A Masterpiece of Art, Architecture & Intertwined Waterways

A Brief History

Amsterdam is a remarkably accessible metropolis often described as a "big village" that packs the cultural punch of a premier global destination. Boasting Europe’s largest historical inner city, it features over 7,000 registered monuments, most of which originated as the bustling residences and warehouses of 17th-century merchants. This unique city center is built upon a latticework of 160 man-made canals; the famous grachtengordel circle of waterways; traversed by roughly 1,500 historic stone bridges.

While the city is widely celebrated as the cradle of Western art masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, its history is deeply rooted in civic pride and resilience. The famous "XXX" symbol seen across town is actually the city's official coat of arms representing three St. Andrew's crosses, traditionally meant to symbolize protection against the three historical dangers of flood, fire, and pestilence. Its official motto, "Valiant, Determined, Compassionate," was bestowed in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina to honor the citizens who organized the historic 1941 February Strike; the first public protest in occupied Europe against the persecution of Jewish citizens.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. (B,L,D). These options may change depending on dockage.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Step aboard a custom, glass-topped canal boat to glide effortlessly beneath low stone bridges and past rows of historic gabled houses, gaining an intimate water-level perspective of this floating masterwork of 17th-century urban engineering.

Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting traditional Dutch specialties. This guided walk allows you to step into the local culture firsthand, learning the history of the neighborhood while sampling authentic regional delicacies like rich Dutch cheeses and sweet, warm stroopwafels.

Amsterdam's true personality lives in its contrast. You will find quiet, cobblestone corners where time seems completely frozen sitting directly adjacent to high-energy, neon-lit corridors like Kalverstraat.

My Insider: Keep your eyes turned upward as you wander along the canals. The charm of Amsterdam is hidden entirely in the small architectural details. Look closely at the building peaks to spot the witty, hand-carved gable stones (gevelstenen) which served as visual address signs denoting the trade or family name of the original 17th-century owner before street numbers existed. You will also notice that many of these tall, narrow houses lean forward quite dramatically; this historic "forward inclination" was intentional, built to allow merchants to hoist heavy goods up into the attic warehouses via top pulleys without crashing into the glass windows below.

If you have free time in the afternoon, slip away from the main streets to find a hidden hofje; one of the city's historic, enclosed inner courtyards surrounded by quiet almshouses. They are completely silent, tranquil green sanctuaries tucked invisibly behind plain street doors, offering the perfect peaceful pocket to cap off your unforgettable journey down the Rhine.