River Cruises In Europe’s Tulip Capital

By Frederick Holm 

Choosing to go on one of the many wonderful river cruises in Europe is not a difficult decision; however, choosing where exactly to go might be! With so many wonderful destinations on offer, and each with their own unique appeal, it is a good idea to do plenty of research before you make a final decision. Most river cruises in Europe take in the best parts of the most beautiful places on the continent, but each one offers you something a little different.

Do you want to taste the wines of Burgundy, find out more about the history of the Alsace region, cycle the towpaths of Holland, or indulge in great food in Italy? The choice is endless, but if you are looking for a classic cruise in one of Europe’s most stunning countries famous for its picturesque waterways, Holland is an excellent choice.

Introducing Holland

Holland is known for its waterways, which are a great inspiration for a range of excellent river cruises. In Europe, Holland is most famous for its tulips and windmills, but this artistic and cultural country also has a rich history and an energetic, modern vibe. Here are our top three excursions you should include when cruising the waterways of Holland.

Keukenhof Gardens

This wonderful site is a haven for lovers of nature, and in springtime there are more than 7 million bulbs blooming. The star of the show here is the tulip, with over 800 varieties. Planted over 32 acres of fields, the flowers are simply stunning, the gardens are fascinating and the artwork is truly inspirational. There are regular flower shows held here as well as other events, including the Tupomania exhibition in the Juliana Pavilion.

Zaanse Schans

Visiting this tiny village on the banks of the Zaan River is like taking a step back in time. The working windmills, charming houses, quaint barns and museums have been constructed to represent a real working village, as it would have been in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can wander the streets, watch cheese or clog making, visit the oil mill and saw mill, and absorb a sense of how life would once have been in a typical Dutch village. Beautifully designed, this village has been built using pieces of typical Dutch architecture salvaged and brought here since the 1960s.

Royal Delft Pottery

Established in 1653, this is the last remaining working factory that produces the famous Delftware pottery. You can explore the history of the factory, see a master painter work their magic, visit the museum, see the ceramic rooms, and discover the showroom where you can buy souvenirs. The factory offers a genuine insight into how the traditional craftsmen have continued to create this intricate pottery as they have done for centuries.

Holland is a wonderful place to choose for river cruises in Europe; if you start with the excursions above you gain a well-rounded view of this picturesque and interesting destination.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for river cruises in Europe we offer experiences in France, Holland, Italy and the UK.

Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/destination-tips/river-cruises-in-europes-tulip-capital