If you're longing for a holiday to the Netherlands that combines relaxation, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery, look no further than a river cruise. The Netherlands is a fantastic destination because of the museums & attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and budget-friendly accommodations. Imagine the serenity of gently gliding along picturesque waterways, while also immersing yourself in exciting excursions and cultural experiences. We've done the research for you, analyzing a wide range of ships and sailing itineraries based on price, comfort, guest ratings, and excursions to find the best river cruises in the Netherlands. Get ready to unwind, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Netherlands, and embark on the cruise of a lifetime.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
River cruises in the Netherlands appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Amsterdam, Leiden, and Lisse offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Amsterdam is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.
The average daily price of River Cruises in the Netherlands is $350 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of River Cruises in the Netherlands here.
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A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in the Netherlands. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
A-ROSA offers local river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 3 weeks. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.
Focusing on river cruise tours through Germany, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, Avalon Waterways is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 5 days to 4 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Avalon Waterways are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
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Focusing on river cruise tours through France, Germany, Cambodia, and Vietnam, CroisiEurope River Cruises is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.
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Lueftner Cruises offers local river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 2 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
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Wondering where river cruise tours visit in the Netherlands? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and it is filled with canals and narrow row houses. The city is famous for its party-hard atmosphere, but it's also rich in history and culture. There are many famous museums, including the world renowned Rijksmuseum. Cycling is a huge part of the Dutch culture and you'll see bikers commuting everywhere in the city.
With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.
Rotterdam is a large port city that has a long running maritime history. It hosts several weekly markets and also has a large international food hall. The city's architecture has mostly been rebuilt since World War II, so you'll find many modern buildings and a modern development style.
Utrecht is a historic city that is filled with character and personality. The old town is surprisingly large with beautiful canals and a very livable atmosphere. Locals often outnumber tourists here, which is a nice change from nearby Amsterdam. You'll also find a huge number of bikers, as this is often listed as one of the world's best cities for biking. On the south side of the old town you'll find great thrift stores, and in the northern side you'll find restaurants and more retail shopping.
The town is filled with beautiful canals and cozy cafes. The lights in the evening are nice and the buildings have a historic charm.
Delft is a beautiful and historic city in the Netherlands that has a rich cultural and art history. Many visitors enjoy walking through its picturesque Old Town, with its lovely shops, cafes, and landmarks like the New Church and Old Church. Delft is also home to a vibrant student population, adding youthful energy to the city's mix of tradition and modernity.
Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through the Netherlands include Middelburg, Veere, Arnhem, Dordrecht, and Nijmegen.
Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided river cruises? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the Netherlands, The Best Historical Tours in the Netherlands, The Best 10-Day Tours in the Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the Netherlands, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Coach Bus Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Adventure Tours to the Netherlands, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Cultural Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to the Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to the Netherlands, or The Best Tours for Seniors to the Netherlands for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam for more package tour options.
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