Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise in Holland & Belgium

Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium - Rhine River Cruise - Avalon Waterways Cruise Lines

Sail aboard the Avalon Imagery II

Ship sails from Amsterdam, Holland, Netherlands

Trip Duration: 9 Days/8 nights

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• All Shipboard Meals

• Wine and Beer are included at lunch & dinner

• Wi-Fi Included

• 1 excursion included per city included

• Service of a Starr Tour Director with 15 or more tour guests

• Round Trip airfare between PHL/EWR and Amsterdam

• Transfers between airport and port in Amsterdam

• Motorcoach transportation between PHL/EWR airport and Starr Tours' departure locations

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

 

 

Cruise Highlights:

 

Port of Call: Amsterdam, Holland, Netherlands

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding! Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure. You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Our first evening, we'll cruise overnight to Nijmegen, Netherlands.

 

Port of Call: Nijmegen, Netherlands

Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills

Active Excursion: Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:

Discovery Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen- the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.

 

Port of Call: Maastricht, Netherlands

Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast

Active Excursion: Maastricht's charm awaits! Follow your Adventure Host for a walk in this lovely town, OR:
Classic Excursion: Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, and historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center. Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

 

Port of Call: Namur, Belgium

Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafes

Active Excursion: Explore Namur's countryside by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture. Take free time to stroll along Namur's cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafes and bookshops.

 

Port of Call: Liege, Belgium

Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the "Fiery City" of Liege with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don't miss sampling authentically sweet Liege Waffles.

 

Port of Call: Antwerp, Belgium

A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp. Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities:

Active Excursion: Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You'll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens. Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment.

 

Port of Call: Brussels, Belgium

Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts

Active Excursion: See Brussel's Aquaculture farm on bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Discovery Excursion: See the major highlights of Brussels and join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun & interactive experience, OR:

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafes and shops of the Lower Town Streets. The afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace. We'll dock overnight in Brussels for our final evening.

 

Need to Know:

 

Proof of Citizenship Requirement: PASSPORT

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.

 

 

Tour: April 5, 2025

Deposit/Final Payment Policy: $525.00 non-refundable per person is due at time of booking. Final payment is due by December 30, 2024.

Cancellation Penalties: If cancellation occurs from booking date to 12/29/2024, a $25.00* per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 12/30/24 - 2/3/25, a $2325.00* per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 2/4/25 - 4/5/25, the traveler is in full penalty & no refund will be granted.

*In addition to the cancellation policies listed above, if additional payments have been made to Starr Tours for the purpose of securing your airline reservation, these monies are non-refundable once received. Any name changes after final payment is made will be assessed a per person change fee. The amount of the fee will be determined by the airline/cruise line.

 

Flight Schedule (Subject to change):

Departure: April 5, 2025

DELTA 048 Departs: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7:30pm Arrives: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) at 9:15am (4/6) *Flights are subject to change

Return: April 13, 2025

DELTA 141  Departs: Brussels Airport (BRU) at 10:40am Arrives: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 1:20pm *Flights are subject to change

**Only 1 piece of checked baggage is allowed on this trip.**

 

Trip Insurance:

Travel Insurance provides protection for your travel investment and it should always be considered. We recommend The National Tour Association's (NTA) Travel Protection Plan administered by Aon Affinity. You can purchase the enhanced plan within 14 days of deposit to cover preexisting conditions or 'cancel for any reason' coverage.

For more information: https://www.starrtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NTA-Plan-Flyer-Starr-Tours.pdf

For frequently asked questions: https://www.starrtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NTA-Plan-Flyer-FAQ_2023.pdf

To purchase: Call 800-388-1470 or log onto: nta.aontravelprotect.com

Starr's Tour Operator location # for AON is 306035.

 

Gratuities:

• Gratuities to individuals noted below are not included in the price of your cruise tour package. Customary recognized guidelines are as follows:

      *Motorcoach Driver – $4-$6 per tour guest, per day
      *Tour Director – $4-$6 per tour guest, per day

 

Accessibility:

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

 

Adapters and Converters in Europe:

Please remember to bring a European adapter for your electronic devices. In Europe, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz, with power plugs and sockets of type C, E, and F. Since the plug shape used in Europe is different from most other regions, your standard plugs won’t fit directly into European wall sockets, so you’ll need a special adapter to bridge the gap.

Avalon Imagery II

 

Avalon Imagery II: If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. The Avalon Imagery II embodies all of Avalon's outstanding traditions to deliver exceptional cruise experiences and service. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, their Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet.

 

Onboard Amenities Include:

• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship

• Fitness Center

• Panoramic windows throughout the ship

• Elegant, contemporary design & decor Friendly

• English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area & premium lounges

• Covered Observation Lounge

• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

• Elevator

• Non-smoking interior & staterooms

 

The Avalon Adventure Center is your place for active gear & activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including: Bikes; Maps for hiking, biking & jogging routes; Canoe and kayak excursions; Fitbits; Walking Sticks; Binoculars; Daypacks; Yoga Mats; and Fitness bands.

 

Dining on the Avalon Imagery II ship is an exquisite experience featuring chef-prepared meals that blend regional cuisine with familiar favorites. The seasonal menu showcases the freshest local ingredients, and Avalon Fresh offers healthy cuisine options at every meal. The spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room hosts a daily breakfast buffet with a full range of classic items, healthy Avalon Fresh choices, and daily à la carte specials. Enjoy complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or indulge in the daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, and rotating chef's features, including carving and pasta stations.

 

For a different dining experience, dine al fresco at the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or savor a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge. Afternoon Tea offers tea, coffee, and sweet treats, while four-course dinners provide a choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts or cheese. The Panorama Bistro's tasting menu offers a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere with several selections to enjoy. Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks accompany lunch and dinner, and Avalon FlexDining allows for flexible dining times with diverse menu and venue options.

 

The Panorama Lounge & Bar serves premium spirits, features cozy seating, panoramic windows, and a dance floor. Welcome and farewell cocktails with sparkling wine and canapés add to the experience, and new in 2023, an included Happy Hour every evening features house beer, wine, cocktails, and a drink of the day. Enjoy cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck, and specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and beWell Essence flavored and infused water are available throughout the day.

 

Avalon Suites & Deluxe Staterooms Include:

• Open–Air Balconies and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM

• Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens Bathrobes & slippers

• Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer

• Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

• Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV

• Individual climate control and in-room safe

• Full-size closet & mirror, under-bed storage & a well stocked mini-bar

Travel Insurance Travel Insurance FAQ's