Floral Splendor and Artistry: Dutch Waterways by Private River Barge

Aboard the Magnifique IV
With AHS Host Katie Tukey
April 15 to 24, 2025
Optional Amsterdam Extension: April 24 to 26, 2025

 

This travel program is currently sold out. To join the waitlist or learn about other AHS travel offerings, please email travel@ahsgardening.org

Embark on an enchanting spring cruise along picturesque Dutch waterways aboard the privately chartered river barge, Magnifique IV. Amidst blooming season, visit public and private gardens on expert-guided tours and observe innovative horticultural techniques inspired by Wageningen University’s Foodvalley. While highlighting Holland’s botanical wonders, the journey also showcases world-class art museums that house masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. This cruise promises a harmonious and fascinating exploration of natural beauty and human artistry. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to participate in an optional post-trip extension in Amsterdam, featuring private access to historic homes and gardens along the Vecht River.

Trip Highlights:

  • Admire the beautifully manicured gardens of Keukenhof and visit a working tulip farm.
  • Enjoy a gardener-led walk through one of Holland’s oldest remaining private landscape gardens.
  • Access rare horticultural prints not available to the public by special arrangement at one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.
  • Delve into the history and cataloging of blooms at the Hortus Bulborum.
  • Observe the business of the blooms at Aalsmeer’s floral auction, which sends blooms worldwide.
  • View artistic masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum, Frans Hals, and Mauritshuis Museums.
  • Relax and enjoy a specially arranged organ concert in Haarlem.
  • Explore the stunningly preserved windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy 7 nights aboard the 18-Cabin Magnifique IV. Dock overnight in town centers with easy walk-off access to explore independently.

About Magnifique IV:

The Magnifique IV took to European waters in 2020, after it completed a full conversion from a barge to passenger vessel by master shipbuilder Walter van Berkum. Accommodating no more than 36 passengers plus crew, the vessel is designed to create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere on board. The upper deck features a spacious salon with A/C, bar, and lounge.

The inviting restaurant is separated from the kitchen by a glass wall so you can see the talented chefs in action. Meals are served in a single seating and feature fresh and tasty Euro fusion cuisine. The teak sundeck invites you to enjoy the scenery as you float by and features a hot tub.

The upper deck features 10 suites with two beds next to each other hotel-style, a sitting area, and a large sliding glass window (172 sq ft), while the lower deck houses 8 twin cabins with two beds and fixed portholes (129 sq ft). All cabins have flexible bed configuration and offer a private bathroom with shower, basin, and toilet, as well as individually regulated A/C, flat screen satellite TV, mini safe, and hair dryer. Wi-Fi is included.