Immerse yourself in fields of flowers, which flutter in the breeze that gently turns the famed Dutch windmills

All the things that come to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium—colorful canals; whimsical windmills; vibrant tulips; rich maritime history; the art of Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh—are yours to experience in all their real-life glory.

This perfectly paced springtime cruise takes you to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, the Belgian treasures of Bruges or Ghent, the 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens with more than seven million flowers, and museums rich in art by the famed Dutch Masters. While visiting Enkhuizen and Hoorn, you’ll discover the impressive maritime history of days gone by. Stroll through cosmopolitan Amsterdam and trendy Antwerp, and learn about Dutch art, WWII history, and the Netherlands’ long struggle against the sea on three guided museum visits. 2012 is also the year of Floriade, a spectacular international display of flowers, plants, art, culture, and pioneering architecture that happens just once every 10 years in the Netherlands—this year in Venlo.

Along the way, you’ll indulge in the famous treats of the region. Sample handmade Belgian chocolates. Feast on warm waffles. Taste delicious cheeses along with hearty beer—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns.

Who will enjoy this cruise:  Flower lovers and ecoconscious travelers will get the once-in-a-decade chance to experience Floriade. Tulip buffs can enjoy the exquisite Keukenhof Gardens. Artists can discover treasures in the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. Historians can get a first-hand account of WWII during a visit to the Liberation Museum, or step back in time at the living museum village of Zaanse Schans.

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