A cruise to Holland gives you the chance to enjoy a sample of this beautiful country, which combines modern values with classic architecture and natural scenery.

There are three main ports that cruises to Holland visit, although two of these are really for the same city, as Amsterdam has its own port but some cruise lines prefer to use Ijmuiden, with excursions then heading into the city just a short drive away.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most contemporary, cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It has a number of excellent attractions to enjoy, with more than enough to keep you busy during a port call.

Indeed you'll struggle to fit it all in on one visit with so much to see, but there are plenty of excursions that will show off as many of the best places as possible.

For one, there’s the magnificent Rijksmuseum, which features huge collection of masterworks from artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

You'll have an amazing time just wandering the streets of Amsterdam, with its fascinating architecture along the canals giving the city a pleasant vibe for walking.

Cruises along the canals are available for a more relaxed way to see the sights. It also has excellent shopping including upmarket boutiques, chain stores and street markets, along with scenic parks to enjoy.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the other main port for cruises to Holland, a more metropolitan city but still with plenty of museums to see along with landmark buildings like the impressive City Hall.

Head up the Euromast tower with a restaurant half way up, or take a trip over the incredible Erasmus bridge. There are also many shopping areas covering all kinds of store, while the harbour is great for walking round.

You can also catch a train to The Hague from Rotterdam, to see the sights of the political centre of the country. Enjoy the mix of ultra-modern and historic architecture along with clean parks and green spaces, as well as more art museums and attractive squares.