Discover Holland & Belgium

Admire the genius of the Dutch Masters at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. Explore Hoorn's seafaring heritage, Arnhem's World War II history and Antwerp's Renaissance splendor. See colorful ribbons of farmland as Dutch tulips come into bloom. Sample Belgian beers and chocolates. Step into the Middle Ages in Bruges. Roam Keukenhof Gardens, the world's largest floral park. The best time to see the Low Countries is spring, and the best way to see them is on our 10-day cruise.

Tulips & Windmills

Enjoy Holland's springtime floral splendor and visit some of Belgium's medieval cities on a 10-day cruise.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to visit the Rijksmuseum, or the van Gogh Museum next door. (D)

Day 2 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After breakfast, embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city's Golden Age. Return aboard for lunch, then take free time to visit the van Gogh Museum, the renovated Rijksmuseum with its marvelous collection of Dutch Master paintings, or just explore the city's charming neighborhoods. As always, your Viking Concierge can help you plan your afternoon. Dine on board or on shore; your ship will remain docked in Amsterdam overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Hoorn, The Netherlands

Early this morning, sail across the IJsselmeer (once known as the Zuiderzee) to the ancient shipping village of Hoorn. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through Hoorn's cobbled streets; see age-old cheese warehouses on the town's main square, which dates back to Holland's Golden Age. Lunch is served aboard; you have a free afternoon to explore Hoorn, visit a local bakery and shop for souvenirs. Or, take an optional excursion showcasing the small towns and bucolic landscapes of the northern Holland area. Depart during dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Arnhem, The Netherlands

We will arrive early today in Arnhem, a relaxed city bursting with inviting green parks and gardens. Still more famous than its much-admired green spaces is Arnhem's wartime history. This afternoon, you may enjoy free time or join us on an optional excursion, delving into the city's role in Operation Market Garden, an ill-fated Allied World War II operation. Witness a battle reenactment during your visit to the Airborne Museum, and pay your respects at the Airborne Cemetery. Alternately, you may choose an optional excursion to an open air museum where 80 historic structures, from a drawbridge to a working paper mill, are preserved. Here you can enjoy a tram ride through 200 years of traditional Dutch country life, and perhaps even try a hands-on experience of a traditional trade. Dine on board or on shore; your ship will remain docked in Arnhem overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

Arrive this afternoon in Kinderdijk and disembark for a tour of this ingenious 18th-century community. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work to help control flooding, then tour a working windmill to see its pumping mechanism and living quarters at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In late afternoon, we set sail toward Antwerp. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Antwerp, Belgium

This morning, enjoy a half-day tour of Antwerp featuring the Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens; the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and guild halls; and Het Steen (Steen Castle), Antwerp's oldest building. You have afternoon free time before dining aboard your ship tonight as we sail for Ghent. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Ghent, Belgium

From Ghent, travel to Bruges, one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Your city walk visits the Church of Our Lady, with its famous Madonna and Child, sculpted by Michelangelo. Also see the Beguinage, a hidden courtyard inhabited by nuns, and the town's scenic network of canals. Stay in Bruges for lunch on your own, or return to Ghent for lunch aboard and an afternoon exploring this exceptionally charming, canal-filled capital of East Flanders. Enjoy a beautifully lit evening departure from Ghent as we cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

After breakfast travel to the region of Walcheren, formerly an island of the southwest Netherlands. Stop in Veere and enjoy a walking tour of this engaging, time-honored town. From here, travel to the Delta Works, the ingenious system of enormous doors that can be lowered during spring tides to protect the area from floods while allowing the tides to ebb and flow. Rejoin your ship for lunch or dine ashore. Arrive this evening in Rotterdam, the world's second largest port. After an onboard dinner, you have free time to explore the city. It has been significantly rebuilt after much World War II destruction, and some of its architecture is quite innovative. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After breakfast, visit the picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world's largest floral park. Admire the stunning beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, croci and daffodils. Return aboard for lunch.
The rest of the day is yours to discover Amsterdam's hidden treasures. You may choose to explore Museum Square, take a bike ride or shop for colorful clogs and tulip bulbs. Enjoy dinner aboard your ship, followed by free time to enjoy Amsterdam's nightlife. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* (B)

Viking Inclusive Value

Your included features and services: