Trip Rewind: Amsterdam 2022: River Cruising Through the Netherlands & Belgium: Tulips, Tales, and Travel Tribe Magic

We always say travel changes us—and this journey along the rivers of the Netherlands and Belgium reminded us why. Our Travel Tribe came together aboard a river cruise to discover windmills, waterways, waffles, and wonders that can’t be captured in a single photo (though we certainly tried!).

Our adventure began in Amsterdam, where jet lag couldn’t compete with curiosity. A walking tour and canal cruise helped us fall in love with the “Venice of the North.” From flower markets bursting with color to quiet glides beneath historic bridges, Amsterdam gave us the perfect welcome: vibrant, quirky, and full of charm.

Then we boarded our ship—our floating hotel and cozy home base for the next leg of the adventure.

In Arnhem, WWII history whispered from every corner, but so did natural beauty. As we explored this peaceful, green Dutch town, it was easy to imagine the past—and even easier to enjoy the present.

Middelburg brought medieval magic. This gem of a town introduced us to the Dutch Delta Works—a feat of engineering that protects this low-lying country from the sea. It’s hard to capture in pictures, but we all felt a sense of awe seeing what human ingenuity can do. Then it was on to Veere, where cobblestone streets met sweet Dutch fudge and landscapes that looked like paintings.

The WiFi faded as we drifted into Belgium, but the memories didn’t. Brugge was straight out of a fairy tale. Winding canals, stone buildings, and chocolate shops around every turn—we were enchanted. In Antwerp, the vibe was different, but still full of discovery (and delicious food!).

And finally, we circled back to Keukenhof Gardens, where spring had exploded into a technicolor dream. Fields of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils reminded us how much beauty the earth offers—especially when shared with people you care about.

We laughed. We learned. We leaned into every moment. And we were reminded again that the greatest gift of travel isn’t just where you go—it’s who you go with.

Tot ziens! — Your Travel Tribe Hosts

Visit Our Trip Gallery