Holland America Line, Scandinavian Fjords, Capitals & British Isles from Rotterdam, May 4, 2024

Cruising from: Rotterdam, Netherlands;

Departure Date: 4 May, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Rotterdam;

Duration: 21-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Gothenburg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Oslo, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Lewis, Isle of Skye, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Holyhead, Cork, Bruges, Rotterdam;

Day 0 Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The terminal is situated within the so called 'Manhattan on the Maas' right in the City Centre. The city of Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural life and its maritime heritage. A few square kilometres of the city centre offers a complete overview of what the twentieth century has produced in terms of modern architecture.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg, a major city in Sweden is situated off the Gota alv river on the country's west coast. An important seaport, it's known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards like the Avenyn, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops. Gothenburgers love their cafes and the city is noted for its laid-back cafe vibe. The City of Gothenburg packs quite a cultural punch of its own, and it's definitely worth considering as a destination.

Day 3 Aarhus, Denmark

The city of Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark situated by the sea in the heart of Jutland. Big attractions in Aarhus include Den Gamle By is its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Must-see sights, such as the Jelling Rune Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all in easy reach, as well as fjords and beaches to explore.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 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 6 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 7 Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The terminal is situated within the so called 'Manhattan on the Maas' right in the City Centre. The city of Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural life and its maritime heritage. A few square kilometres of the city centre offers a complete overview of what the twentieth century has produced in terms of modern architecture.

Day 8 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 9 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 10 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 11 Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of Lewis and Harris in Scotland. Stornoway is an important port and the major town and administrative centre of the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway offers a warm welcome to anyone choosing to visit Lewis as part of their Outer Hebridean explorations. Strolling along the quay at Stornoway Harbour and hearing the shouts of the fishermen, visiting the historic Lews Castle and the adjoining Lews Castle Museum and Archive, a key cultural centre for Outer Hebrides heritage, are among things visitors can experience. The largest island of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The island is blessed with a diverse range of habitats many of which are rich in wildlife. Although Lewis is the most densely populated of the Western Isles, much of the population is centred in and around Stornoway.

Day 12 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 13 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 14 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital. If passing through as part of a cruise, be sure to head straight for the so-called Golden Mile, which runs from Belfast City Hall to Queen's University, and is where you'll find the majority of the city's historic attractions as well as its best bars, restaurants and cafes.

Day 15 Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland is steeped in Celtic legend, and is one of the liveliest and most historic cities in Europe. Among the many must-see highlights that the city offers is the National Museum of Ireland, which is spread out over several venues, each covering a different speciality. The famous Book of Kells can be seen in the Old Library at Trinity College, while the Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin's oldest building.

Day 16 Liverpool, England

The Port of Liverpool is 7.5 miles dock system that runs on the the River Mersey. Liverpool is a city with unique attractions, exciting events, legendary football clubs and a rich musical heritage that includes the Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and other groups from the Merseybeat era.

Day 17 Holyhead, Wales

Holyhead is a town in Wales and a major Irish Sea port serving Ireland. Settlements in the area date from prehistoric times, with circular huts, burial chambers and standing stones featuring in the highest concentration in Britain. The current lighthouse is on South Stack on the other side of Holyhead Mountain and is open to the public.

Day 18 Cork, Ireland

Cobh is a town on the south coast of Ireland, on an island in Cork city's harbour. It's known as the Titanic's last port of call which sailed from here on 14 April 1912. The centre of Cobh is compact and quite flat with a large waterside park and a good selection of bars, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 19 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 20 Bruges, Belgium

Zeebrugge is a Belgian port and seaside resort. It's linked to the city of Bruges by the Baudouin Canal. Located in the Flanders region of northern Belgium, Bruges is the closest thing you're likely to find in the real world to a fairytale city. The focal point of the town is Grote Markt, a large medieval square overlooked by the most perfect belfry you'll ever see. Bruges is also home to a number of fascinating art and history museums, with the Groeninge Museum being one of the best.

Day 21 Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The terminal is situated within the so called 'Manhattan on the Maas' right in the City Centre. The city of Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural life and its maritime heritage. A few square kilometres of the city centre offers a complete overview of what the twentieth century has produced in terms of modern architecture.