A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Discover Amsterdam in the most leisurely manner, via one of its famous glass-topped canal boats.
A Day At Keukenhof Gardens
Take in the countless breathtaking blooms of Keukenhof Gardens, the colorful star of Holland’s flower trade.
Rijksmuseum & Amsterdam by Canal
See the best of Amsterdam by canal and by motor coach, followed by an enriching visit to the Rijksmuseum.
Keukenhof Gardens
Enjoy a half-day tour amid the brilliant blooms of Keukenhof Gardens, the colorful star of Holland’s flower trade.
Leisurely Dutch Countryside
Enjoy the beautiful Dutch landscape on a leisurely drive, stopping in a fishing village to taste local snacks.
Culinary Amsterdam
Sample culinary delights of Amsterdam, from fish to beer, and learn about cheeses before enjoying them with wine.
Delft & the Hague: In the Footsteps of Vermeer
Explore the city known for its beautiful glazed pottery, and learn how it is made, on this enriching excursion.
Best of Holland: The Countryside
Travel the beautiful countryside to a tulip farm, then visit a village to see windmills and traditional crafts.
Best of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam by foot, savor lunch on the canals and view van Gogh masterpieces.
From Windmills to Local Delicacies
Encounter nature, windmills, a local farm and a fishing village on a visit to the polders of northern Holland.
Haarlem & the Frans Hals Museum
Journey to historic Haarlem, revered for its grand collection of paintings by Dutch Masters.
Beer Tasting at Jopenkerk
Sample a selection of local beer at a former church and learn about its historic past.
Tulips & Windmills
Journey through the dreamy Dutch countryside to a tulip farm and witness how windmill technology has changed.
Videos
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.
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.
Dutch Language Lesson
Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!
World War II Danish Heroes
One of the most inspiring stories of World War II heroism is one few people know. Learn how Danish fishermen risked everything to help Denmark’s Jewish citizens escape the Nazis.
Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth
First, Viking invented modern river cruising in 1997. Then, in 2015, we reinvented ocean cruising. In 2022, we began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis. Learn more about our company's growth and our determination to create meaningful travel experiences for our guests.
Advice
Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he shares his insights on travel and the benefits of engaging with new cultures.