In Amsterdam, the bicycle is as much a cultural treasure as any museum. The city’s flat terrain makes it ideal for getting around on two wheels. Bikes first pedaled onto the city’s streets during the late 19th century; in the 1960s, the first bike-share program was invented here, founded by members of the anti-establishment Provo movement—short for “provocateur”—whose aim was to reduce air pollution created by cars. The program did not last, but the bicycle did, and cycle lanes were soon added to the street. Today, the city is home to hundreds of thousands of bikes.
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.
Keukenhof Gardens
Walk the flower-lined footpaths of one of the most renowned flower gardens in the world.
Historic Haarlem
Journey to historic Haarlem, revered for its many museums and its grand collection of paintings by Dutch masters.
Amsterdam’s Golden Age
Peruse the work of the Dutch Masters, cruise Amsterdam’s charming waterways and visit a patrician museum.
Portuguese Synagogue & Amsterdam’s Jewish History
Uncover Amsterdam’s fascinating Jewish history during visits to several important landmarks.
Cheeses of Edam & Beemster
Discover Holland’s love affair with cheese and make your own during a workshop at a working farm.
Keukenhof Gardens & Historic Haarlem
Walk the footpaths of renowned Keukenhof Gardens and the streets of charming Haarlem.
Private Excursion: Half-Day Amsterdam
Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Amsterdam with the assistance of your own private guide.
Private Excursion: Full-Day Amsterdam
Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Amsterdam with the assistance of your own private guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are You a First-Time River Cruiser?
There is no more enriching and convenient way to travel than on a Viking river cruise. If you are new to river cruising and would like to know what you can expect, watch this video.
Longships Christening 2013
Viking River Cruises sets a Guinness World Record for “The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company” with the simultaneous christening of 10 new Viking Longships on March 20 in Amsterdam.
