It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland's capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Amsterdam

There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." Afterward, relax on the Sky Deck and watch as your ship departs. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Excursion to Floriade or Maastricht

After breakfast this morning the choice is yours: an excursion takes you to the Venlo region to visit the Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening that is held every 10 years in the Netherlands. First staged in 1851, these international exhibitions were originally held all over the world, often leaving behind legacies such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Atomium in Brussels, and the Euromast in Rotterdam. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to Maastricht. Located at the borders of Belgium and Germany, today it is a bustling cosmopolitan capital and province of Limburg. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour through this vibrant university town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and one of the world's most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium's capital and home of the European Union, is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Ghent

In a unique way, Ghent, the "diamond" of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF'S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Middelburg, Holland-Veere-Delta Works

It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. Before rejoining your ship, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Veere, once an important wool-trading center. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Kinderdijk. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens-Schoonhoven

This morning, visit Kinderdijk with its picturesque row of windmills. Today's highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. Rejoin your ship in Schoonhoven, nicknamed "Zilverstad" and renowned for its silver. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)