I believe passionately that Holland is enchanting any time of the year. But Holland at springtime, now that's magical. It's the season when the tulips are in full bloom, and the fields and farms are vibrant carpets of color that would rival Joseph's coat. The breathtaking blooms are worthy of an artist's inspiration. Sprinkle in the quaint cities and towns, the Old-World windmills, and the warmth of the Dutch people and you have the consummate vacation experience.

This time, I was exposed to Holland's qualities in a unique way. I saw many of these remarkable sights by river ship on Holland's magnificent waterways. The Viking Pride, a sleek, intimate 150-passenger ship operated by Viking River Cruises, was my home base for seven days as I traveled virtually the length and breadth of this unforgettable country.

Viking River Cruises is one of the best small-ship cruise lines in the world, and the amenities onboard the Pride spacious cabins with large picture windows, a fine restaurant offering gourmet cuisine, a cozy bar, library, sun deck, in-room telephone and private bathrooms plus outstanding crew service were only exceeded by the itinerary and the included shore excursions, which were first rate.

The cruise began and ended in Amsterdam, Holland's capital and a world-class city. Before embarking to the first of many historic ports, there was time for a canal cruise on one of the city's famed canal boats, and a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, which features the works of the great Dutch masters, including Rembrandt's heralded "Nightwatch."

The included shore excursions on the Viking Pride are impressive by any standards. The tours were top tier and conducted by knowledgeable English-speaking guides who patiently explained the background and interesting points of each destination. There were no long bus rides and plenty of time was allotted for exploring on your own. That's a good thing considering the diversity among the passengers.

I have my favorite places in Holland, but I added a few more during this voyage. For starters, the medieval fishing center of Enkhuizen is a journey back in time. This harbor on the Ijsselmeer first developed around the year 1000-1200. During the Golden Age, the town prospered and witness to this past era are the many striking buildings such as Drommedaris, the Weighing House and the Town Hall which bears a remarkable likeness to the Dam Palace in Amsterdam. (CONTINUE...)