Holland & Flanders

Day 1 — Brussels/Antwerp, Belgium (Embark)
Arrive in Brussels and transfer to the 78-passenger Rembrandt, which is docked in Antwerp along the flowing Schelde. The ship will overnight in this attractive Belgian city, so you'll have plenty of time to relax and settle in.

Day 2 — Antwerp (for Brussels, Belgium)/Cruising the Albert Canal
Take a full-day excursion to Brussels -- the capital of Belgium -- considered the hub of world diplomacy. You'll see many notable sites, including Saint Michael's Cathedral, the Atomium, Place Louise, and the imposing European Union (EU) buildings -- en route to the city's historic square, Grand-Place.

This cobblestone square is home to gabled houses, Gothic halls, and the Town Hall. Nearby is the famous Manneken Pis fountain of Brussels' legendary boy-hero. After lunch, you'll have time to casually explore the square and Old Town before returning to the Rembrandt in Herentals. Then cruise leisurely along Albert Canal en route to Maastricht. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board tonight.

Day 3 — Maastricht, Netherlands/Cruising the Maas River
Maastricht lies in the province of Limburg, often referred to as the Dutch Deep South. Built near the fortress where Caesar's Roman legions bridged the Maas River, the city boasts a diverse history -- from Roman traders and Charlemagne's soldiers to outstanding medieval architecture and the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which unified Europe's new currency.

Today's walking tour showcases Maastricht's unique ambience -- marked by the coziness of a small French country village paired with the allure of an international city. During your walk, visit gorgeous medieval churches, the famous Treasury of Saint Servaes, the old Stokstraatkwartier -- Maastricht's enticing shopping district -- and the picturesque Wyck quarter on the river's left bank. Then savor the city's unhurried pace of life at Onze Lieve Vrouwe Plein and Vrijthof market square. The remainder of your day is spent cruising the Maas River, relaxing on deck as the pastoral scenery slowly glides by.

Day 4 — Arnhem, Netherlands/Cruising the IJssel River
From Arnhem, site of World War II's infamous "A Bridge Too Far," join a morning excursion to the Netherlands Open-Air Museum. Set within a magnificent park, the museum features more than 80 authentic Dutch buildings from all over the country. From a Friesian dairy farm or Delft grain mill to a bakery in Zaan or a fisherman's home from the village of Marken, you'll see how everyday life and commerce have evolved across the Netherlands over the past 250 years.

This afternoon, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, set in de Hoge Veluwe national park. The museum owns no fewer than 278 van Gogh masterworks, as well as an outstanding collection by many of his European contemporaries. Take time to stroll the museum, its landscaped gardens, and sculpture park -- one of Europe's largest, featuring works by artistic giants Rodin and Giacometti, among others. Tonight, the Rembrandt sails the scenic IJssel River toward Kampen for overnight.

Day 5 — Kampen/Cruising the IJsselmeer (Zuider Zee) and Markermeer/Hoorn,
Nestled quietly among the Dutch lowlands, Kampen -- with its towers, spires, and Gothic city gates reminiscent of the prosperous Hanseatic League era -- is ideal for a morning stroll. Wander through the Koornmarkt, plus see the Gothic St. Nicholas Church and the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady, both of which date back to the 14th century.

The Rembrandt then briefly enters the IJsselmeer before crossing the Markermeer en route to handsome Hoorn, a Zuider Zee town that rose to prominence during the golden age of Dutch history. Experience the port's maritime history during a walking tour of the old harbor, meandering past stately mansions, admiralty buildings, and warehouses. A delicious dinner and Dutch folkloric show are featured on board tonight.

Day 6 — Hoorn (for Keukenhof Gardens or Aalsmeer Flower Auction)/Amsterdam
While Holland is famous for many cultural contributions, among its biggest claims to fame are its floral attractions which you'll see at either famous Keukenhof Gardens or Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Peruse the displays before returning to the Rembrandt, now docked in Amsterdam. Later this afternoon, join a tour to the Van Gogh Museum to see the world's largest collection of works by the renowned artist. Enjoy a cruise tonight amid Amsterdam's concentric canals and distinctive neighborhoods.

Day 7 — Amsterdam, Holland
Discover more of Amsterdam on a full-day tour that begins at the heart of old city along tree-lined waterways bordered by 17th- and 18th-century buildings. View the distinctive gables and cornices that make this stately capital so unique. Also see Dam Square and the Portuguese Synagogue. Then continue to the Rijksmuseum, which boasts outstanding artworks by Vermeer, van Gogh, and Rembrandt, among others; lunch is included. This evening, enjoy a farewell reception and dinner on board the Rembrandt.

Day 8 — Amsterdam (Disembark)/Return to U.S.A.