Holland America Line

14-Day Norse Legends & Viking Sagas

14-Day Norse Legends & Viking Sagas
Starting from $2,489*

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Ship: ms Nieuw Statendam

Departure Date :

Optional tours are available from most ports for an additional charge.

Itinerary

Day Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Departs 05:00 PM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one 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 you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s 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 won’t 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.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day At Sea

Day Eidfjord, Norway / Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM / Cruising
"In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer."

Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord

"From easy guided hikes and the summer-skiing resort on the Folgefonna glaciers to the serious hiking trails that encompass waterfalls and panoramic vistas, Norway’s Hardangerfjord region offers truly exceptional outdoor experiences. Norway’s Queen Sonja is known to favor the hiking trails around the village of Kinsarvik so much that a tough 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike is named after her.
Eidfjord, Norway / Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Day Alesund, Norway
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:00 PM
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a ""Norwegian town"" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. "
Alesund, Norway
Day Geiranger, Norway / Cruising Geirangerfjord
Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM / Cruising
"Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinavia—if not the world. These are among the planet’s longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the water’s surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "

Cruising Geirangerfjord

The coast of Norway is fringed with jagged fjords cut into the shoreline by glaciers eons ago. One of the most spectacular inlets is the mighty Geirangerfjord, a popular cruising destination and, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Norway’s glaciers retreated they left deep valleys in their wake that filled with seawater, in the case of the Geirangerfjord to a depth of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). Above the surface, the fjord’s sheer rock walls shoot straight up three times as far. You'll want to wake up early to catch the exhilarating views during the nine-mile cruise up the Geirangerfjord to the tiny village of Geiranger; your ship will likely make this trip in early morning to give you a full day in port. If you’ve sprung for a balcony cabin, you won’t regret it. Otherwise, head for the open decks to soak up the stunning scenery and the crisp, fresh Norwegian air as the ship moves up the calm, glasslike channel.
Geiranger, Norway / Cruising Geirangerfjord
Day Bergen, Norway
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Bergen, Norway
Day At Sea

Day Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one 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 you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s 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 won’t 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.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day At Sea

Day Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord / Oslo, Norway
Cruising / Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
"Not a fjord in the geological sense, the Oslo Fjord is actually a vast expanse of water stretching south from the Norwegian capital for nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles). Almost half of Norway's population lives within an hour’s drive of the fjord, so there’s plenty to see along the shoreline, from islands and skerries to major towns and cities.

Oslo, Norway

"Oslo, Norway’s charming capital city, is a vibrant mix—modern architecture and world-class museums dwell alongside 10th-century Viking history, with indigenous Sami culture woven throughout. This cosmopolitan center, with its coveted quality of life, caters to every interest from history buffs and literary types to students of modern Nordic design and aspiring arctic adventurers. Choose the Oslo you want to visit. Take in the much-talked-about Opera House, with its otherworldly angles, or trace the steps of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and literary masters like Henrik Ibsen. Journey to the Bygdøy peninsula to absorb Nordic culture at the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum and the Folk Museum. Savor fine restaurants and luxury boutiques along the Aker Brygge waterfront, or dive into the eclectic neighborhood of Grünerløkka for vintage shops, microbreweries and corner cafés."
Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord / Oslo, Norway
Day Kristiansand, Norway
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"The capital of the southern coastal region known as the Norwegian Riviera, Kristiansand has earned the nickname “Summer City.” The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild and snow to a minimum, so Kristiansand is Norway’s outdoor playground. Even with just a few hours, Kristiansand’s grid layout makes it simple to get around on foot to explore historic sites such as Posebyen (the old town), which dates back to 1631, and former military fortresses and installations. Within the city limits are a number of forested recreational areas, a fish market with harbor views and even a sandy beach. The coastline is dotted with islands, skerries and picturesque fishing villages and farther afield, highlights of the region include Kristiansand Zoo & Amusement Park, the quaint town of Lillesand and Setesdal Mineral Park, with glittering displays of crystals and gems. "
Kristiansand, Norway
Day Stavanger, Norway
Arrives 08:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
"Before this port city on Norway’s western coast earned its status as the epicenter of “black gold” and the extraction of North Sea oil, it was a shipbuilding and fish-canning town. Fuelled by its wealth as one of the world’s top energy capitals, it’s now home to top-notch fusion restaurants and a bustling nightlife that caters to a never-ending influx of expatriates. Amidst this financial boom, though, Stavanger has managed to hold on to its heritage and soul: Archaeological museums and reconstructed settlements pay due reverence to the city’s Viking past. The cobblestoned Old Town is a well-preserved core of white wooden cottages near an Anglo-Norman cathedral, the oldest in Norway. Natural beauty abounds, too, with the nearby Lysefjord and its impressive Preikestolen (“The Pulpit Rock”) drawing a steady stream of visitors during the summer. "
Stavanger, Norway
Day Scenic cruising Sognefjord / Flam, Norway
Cruising / Arrives 07:00 AM Departs 07:00 PM
Norway's Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Imagine 205 majestic winding kilometers (127 miles) of beautiful villages, centuries-old architecture including wooden stave churches, towering mountains with snow-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views. It is also a region known for its traditional food, folklore, music and rich culture. Set in the southern part of the country, centrally located at the heart of Fjord Norway (as the region is known), the fjord reaches depths of more than 1,308 meters (4,291 feet). It also soars to the sky, with rugged cliffs rising to more than 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). This is nature at its most dramatic. In fact, one of the Sognefjord’s arms, the Nærøyfjord, is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Urnes Stave Church, which was build around 1130 is also included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. As the poet John Keats once wrote, “The poetry of earth is never dead,” and within the Sognefjord lie many sonnets of life. Be inspired by its treasures. All you have to do is sit back and watch the spectacular wonder of this destination.

Flam, Norway

Off the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the larger Sognefjorden in southern Norway, Flåm—and its surrounding area—is a place to stop, gaze and linger. There are no traffic lights; instead the village has an easy pastoral rhythm. Explore the steep-sided fjords and hike through sweeping valleys and meadows, home to grazing sheep. See the frozen-in-time churches and architecture and visit traditional farms where geitost or brown goat’s-milk cheese is made. There are many ways to take in the majestically beautiful landscapes, some designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and many are easily accessible. You have only to pick and choose: Embark on a wildlife- spotting cruise through the fjords' narrow passageways or go on a kayaking or cycling excursion that passes by gushing waterfalls. The Flåm Railway runs on a winding route on sheer slopes that reach up to 863 meters above sea level. Or see the area at true Flåm pace, with a simple picnic on the shore.
Scenic cruising Sognefjord / Flam, Norway
Day At Sea

Day Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arrives 07:00 AM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one 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 you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s 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 won’t 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.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
 
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