Holland & Belgium

See the picturesque Dutch countryside and the original technological marvels of historic Kinderdijk. You will walk with your guide into the serene polder lands of South Holland. As you cross the dike to the windmills, you will notice that they in fact are at a lower elevation than your ship, as much of this part of The Netherlands is below sea level. Built in the mid-18th century, these 19 windmills, the largest concentration in The Netherlands, stand like sentinels on a hushed landscape. You will learn why they were built and see firsthand how they work, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters. Families who live in these mills are required to keep them in working order. This excursion provides a revealing look at these marvelous buildings that helped shape the legendary Dutch landscape.

Immerse yourself in the charming history of Gorinchem during a captivating walk. Meet your guide, then start your stroll through the picturesque streets of this historic town center, where centuries-old architecture and timeless beauty await. See the well-preserved city walls and the 16th-century Dalem Gate, the only surviving one of the city's original four. Stop for an enlightening visit to the Hamel Museum, dedicated to the intriguing story of Dutch sailor Hendrick Hamel, who wrote the first Western account of Korea after being shipwrecked there in 1653. Afterward, treat your taste buds to a delectable cheese tasting at a local store, savoring the rich flavors of Dutch cheese. Then, enjoy free time to explore Gorinchem’s quaint shops, cafés and hidden gems at your leisure. Afterward, you will walk back to your awaiting ship.

Cycle through the grasslands of Kinderdijk and see the 19 historic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don your cycle helmet, mount your e-bike and pedal with ease through stunning scenery. The route takes you through the polders, or low-lying lands, along the Lek River. Kinderdijk is famed for its windmills, which were built to pump the excess water from the polders that lie around 5 feet below sea level. As you cycle through this network of windmills, your guide will explain how this magnificent sight symbolizes Dutch water management today. During your ride, you will pass several of the windmills up close. At the Blokker Windmill Museum, stop and take a peek inside for a glimpse of the rustic life of a mill keeper. Journey through picturesque villages and admire the quaint old cottages and monuments, then begin the return cycle back to your ship.

Go beyond the usual visitor experience on a Viking exclusive boat tour and visit the oldest Kinderdijk windmill. Board the Jantina, a 125-year-old restored cargo vessel, adapted to carry passengers to the Blokker Windmill, which dates back to 1630. Meet the miller and his family and tour the windmill. Take a peek at the vegetable garden and see the traditional outbuildings, such as the cooking shed and the outhouse. Learn everything there is to know about the life of a miller’s family in days gone by and also what it takes today to preserve these mighty machines. On your way through the canal and back, your expert guide will explain the history of water management in the region and the vital role of the magnificent mills in this endeavor. Return to the visitor center for more information or a memento of your visit.

See the picturesque Dutch countryside as you explore The Netherlands’ world-famous cheeses and windmills. Visiting a cheese farm, get an in-depth look at how one of The Netherlands’ top products is made. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk around the farm with your hosts, busy farmers making their living off the earth. Later, meet the cheese makers who patiently create their product from fresh milk and learn the craft, process and history of cheese making, which dates back to pre-Christian times. By lesson’s end, there will be plenty of cheese for sampling. You will also visit Kinderdijk’s 19 historic windmills, the largest group in The Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In South Holland’s polder lands, these windmills stand like sentinels. Learn why the mills were built and how they operate, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters.

Sail across the Merwede River to discover local history by exploring a medieval castle and a fortified town. Walk along the riverbank with your guide to a dock where you will board your water taxi. Cross the river to Loevenstein Castle, a moated structure that dates back to the 14th century. Here, explore with your guide, learning about the castle’s storied history; originally built by a knight and used as a toll booth for passing boats, it later expanded into a fortress and a prison. After, return to your water taxi and sail to Woudrichem, a fortified town set at the confluence of the Merwede and Waal rivers. As you arrive, take in its historic harbor and brick walls before heading to a local bakery to sample its sweet pancakes. After, walk through the town to discover how its past was defined by its location and see the preserved buildings that represent its medieval heritage.