Belgium & Holland by River: Our Tauck Cruise Recap

As our Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland came to a close, Carol and I found ourselves savoring not just the final views from our stateroom window—but the feeling of having stepped into a storybook. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a beautifully choreographed journey through two countries, filled with unforgettable places, moving moments, and the steady hum of river life as our backdrop. A Tale of Two Countries The beauty of this itinerary lies in its contrast. In Belgium, we wandered medieval streets in Bruges and Ghent, where time felt suspended. We admired Gothic spires, sampled exquisite pralines, and learned how lacework and beer became cultural icons. Antwerp surprised us. It’s a port city, yes—but also a cultural treasure. We were captivated by the story of Brabo and the hand-throwing statue, visited the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, and peeked into a centuries-old hidden tavern beneath the cobblestones—now a modern restaurant. Tauck's expert guides brought the stories to life in ways that connected us deeply to the past. Crossing into the Netherlands, we traded stone plazas for windmills and waterways. Kinderdijk, with its iconic 18th-century windmills, felt like a living postcard. The engineering, the sustainability, the history—it was Dutch ingenuity on full display. As we stood among the windmills of Kinderdijk, I found myself thinking not just of engineering marvels, but of heritage—and the deeper threads that connect us to a place. In Rotterdam, we found a city reborn. Leveled during WWII, it’s now a modern architectural marvel with striking lines and bold public art. It was a sharp—and welcome—contrast to the historic ambiance of earlier stops, and Tauck helped us appreciate both with equal depth. Spring in Full Bloom One of the most memorable moments of the entire trip came at Keukenhof Gardens, where we wandered through more than 7 million blooming tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. It was a true explosion of color and fragrance, and a reminder that timing a river cruise for tulip season is well worth the planning. Even beyond Keukenhof, the whole country seemed to bloom with us. Flower markets, green meadows, tree-lined canals—it all felt fresh and alive, and remarkably uncrowded thanks to our spring departure. Tauck’s Signature Touch While the destinations were remarkable, what elevated the experience was the Tauck difference. From the moment we boarded the elegant MS Joy, we were treated not just as travelers—but as honored guests. The service was seamless, the crew warm and attentive, and the days flowed effortlessly from breakfast to evening cocktails. Tauck’s exclusive after-hours visit to the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague was a personal highlight. Standing inches from Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, without crowds or noise, was one of those moments we’ll never forget. And then there were the little things: local guides who knew just where to lead us, perfectly timed transfers, and itineraries that balanced enrichment with ease. We never felt rushed, but we never felt idle either. The attention to detail and the personalized touch made every moment feel special. Amsterdam: The Final Chapter Our cruise ended in Amsterdam, and it was the perfect crescendo. This city is everything at once: old and new, bustling and serene. We visited the Van Gogh Museum, where we stood face-to-face with his genius, and wandered the canals, soaking in the lively energy of the city. We didn’t ride bikes, but we certainly admired them—including one cheerful, flower-covered bicycle where Carol struck a perfect pose! Dutch poffertjes—small, fluffy pancakes that paired beautifully with coffee and a quiet seat along the canal—were another highlight. And as we reflected on our journey, it was clear that this Tauck river cruise had been more than just a vacation—it had been an experience. Why We Keep Coming Back This was our thirteenth European river cruise, and yet it felt as fresh and meaningful as our first. That’s the beauty of river cruising: the ever-changing scenery, the camaraderie on board, the depth of culture and history—and the joy of traveling at the perfect pace. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world in comfort, without repacking your bags or worrying over logistics, a Tauck river cruise is a gift to yourself. Want to Explore Belgium & Holland by River? We’ve written articles for every stop on this itinerary—filled with photos, insights, and ideas to help you decide if this is the right next trip for you. View the full series and cruise highlights Want More Photos and Behind-the-Scenes Moments? We documented this entire Tauck river cruise with daily updates across all our social media channels—featuring highlights, reflections, and favorite photos from each destination. You’ll find the same journey shared in slightly different formats, so feel free to browse using #rbtauckriver on: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Whichever way you like to scroll, we hope our journey inspires yours. ASK ABOUT OUR TAUCK PERKS! How to Book a Tauck River Cruise If our journey has sparked your own sense of wanderlust, perhaps it’s time to turn inspiration into action. There’s no better way to experience Belgium and Holland in bloom than with Tauck—where every detail is curated, and every day brings something unforgettable. These springtime cruises consistently sell out well in advance, so early booking is essential. And if this will be your first Tauck cruise, we’re pleased to offer an exclusive benefit: a complimentary one-night hotel stay before or after your cruise—only available when you book with us as Tauck Certified Advisors.

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