Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed
9 Night Tulips and Windmills Cruise from Amsterdam
Ship: Viking Gefjon
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Sailed: Monday, Apr 1, 2024 from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ended: Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Apr 1, 2024
departure of the Viking Gefjon. If Viking River Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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 nation's 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.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Apr 2, 2024
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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. Note: Due to the opening schedule of Keukenhof Gardens, the Day 2 program may be exchanged with the Day 9 program and vice versa on select departures.
Day 3 - Wednesday - Apr 3, 2024
IJsselmeer, Netherlands
Journey across the IJsselmeer, once known as the Zuiderzee. This remarkable artificial body of water, one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, formed after the inland sea here was closed off from the North Sea by construction of the 20-mile-long Afsluitdijk dam in 1932. As you sail, you may see to the east the province of Flevoland, made up of three polders of land that were reclaimed when the IJsselmeer formed. To the west, fertile Dutch farmland hugs the lake, despite the shores' proximity to the major metropolitan city of Amsterdam.
Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Originally a small fishing village, Enkhuizen grew into a prosperous harbor before joining the Hanseatic League. 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.
Day 4 - Thursday - Apr 4, 2024
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Perched on the south bank of the Waal River, vibrant Nijmegen is home to one of the country's largest universities. Residents and students alike linger at sidewalk cafes and unique eateries and the city's many shops offer items that reflect Nijmegen's artistic sensibility. Nijmegen's lower city is home to the charming Velorama, a bicycle museum, while the larger Valkhof Museum chronicles the city's Roman and medieval past. Famously, Nijmegen was the site of a decisive three-day battle between Allied and German forces during World War II's Operation Market Garden.
Day 5 - Friday - Apr 5, 2024
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Kinderdijk is a village community in the Alblasserwaard province. This corner of South Holland, part of the scenic Waal and Merwede regions, has long been shaped by Rhine Delta waters. Kinderdijk is most known for its 19 remarkably preserved 18th-century windmills. The charming hamlet is located amid low-lying polders, tracts of land reclaimed from the sea by the power of the windmills and enclosed by embankments, or dikes. This legendary place calls to mind the 1865 novel Hans Brinker, in which a heroic boy plugs his finger into a ruptured dike.
Day 6 - Saturday - Apr 6, 2024
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 medieval 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 countless confectioners.
Day 7 - Sunday - Apr 7, 2024
Middelburg
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 Jan offers panoramic views of the city, while the 800-year-old abbey complex showcases striking architecture. The city hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the annual Middelburg Jazz Festival and the Mosselfeesten (Mussel Festival), where guests can enjoy a variety of Zeeland's delicious delicacy.
Veere, Netherlands
A picturesque town 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. Veere remains deeply influenced by its maritime heritage. 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.
Day 8 - Monday - Apr 8, 2024
Zeeland, Netherlands
The tranquil region of Zeeland is a fascinating blend of natural and human-made landscapes. Here, large swaths of land have been shaped by the tendrils of the delta where the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers make their final sprint to the sea. Much of this land lies below sea level, protected from the tides of the North Sea by the vast Delta Works project and by the work of the classic windmills that grace the landscape. A number of islands dot this serene coastal region too. This archipelago of sorts gives this province its name: Zeeland, which means "sea land". From September through April, restaurants in Zeeland offer oysters, farmed fresh from local waters. They are delicious served with a squeeze of lemon and paired with a crisp glass of wine.
Day 9 - Tuesday - Apr 9, 2024
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is admired for its charming brick canal houses, with their distinctive stepped gables and forward slant. A stroll along the city's waterways showcases the beautiful architecture of these properties and their interesting features. The houses are traditionally narrow but deep and tend to tilt forward. The lean serves two purposes: it provides additional living space in a house's upper quarters; and, in conjunction with the hoist beam protruding from the peak of the roof, it allows heavy items to be lifted by pulley to top floors without breaking any windows. Note: Due to the opening schedule of Keukenhof Gardens, the Day 2 program may be exchanged with the Day 9 program and vice versa on select departures.
Day 10 - Wednesday - Apr 10, 2024
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulips are synonymous with Amsterdam, and in spring, the city's surrounding landscapes are transformed into a sea of color. Holland's love affair with tulips began in the 16th century after the first bulbs were imported from the Ottoman Empire. By the Dutch Golden Age, tulips were inspiring artists and gracing the canvases of paintings, including Rembrandt's Flora. Every year, from March until May, colorful blooms adorn the city's outdoor spaces; notable buildings are dressed in a variety of floral designs; and the soft scent of tulips fills the air of pedestrian walkways. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home. Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
