Explore the Dutch countryside, shop for souvenirs and learn about one of Holland's most delicious exports, gourmet cheese. Venture north out of Amsterdam to visit the authentic old village of Zaanse Schans, which is a working open-air museum, as well as Edam, best known for its town's scarlet-skinned cheese. Your scenic drive out of Amsterdam will pass pasturelands dotted with farmhouses and grazing animals. Zaanse Schans is a quaint Dutch windmill village which has been fully recreated to resemble an 18 th century Zaan community. As you stroll through the quaint streets watching the craftsmen practicing the trades of yesteryear, you'll get a glimpse of how Dutch life once was. There were once over 600 windmills in the Zaanstreek, but now only a handful have been preserved. Take the opportunity to witness the old Dutch craft of clog making, or simply relax in an outdoor café. A stop will be made at a local cheese factory to sample some of the products on offer . Please note : For safety reasons, guests must be able to enter/exit the coach independently. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the Dutch countryside, shop for souvenirs and learn about one of Holland's most delicious exports, gourmet cheese. Venture north out of Amsterdam to visit the authentic old village of Zaanse Schans, which is a working open-air museum. Your scenic drive out of Amsterdam will pass pasturelands dotted with farmhouses and grazing animals. Zaanse Schans is a quaint Dutch windmill village which has been fully recreated to resemble an 18th century Zaan community. As you stroll through the quaint streets watching the craftsmen practicing the trades of yesteryear, you'll get a glimpse of how Dutch life once was. There were once over 600 windmills in the Zaanstreek, but now only a handful have been preserved. Free time is provided to pick up some souvenirs before your journey home. Take the opportunity to witness the old Dutch craft of clog making, or simply relax in an outdoor café.    Please note: For safety reasons, guests must be able to enter/exit the coach independently. Wear comfortable walking shoes.    

No additional details available for this excursion.

No additional details available for this excursion.

No additional details available for this excursion.

The beautiful city of Harlingen and its surroundings has a lot to offer. This excursion will be full of the local flavor! You will start with a walk through this gorgeous city where your guide will give you all the ins and outs of the city. During your walking tour you will visit a local church and enjoy a local delicacy named "Oranje Koek" (Orange Cake). After your church visit you will visit the local porcelain factory, which will open its door exclusively for you! Enjoy this art and learn how it all comes "alive" by the hands of the craftsmen. You will close the tour by going on a canal cruise through the waters of Harlingen and its surroundings. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Rotterdam, Delft and Its Famous Blue

Discover the Green Heart of Holland, a picturesque region of lakes, windmills, and farmlands that embodies the timeless charm of the Dutch countryside. Travel by coach to Warmond, where you’ll board a canal boat, exclusively reserved for Windstar, for a leisurely cruise through the Kagerplassen, a vast lake area dotted with traditional polder islands and working windmills. Step ashore for a visit to the historic Lisserpoelmolen, built in 1676 and recognized as the world’s oldest operating windmill with a screw pump, where the miller will explain how these remarkable structures have drained the land for centuries. Afterward, relax and enjoy the scenic return journey on the water before rejoining your coach for the drive back to the ship. Please note:  Guests must be able to embark and disembark the canal boat independently and should wear comfortable clothing and bring a raincoat and sunscreen. This is a private canal boat reserved just for Windstar guests

Rotterdam, The Hague and Maritshuis Museum

Rotterdam, Architecture Tour

During this tour you will visit the beautiful city of Delft which is famous because of the painter Vermeer and the Delft Blue Pottery. After a short guided walking tour through the city center and some free time to explore the city on your own, you will visit the Porceleyne Fles . This is the only remaining official pottery factory in Delft. Once there were over 32 of these factories. After a tour through the factory, it is time to create some Delft Blue pottery yourself ! You will get a tile and a design (or if you prefer you can create your own design) and will be guided through the process. As the tiles need to be baked afterwards, it is not possible to take them home immediately, but arrangements can be made to ship to your home address (supplement applies). After the workshop you will return to your waiting yacht. Please note: The motor coach is not wheelchair accessible. There are three steps to board the coach.

Depart from Rotterdam for a scenic drive to Keukenhof, Holland’s world-famous spring garden, and experience an overwhelming explosion of color from more than seven million tulips and other blooms. Once a small noble’s kitchen garden, Keukenhof has grown into 80 acres of landscaped beauty filled with lawns, lakes, streams, and pavilions hosting various exhibitions. During your independent visit, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—wander through over 80 acres of themed gardens adorned with fountains and water features, admire the dazzling displays of tulips, hyacinths, and narcissi, and soak in the inspiring harmony of color and nature that defines this beloved Dutch attraction. Please Note: Guests should bring comfortable clothing, a raincoat, and sunscreen. This is a seasonal tour and tulip blooms may be more limited towards the end of the season.

Explore the wonders of Antwerp on a leisurely bike ride through the city's iconic architecture and landmarks. Start at Steenplein, a charming square by the Scheldt River, next to Antwerp's oldest building, the fortress Het Steen. Pedal past the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with a towering 403-foot spire (with four additional spires never completed). Continue to the strikingly modern MAS Museum, and ride through the pedestrian tunnel to Linkeroever, where you'll enjoy postcard-worthy views of your Windstar cruise ship in the harbor. Pause at a local spot to savor fresh Belgian waffles before cycling through the historic streets of Antwerp.

No additional details available for this excursion.

This tour combines a scenic coach ride with a walking exploration of Brussels. After approximately an hour's drive, you'll arrive in Brussels, a city that blends modern skyscrapers with historic charm. As the center of banking, trade, and international organizations like NATO and the European Union, Brussels has a rich history reflected in its narrow cobblestone streets. Your panoramic drive will pass the King Boudewijn Stadium, the Centenaire exhibition halls, and the iconic Atomium, built for the 1958 World Expo and representing an iron molecule. The tour continues through the city, passing the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower, and the Royal Castle of Laeken, the residence of King Filip and Queen Mathilde. The walking portion begins near Central Station, where you'll stroll through the old town, admiring the elegant St. Hubert Arcades and its array of shops. A short walk further will lead you to the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO-listed square known for its Baroque guild houses and the impressive Town Hall, often regarded as one of the most beautiful market squares in the world. Continue a few more blocks to see the famous "Manneken Pis," Brussels' iconic statue. You'll have some free time to explore the Grand Place area, shop for Belgian chocolates, lace, and tapestries, or enjoy a drink at a local café. Afterward, your coach will take you back to Antwerp, passing landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, Cinquantenaire, and NATO headquarters.

Antwerp, Belgian Beers in Antwerp

Join your guide for a scenic walk through Antwerp's Old Town, passing Market Square with its guild houses, cafés, and City Hall, before heading to the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to works by Rubens and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Belfries of Belgium and France. Afterward, explore the Art Nouveau-style Cogels Osylei, renowned for its unique architecture, and admire the impressive Central Railway Station, dubbed the 'Railway Cathedral.' The tour ends at the MAS Museum, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Antwerp from the rooftop terrace. Your guide will then escort you back to the ship.

Join your guide for a scenic walk through Antwerp's Old Town, passing Market Square with its guild houses, cafés, and City Hall, before heading to the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to works by Rubens and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Belfries of Belgium and France. Afterward, explore the Art Nouveau-style Cogels Osylei, renowned for its unique architecture, and admire the impressive Central Railway Station, dubbed the 'Railway Cathedral.' The tour ends at the MAS Museum, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Antwerp from the rooftop terrace. Your guide will then escort you back to the ship.

Explore the medieval charm of Ghent from a unique perspective on a guided canal cruise through the city’s historic waterways. Glide past centuries-old guild houses, elegant bridges, and stunning landmarks that showcase Ghent’s architectural splendor and rich history. Your expert guide will bring the city to life with stories of its golden age, when Ghent was one of Europe’s most prosperous trading centers. After the cruise, enjoy free time to stroll through the medieval heart of the city, where cobblestone streets, Gothic buildings, and vibrant cafés create an enchanting atmosphere before returning to the pier. Please note: Guests should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

No additional details available for this excursion.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Explore the wonders of Antwerp on a leisurely bike ride through the city's iconic architecture and landmarks. Start at Steenplein, a charming square by the Scheldt River, next to Antwerp's oldest building, the fortress Het Steen. Pedal past the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with a towering 403-foot spire (with four additional spires never completed). Continue to the strikingly modern MAS Museum, and ride through the pedestrian tunnel to Linkeroever, where you'll enjoy postcard-worthy views of your Windstar cruise ship in the harbor. Pause at a local spot to savor fresh Belgian waffles before cycling through the historic streets of Antwerp.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Indulge in a gourmet food tour of Bruges where you will discover the finest culinary delights and admire the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your journey with a knowledgeable guide who will lead you through the charming streets of Bruges, explaining the rich history of this medieval city before leading you to your first tasting experience. Your tour will begin with a visit to a local chocolate shop where you will be treated to a chocolate tasting experience. You will then move on to a local Belgian beer tasting, where you will get to sample some of the finest brews Belgium is known for. Next up is a gastronomic 2-course lunch, featuring the authentic recipes and local ingredients. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Belgian cuisine and be sure to save room for dessert! After lunch, get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a famous local dessert of freshly baked Belgian waffles and coffee. These delectable treats are a must-try in Bruges and are sure to leave a lasting impression. Following your meal, you will have free time to explore the picturesque scenery of the city's tree-lined canals and admire the beautiful gabled facades. Take a stroll through the narrow and twisting cobbled streets, perusing quaint lace and chocolate boutiques before heading back to port with a belly full of good food and unforgettable memories. Please note : Guests must be 21 years old to participate in the beer tasting. For safety reasons, guests must be able to enter/exit the motor coach independently. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The itinerary might be reversed to accommodate extra capacity.

Belgium is renowned for producing some of the finest chocolate in the world, and this tour offers a delightful taste of why its reputation is so well-deserved. You'll begin your journey in Bruges (or Brugge in Flemish), an exquisitely preserved medieval town with a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. Once a thriving member of the Hanseatic League and home to Europe's first stock exchange, Bruges is a living testament to centuries of trade and culture. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walk through the heart of this romantic city, with your expert guide introducing you to its iconic landmarks. Stroll through the bustling Market Square, admire the impressive Belfry Tower, and discover Burg Square, the historical center of the city. Here, you'll encounter architectural gems like the Stadhuis (Town Hall), dating back to the 14th century, with its ornate facade of statues, and the Oude Griffe, the former Recorder's House, a striking example of 16th-century design. Don't miss the chance to visit the Chapel of the Holy Blood, a site of great religious significance. After your historical tour, indulge in a true Belgian experience with a visit to the Chocolate Museum, where you'll learn about the origins and production of Belgium's beloved chocolate. The highlight of the day is a private chocolate-making workshop, where you'll have the chance to create your own chocolates, guided by an expert chocolatier. You'll even take your handmade chocolates home as a sweet souvenir. To round off this unforgettable experience, your guide will lead you past the picturesque Lake of Love, before returning to your coach for the scenic drive back to the ship.

Tour through the typical Flemish countryside with a scenic drive to the quaint village of Damme. This Flemish village is steeped in traditional Flemish character. Use your free time here to stroll and explore or to sit down at a café and enjoy one of the many different kinds of beer Belgium produces (at your own expense). Damme is also known as a book town, with numerous bookshops and regular book fairs. Afterwards, you will drive through the outskirts of the historical city of Bruges for a view of the windmills and the impressive medieval city walls. You will travel south of Bruges, where you will have the chance to visit the impressive Castle of Loppem . This castle has a particular and homogeneous style, in this sense that the architecture and the interior were kept in their original state. It was in 1856 that the future castellans, Baron Charles van Caloen and his wife, Countess Savina de Gourcy Serainchamps, appointed the English architect Edward Welby Pugin (whose father, August Welby Northmore Pugin, participated in the building of the Westminster Houses of Parliament) with the task of designing the plans. Loppem Castle later came to play a prominent role in the political history of Belgium at the end of World War I. Please note : This excursion does not enter the city walls of Bruges, you only visit the outskirts of the city. This tour is ideal for guests who prefer minimal walking. For safety reasons, guests must be able to enter/exit the coach independently.

A 30-minute drive from the port will bring you to lovely Bruges where your guided walk will start. Smaller and more contained than many other Flemish cities, Bruges makes it easy to believe you have entered a time warp. It is an exquisitely preserved medieval town-a jewel beribboned with picturesque canals. Before enjoying the beautiful city of Bruges you'll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the taste of a real Belgian waffle at a local waffle house. Your guide will walk with you through the narrow, twisting cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled façades. See the bustling marketplace, the Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Belgium's finest export product is undoubtedly chocolate and you will learn why its longstanding reputation is well deserved. Walk to a Belgian chocolatier to see a demonstration how raw chocolate bars are made into fine Belgian chocolates using only the freshest and best ingredients. At the end, there is some time to purchase some Belgian chocolates if you wish and pay a brief visit to the Chocolate Museum (on your own at no additional expense). Your free time will allow you to shop for the perfect souvenir among Bruges' lace and chocolate shops. Finally, your guide will lead you past the romantic Lake of Love and back to your coach for the drive back to the ship. Please note : The drive each way to Bruges is approximately 30 minutes. As coaches are not permitted in the city center, all coach transfers from Zeebrugge drop at the same coach park, this is a scenic 20 minute stroll into the center, with a few steps en route. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

A guided transfer to the heart of Bruges with a full day to explore, sightsee and shop. Arguably the capital of chocolate, savor a taste of what's to come and enjoy authentic Belgium chocolates as we whisk you from your ship to Bruges. The perfect opportunity to plan your day, you'll receive a Bruges City Map and your local guide will highlight the iconic activities and attractions - their insider's insights will help you build an expertly planned itinerary. Arriving on the outskirts, your guide will remain at the coach park for up to 1 hour to answer any questions, to assist you in planning your day. Afterwards, the time is yours to enjoy at your leisure. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges is simply stunning. Climb the 13th Century Belfort for a breathtaking view and catch your breath afterwards (there are 365 steps to climb) with a Belgian beer at one of the award-winning breweries or many canal side beer cafés. Wander through quaint lanes adorned with countless chocolate and lace shops or join a canal tours - a hugely popular way to see the city as they crisscross the centre and have rightly earned Bruges the nickname, 'Venice of the North.' With so much to see and do, and so many tempting cafés, restaurants and shops to while away the hours in, it'll feel like no time at all before you meet your guide back at the coach park. Please note : The drive each way to Bruges is approximately 30 minutes. As coaches are not permitted in the city center, all coach transfers from Zeebrugge drop at the same coach park, this is a scenic 20 minute stroll into the center, with a few steps en route. At the end of your free time in Bruges, your meeting point will be at the coach car park in the same location as you disembarked the coach.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Experience the best of Belgian beer culture with a visit to the Bourgogne des Flandres brewery in Bruges. Begin your adventure with a guided walk through the picturesque streets of Bruges' historic center, where you'll explore the bustling Market Square, admire the merchant guild houses, and see the iconic Belfry Tower. At the brewery, discover the craft behind Belgium's world-renowned beers. Bourgogne des Flandres is a unique blend of two beers, expertly mixed to achieve a perfect balance. You'll even get to participate in a hands-on blending session, creating your own mix. Of course, no brewery visit is complete without tasting, so enjoy sampling a variety of beers that showcase the distinctive flavors of Belgian brews.