Summer Mini Cruises offer the perfect opportunity to explore a fantastic European city when you don’t have to wrap up in coats and scarves, and can wander aimlessly in the sunshine instead.
We offer Mini Cruises to a number of popular destinations, and here we share some of our favourites which we think will inspire you to book your next trip.
Amsterdam summer Mini Cruises
A popular place to visit at any time of year, Amsterdam is a bustling city packed full of things to do, but visiting in the summer means that you can truly relax in the sun and soak up the atmosphere rather than rushing around between attractions and activities.
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam during the summer months is to visit one of the many festivals that take place around the city. There are hundreds of options to choose from, including those which celebrate music, food, culture, or a combination of all three! Some of our favourite Amsterdam festivals include ‘Taste of Amsterdam’ where you can try dishes from fine dining eateries at a fraction of the price, and ‘De Parade’ where you can enjoy live performances and unique theatre.
Amsterdam is one of the best places to people watch, and there are loads of terraces, rooftops, and courtyards throughout the city where you can sit and enjoy a drink, or al fresco dining, whilst watching the world go by. You’ll particularly love sitting outside a bar alongside one of the city’s canals for a truly relaxing experience.
When the weather is especially scorching, you may be surprised to hear that Amsterdam is home to a number of places where you can take a refreshing dip to cool off. Head to Sloterpark, where you will find a large lake that welcomes swimmers, or Amsterdamse Bos, the city’s largest landscaped park, which offers options for both paddling and diving.
Ostend summer Mini Cruises
Known for being the ‘City by the Sea’, Ostend is one of the best summer Mini Cruises as you can enjoy some time on the beach, meaning that you can both explore a new city and relax on the sand during your trip.
You will find some of Belgium’s best beaches in Ostend, and with 9km of coastline to explore you’ll find plenty of great spots for sunbathing, playing, or taking a dip in the sea. When it is time for refreshments you’ll be spoilt for choice, as Ostend seafront is home to a whole range of excellent beach bars offering everything from cocktails to tasty snacks.
Ostend’s Sand Sculpture Festival is not to be missed if you visit this Belgian city during the summer. Artists from around the world gather on the beach to create sculptures using just sand and water, and you’ll be able to admire around 150 sculptures in an exhibition that takes around an hour to walk around.
If you fancy a break from the beach, head the Shin Kai Tei, a beautiful Japanese garden set just off of the coast, where you can see ponds, waterfalls, bamboo, statues, and rock gardens. Open at the weekends, this garden is the perfect place to visit if you want some time to yourself.
Ypres summer Mini Cruises
Out of all of our summer Mini Cruises, Ypres is the one to choose if you love discovering history during your breaks, and have an interest in World War I. However, even those without a love of the past will enjoy seeing all that Ypres has to offer its visitors.
One of the most popular activities to do in Ypres is to take a tour of sites linked to World War I. During one of these tours, you will see battlefields, cemeteries, and museums, and will learn about this period of time in a respectful and informative way. You might also like to walk up Hill 60, a manmade defensive position created in the war, which gives you the opportunity to walk through trenches.
Ypres main square, the Grote Markt, is home to a number of fascinating buildings which you’re sure to find interesting. One of which is the old Cloth Hall, Lakenhalle, which was built in the 14th century and boasts a belfry tower that is 70m high and offers wonderful views across the city. Here, you will also find lots of bars, cafés, and restaurants with terraces where you can sit and unwind with one of a number of Belgian delicacies.
To escape the city, take a walk along the Vauban Ramparts which offer a peaceful alternative to the bustling centre. Despite being created in the 17th century, the ramparts are some of the best preserved in Belgium, and you can walk along them for an hour and a half while taking in the surrounding moats, islands, and greenery.
With so many great summer Mini Cruises to choose from, don’t delay in booking your summer city break with us today, and take a look at the great destinations we have on offer.
