Keukenhof gardens blooming spring flowers by the pond

Tulip Time - Soulful Experience

Amsterdam's story is inseparable from the African diaspora, from its colonial past to the Surinamese, Caribbean and African communities that have made the city's culture and neighborhoods their own for generations. This Soulful Experience sailing honors that living heritage through curated live performances, artist encounters and cultural programming that runs deeper than the tulip fields and canal tours. The Netherlands, seen through a lens most visitors never find.

Duration9 nights

RiversDutch & Belgian Waterways

CountriesBelgium, Netherlands

Duration9 nights

RiversDutch & Belgian Waterways

CountriesBelgium, Netherlands

Highlights of your Soulful Experience

Aerial view of old city of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Two Nights in Amsterdam

Explore the Dutch capital alongside local guides, with plenty of time for independent exploration. Your stay includes luxury accommodations, daily breakfast and more.

Amsterdam's Black history by canal

Take a small boat through Amsterdam's Black history, past the Skinny Bridge, from the colonial trade to the Rijksmuseum's reckoning with slavery.

A living diaspora

Look past the tulip fields. People from Suriname, the Caribbean and Africa have shaped Amsterdam's food, music and neighborhoods for generations.

Traditional Colombian dish Bandeja Paisa with fried egg, beans, rice, chorizo, and pork rind served on a rustic table setting.

Your choice in tulip season

In Amsterdam, pick the Black history canal tour or Keukenhof's gardens in full spring color. At night, live music on board celebrates Black artists.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailings

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into your hotel room, where Amsterdam’s canalside charm and beauty welcome you.

Wander through the charming streets of Amsterdam, taking in its iconic canals, historic bridges, and distinctive architecture with your tour guide.

Sail down Haarlem’s picturesque canals, admiring historic architecture, charming bridges, and a classic Dutch windmill, before transferring to your ship later in the day to begin your journey down the Danube.

Glide down the scenic IJsselmeer to Bruinisse, then choose to explore the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee with its 16th‑century Gravesteen and charming harborside shops, discover the engineering marvels of the Delta Works at Neeltje Jans, or enjoy an invigorating guided bike tour of Bruinisse.

Explore Ghent’s medieval heart, where canals shimmer beneath castle towers and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Savor chocolate at a local shop, crafting your own pralines under the guidance of a master chocolatier, or spend the day wandering Bruges’ cobblestone streets, Grote Markt, and the Church of Our Lady, tasting local delights and soaking in the city’s timeless charm.

Stroll through Antwerp’s vibrant streets, from the historic Steen Castle and Brabo Fountain to the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Our Lady, or explore the city on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, indulge in the city’s flavors on a culinary tour of chocolate, waffles, and beer, or wander the Floralia spring flower show, where a million hand-planted bulbs create a breathtaking tapestry of color.

Take a walk through the charming streets and vibrant squares or delve into World War II history with an Operation Market Garden tour, exploring the city’s pivotal role and the iconic Waal Bridge. Alternatively, discover the storied past of Valkhof Castle, once a residence of emperors and a symbol of Nijmegen’s medieval power, now set in a picturesque park overlooking the river. For a more active adventure, opt for a scenic bike tour through the city.

Explore Kinderdijk windmills, Royal Delft, and Rotterdam’s historic landmarks

Wander through Kinderdijk’s iconic windmills, where 18th-century sails float down peaceful canals. Drift onward to Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” where vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and local flavors invite discovery, or visit Delft’s Royal Porcelain Factory and the Pilgrim Fathers’ departure site at Delfshaven for a journey through history.

Spend a morning enjoying scenic cruising before boarding a smaller boat to glide beneath Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Admire the historic harbor and canals, passing elegant homes and the famous Skinny Bridge while learning about culturally significant landmarks highlighting Black history. Or, visit the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips bloom across 70 acres, offering a breathtaking display open only nine weeks each year.

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

What’s Included in Your Soulful Experience

Your Soulful Experiences itinerary is designed to immerse you in the rich history and culture of the region, with every detail thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless journey.

Two Nights in Amsterdam

Explore this vibrant capital alongside local guides, with plenty of time for independent exploration. Your stay includes luxury accommodations, daily breakfast and more.

Seven-Night River Cruise through Holland & Belgium

Settle into your elegantly appointed riverview stateroom for a week-long cruise. Enjoy nightly entertainment and complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi alongside comfortable amenities.

A dish with oven roasted trkey with a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine

Meals and Drinks Onboard

Savor fine dining across multiple onboard venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. Enjoy complimentary local wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour to toast each evening.

Daily Exploration and Wellness

Step on shore to enjoy expertly guided tours—whether a guided hike, city tour, or wine tasting. Back on board, embrace wellness with group fitness classes led by a dedicated Wellness Host.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $250 per person in 2026. $280 per person in 2027. $290 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaViola

On AmaViola, life along the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle flows seamlessly on board, from river-view staterooms and regionally inspired cuisine to an atmosphere as memorable as Vienna’s boulevards or the Rhine Gorge

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

AmaViola

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Magna on the Danube (Soulful Experience)•AmaMagna

“I thought it was amazing! I believe it’s one of the best things that needed to come forward. Because it’s needed for the Black community to experience different cultures in Europe and their Black history.”

Geisha C.

City Escape: The Rhine

“Ama goes above and beyond to make the holiday season special aboard, and its wonderful to be able to celebrate, be taken care of, and feel like I’ve done something special for myself all at the same time. I can’t recommend it enough!”

Aimee Bentson

Best of Holland & Belgium

“We found this type of cruise so much more enjoyable than any of the large ocean cruises we have been on. You have the chance to get to know your fellow cruisers and make new friends. This was our first river cruise but will not be the last on Ama Waterways.”

Kim

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Two camels in Cairo, Egypt looking towards pyramids in the distance

Tulip flower blooms at April in spring in Pécs city center, Hungary is beautiful

Featured Stories

Celebrating the Black and African Diaspora

Travel advisor Denice B. and her clients Christina and James S. are among hundreds of AmaWaterways river cruise guests who have had the opportunity to explore the world with AmaWaterways through a unique lens focused on Black and African history, culture, cuisine and more.

Journeys Unfolding

Featured Stories

A New Chapter Blossoms - Tulip Time Engagement

In spring 2024, Julia and Matthew traveled to Amsterdam to board their first-ever river cruise alongside Matthew’s mother, cousin, aunt and great-aunt. The young couple and their family were eager to witness the vibrant spring tulips firsthand and explore the enchanting Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, especially after more than 18 months of planning this dream cruise.

Guest Stories

Tulip Time - Soulful Experience

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Celebrating the Black and African Diaspora

Featured Stories

A New Chapter Blossoms - Tulip Time Engagement

Dates, Prices and Offers

March 31, 2027Roundtrip AmsterdamAmaViolaSoulful ExperienceFrom: Departure:March 31, 2027 AmaViolaDirectionRoundtrip AmsterdamSoulful ExperienceFrom: