AACI’s Kosher Fjords Cruise & Amsterdam

Kosher Fjords cruise with pre and post arrival program in Amsterdam and Environs
July 30-Aug 9, 2026

Pre-Cruise Immersion: Amsterdam

July 30 – August 2, 2026

Day 1: Thursday, July 30 – Arrival and Welcome to the Heart of Holland

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated guide and escorted to our luxury coach. We begin with a delightful half-day countryside introduction—an idyllic immersion into the Netherlands’ fresh air and emerald landscapes. Traveling north to the picturesque Waterland region, we uncover a collection of charming hidden gems.

Our first stop is Volendam, once a bustling fishing port and now a postcard-perfect village. Watch boats glide gently across the harbor and stroll through narrow lanes lined with traditional fishermen’s homes, rich with local character.

We continue to Zaanse Schans, a beautifully reconstructed historic village featuring the Netherlands’ largest concentration of working windmills. Set along the River Zaan, this open-air museum offers a vivid glimpse into the country’s industrial past. We also visit a wooden shoe workshop to observe the skilled craftsmanship behind Holland’s iconic clogs.
Late afternoon return to Amsterdam for hotel check-in.

Day 2: Friday, July 31 – Amsterdam: City of Canals and Jewish Heritage

Today we explore Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter, the historic heart of Jewish life in the city. This meaningful journey includes monuments and memorials reflecting centuries of heritage and resilience.

We pass the City Hall and stop at the statue of philosopher Baruch Spinoza, continuing past the Rembrandt House and the Jewish Resistance Memorial. A highlight of the day is our visit to the magnificent Portuguese Synagogue, an architectural masterpiece inaugurated in 1675.

We pause for reflection at the Names Monument, the Dutch National Holocaust Memorial, before enjoying a lunch break. In the afternoon, we visit the Anne Frank House Museum on the Prinsengracht, a profoundly moving site where Anne and her family hid for over two years.

Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Amsterdam’s charming city center. We return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat.
Friday night tefillah and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Shabbat, August 1 – Shabbat in Amstelveen

A restful Shabbat spent at the hotel, including a guided walking tour of the surrounding area. Enjoy a peaceful and meaningful day together.

The Majestic Fjord Cruise
August 2 – August 9, 2026

DAY	DATE	LOCATION	ARRIVE	DEPART
Sunday	August 2	Rotterdam:		15:00
Monday	August 3	Cruising
Tuesday	August 4	Oslofjord: Cruising only
Tuesday	August 4	Oslo	07:00	17:00
Wednesday	August 5	Kristiansand	08:00	17:00
Thursday	August 6	Stavanger
Friday	August 7	Sognefjord: Cruising only
Friday	August 7	Skjolden	08:00	15:00
Saturday	August 8	Cruising
Sunday	August 9	Rotterdam	07:00

Day 4: Sunday, August 2 – Rotterdam: Boarding the Holland America Rotterdam

We check out and transfer to Rotterdam. If time permits, enjoy a brief panoramic stroll through this modern, vibrant city before arriving at the pier. Around midday, we board our magnificent cruise vessel and receive a gracious welcome aboard. Settle in and begin discovering the luxurious amenities and elegant comforts of your floating sanctuary.
Overnight on board.

Day 5: Monday, August 3 – A Day at Sea

A full day to enjoy the ship at leisure. Relax by the sparkling pool, rejuvenate in the serene spa, or try your luck in the elegant casino.
Overnight on board.

Day 6: Tuesday, August 4 – Oslo, Norway: Where Culture Meets Nature

We arrive in Oslo, Norway’s dynamic capital, beautifully framed by the Oslofjord, forested hills, and mountain vistas. Our city tour includes the remarkable Vigeland Sculpture Park, the City Hall, and the Royal Palace. We continue to the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump for breathtaking panoramic views.

Before returning to the ship, we visit the Fram Museum, home to the world’s strongest wooden ship. Step aboard the legendary polar vessel Fram and explore its cabins, lounges, cargo hold, and engine room.
Overnight on board.

Day 7: Wednesday, August 5 – Kristiansand, Norway: Coastal Charm and History

We dock in Kristiansand, a picturesque town on Norway’s southern coast. Our tour includes Posebyen, the historic old quarter known for its beautifully preserved wooden houses. We also visit the lively fish market and the impressive Christiansholm Fortress.
Overnight on board.

Day 8: Thursday, August 6 – Stavanger, Norway: Vikings, Oil, and Fjords

Awake to the dramatic beauty of Stavanger. We explore Gamle Stavanger, a charming district of 18th- and 19th-century wooden homes, and visit the city’s ancient cathedral. We stop at the striking Swords in Rock monument before concluding with an engaging visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.
Overnight on board.

Day 9: Friday, August 7 – Skjolden, Norway: The Majesty of the Fjords

Today we reach Skjolden, gateway to Norway’s most spectacular scenery. Enjoy a breathtaking drive along the shores of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the country. We admire views of Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe’s largest glacier, and approach its dramatic tongue at Lake Nigardsbreen.
Overnight on board.

Day 10: Shabbat, August 8 – Shabbat at Sea

A beautiful and uplifting Shabbat spent together at sea.
Overnight on board.

Post-Cruise Exploration & Departure

Day 11: Sunday, August 9 – Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague, and Farewell

After docking in Rotterdam, we disembark and meet our guide for a final day of exploration.

We begin in Delft, one of the Netherlands’ most enchanting historic cities. Its elegant main square features the New Church, burial place of Dutch royalty, and the historic City Hall—scenes that inspired Johannes Vermeer. Delft is famed worldwide for its blue-and-white ceramics, and we visit a workshop that still produces these masterpieces using traditional methods.

We continue to The Hague, a city blending regal tradition with modern vitality. Our guided walk includes the city center and the former Jewish quarter, with stops at Rabbi Maarsen Square, the Children’s Monument, and the municipal memorial. We also discover the memorial stone for Baruch Spinoza in an unexpected location and visit the city’s former synagogue. The tour concludes with the Parliament buildings and the extraordinary Panorama Mesdag.

A short drive brings us to the airport for our return flight home, our hearts filled with lasting memories from this remarkable Dutch and Norwegian journey.

Price per person in a DBL cabin: in USD
$7,550 per person Inside Cabin
$7,990 Ocean View Cabin
$8,470 Verandah CabinPrice per person in a SGL cabin: in USD
$10,020 Inside Cabin
$10,800 Ocean View Cabin
$11,350 Verandah Cabin*Prices subject to change at time of booking.

$80-pp addition for non AACI member or join AACI

Flights (not included-subject to change)
Departure flight: LY 337 (ELAL) Thursday, July 30, 2026: Departing Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv at 06:20. Arrival in Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam: 10:30
Return flight: LY 336 (ELAL) Sunday, August 09, 2026: Departing Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam at 21:30. Arrival in Tel Aviv at 03:05, Monday, August 10, 2025

For those traveling from outside Israel please contact us for travel assistance.

Note: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time of registration that includes coverage for cancellation fees and medical expenses.

Price includes:

Accommodation: 3 Night Amsterdam area hotel
Kosher Full board (packed lunch) in Netherlands before and after cruise
Touring as per itinerary in Holland
Accommodation:7-night Fjords cruise
3 freshly prepared Glatt kosher meals daily on board ship (lunch packs on day tour)
English speaking Land tours as per itinerary
All tips/land tour guides/drivers/porterage/ ship crew
Tefillot + Shabbat + Sefer Torah
AACI staff led
Headphones

Not included:

Additional Land Tours not listed in the above
Flights
Personal items, Medical/travel insurance
Non group transfers

Payment Policy:

Upon registration $2000 deposit
Final Payment March 15th

Cancellation Policy:

From registration until March 15th, 2026- $1,000 cancellation fee
From March 16th-June 15th-50% tour price
From June 16^th-Departure-100% cancellation fee

Please note; This trip requires (in some cases) strenuous walking , climbing stairs and small hills on uneven or dirt paths. Each participant must be able to do the forementioned independently and be able to keep up a normal walking pace within the group. If you cannot do this or are unsure about your capabilities, you must contact us before registration.