As spring unfolds in Amsterdam, millions of tulips bloom in and around the city, making April the most beautiful time of year to visit. It’s here that we begin our seven-night river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium, plying a variety of waterways to reach landscapes dotted with windmills and covered in fields of flowers. In Belgium, medieval villages and historic cities offer opportunities to see old-world architecture and taste local specialties like chocolate, cheese, and waffles. This tour offers a variety of excursions, many of which will have dedicated Our State transportation.
April 16-24, 2026
Itinerary Highlights:
Village of Giethoorn, the “Dutch Venice”- Kinderdijk windmills
- Keukenhof tulip gardens
- Ghent or Bruges
- Walking tour of Antwerp
- Medieval harbor town of Zierikzee
- Rotterdam
Village of Giethoorn, the “Dutch Venice”
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Seven nights’ accommodations on the AmaSerena
- 20 meals: seven breakfasts, six lunches, and seven dinners
- Drinks during meals and cocktails one hour before dinner
- All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Professional tour director
- Our State and AAA hosts
- Private welcome dinner at Chef’s Table restaurant onboard the ship
- Private farewell cocktail reception
- Airport transfers
- Port fees and taxes
About the AmaSerena
The AmaSerena, a floating masterpiece of elegance and comfort, invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey on the Tulip Time itinerary. As you step aboard this luxurious vessel, you are welcomed by a grand lobby adorned with contemporary art and exquisite furnishings that set the tone for an exceptional voyage through the Netherlands and Belgium.
The AmaSerena boasts spacious staterooms, each with a private balcony offering panoramic views of the vibrant tulip fields and charming windmills that grace the countryside. Here, you can unwind in style, surrounded by plush bedding and state-of-the-art amenities that ensure a restful stay.
Dining on the AmaSerena is a culinary adventure, with expertly crafted dishes that highlight regional specialties and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a five-course meal in the elegant main dining room or a casual bite on the sun deck, every meal is a feast for the senses.
Throughout the ship, you’ll find an array of inviting spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment. Take a dip in the heated pool, enjoy a rejuvenating massage in the wellness area, or savor a cocktail in the stylish lounge as you listen to live music. For those seeking a more active experience, the ship offers bicycles for onshore exploration and a fitness center to keep you energized.
The AmaSerena’s attentive crew is dedicated to making your cruise experience unforgettable, providing personalized service with a genuine smile. With a wide range of included excursions, from guided city tours to visits of historic landmarks and vibrant gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of each enchanting destination.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart the U.S.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Board your overnight flight from the U.S. to Amsterdam to begin your journey.
Day 2: Arrive in Amsterdam
Friday, April 17, 2026
Transfer to the luxurious AmaSerena in Amsterdam for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a private welcome dinner at the Chef’s Table restaurant onboard the ship.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 3: Kampen
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Enjoy a scenic cruise across the IJsselmeer lake to the city of Kampen. From there, venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice.” Capture wonderful photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, which appear as though lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale. In the afternoon, visit the province of Flevoland’s vibrant tulip fields.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 4: Bruinisse
Sunday, April 19, 2026
After enjoying a scenic cruise through the delta, join a guided tour to the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee, brimming with delights, from its 16th-century stone-built Gravesteen house to its lovely harborside shops and cafes. This excursion includes a photo stop at the Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 5: Ghent • Bruges
Monday, April 20, 2026
Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, with its Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Those with a sweet tooth can visit a chocolate maker’s shop. After being greeted with a glass of champagne, a master chocolatier will brief you on the history of chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to taste different types of pralines — and try your hand at making your own.
Alternatively, take a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Grote Markt and Burg Square, visit the centuries-old Church of Our Lady with its prominent spire, and sample some of the local specialties, from Belgian fries to waffles to chocolate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 6: Antwerp
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Explore this trendy city 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. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions: Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles, and beer, while flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 7: Rotterdam • Kinderdijk
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
In the morning, take a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the “Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, the home of painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware, and the Royal House. While there, you’ll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum.
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. Visit a private windmill via electric boat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 8: Amsterdam
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Marvel at one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, which presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the “Garden of Europe.”
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: AmaSerena
Day 9: Departure
Friday, April 24, 2026
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. Want to share your memories with other travelers? Post your favorite pictures in the Our State Travel Club Facebook group!
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
| Category | Description | Size (sq ft) |
Deck | Price per person (based on double occupancy) |
| SS | Suite — French Balcony & Outside Balcony | 300 | 3 | $8,922 |
| AA | French Balcony & Outside Balcony | 235 | 3 | $7,994 |
| AB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony | 235 | 2 | $7,851 |
| BA | French Balcony & Outside Balcony | 210 | 3 | $7,708 |
| BB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony | 210 | 2 | $7,565 |
| C | French Balcony | 170 | 2 & 3 | $7,137 |
Single rates also available.
For Reservations & More Information:
AAA
Alex Kantor
(919) 832-0543, ext. 16607
axkantor@acg.aaa.com
For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.
