Springtime Tulips & Floriade Expo in Five Nights
A feast of sights, scents and flavours await throughout this short, yet rewarding escape to two attraction-packed cities. A navigation of the peaceful Nieuwe Maas on smaller ship Bolette will provide a relaxing start to your time in the Netherlands, while the sights of Rotterdam are also yours to take in at leisure. See and compare the architecture of the futuristic Erasmusbrug Bridge, unusual Markthal and the Cube Houses, and take advantage of an overnight stay to tick-off the city’s collection of interesting museums and galleries.
Visiting Amsterdam will be a particular highlight; enjoy time to experience the seasonal delights of the Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips burst into life with vibrant colour and fragrance in the spring, and a chance to visit the Floriade Horticulture Expo, a fascinating decennial celebration of ecology and botany. You’ll dock within a mile of the Dutch capital, so you could discover other attractions, such as the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring and Anne Frank House, with ease if you wish too.
Your Itinerary
Southampton, England
Apr 29 | Depart - early evening
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Apr 30 - May 01 | Arrive - late afternoon | Depart - late afternoon
Golden Age canals lined with elegant merchant homes is the familiar backdrop for the Netherlands' historic capital, Amsterdam. Established in the 17th century with the construction of the River Amstel dam, this celebrated port offers everything from treasure-packed museums and antiquarian bookshops to chic boutiques and convivial cafés. Equally, art is never far away in this hub of uber-creative design. One noticeable thing about the city is that, some 150 years after its industrial heyday, Amsterdam is once again awash with producers.
Amsterdam has some 40 museums, and the Museum Quarter boasts three of the most famous: the Rijksmuseum has paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals; the Van Gogh Museum; and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, displays work from Manet to Picasso. The Anne Frankhuis where Anne Frank and her family hid from German troops during the World War II, is an experience many visitors seek.
Whether on boat or bike - there are more bikes than permanent residents - exploration of the city is relatively straightforward, and a tour of the Canal Ring district, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is not to be missed. Seemingly unchanged since the 17th century, the district has been recognised for its unique cultural and historical values, and is home to many exclusive gabled facades and their celebrity owners.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
May 02 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
The words innovative and inspiring sum up Rotterdam, a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Netherlands' second largest city has a diverse community, a captivating maritime history, and an abundance of excellent museums.
The city is like an exhibition of futuristic architecture, an achievement made even more remarkable given Rotterdam was literally razed to the ground during World War II. The north side of the city is easy to discover on foot. The Maritime Museum has vintage ships and exhibits that trace the city's seafaring history, while the Pilgrim Fathers Church is the site where pilgrims worshipped before embarking for America.
The rapid expansion of Rotterdam’s art scene, and the surge of quality dining and drinking venues make the port one of Europe's most exciting cities. The 17th century Delfshaven neighbourhood is home to canal side boutiques and shopping, and is one area of Rotterdam that still offers an impression of what the city looked like before the bombings.
Split by the imposing Nieuwe Maas shipping channel, the city is crossed by a collection of tunnels and bridges, notably the dramatic Erasmusbrug – nicknamed “the swan”. The innovative Cube Houses, tilted at 45 degrees, are a quirky discovery, as is the Schouwburgplein square. The renowned Blijdorp Zoological Garden, is also worth a visit.
Southampton, England
May 04 | Arrive - early morning
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.