From butler service to specially designed beds, both ships offer indulgent rooms have, this is not your average river cruise. Make use of these wonderful touches which come as standard in every stateroom.

• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England
• 100% Egyptian cotton sheets
• European duvets
• Pillow menu
• Built-in closet
• Hair dryer
• Safe
• Flat screen TV
• Bottled water
• Asprey bath & body products
• Plush towels
• Backlit magnifying mirror
• Cosy bathrobes & slippers

Classic

Indulge in this charmingly appointed river view room. Featuring an opulent bathroom, first-class service and a stellar view of the glistening river from your window.

Deluxe

With deluxe amenities and more, this is the perfect place to relax after a long day of sight-seeing. Enjoy having added space to kick back in and rest ahead of another day of adventures in your Savoir® Bed.

French Balcony

Add on to your spacious room a chic French balcony and allow the beauty of the outside world to combine with your stunning room interior.

Suite

Treat yourself to a taste of the high life on River Queen. This palatial suite benefits from a spacious balcony to rest on with a cool drink or morning coffee.

The menus on the River Queen and River Duchess are just as stunning as the ones you'll come across on your European adventure.

Both ships' top chefs curate worlds of flavour through combinations inspired by the destinations you're rolling in and out of. This means you'll always have a choice of fresh, beautifully prepared dishes, served at the height of seasonality.

Bars

Bar and lounge venues on the ships offer a stylish retreat after a long day of exploring, with locally sourced wines and custom-made cocktails. Treat yourself to premium drinks and full waiter service onboard as you discover some of Europe's hidden treasures.

Day 1 – Amsterdam (Embark)

Arrive in awesome Amsterdam ready to climb aboard your home for the trip and begin your central European decampment.

Day 2 – Amsterdam

“Morning With the Masters” at the Hermitage Centre

Meet the “cousins of The Night Watch.” Your first excursion on this Amsterdam to Antwerp odyssey will see you have exclusive access to view this huge group of paintings given special gallery space in the Hermitage Amsterdam. Take in this, and other works on display, before the crowds descend.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a merry jaunt along its iconic canals. Sail by stately merchants’ houses and gaze in wonder at centuries of architecture playing out in front of your eyes.

However, it’s not all about past greats, Amsterdam’s canals have also contributed to it becoming the modern bohemian city it is today. On your trip you’ll also see how trendy house boats and businesses lining the waterways have developed.

Plastic Fishing

One of Uniworld’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. Plastic fishing experiences are a fun and engaging way to encourage people to be more conscious about sustainability. Jump onboard PlasticWhale’s rubbish-seeking barge and use your net to pull the rubbish from the canal. The plastic collected will be recycled to make furniture and more boats like the one you’ll complete your fishing on.

Day 3 – Haarlem

Haarlem – Art, History, and Dutch Lifestyle

Definitely more of an uncovered gem, when compared with Amsterdam. Haarlem offers a world of cultural and historical discoveries. On this guided walking tour, you’ll be taken through the streets to famous sites like St Bavo’s Church. Home to the famous Christian Müller organ which was once played by a young Mozart. From here you’ll also discover Vleeshal a notable meat market which dates back to the 1600s.

Full or Half Day at Kuekenhof Gardens

Holland is renowned for producing the best tulips in the world and Keukenhof is a 70-plus acre homage to the flashy flowers. The gardens and their formidable flora are only open for a few weeks a year in spring, so this is your perfect opportunity to witness some of the most colourful scenes you’re ever likely to witness. Once you’ve caught your breath, wander around the gardens and, if you’re staying for the whole day, make sure to stop for a spot of lunch at one of the restaurants.

Day 4 – Enkhuizen, Hoorn

Dutch Maritime Traditions of Zuiderzee

Step back in time at Zuiderzee Outdoor Museum. Buildings from a bygone era have been collected from across the region and landed here in a make-believe town stuck in time. Men and women in period dress complete old-world roles like barrel-making and needlework, while children play with hoops as history comes alive before your eyes.

Enkhuizen’s long history as a thriving port and home to the East India Company is on display on this tour too. Spot large wooden sail boats bobbing in the harbour and fisherman going off to another day of aquatic plunder.

Hoorn Walking Tour

The namesake of South America’s Cape Horn. Take a journey around seafaring settlement Hoorn and enjoy exploring the colourful 17th century gabled houses which echo of the wealth on display in that era. Quaint shops, restaurants, and bars line the cobbled streets and pleasure boats take up the moorings in the harbor.

Dutch Cheese Trail

If you’ve been waiting for some Dutch cheese to make an appearance on this itinerary, wait no more. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience shows how some Dutch suppliers are keeping the old cheesemaking traditions and processes alive in a world full of fancy machinery. Allow the owner of this incredible dairy farm to talk you through the age-old process and it means they keep their operation as sustainable as possible.

Day 5 – Nijmegen

Kröller-Müller Museum Visit

You may think that our Burgundy & Provence Uniworld Cruise was the best way to experience more of Vincent Van Gogh’s work. However, Helene Kröller-Müller was the original Van Gogh fan girl. Buying up plenty of his works back in 1912, she would go on to buy many more pieces – almost singlehandedly resurrecting the celebrated artist’s career.

Nowadays the Kröller-Müller Museum features 97 works by the immortal artist on her family estate. Plus, many other exceptional works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian and Auguste Rodin to name a few.

“Let’s Go” Nijmegen Riverland Biking

Pedal your way through some of the most picturesque areas in the region. Starting at the Waal Bridge, where U.S. forces got stuck for nine months during WWII, then head out passed the oldest Dutch city before taking in the Bay of Bison. There’s so much to discover on this cycle ride.

National Liberation Museum (£)

Back in the dark days of World War II, Nijmegen was the first Dutch city to fall into Nazi hands. However, the National Liberation Museum, and its parachute-inspired design, tells the story of Operations Market Garden and Veritable. Two offences which were crucial to the Dutch taking back their city.

Throughout this tour you can make the most of expert guides and a plethora of information stations which offer an insight as to what life was life before and during the Nazi occupation, as well as what the celebrations were like come liberation day. Following the tour you’ll stop off for a coffee and a slice of liberation cake.

Day 6 – Rotterdam (Kinderdijk), Dordrecht

Dutch Culinary Stroll to Rotterdam’s Market Hall

This trip may seem like it’s all about indulging your tastebuds, but it’s also about appreciating some divine architecture. Wander to Rotterdam’s Market Hall, wherein you’ll find bars, restaurants, and stalls brimming with stunning food and drink to wow your palate.

Once your appetite has been sated, you can explore the UNESCO-recognised Witte Huis. An Art Nouveau masterpiece adorned with mosaics and statues. Perfectly juxtaposed against the grand architecture of the Hall itself.

Kinderdijk Windmills

The Netherlands are famous for windmills and although modern technology has rendered them redundant, for the most part, 19 still stand today in Kinderdijk as a flashback to a bygone age. Because much of the country is below sea level, the mills were originally used as pumps to uncover flooded fields. Windmills pumped the water from the submerged fields up the canal and into the river.

On this tour you can climb the steps and take in the views from the top of one of the mills. You can also garner a fascinating insight as to how windmill keepers and their families lived.

“Let’s Go” Biking the Dams and Windmills

On this scenic pedal through the mesmerising Dutch countryside, you’ll take in the Lek River and the picturesque windmills of Groot-Ammers before ending your journey where it started, in Schoonhoven.

Visit Famous Delft (£)

Delft is renowned for many things: being the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, home to famous Delft pottery, and burial place of royalty. But in addition to these claims to fame, the town is also achingly beautiful. Quaint foot bridges and peaceful water-lily-covered canals aid its easiness on the eye.

Day 7 – Veere

Stroll into the Artists’ Village of Veere

For 300 years Veere was the centre of the wool trade with Scotland. Wander through the, now less crowded, streets and take in the stunning scenery. From the beachfront views which used to coax painters and their easels from miles around, to the “Scottish Houses”. So-called because they were built by rich Scottish wool traders back in the 16th century.

Delta Works Experience

If there’s one thing the Dutch know, it’s how to protect against the power of the sea. From the windmill technology displayed in Kinderdijk to the new-fangled Delta Works projects, installed in 1953.

Following a particularly brutal storm which took the lives of almost 2,000 people, nearby Neelte Jans implemented ingenious storm surge barriers. These defences are huge gates and piers which allow the water to move with the tides on a daily basis. However, during storm conditions they’re shut tight to defend the low-lying town against the surging water. Take a tour of this fascinating sight on this insightful tour.

Oyster Tasting

Like many destinations in the Netherlands, Veere sits on the banks of a large body of water. This placement definitely has its benefits as the nearby town of Yerseke is famed for having the best oysters in Holland.

Take a tour of one of the local celebrated oyster farms. Learn about the growth and cultivation process and, of course, sample a couple of the tasty treats over a drink.

Day 8 – Ghent (Bruges)

Bruges Walking Tour with Canal Cruise

Mark your crossing over from Holland to Belgium with a walking tour of incredible Bruges. Ever since the first Count of Flanders erected a fort in the centre of the city as a defence against marauding Vikings, Bruges has continued to flourish.

From becoming the centre of the thriving Flemish cloth trade in the 14th century, through to the shimmering metropolitan financial hub we see today, Bruges has always been a favourite city break destination. On this tour you’ll wander passed the Begijnhof and the Church of Our Lady to the canal cruise terminal, where you’ll embark on a picturesque jaunt around the cities waterworks.

Following your watery wander, you might like to head into the clouds next. The Belfry Tower looms over Market Square and offers unrivalled views of the Bruges skyline.

Ghent Walking Tour

Take a wander through Ghent’s picturesque centre. Cars have been banned from this area, so you’re free to roam. Your guide on this excursion will take you passed all the notable sights of the city, including: the Church of St James, Friday Market Square, Great Butchers’ Hall and on to St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Within the cathedral, those who know their 15th century art will recognise the mesmerising 24 panel altarpiece the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”*. Although, those who’ve seen George Clooney’s Monuments Men will also recognise the piece, as the film depicts one of the many times the work has been stolen and returned.

After taking in Hubert van Eyck’s stunning 24 panel work it’s off to finish the tour at the Belfort. An imposing bell tower which overlooks the Old Town.

*the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” artwork is currently undergoing restoration works, so some panels may be missing

Day 9 – Antwerp

“Do as the Locals Do” Antwerp Walking Tour

A walk around Antwerp is a stunningly memorable activity. On this occasion your tour guide will take you through the bustling city streets to the incredible Royal Palace, located on one of the main shopping streets in the city. Inside you’ll find Dominique Persoone’s, Swarovski crystal encrusted, Chocolate Line store. Gaze at the beauty of the glittering shop and watch master chocolatiers go about their craft, and, of course, taste some of the delicious fruits of their labour.

From there it’s off to Farmers’ Tower, which many believe to be Europe’s first skyscraper, before heading off to try another Antwerp delicacy, French Fries.

Antwerp Historic Downtown Highlights

Striking out on foot again, you’ll come to Antwerp’s old Market Square, but not before the majestic beauty of the Cathedral of Our Lady smacks you in the face. If there’s no religious ceremony happening, your tour guide will take you inside to where four masterworks by the late great Peter Paul Rubens reside.

Once in the grand triangular Market Square, you’ll be greeted by views of the City Hall which features stunning architecture as well as two virtuous statues of Wisdom and Justice.

Brussels: European Capital (£)

As well as being a Mecca for European politics, the capital of Belgium is a must-visit for just about anyone. From foodies to historians to art lovers and general culture vultures. There’s a spot here everyone will love.

The Grand Palace, church of Laken, the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower, and Quartier Leopold are examples of stunning historical and architectural wonders. But some of the enjoyment here has to be sniffed to be believed.

Take a wonder past the rows of cafés, restaurants, and bars and allow the divine aromas of luxurious chocolate, mouth-watering pomme frites, and sumptuous waffles to fill your head. Then you can also stop off for a good old fashioned pint of Belgian beer, take it easy though… many have come out the wrong side of a couple of frothy Belgian bevvies.

After you’ve finished your Belgian magical mystery tour it’s back onboard where the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner awaits.

Day 10 - Antwerp (Disembark)

Your time aboard River Queen or River Duchess is over. But you don't have to jump on the next plane home. Why not snag a hotel for another night or two and carry on this European odyssey.

The Ships

Your trip through the stunning continental landscapes of Holland and Belgium will be aboard one of two stunning Uniworld river cruise vessels. The River Queen and River Duchess both have their own personalities and each delights in wowing her guests with lavish interiors and spectacular amenities.

Both ships benefit from these onboard features:

• Sun loungers on the deck
• Captain's welcome & farewell receptions
• Gym
• Fantastic restaurant
• Stylish bar area
• Coffee area on the lower deck
• Lounge area
• Laundry room
• Onboard shop
• Wi-Fi

River Queen

A true blue floating hotel, the River Queen saunters the waters of Amsterdam and Belgium bringing you stunning art deco-inspired spaces, which glow with magnificent 1930s glamour. Regal furnishings and statement pieces of art adorn her communal spaces to complete the grand feel.

River Duchess

Whereas the Duchess more concerned with delivering a paired-back design palette. Muted hues of greens, blues, and earthy tones follow you throughout the ship. Additions of thought-provoking modern artworks and daylight-drenched communal spaces deilver that homey touch.