April 15 to 24, 2025
Optional Amsterdam Extension: April 24 to 26, 2025

SOLD OUT

The Experience

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

Sold Out

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