Banner

Holland Cruises

Explore a kaleidoscope of Springtime colours and the historic towns of the Old Masters along the Holland canals

Famous for windmills, tulips, pottery and cheese, the Netherlands also boasts a vibrant artistic and cultural heritage. The stunning scenery welcomes visitors, with thriving cities including Haarlem and Delft to tell you more about the rich history of the area.

A cruise along the Netherlands’ canals is a great way to explore the area and get off of the beaten track. Our Amsterdam river cruises will take you to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, renowned museums such as Zaanse Schans, and some of the engineering feats of the people to beat the sea.

For passengers eager to see the most incredible sights in Amsterdam, you’ll want to book a Dutch barge cruise. Your cruise will take you to popular attractions such as the Royal Delft potteries and the Aalsmeer flower auction on our spring tulip cruise.

Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises

  • Travel from Alkmaar to Delft on the deluxe Panache 12-passenger hotel barge to discover the way of Dutch life and visit historical sites
  • Take the ultra-deluxe La Nouvelle Etoile 8-passenger barge through Holland in April and early May or visit Holland and Belgium in mid-May

Taking a Dutch barge cruise through Holland is a great way to explore the area, take the path less travelled, and see the area in a new way. Your luxurious hotel barge will give you a comfortable place to relax, and you’ll travel effortlessly to each iconic destination. With a rich history and delicious food to discover on your journey, you will have an unforgettable time in Holland.

The deluxe Panache barge is one of the most popular, cruising between Alkmaar and Delft. Between March and mid-May, you’ll travel through Holland in style on a hotel barge fitted in the traditional yacht style with modern amenities, such as a heated spa pool. This is the perfect way to see the wooden windmills of Zaanse Schans or visit the historical city of Leiden.

Looking for the ultimate luxurious hotel barge? The ultra-deluxe La Nouvelle Etoile offers the highest level of comfort and convenience with an air-conditioned saloon and elegant furnishings including a piano. The April to mid-May Holland cruises will take you to the Keukenhof Gardens, Zaanse Schans, and the Royal Delft pottery, while the mid-May Holland and Belgium barge trip takes you to the ancient Ketel One distillery and travel to Antwerp and Bruges for a historical trip to Belgium.

Holland Cruise Highlights

With three different Holland cruises to choose from and two luxury hotel barges to take you on a tour of the area, you are sure to have an unforgettable holiday. Why not check out our 5 favourite things to do in Holland or see what your itinerary might have in store for you.

The Panache classic Holland cruise is perfect for those seeking the authentic Holland experience. You’ll be met in Amsterdam with a champagne reception. A brief walk tour in Alkmaar starts Day 2 before you visit Zaanse Schans, giving you the chance to dive into Dutch history.

Visit the world famous Keukenhof Gardens and the popular Aalsmeer flower auction before taking a tour of Haarlem. Here you’ll find St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where both Mozart and Handel playing the Muller organ. You’ll cruise to Leiden and Delft to discover more history before being chauffeured back to Amsterdam to end your holiday.

The La Nouvelle Etoile classic cruise in Holland starts with a trip to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, before you get the chance to see the working windmills, clog makers, and more. Exploring Holland by barge will give you some unforgettable views, trips to quaint villages, and delicious food inspired by the local cuisine.

You’ll cross the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering and discover the stunning floral industry that Holland is so famous for. If you love tulips, you’ll find that there is no better way to see them then on a tulip season barge cruise of Holland.

Want a barge holiday with a difference? The La Nouvelle Etoile Holland to Belgium cruise will take you to more incredible destinations. Take a short cocktail cruise through Haarlem before visiting the Aalsmeer flower auction and the Keukenhof Gardens. Visit Delft, the town of pottery and painters, for the chance to visit the Royal Delft Pottery.

You’ll cross the border into Belgium to visit a beautiful Flemish city before ending up in Bruges, which is also known as the ‘Venice of the North’. This picturesque town is the perfect place to end your trip, and you’ll have had some incredible times with us.

Sample Cheese and Sip Champagne on a Barge Cruise

When you step on board your Holland hotel barge cruise, you will be given a champagne welcome and enjoy a gourmet dinner. As you tour the area, you’ll sample the local wine and drinks, including a visit to the oldest distillery in Amsterdam. Ketel One is an incredible vodka distillery and is still owned by the same family, making it a must-visit destination.

Interested in enjoying the local cuisine? There will be numerous stops on the trip to dine in local restaurants and eateries. Visit local cheese farms to sample delicious Gouda and more. It will be a delightful culinary experience.

Our Hotel Barges in Holland

Deluxe 12 Passengers 6 Crew Cruise Rates
Panache - Cruising - Alsace - September 2023 (7) 250

Panache is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises in Holland between Alkmaar and Delft from March to mid-May and then from Holland to Belgium in late May

Ultra Deluxe 8 Passengers 5 Crew Cruise Rates

La Nouvelle Etoile is an ultra-deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises in Holland between Zaandam to Haarlem in April and then from Holland to Belgium in early May

Photo Gallery

Videos

YouTube player

Why Book a Holland Cruise?

Holland is one of the best places to visit in Europe, especially if you want to take a unique holiday. A Holland barge cruise will show you the country in a whole new way, taking you to some of the most exciting locations and giving you the chance to try something different. From delicious food and friendly locals to historic buildings and stunning scenery, you’ll find that an Amsterdam river cruise gives you everything you were looking for and more!

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS CRUISE

    I confirm that I have read and agree to European Waterways Privacy Policy.

    FROM THE LOCK-KEEPER BLOG

    Why Everyone Should Visit Keukenhof Gardens at Least Once in their Lives!

    The world famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland is renowned for its spring displays of over 7 million colourful tulips and flowering bulbs. Read More

    Our 5 Favourite Things to Do in Holland

    There's plenty to Holland besides windmills and clogs! Take a look at our 5 favourite experiences that you should try while you're there... Read More

    Keukenhof Gardens turn 70!

    True, Keukenhof Gardens is beautiful every year, but this year is extra special as it celebrates 70 years of colour and natural beauty! Read More

    Flower Power at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction

    Bring beauty into your life at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction – it’s a safe bet you’ll leave with something gorgeous. Read More

    Sail Away with Your Sweetheart on a Romantic Dutch Barge Cruise

    Share some quality time with your better half on a romantic cruise of Holland aboard the luxurious Panache. Read More

    Our Top 4 Destinations for Spring in Europe

    Here are our most highly recommended cruises for those seeking barges, birds and blooms in Holland this Spring in Europe
    Read More

    X