Holland America Line, Icelandic & Scottish Mysteries from Reykjavik, July 10, 2024

Cruising from: Reykjavik, Iceland;

Departure Date: 10 July, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Nieuw Statendam;

Duration: 10-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Oslo, Copenhagen;

Day 0 Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. It is the centre of culture and life of the Icelandic people as well as being one of the focal points of tourism in Iceland. For passengers spending time in the city there is a wide choice of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Shooping is a must too and the ultimate relaxation experience is a trip to one of the city's thermal baths and pools.

Day 1 Heimaey Island, Iceland

Heimaey Island is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago and the only one that is inhabited. It has a population of approximately 4,000 people, and fascinating, dark history. In January 1973, lava flow from nearby Eldfell destroyed half the town and threatened to close its harbour, its main income source. An operation to cool the advancing lava with seawater saved the harbour. Most people on the island live off fishing. During an annual festival, people are allowed to catch a few puffins to share at the festival, or to eat at home.

Day 2 Djupivogur, Iceland

Cruising to Djupivogur, Iceland.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 4 Isle of Skye, Scotland

Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre in the Highlands of Scotland famous for its scenery and landscapes that will take your breath away. Portree has a pretty harbour lined with brightly painted houses, excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises. Fringed by high ground and cliffs and great views of the surrounding hills the town is a popular tourists' holiday destination. Isle of Skye is a world class destination for walkers and climbers, for Wildlife watching with the White Tailed Sea Eagle at the top of bird watchers lists. Isle of Skye is welcoming place where spare time can be spent in restaurants or in charming pubs and bars. The Isle of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland is famous for its scenery and landscapes that will take your breath away. Skye is a world class destination for walkers and climbers, for Wildlife watching with the White Tailed Sea Eagle at the top of bird watchers lists. It It is welcoming place where spare time can be spent in restaurants or in charming pubs and bars.

Day 5 Kirkwall, Scotland

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands of Scotland. The town has two museums, the larger being Tankerness House Museum, which contains items of local historical interest within one of Scotland's best-preserved sixteenth-century town-houses. At the heart of the town stands St. Magnus Cathedral, which was founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney 1108-1117 by Earl (later Saint) Rognvald Kali.

Day 6 Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is in the North of Scotland and known as Scotland's 'Highland Capital'. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place which is well-known for its floral displays. Most popular places to see are The Tomatin Distillery, Fortrose Cathedral, Corrimony Chambered Cairn and Inverness Historic Trail.

Day 7 Edinburgh, Scotland

The harbor is an excellent starting place for excursions to the city's Old Town, as well as to the medieval castle and other historic landmarks in the area. The Old Town, which was constructed during the Middle Ages when there was a continual fear of assault, huddles high on the Castle Rock with a view over the surrounding plain below. On the other hand, the New Town is comprised of a breathtakingly beautiful series of streets, crescents, and terraces.

Day 8 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 9 Oslo, Norway

Set on the banks of the Oslofjord, which is in fact a lake, not a fjord, Norwegian capital Oslo is one of the sparsest capital cities in Europe, despite being one of the largest in terms of size. Oslo has a special combination of city life and easy access to the great outdoors. This provides lots of space for nature to thrive in the very heart of the metropolis. Outdoor activities like kayaking, skiing, hiking and cycling are just as popular within the capital as they are in the countryside.

Day 10 Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the Danish capital's compact dimensions packed with cafes, shops and the best restaurants in Scandinavia are perfect for exploration on two feet or two wheels. The city's no.1 attraction, more than 100-year old amusement park Tivoli Gardens, is centrally situated a short distance west of the Central Train Station, while royal palaces Amalienborg and Rosenborg and museums like the National Gallery and the National Museum are also within the downtown area.