Chasing Tulips & Timeless Memories: Our Scenic European Journey

A Scenic Journey Through Holland & Belgium

Some holidays leave footprints on your heart, and this was certainly one of them.

In March 2026, we set off on an unforgettable European adventure that took us through three beautiful countries in just 10 days. We spent three incredible days discovering Amsterdam before boarding the luxurious Scenic Jewel for a seven-day, six-night river cruise through Holland and Belgium. On our journey home to Australia, we enjoyed a relaxing stopover in vibrant Singapore, the perfect way to finish an amazing holiday.

This trip had everything. Colourful tulip gardens, centuries of history, charming villages, medieval cities, delicious local food, luxury cruising, fabulous company, and plenty of laughs along the way. We experienced sunshine, rain, cool mornings and warm spring afternoons, sometimes all in the same day, but every moment simply added to the adventure.

Before our cruise began, we stayed at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, perfectly located for exploring one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Amsterdam quickly won us over with its beautiful canals, historic buildings, friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere. There was so much to see and do. We visited the Van Gogh Museum, wandered through the colourful Flower Market, reflected on the powerful history at the Anne Frank House, and enjoyed a scenic canal cruise through the heart of the city.

One unexpected favourite was trying Amsterdam’s famous mustard soup. I had never imagined soup could become a holiday highlight, but it was absolutely delicious and one of those local specialties I’ll always remember.

A First-Class Ticket to Barbie’s World

Then there was the Barbie Dream House Experience, and what a fun experience it was!

If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss it. From the moment we “boarded” Barbie Airlines for our flight from Amsterdam to Malibu, we couldn’t stop smiling. We made our way through 12 fully immersive and interactive zones, each bursting with colour, nostalgia and every shade of pink imaginable.

It was playful, entertaining and impossible not to get caught up in the fun. By the time we “flew” back to Amsterdam, our inner children had well and truly come out to play. It was pure fun and definitely one of the most photographed experiences of our trip!

Tulips, Windmills & Waterways: Our Week Aboard Scenic Jewel

With our Amsterdam adventures complete, it was finally time to board Scenic Jewel, our beautiful floating home for the next week.

From the moment we stepped into our Balcony Suite, complete with butler service, we knew we were in for something very special. The service throughout the cruise was exceptional.

The crew made every guest feel genuinely welcome, nothing was ever too much trouble, and every meal was beautifully prepared. Life on board was wonderfully relaxing, while each day brought a new destination, fascinating excursions and another opportunity to discover the history, culture and beauty of Holland and Belgium.

 

The Moments That Made the Journey

One of the highlights was a memorable Scenic Enrich experience at Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam. We were treated to an exclusive after-hours visit to this incredible immersive digital art space, housed inside a former 19th-century gasworks. With a glass of champagne in hand, we watched the works of some of the world’s most renowned artists come to life across the soaring 17-metre-high walls. Surrounded by colour, light and music, it was a spectacular experience and a wonderful way to spend the evening. And there was still so much more to discover. From the breathtaking fields of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens and the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, to the charming village of Veere, the medieval streets of Antwerp and the magnificent Palace Het Loo, every stop offered something different.

It was a week filled with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, wonderful food and unforgettable experiences, all enjoyed from the comfort of Scenic Jewel. Cruising through Holland and Belgium gave us the chance to slow down, take in the changing landscapes and discover somewhere new each day. It was a truly special way to experience this beautiful part of Europe.

Singapore in a Snapshot: Exploring the Lion City

After our cruise ended back in Amsterdam, our journey continued with a short stopover in Singapore. Staying at the Pullman Singapore Orchard was the perfect way to unwind before flying home. We explored the city on a hop-on, hop-off bus, wandered through bustling markets, travelled on the Metro, visited China Town, Little India, enjoyed a little shopping, visited the iconic Raffles Hotel and finished the day with a delicious Italian dinner.
It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable holiday.

Looking back, this wasn’t just a cruise or a European holiday. It was a collection of experiences, laughter, friendships and memories that we will treasure forever. Europe has a wonderful way of capturing your heart, and I already know we will be back one day.

 

Written by Katrina Richmond following her adventure through Holland & Belgium with Scenic Cruises.

Katrina Richmond