European Jewels

Day 1: Amsterdam
If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the airport by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel. There you will check in, drop off your bags, and, if you wish, go out and explore the city on your own. Your Uniworld local host can offer suggestions for your leisure time. The best-known city in Holland boasts an amazing panorama of history, art, culture, architecture, food and drink, canals, cobblestone streets, museums, and bicycles.

Day 2: Amsterdam (BB, D)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Amsterdam Canal Cruise & MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Respect in the Red-Light District
Meet with your guide and walk to the canal dock, where you’ll board a boat to enjoy the city’s most famous pastime: a canal cruise. Amsterdam is called the Venice of the North for a reason: canals crisscross the heart of the old city, and bridges link approximately 90 islands. As the principal city in a newly independent Holland, Amsterdam was a boom town in the early 17th century, rapidly outgrowing its medieval walls. The city’s fathers responded by demolishing most of the old city and building anew, creating Europe’s first planned city. That “new” district is now 400 years old, and as you glide along the main canals, you’ll pass stately merchants’ houses-built centuries ago. But the canals are not merely scenic; they are essential thoroughfares—people take water buses to work and live in houseboats along the banks—so a canal cruise gives you a look at the busy modern city too.

The Red-Light District—or, as it is referred to locally, De Wallen—has been the center of Amsterdam’s sex work industry for several hundred years. It’s famous for the neon lights, partygoers, and “coffeeshops” that proliferate in the area, as well as the windows where some of the sex workers stand to attract clients. Today, you’ll visit the Prostitution Information Center to discover the important work they’re doing to educate visitors on the lives of sex workers for a respectful take on the popular Red Light District tour. Meet one of their experts, a current De Wallen sex worker, for a fascinating talk on the history of the district and her story. After, she will give you pointers on places to explore in the area (guided walking tours past the windows are not allowed here), followed by a Q&A back at the center. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Later this evening, join your fellow guests for an included dinner experience.

Day 3: Amsterdam
FEATURED EXCURSION: Fabrique des Lumières
Begin with a visit to Westergasfabriek, a 19^th-century gas factory that has long since been abandoned, reclaimed, and transformed into a thriving cultural space. Many festivals and galleries are hosted here, including the stunning Fabrique des Lumières. The “Factory of Lights,” as it translates, is an immersive digital art experience. A complex system of projectors covers every surface of the factory’s interior with larger-than-life displays of art.

Day 1: Amsterdam
FEATURED EXCURSION: Amsterdam Canal Cruise & MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Respect in the Red-Light District
Arrive at your hotel for check-in. You’ll be given an introduction to the city before setting out on a walk through the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. We’ll end our walk at a canal dock, where you’ll board a boat to enjoy the city’s most famous pastime: a canal cruise.

Amsterdam is called the Venice of the North for a reason: canals crisscross the heart of the old city, and bridges link approximately 90 islands. As the principal city in a newly independent Holland, Amsterdam was a boom town in the early 17th century, rapidly outgrowing its medieval walls. The city’s fathers responded by demolishing most of the old city and building anew, creating Europe’s first planned city. That “new” district is now 400 years old, and as you glide along the main canals, you’ll pass stately merchants’ houses-built centuries ago. But the canals are not merely scenic; they are essential thoroughfares—people take water buses to work and live in houseboats along the banks—so a canal cruise gives you a look at the busy modern city too.

The Red-Light District—or, as it is referred to locally, De Wallen—has been the center of Amsterdam’s sex work industry for several hundred years. It’s famous for the neon lights, partygoers, and “coffeeshops” that proliferate in the area, as well as the windows where some of the sex workers stand to attract clients. Today, you’ll visit the Prostitution Information Center to discover the important work they’re doing to educate visitors on the lives of sex workers for a respectful take on the popular Red Light District tour. Meet one of their experts, a current De Wallen sex worker, for a fascinating talk on the history of the district and her story. After, she will give you pointers on places to explore in the area (guided walking tours past the windows are not allowed here), followed by a Q&A back at the center. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Day 2: Amsterdam (BB, D)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Fabrique des Lumières
Begin with a visit to Westergasfabriek, a 19^th-century gas factory that has long since been abandoned, reclaimed, and transformed into a thriving cultural space. Many festivals and galleries are hosted here, including the stunning Fabrique des Lumières. The “Factory of Lights,” as it translates, is an immersive digital art experience. A complex system of projectors covers every surface of the factory’s interior with larger-than-life displays of art.

Later this evening, join your fellow guests for an included dinner experience.

Day 3: Amsterdam (CB/BB)
Check out of the hotel. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your trip home. Your Uniworld adventure may be over, but we know you’ll enjoy the memories you’ve made for years to come.