Escorted Viking River Cruise

Highlights

• Roundtrip Transportation to Airport (minimum # required)
• All Meals Onboard
• 9 Nights onboard the Viking Edgir
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service, bottled water and complimentary cappuccino, coffee and tea at the 24-hour hot beverage bar
• 8 Guided Shore Excursions led by knowledgeable local guides utilizing an audio headset system
• Ship Shop Escort throughout Tour
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Roundtrip Airfare: Air is not included in above rates. If cabin is booked by Feb 28, 2024 air cost is $599 per person roundtrip

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Board your deluxe motorcoach to the airport for your flights to Amsterdam- a city famous for its many canals, art museums and much more.

Day 2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Arrive in Amsterdam and after clearing Customs, transfer to your beautiful Viking Longship. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. You may wish to visit the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. (D)

Day 3

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Amsterdam is a city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1500 bridges. Today embark on an included canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city’s Golden Age. Take in some of Amsterdam’s interesting sights as you pass a variety of vessels, including many charming houseboats moored canalside. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Scenic sailing & Enkhuizen, The Netherlands: Early this morning, sail across the IJsselmeer (once known as the Zuiderzee) to Enkhuizen, once a small fishing village, now a prosperous harbor. During the 17th century, the city flourished as a center of maritime trade and shipbuilding. The silting up of the Zuiderzee at the end of the century ended this golden era; the sea eventually became an inland lake, cut off from the North Sea, with the completion of a dike in 1932. The era’s wealth and prosperity remain evident in several impressive landmarks, including the Drommedaris, a former city gate and watchtower, and the striking Gothic-style Zuiderkerk. Explore the historic sights of Enkhuizen during an informative walking excursion. Enkhuizen is known as one of the most beautiful Dutch East India Company cities in the Netherlands and still exudes much of its Dutch Golden Age charm. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Arnhem, The Netherlands : A picturesque town nearly destroyed by WWII, Arnhem is graced with an array of beautiful parks and gardens. In 1443, Arnhem joined the Hanseatic League, the powerful merchant conglomerate that dominated Northern Europe’s medieval trade world. During the 19th century it evolved into a more leisurely town, renowned for its scenic landscapes. Today visit Operation Market Garden, the sites of a crucial wartime operation and the basis for a 1977 Richard Attenborough Film “A Bridge Too Far” (B, L, D)

Day 6

Kinderdijk, The Netherlands: Today we arrive in Kinderdijk and disembark for a tour of this ingenious 18th-century community. Kinderdijk is most known for its 19 remarkably preserved 18th century windmills. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Antwerp, Belgium: A cosmopolitan city, Antwerp is one of the world’s major seaports. Its unique atmosphere comes from the contrasts between old and new, commerce and art. The Old Town and the expansive Grote Markt are filled with narrow, winding streets and medieveal guild houses. The Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, Belgium’s largest church, contains works by 17th century painter Peter Paul Rubens; he lived in the city and is entombed in the Church of St James. Antwerp is also renowned for diamonds and chocolate. Many diamond cutters can be found here alongside countess confectioners. See Antwerp’s dazzling historic quarter up close as you explore by foot. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Middelburg & Veere, The Netherlands: The capital of Zeeland, Middelburg’s historical significance can be seen in its well-preserved medieval buildings. The magnificent 15th century Gothic-style Town Hall stands as a testament to Middelburg’s past grandeur. The soaring abbey tower of Lange Jen offers panoramic views of the city. After a walking tour of this beautiful area, we depart for Veere, a picturesque town also located in the province of Zeeland. Veere has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. A bustling port, the town grew in prominence during the Dutch Golden Age and became a hub for the wool and fishing industries. Pleasure yachts anchor in its harbor, which is lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. The annual Veere Regatta, one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most prestigious sailing competitions, highlights the town’s nautical traditions and draws enthusiasts from around the world. Explore the quaint town of Veere and its pretty marina during your walking tour. (B, L, D)

Day 9

Zeeland, The Netherlands: Explore the remarkable Delta Works and the fascinating landscapes that they have forever altered. Drive with your guide into the Walcheren region in the southwestern corner of The Netherlands. Once an island, the dam across the Oosterschelde helped connect it to the mainland. In Ouwerkerk, visit the Watersnoodsmuseum and browse the exhibits that tell the story of the last great flood, which occurred in 1953. The museum is housed in three Phoenix caissons that were used to close dike breeches during the disaster. Continue to Zierikzee for a walking tour of this timeless town with a rich history tied to the tides. After taking in its seaside charms, travel to the Delta Works, a massive storm surge barrier. This ingenious system protects the area from floods while still allowing the tide to ebb and flow through the Oosterschelde. After time for photos, return to your ship. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Keukenhof Gardens & Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Walk the flower-lined footpaths of one of the most renowned flower gardens in the world. Every spring, a vibrant, multihued carpet blankets the 70 acres at Keukenhof Gardens. Some 7 million flowers are said to bloom here: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, bluebells, crocuses and countless others form graceful ribbons along pathways and brooks and fill greenhouses and fields to bursting. Stroll among 100 varieties of tulips on these 15th-century hunting grounds. Breathe in glorious scents as you loop through Gerbrand’s circular garden and mingle among sculptures and statuary. Admire Keukenhof Castle, where a countess once sorted herbs in her “kitchen garden.” You can also step back in time in the historical garden, where old tulip varieties and 17th-century daffodils grace a castle’s garden. (B, L, D)

Day 11

Flights Home: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home taking with your wonderful memories of Holland & Belgium. Upon arrival home in the States, your motorcoach will be awaiting your arrival to transfer you to Connecticut. (B)

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