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The Tulip Season in Holland and Belgium
The Tulip Season in Holland and Belgium
Spring is the ideal season to discover Holland and Belgium, at the time of year when tulips are in full bloom. Bright blue sky, vibrant colours, the first warm rays of sunshine: cruising the Rhine is just what you need to welcome spring and discover Holland’s tulips and picturesque Belgium!
Amsterdam, Rotterdam: the Treasures of Holland
The Rhine is CroisiEurope’s most iconic destination, as this was the river on which the company offered its first cruises. There is no more romantic way to discover Northern Europe than on a Rhine cruise.
Amsterdam is a European Capital with a unique charm. Famous for its canals ideal for romantic strolls, its openness and diversity, it will surprise and fascinate you in equal measure. Picturesque narrow streets, interconnecting canals, pretty bridges and iconic museums create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. A spring Rhine cruise usually fits in a visit to Amsterdam, as this is the ideal time of year to find a truly European vibe: as the days start to get longer, the café and bar terraces start to open again, flowers dress up the front of high narrow houses and historic buildings, whose characteristic orange brick shimmers in the evening light.
When visiting Amsterdam, you must fit in a visit to the Keukenhof floral park. Keen gardeners, flower lovers, and photography fans will fall for the spectacular layouts, vibrant colours, and huge variety of flowers on display. Famous for its tulips, the 32-hectare Keukenhof Park is a major attraction on your spring Rhine cruise.
In contrast to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a multifaceted cosmopolitan city. The largest port in Europe, Rotterdam was bombed during the Second World War and entirely rebuilt. Today, it boasts modern architecture, an avant-garde streak, and a totally different landscape to more traditional old European cities. Architecture and culture buffs will fall for this city, which has a look all of its own. Rhine river cruises usually include a tour of Rotterdam, which is a great opportunity to visit this unique location.
Brussels and Antwerp: The treasures of Belgium
CroisiEurope offers not only cruises from Amsterdam, but also cruises from Brussels, through Antwerp. Despite being neighbouring countries, Holland and Belgium are very different.
Famous for its diamond district, Antwerp is also the home to architectural treasures and is a hub for fashion designers. The second-largest port in Europe after Rotterdam, it is a cosmopolitan city where many languages can be heard when strolling along its lovely streets. Antwerp has a typically Flemish feel, and has long attracted artists, writers and painters. After all, it is Rubens' home town!
We turn now to Brussels, another one of the major stops on a Rhine river cruise. Belgium's capital city as well as a European and Flemish capital, this city is surprisingly compact, yet has a proud architectural, historical and cultural legacy. While visting Brussels, make sure you also taste its famous chips accompanied by a refreshing beer and followed by a delicious waffle. The many chocolate-makers will delight you with wonderful gifts to take home. The main central square, Grand Place, surrounded by stunning, towering 17th century buildings and flower markets, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The many museums all over the city also make Brussels a great city to visit at any time of year.
Find out more about all our Holland and Belgium cruises as well as our Rhine river cruises.