Belgium and Netherlands Tulip Time Cruise

It may technically be spring on March 21, but temperatures along the rivers and canals of Belgium and the Netherlands can still chill your bones like winter. That won’t stop the early blooming crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips from beginning to paint the countries’ gardens with bold strokes of springtime color — and river cruise lines from embarking on itineraries that visit their top cities and landmarks.

Booking tip: The best deals on river cruises through the Netherlands and Belgium are often on the first one or two cruises of the season in mid-to-late March when only the most eager crocuses, hyacinths, and daffodils have bloomed. The gardens won’t yet have their full springtime color, but your wallet will be flush with the green of a few hundred dollars in savings.