• Join an onboard cooking class hosted by our world-class chefs and learn how to prepare regionally inspired delicacies
• Celebrate the delectable tradition of Belgian chocolate-making during an onboard chocolate workshop
• Enjoy daily onboard cocktail-making demonstrations
• Sample Ghent’s locally produced Gruutbeer at Gruut Brewery

Please note: Cooking lessons are limited to 30 participants per session, and advance signup is required. Lessons will take place in the ship’s Captain’s Club, and participants will be served the prepared meal afterward. Once you've attended a session, preference will be given to those who have not yet attended a lesson. Dishes are subject to change based on seasonality, availability of ingredients, and other factors.

Make the most of your free time by taking advantage of complimentary bicycles aboard ship. Simply reserve a bike with your Concierge for up to four hours. We also provide a lock and helmet, so all you need is firm-soled shoes, lightweight layers like moisture-wicking fabrics, a windbreaker, and tight cycling-type pants of breathable fabric (or padded cycling pants if you're an enthusiast!). If you're traveling in spring or fall, you may also want to bring gloves and a hat.

• Gain insight into the history and culture of the destinations you’ll visit throughout your cruise with informative onboard lectures, part of the Vantage Lecture Series
• Wander among Antwerp’s impressive architecture and lively squares, and visit the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady
• Visit a local bulb grower in Enkhuizen and learn about the Netherlands’ most popular export: colorful tulips!
• Prepare to be amazed by the grandest of Dutch gardens as you spend the day at kaleidoscopic Keukenhof Gardens. Over seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more fill these magnificent grounds with color and fragrance
• Explore one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site during a walking tour of Bruges 

• Visit the 19 UNESCO-designated windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest historical windmill complex in the world
• Explore the lively medieval city of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with visionary architecture, charming atmosphere, and modern-day creativity
• Embark on a cruise along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed 17th-century canal ring
• Visit the Dutch Delta Works, the world’s largest flood protection system and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World

You’ll want to have your camera ready at all times to capture the highlights of the Netherlands. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers different lighting and unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle, for example. Climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take a selfie! You’ll be glad to have a few portraits of yourself at the distinctive landmarks you’ll find on this journey, especially the gorgeous gardens and towering windmills.
• Look beyond the landmarks — sometimes everyday scenes are just as inspiring, and provide a lesson in embracing the unexpected and seizing the moment in front of you

Cruise into a breathtaking canvas of winding waterways and open fields blanketed with flowers. This relaxing river cruise reveals the tranquil beauty of Holland and Belgium.

• Discover the trade secrets of tulip harvesting as you visit with some local bulb growers (keep in mind that flowers may not be in bloom, depending on departure date)
• Explore the seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that fill Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s largest flower gardens
• Enjoy a presentation on the beautiful waterways of Holland

Your solo-friendly river cruise has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Destination Manager, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.