Amsterdam originally emerged as a fishing village in the late 12th century, following the construction of a dam on the Netherlands’ Amstel River. Since those humble beginnings, Amsterdam’s development has been rapid and vast. Through the ‘Golden Age’, when Amsterdam was the world’s leading centre for finance and diamonds; the age of gold and silver; and periods of recession and recovery, the city grew to become the charming Dutch capital that’s adored by so many.
Today Amsterdam boasts one of the largest and most beautiful historic centres in Europe. Spread across 90 islands – linked by 400 bridges spanning the city’s iconic canals – the centre is packed with around 7,000 historic buildings, including many which date back to the ‘Golden Age’. Among the most impressive are the Royal Palace, which dominates Dam Square; a number of churches including the 17th century Westerkerk, Amsterdam’s tallest church; and the medieval houses of Begijnhof. Not to be missed is the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring district. Here you’ll see some of the city’s finest houses and grand mansions perched on along the canal sides; as well as traditional white drawbridges.
Amsterdam is also home to a collection of incredible museums and galleries, many of which are world-renowned for their cultural, artistic and historical importance. There’s Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family famously hid from the German occupiers in World War Two; Rijksmuseum, exhibiting ‘Golden Age’ paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals; the Van Gogh Museum, celebrating the life and works of legendary Vincent Van Gogh; and much more. In the spring and summer months, trips to the Tulip Museum and the Keukenhof Gardens are a must.
For a little retail therapy Amsterdam’s abundance of shopping streets and busy markets won’t disappoint; while there are plenty of trendy cafés, bars and restaurants dotted around the city too. And of course, the iconic red light district brings a wealth of unique sights and experiences. Simply walking through the area is an experience in itself.
Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.
With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.
The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.
Mystery Cruise
FREE Dining Drinks & Tips on River Cruises is applicable on Brabant 2021 River cruises, for new bookings made from 04/03/20 to 05/05/20, inclusive. Charters, exclusive sailings and Tour Operator holidays are excluded. Freedom fare terms and conditions apply. The Dining Drinks upgrade comprises selected drinks with lunch and dinner; for terms & conditions click here; Tips are paid directly to the relevant staff on board; are non-refundable, non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Recommended amount for Tips is £8 per person, per night (where paid). T&Cs apply.
FREE Dining Drinks & Tips on River Cruises is applicable on Brabant 2021 River cruises, for new bookings made from 04/03/20 to 05/05/20, inclusive. Charters, exclusive sailings and Tour Operator holidays are excluded. Freedom fare terms and conditions apply. The Dining Drinks upgrade comprises selected drinks with lunch and dinner; for terms & conditions click here; Tips are paid directly to the relevant staff on board; are non-refundable, non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Recommended amount for Tips is £8 per person, per night (where paid). T&Cs apply.
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Where will Brabant take you on this unique river cruise? Well, it’s a mystery! We won’t tell you where you’re going, but you can be assured you’re in for a memorable and rewarding adventure; whichever rivers you sail, there will be a choice of interesting and immersive destinations to discover, all well worth visiting and exploring to seek-out their wealth of cultural, historical and traditional highlights.
You’ll have to wait until each evening to find out what the next day will bring. But what we do know, and what we can tell you now, is that you’ll begin your voyage in Amsterdam and sail to Cologne, enjoying all the comfort, delicious food, entertainment and conversation on board your smaller-sized river ship along the way. Where will you visit, and via which inspirational river routes? Join us on board and let’s find out together.
Itinerary
| Day | Destination |
|---|
| Day 1 |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam originally emerged as a fishing village in the late 12th century, following the construction of a dam on the Netherlands’ Amstel River. Since those humble beginnings, Amsterdam’s development has been rapid and vast. Through the ‘Golden Age’, when Amsterdam was...
| Day 8 |
Cologne, Germany |
Cologne, Germany
Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the...
Prices
* Prices correct as of 00:00 01/04/2020, based on the lowest available Fly Cruise fare, and on two people sharing. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
Suite
From £2,099 per person
SU - Juliette Balcony Suite
There are just two Suites on board Brabant, both beautifully furnished and with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Features include a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), ample wardrobe space, a flat-screen TV, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe. Extra benefits include a large comfortable seating area, an en suite bathroom with bathtub and toilet, complimentary bathrobe and a mini-bar (payable). The Juliette Balcony Suites are approximately 236 sq ft.
Mozart
From £1,699 per person
MJ - Juliette Balcony Room Mozart
The sizable Juliette Balcony Rooms on Mozart Deck 3 offer everything needed for an enjoyable stay. The rooms are approximately 161 sq ft. and facilities include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), plenty of wardrobe space, a flat screen TV, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe.
Strauss
From £1,599 per person
SJ - Juliette Balcony Room Strauss
The spacious Juliette Balcony Rooms on Strauss Deck 2 are approximately 161 sq ft. and offer a generous amount of room for an enjoyable river cruise experience. These rooms also include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, plenty of wardrobe space, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, individual climate control and a safe.
Standard
From £1,399 per person
SR - Standard Room
In the Standard Rooms on Haydn Deck 1, there’s plenty of room to relax and each is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. Amenities include an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, a flat-screen TV, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe. Please note: the windows in the Standard Rooms are positioned high up and cannot be opened and the rooms are approximately 161 sq ft.
* Prices correct as of 00:00 01/04/2020, based on the lowest available Fly Cruise fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
Suite
From £3,898
SU - Juliette Balcony Suite
There are just two Suites on board Brabant, both beautifully furnished and with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Features include a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), ample wardrobe space, a flat-screen TV, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe. Extra benefits include a large comfortable seating area, an en suite bathroom with bathtub and toilet, complimentary bathrobe and a mini-bar (payable). The Juliette Balcony Suites are approximately 236 sq ft.
Mozart
From £2,398.50
MJ - Juliette Balcony Room Mozart
The sizable Juliette Balcony Rooms on Mozart Deck 3 offer everything needed for an enjoyable stay. The rooms are approximately 161 sq ft. and facilities include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), plenty of wardrobe space, a flat screen TV, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe.
Strauss
From £2,898
SJ - Juliette Balcony Room Strauss
The spacious Juliette Balcony Rooms on Strauss Deck 2 are approximately 161 sq ft. and offer a generous amount of room for an enjoyable river cruise experience. These rooms also include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, plenty of wardrobe space, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, individual climate control and a safe.
Standard
From £2,498
SR - Standard Room
In the Standard Rooms on Haydn Deck 1, there’s plenty of room to relax and each is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. Amenities include an en suite bathroom with shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, a flat-screen TV, a choice of bed configuration (double or twin), a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, individual climate control and a safe. Please note: the windows in the Standard Rooms are positioned high up and cannot be opened and the rooms are approximately 161 sq ft.
On Our Ship
Built in 2006, this elegant and comfortable vessel is in keeping with the fleet of our ocean-going cruise ships. Brabant’s bright and spacious public areas and 79 well-equipped rooms and suites, spread across four decks, provide the intimate, home-from-home feel which Fred. Olsen’s guests already know and love.
Cruise ship staples such as swimming pools, a number of lounges and on-going activities are not in evidence on board, making way for a comfortable ambience and ample space in which to relax and enjoy the river cruise experience with around 150 fellow guests.
What's Included?
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
Upgrade to Dining Drinks Package available as a chargeable optional extra.
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Prices shown may vary – please contact our Reservations Team for further details.
Reviews
Interested in booking one of our river cruises? Why not have a look at our latest Feefo trusted reviews for cruises on Brabant and see what other guests have said about their experience.
