Holland America Line, Scandinavian Fjords, Capitals & Northern Isles from Rotterdam, August 24, 2024

Cruising from: Rotterdam, Netherlands;

Departure Date: 24 August, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Rotterdam;

Duration: 21-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Rotterdam, Gothenburg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Oslo, Rotterdam, Stavanger, Lerwick, Djupivogur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Isle of Lewis, Inverness, 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 Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. The city centre of Stavanger is quite compact, with original dockside warehouses and pretty 18th-century streets climbing up from a bustling harbour, which makes it easy to reach most attractions on foot. On your walk you can easily stop by some of the city's many museums, such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, Stavanger museum of Fine Arts and the Norwegian Canning museum.

Day 10 Lerwick, Scotland

Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, located more than 100 miles off the north coast of mainland Scotland on the east coast of the Shetland Mainland. Lerwick is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance with much to intrigue the curiosity of visitors to the city.

Day 11 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 12 Djupivogur, Iceland

Cruising to Djupivogur, Iceland.

Day 13 Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is a lively and energetic town and important port and fishing centre is nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. Akureyri is great base for exploring the north's green pastures, fishing villages, mudpots, waterfalls, ski fields and whale-filled bays. The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and can frequently be seen in Akureyri and surroundings from September through April on clear and crisp nights.

Day 14 Isafjordur, Iceland

The port of Isafjordur is the largest of all harbours located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Isafjordur has a range of accommodation, restaurants and recreation for all budgets and tastes. A golf course, hiking- and biking trails, horse riding, bird watching, skiing and kayaking are all within an easy reach.

Day 15 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 16 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 17 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 18 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 19 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 20 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

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.