14-Day Northern Isles Explorer
Starting from
$2,999*
Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ship: ms Veendam
Departure Date :
Itinerary
Day Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDeparts 05:00 PM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.
Day At Sea
Day South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United KingdomArrives 08:00 AM
History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. AndrewsScotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped.There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the postWWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.
History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. AndrewsScotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped.There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the postWWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.
Day South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United KingdomDeparts 01:00 AM
History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. AndrewsScotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped.There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the postWWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.
History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. AndrewsScotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped.There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the postWWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.
Day At Sea
Day Djupivogur, IcelandArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
"Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Icelands long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in hidden folk who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1. "
"Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Icelands long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in hidden folk who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1. "
Day Akureyri, Iceland / Scenic cruising EyjafjordurArrives 09:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM / Cruising
"Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country's second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it. Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjordthe countrys longestand surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum."
Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur
"Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country's second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it. Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjordthe countrys longestand surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum."
Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur
Day Isafjordur, Iceland / Scenic Cruising IsafjardurdjurArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM / Cruising
"Although it is the largest town in and the capital of the Westfjords region of Iceland, Ísafjörður has a mere 2,600 inhabitants and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow nine-meter-wide (30-foot-wide) isthmus. Local lore has it that the isthmus, and the town itself, were formed by a group of trolls who wanted to live apart from humans. Despite its small population, Ísafjörður has earned a reputation as a cultured and urbane town thanks to its excellent choral and theatrical groups, a nationally known theater festival called Act Alone and the popular music festival Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (I Never Went South) held each Easter. Ísafjörður and its outlying regions stretch over 2,300 square kilometers (900 square miles) from the stunning waterfall of Dynjandi in the south to the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the north where, on the cliff of Hornbjarg, visitors can see the largest colony of seabirds in the North Atlantic. Along Iceland's spectacular coastline, glacier-carved green mountains stand in contrast against the deep blue sea."
Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur
"Although it is the largest town in and the capital of the Westfjords region of Iceland, Ísafjörður has a mere 2,600 inhabitants and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow nine-meter-wide (30-foot-wide) isthmus. Local lore has it that the isthmus, and the town itself, were formed by a group of trolls who wanted to live apart from humans. Despite its small population, Ísafjörður has earned a reputation as a cultured and urbane town thanks to its excellent choral and theatrical groups, a nationally known theater festival called Act Alone and the popular music festival Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (I Never Went South) held each Easter. Ísafjörður and its outlying regions stretch over 2,300 square kilometers (900 square miles) from the stunning waterfall of Dynjandi in the south to the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the north where, on the cliff of Hornbjarg, visitors can see the largest colony of seabirds in the North Atlantic. Along Iceland's spectacular coastline, glacier-carved green mountains stand in contrast against the deep blue sea."
Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur
Day Reykjavik, IcelandArrives 08:00 AM
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.
Day Reykjavik, IcelandDeparts 06:00 PM
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.
Day Heimaey, Westman Islands, IcelandArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
At just four miles in length, Heimaey Island is the largest of all the 16 islands and 30 tiny islets that comprise the Westman Islands archipelago. The islands' inhabitants are rugged and independent, traits passed down from generations of isolation, natural disasters and brutal living conditions. Today Heimaey is the largest fishing center in all of Iceland, and the islanders prosper from extensive fish processing.
At just four miles in length, Heimaey Island is the largest of all the 16 islands and 30 tiny islets that comprise the Westman Islands archipelago. The islands' inhabitants are rugged and independent, traits passed down from generations of isolation, natural disasters and brutal living conditions. Today Heimaey is the largest fishing center in all of Iceland, and the islanders prosper from extensive fish processing.
Day At Sea
Day Lerwick, ScotlandArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and its small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore, along with a windswept beauty thats refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins. Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands name.
The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and its small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore, along with a windswept beauty thats refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins. Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands name.
Day At Sea
Day Amsterdam, The NetherlandsArrives 07:00 AM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.