Trade Routes of the Middle Ages

  • From AU$6,945
  • |
  • 15 Days
  • |
  • 10 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 7 Countries

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Scenic canal view in Amsterdam cityscape

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.

Scenic canal view with moored boat

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Discover Amsterdam in the most leisurely manner, via one of its famous glass-topped canal boats.

Included
Vibrant Flower Beds in Lush Park

A Day At Keukenhof Gardens

Take in the countless breathtaking blooms of Keukenhof Gardens, the colorful star of Holland’s flower trade.

Historical group portrait with ornate attire

Rijksmuseum & Amsterdam by Canal

See the best of Amsterdam by canal and by motor coach, followed by an enriching visit to the Rijksmuseum.

Vibrant Flower Beds in Lush Park

Keukenhof Gardens

Enjoy a half-day tour amid the brilliant blooms of Keukenhof Gardens, the colorful star of Holland’s flower trade.

Charming European street with colorful shops

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.

Blue and white ceramic plates and vase display

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.

Dutch windmill with colorful tulip fields

Best of Holland: The Countryside

Travel the beautiful countryside to a tulip farm, then visit a village to see windmills and traditional crafts.

Scenic Amsterdam canal with illuminated bridges

Best of Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam by foot, savor lunch on the canals and view van Gogh masterpieces.

Historic windmills by a serene canal

From Windmills to Local Delicacies

Encounter nature, windmills, a local farm and a fishing village on a visit to the polders of northern Holland.

Art gallery with large historical paintings

Haarlem & the Frans Hals Museum

Journey to historic Haarlem, revered for its grand collection of paintings by Dutch Masters.

Brewery worker near copper brewing vat

Beer Tasting at Jopenkerk

Sample a selection of local beer at a former church and learn about its historic past.

Wind turbines over colorful flower fields

Tulips & Windmills

Journey through the dreamy Dutch countryside to a tulip farm and witness how windmill technology has changed.

Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Videos

Colorful tulips with Amsterdam canal houses

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.

Illuminated canal in Amsterdam at dusk

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.

Van Gogh Museum exterior in Amsterdam

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.

Scenic Amsterdam canal with illuminated bridges

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.

Fishing boat in scenic Nordic waters

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.

Person tending fire in rustic shelter

Advice

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he shares his insights on travel and the benefits of engaging with new cultures.

Historic building at sunset with reflection

Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

Vintage fishing boat with two fishermen

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.