Group River Cruise Trips
Join Stephanie on a
Christmas Getaway River Cruise
November 27-December 4, 2027
Special promotions through June 30, 2026! See details below:
Spend the holidays taking in all the seasonal charms and delights of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways!
Taste rich Belgian chocolates and listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s De Haar, Brussels’ Bouchout Castle.
With the holiday season in full swing, experience the glowing waterways of Amsterdam, Brussels and more as cities come to life with strings of lights, festive music and photo-worthy decorations, as well as a few Christmas Markets.
Indulge in an onboard Christmas dinner and local holiday traditions as you sail on the most elegantly decorated ship on the river. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium during the magical wintertime!
Itinerary
Day 1, AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium Christmas cruise.
*Some Amsterdam Christmas Markets will be open!
Day 2, AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel
at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams,
this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.
*With festive holiday decor!
Day 3, HELLEVOETSLUIS, NETHERLANDS
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your time here, you can tour of this medieval harbor town and see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You may also choose to visit a traditional Dutch flat bottom boat. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B,L,D)
Zierikzee
Day 4, GHENT, BELGIUM
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D)
*Some Ghent and Bruges Christmas Markets will be open!
Bruges
Day 5, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Bouchout Castle, a 12th-century fortress built to protect the Duchy of Brabant from the County of Flanders and the lords of Grimbergen.
*Some Brussels Christmas Markets will be open!
Brussels and Chocolate Workshop
Day 6, ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” 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. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.
Antwerp
Day 7, DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as 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. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, 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. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.
Kinderdijk Windmills
Day 8, AMSTERDAM
Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
*All photos are from Stephanie's trip to the Netherlands and Belgium in November 2024!
Pricing
Cabins starting at $4,699 per person!
Cabin space is not held, so availability can change at any time
Special promotions through June 30, 2026:
Choose either:
$1,500 off per person
or
2 free nights in Amsterdam before your cruise!
(Ask me about the details!)
*Prices vary by cabin category and number of passengers in the cabin, and can change at any time. Prices are listed as per person based on double occupancy.
About
AmaWaterways is one of my favorite river cruise lines thanks to its thoughtful blend of luxury, comfort, and immersive travel experiences. This family-owned company is known for elegant ships, exceptional service, and beautifully crafted itineraries that sail some of the world’s most iconic rivers. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms, award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions visited, and a wide range of included excursions designed to help you truly connect with each destination.
During their Christmas Market cruises, the ships take on an especially festive atmosphere, with seasonal décor, holiday treats, and traditions that make the experience feel wonderfully magical. The result is a river cruise experience that feels both refined and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the world in comfort and style.
Why travel with a group?
Travel is about more than simply reaching a destination. It’s about the experiences you share, the people you meet, and the memories you create along the way. A group river cruise combines the beauty and ease of river travel with the camaraderie of like-minded travelers. Whether you’re traveling with friends, joining a themed group, or looking to meet new people, group river cruises offer a relaxed, enriching way to explore the world’s most beautiful waterways.
1. Built-In Community: Travel alongside people who share similar interests, making it easy to connect, socialize, and enjoy the journey together.
2. Expert Planning and Coordination: Group cruises are typically organized by experienced hosts or travel advisors who handle the details so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
3. Great Value: Group bookings often include special perks, amenities, or pricing not available to individual travelers.
4. Stress-Free Travel: With itineraries, excursions, and logistics handled in advance, you can focus on enjoying each destination.
5. Ideal for Special Interests: From wine lovers and history enthusiasts to photography or culinary groups, themed river cruises bring people together around shared passions.
6. Perfect for Celebrations and Milestones: Group river cruises are a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, or other special occasions.
7. Comfortable and Intimate Ships: River cruise ships are smaller than ocean liners, creating a more personal atmosphere where it’s easy to interact with fellow travelers.
8. Deeper Cultural Experiences: Traveling with a group often enhances excursions through shared learning, discussion, and guided exploration.