Amsterdam
Amsterdam 11/12/2024
Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship (ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase). 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. (Dinner),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
- Visit Anne Frank's House
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
- Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
- Delve into Delft's artistic heritage
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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11/12/2024 |
11/12/2024 |
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk 11/13/2024
Cruise Amsterdam's charming canals this morning, passing under pretty bridges and enjoying streets lined with gabled houses of centuries past. This afternoon, visit the picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world's largest floral park. Admire the stunning beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits containing millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils. Or, join an optional excursion—perhaps a visit to one of Amsterdam's world-class museums to explore the Dutch Golden Age, or uncover the city's fascinating Jewish history. Your Viking program director can help you plan your afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); Note: Visit to Keukenhof Gardens is only available on select departures during Tulip season in March through early May.,
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11/13/2024 |
11/13/2024 |
Cologne
Cologne 11/14/2024
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 and the town's main square, which dates back to Hoorn's heyday. Enjoy a warm welcome during a home visit to a local family and get acquainted with daily life. Alternatively, you may choose to join a cycling excursion through the Dutch countryside to see the country's famed windmills. Depart after dinner and cruise through the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Cologne historic city centre
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.
The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- Cathedral licensing fee
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions
- Tipping at your discretion
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11/14/2024 |
11/14/2024 |
Koblenz
Koblenz 11/15/2024
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Lek River as you sail into Dordrecht. An important merchant city during the late Middle Ages, Dordrecht is brimming with historic sights. During a walking tour, see the inner city harbors, the Grote Kerk (Great Church), and the 13th-century Augustine monastery known as "Het Hof". This afternoon, your ship departs for Rotterdam. Here, you will enjoy time to explore the modern face of Holland. The city has been extensively rebuilt after the destruction suffered during World War II, and some of its architecture is quite innovative. Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day excursion that combines Dordrecht and Delft, rejoining your ship later this afternoon. This evening, your ship will set sail for a scenic dinner cruise around the harbor. Admire the twinkling lights of the cosmopolitan skyline of Europe's largest port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/15/2024 |
11/15/2024 |
Rudesheim
Rudesheim 11/15/2024
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Lek River as you sail into Dordrecht. An important merchant city during the late Middle Ages, Dordrecht is brimming with historic sights. During a walking tour, see the inner city harbors, the Grote Kerk (Great Church), and the 13th-century Augustine monastery known as "Het Hof". This afternoon, your ship departs for Rotterdam. Here, you will enjoy time to explore the modern face of Holland. The city has been extensively rebuilt after the destruction suffered during World War II, and some of its architecture is quite innovative. Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day excursion that combines Dordrecht and Delft, rejoining your ship later this afternoon. This evening, your ship will set sail for a scenic dinner cruise around the harbor. Admire the twinkling lights of the cosmopolitan skyline of Europe's largest port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/15/2024 |
11/15/2024 |
Speyer
Speyer 11/16/2024
Arrive this morning 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. Enjoy scenic afternoon cruising along the Lek and Waal Rivers and dinner onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/16/2024 |
11/16/2024 |
Heidelberg
Heidelberg 11/16/2024
Awake in Wesel and disembark for a walking tour of the city. Completely destroyed during World War II, Wesel fell under a barrage of heavy bombing by the Allied forces in 1945; during your tour, you will learn about the city's rise from the ashes. This afternoon, you may choose to visit Xanten Archaeological Park—one of the largest open-air museums in the world—or head to Essen and the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, recognized as one of Europe's most important industrial heritage sites. This evening, set sail for Nijmegen. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/16/2024 |
11/16/2024 |
Kehl
Kehl 11/17/2024
Awake in Wesel and disembark for a walking tour of the city. Completely destroyed during World War II, Wesel fell under a barrage of heavy bombing by the Allied forces in 1945; during your tour, you will learn about the city's rise from the ashes. This afternoon, you may choose to visit Xanten Archaeological Park—one of the largest open-air museums in the world—or head to Essen and the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, recognized as one of Europe's most important industrial heritage sites. This evening, set sail for Nijmegen. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/17/2024 |
11/17/2024 |
Strasbourg
Strasbourg 11/17/2024
After breakfast, take a walk through the cobblestone streets of Nijmegen and see several historic landmarks in the Netherlands' oldest city. Or, you may choose to step back in time during an optional tour as you discover more about Operation Market Garden: the planned attack by the Allied forces in late summer 1944 portrayed in the epic war movie A Bridge Too Far. The National Liberation Museum brings the events of WWII to life through a series of exhibits, interactive presentations, and original films. Alternatively, you can spend a full day exploring the life and works of Van Gogh before rejoining your ship in Venlo. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/17/2024 |
11/17/2024 |
Breisach
Breisach 11/18/2024
Disembark your ship and enjoy a walking tour around historic Maastricht. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and see the Gothic-style Sint Janskerk Church and the Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius. This afternoon, enjoy free time at your leisure to explore or join an optional excursion to Aachen to see Charlemagne's chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or pay your respects at the American Military Cemetery of Margraten, the final resting place of 8,000 American soldiers who gave their lives to liberate Europe from the Nazis. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/18/2024 |
11/18/2024 |
Black Forest
Black Forest 11/18/2024
Arrive in Antwerp this morning and enjoy a walking tour of the historic quarter. See the Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens and the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Renaissance Town Hall and its majestic guild halls. This afternoon, spend time at your leisure exploring more of charming Antwerp. Alternatively, you may enjoy an optional excursion to sample Belgium's delightful cuisine. This evening, enjoy dinner onboard your ship or step ashore and dine at one of Antwerp's many restaurants on your own as we remain docked overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),
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11/18/2024 |
11/18/2024 |
Basel
Basel 11/19/2024
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Perhaps see more of Belgium on a two-night city stay in the capital, Brussels. Or enjoy a three-night extension in the fairy-tale medieval city of Bruges, with visits to Ghent and Flanders Fields. Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.,
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11/19/2024 |
11/19/2024 |
