin. The B1 cabins are situated at the mid to rear of the vessel, and feature luxury bathrooms, plus all amenities listed above

Category A1 Stateroom on the Mozart Deck (17.5m2 / 188 sq ft)

The Mozart deck offers the highest level of accommodation with unrivalled views from both the A1 staterooms and suites. The A1 staterooms are situated from back to mid-ship and feature the fantastic drop-down panoramic window. A1 staterooms include a luxury bathroom, plus all amenities listed.

Balcony Suite on the Mozart Deck (26.4m2 / 284 sq ft)

Boasting a full walk-out balcony, the Amadeus Silver III suites are located on the Mozart deck. For the ultimate experience in cruising, and for those who want to make the most out of the stunning suite facilities and unrivaled views offered from the glass fronted cabins, the suites deliver on all levels; including a large luxury bathroom, and seating area. All amenities listed are included, plus a few little extras such as bathrobe. 

Amadeus Silver III - Price Guide

Tulips and Windmills - 13th - 20th April 2017

SPECIAL OFFERS - £400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT (Limited Availability)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary gratuities to guide and drivers (recommendation €5 per person per day)

Prices subject to availability, based on two people sharing.

Amadeus Silver III - Deckplan

Sundeck

Mozart Deck

Strauss Deck

Haydn Deck

Amadeus Balcony Suites (26.4m2 / 284 sq ft) with 'Walk-out' Exterior Balcony 

Mozart Deck - A1 & Strauss Deck B1 & B4 (17.5m2 / 188 sq ft) with Panoramic window with automatic drop-down to create a Juliet Balcony

Haydn Deck - C1 & C4 (16m2 / 172 sq ft) with a Picture Window (cannot be opened)