Amsterdam is admired for its charming brick canal houses, with their distinctive stepped gables and forward slant. A stroll along the city’s waterways showcases the beautiful architecture of these properties and their interesting features. The houses are traditionally narrow but deep and tend to tilt forward. The lean serves two purposes: it provides additional living space in a house’s upper quarters; and, in conjunction with the hoist beam protruding from the peak of the roof, it allows heavy items to be lifted by pulley to top floors without breaking any windows.
*Note: Due to the opening schedule of Keukenhof Gardens, the Day 2 program may be exchanged with the Day 9 program and vice versa on select departures.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Keukenhof Gardens
Walk the flower-lined footpaths of one of the most renowned flower gardens in the world.
Keukenhof Gardens & Historic Haarlem
Walk the footpaths of renowned Keukenhof Gardens and the streets of charming Haarlem.
Videos
Stroll through the World Famous Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands
Join us as we journey to Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful spring gardens. During an aerial drone tour, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of its many colorful flower beds filled with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and many more stunning blossoms—both common and rare. Wander through this magnificent garden when you embark on our 10-day Tulips & Windmills voyage.
At Home in Amsterdam with Linda
Explore one of the world’s most iconic cities, Amsterdam, with local guide Linda van Zanten. Living in Amsterdam for nearly a decade and working as a proud certified national guide, Linda shows us the city’s celebrated landmarks, including Centraal Station, the Jordaan District and Dam Square. When visiting Amsterdam, sampling the city’s famous Dutch pancakes is a must, and in addition to answering viewers’ questions during the livestream, Linda shares her favorite pancake topping.
Exploring Holland - Amsterdam to Kinderdijk
Long-time Viking family member and renowned British photographer Alastair Miller begins his journey in Amsterdam, where he reveals the cultural treasures of the Netherlands’s historic capital. Join Alastair as he peruses unique shops (Posthumuswinkel) and a colorful flower market, pedals through the city and visits the owner of a houseboat museum. After stepping on board Viking Kara, one of our award-winning Viking Longships, he sails to Kinderdijk to meet with locals who care for the iconic windmills.
Explore the fascinating history of museums and masterworks in Amsterdam and Bruges with Viking Guest Speaker Robert Schonfeld
Join Viking Guest Speaker Robert Schonfeld as he shares insights into the essential museums to visit in Amsterdam and Bruges, during his talk, “Museums, Masterworks & More in Amsterdam & Bruges.” Robert is an art and design historian, and his extensive career has included almost every role in the art world—photographer, collector, curator, teacher, adviser and dealer. During this fascinating presentation, he draws from his years of experience working at Sotheby's and with some of the most prominent private collectors and public institutions in the world.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season in Amsterdam and Cologne
Join our Ambassador-at-Large Jean Newman Glock, as she visits two festive ports on our 8-day Christmas on the Rhine journey. First, in Amsterdam, Jean takes a glass-topped boat for a leisurely ride along the city’s charming canals and savors some traditional Dutch cuisine at De Blauwe Hollander, a beloved restaurant located on the lively Southern Canal Ring. Next, Jean boards the Viking Eir to sail on to Düsseldorf, where she will toast to the yuletide season with a hot cup of mulled wine known as glühwein. Lastly, watch Jean make her way to Cologne, where the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. Jean also browses the colorful market stalls for handmade gifts and special keepsakes.
Get a glimpse into Amsterdam’s past with guest lecturer Sherry Hutt, PhD
Discover the fascinating history of an iconic European city with guest lecturer Sherry Hutt, PhD, who presents “Amsterdam—Eight Centuries Along the Canals.” Founded as a small medieval settlement on the shores of the Amstel River in the Netherlands, Amsterdam later flourished as a center for finance and trade, reaching extraordinary artistic heights during the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age. Discover the origins behind many of the things that Amsterdam—and the Netherlands—is famous for, including tulips and chocolate, as Dr. Hutt shares insights into this canal-laced city.
Thanksgiving in Europe
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Viking on November sailings. There is no better way to complement your succulent turkey dinner than with a stroll through one of Europe’s cultural capitals.
Explore Europe with Viking
Sail Europe’s picturesque waterways in elegant comfort with Viking. Ranging from 7 to 23 days, our itineraries offer a wealth of unforgettable journeys across the continent.
Christmas Markets
Witness the beauty, romance and spirit of the holidays come alive at Europe’s colorful Christmas markets when you join Viking on a festive river cruise during November or December.
Christening Highlights 2014
Learn how Viking earned the Guinness World Records title for “Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company,” an event that unfolded in Amsterdam, Rostock and Avignon.
