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Best of Holland & Belgium at Christmas Time

AmaWaterways AmaLucia
Date 24th Dec 25
Nights 9 Nights
Day 1
UK > Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Fly from the UK to Amsterdam. Transfer to your hotel for a 1 night pre-cruise stay at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Hotel.
Day 2
Amsterdam (Embarkation)
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.
Day 3
Amsterdam > Utrecht, Netherlands
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get 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 on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.
Day 4
Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Later in the day, 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. Alternatively, visit a traditional Dutch flat-bottom boat and learn about the history of this unique type of vessel. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back.
Day 5
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. *Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 6
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. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, a 13th-century fortified castle built to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Flanders. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting.
Day 7
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.
Day 8
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, 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.
Day 9
Amsterdam
1 Night On Board AmaLucia in Amsterdam on New Years Day
Day 10
Amsterdam
Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
Why Book
Why Book
  • Fixed Window Cabin starting from £2,396pp

  • Flights from London or Manchester, with regional airport supplements available from just £75pp.
  • 1 night complimentary stay at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Hotel for Christmas Eve
  • 7 night river cruise onboard AmaLucia with 1 night post-cruise stay onboard for New Years
     
  • Onboard traditions such as tree trimming, cookie decorating and carolling 
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast and unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Immersive tours in every destination

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Background
AmaLucia
Overview

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia will be a warm, inviting ship offering plenty of space for guests to unwind when she debuts in 2021. From comfortable staterooms with twin balconies that keep guests well-connected via Entertainment-On-Demand, free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, to the sunny Main Lounge, where delicious tapas will be served throughout the day, guests will have everything they need to enjoy their time spent on board. If an active mood strikes, the sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and complimentary fleet of bikes will be available. Or you can take an invigorating class led by the professionally trained onboard Wellness Host. And, of course, the exquisite cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant will satisfy your every craving aboard AmaLucia.

AmaLucia
AmaLucia - Main Restaurant AmaLucia - Chef's Table
Food & Drink

Savour exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.

Entertainment

Part of the draw of traveling to new destinations is immersing yourself in authentic local culture. We are happy to bring evening entertainment on board that includes musicians, folkloric dancers and storytellers who live and work in the cities we sail to and are happy to share their cultural traditions and talents with you. Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favourites played by our resident musician, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

AmaLucia - Main Lounge and Bar AmaLucia - Sun Deck AmaLucia - Observation Lounge AmaLucia - Gift Shop AmaLucia - Reception AmaLucia - Enriching Entertainment
AmaLucia - Pool AmaLucia - Fitness Room AmaLucia - Massage and Beauty Salon AmaLucia - Hair Salon AmaLucia - Hair Salon
Health & Fitness

With fewer guests on board, we have space for luxurious amenities. Relax with a soothing massage or visit the hair salon after a day of exploring, stay in shape with a small group wellness activity led by a professionally trained Wellness Host, work out in the fitness room or watch breathtaking castles glide by while enjoying a cocktail up on the Sun Deck. You can also take a dip in our sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar. On any of our ships, you can also recharge from the comfort of your stateroom by watching a Hollywood blockbuster or a variety of other English-language programming on your personal Entertainment-On-Demand system.

Kids & Teens

Please note: There are no dedicated children's facilities available

Terms & Conditions
All rates are per person in GBP based on double occupancy in the lead stateroom, and reflect current special savings, which vary by departure and are subject to change. Fly-Cruise Package fares include cruise, port charges, return economy flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester (unless otherwise stated), group overseas transfers (between Airport and Ship, or Airport and Hotel if applicable, and vice versa) and land programmes where stated. Complimentary Extended Stay offer is valid on new FIT and Group reservations made between September 3 – 30, 2025; applies to select 2025 Europe sailings booked in double or single occupancy. Guests may select one or both pre and post-cruise options with purchase of eligible sailing. Hotel to ship transfer is included with the pre-cruise hotel stay; transfer from ship to airport is only included for guests who purchase flights through AmaWaterways. Transfers do not apply to deviations. Offer is combinable with Retail savings, 10% Single Supplement, Combination Cruise Savings, Loyalty Benefits and Future Cruise Benefit Programme. Offer is not applicable to travel agent rates, special fares, private sales, industry rates or other offers deemed by AmaWaterways. Stateroom upgrades, other optional land packages, visas and gratuities are additional. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Standard booking and cancellation terms apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.AmaWaterways.co.uk.
Best of Holland & Belgium at Christmas Time
AmaLucia
24th Dec 25
9 Nights
From
£2,369PP
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