2026 Scandinavia & Northern Europe Tour

This evening, we report to the airport and join the flight to Doha.

We arrive in Doha early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel with an early check in. This afternoon we discover the best that Doha has to offer as we embark on a sightseeing tour through the Qatari capital. We explore the main highlights of the city including the Souq Waqif, and Pearl Island. We return to the hotel and enjoy our first dinner together at the hotel.

As early start this morning as we return to the airport and continue our journey. We arrive into Helsinki mid afternoon. We are met by our local representatives and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, until we meet up for dinner this evening.

A leisurely start to the day today, due to our late arrival last night. This afternoon, we enjoy a tour showing us the most interesting parts of Helsinki, Sibelius’ monument, The Church in The Rock, Finlandia Hall, the Senate, markets and the domed Russian Church. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together.

Today we tour The Fortress of Suomenlinna – a UNESCO Heritage site built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance to Helsinki’s harbour. It is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time. The purpose of the fortress was originally to defend the Kingdom of Sweden against the Russian Empire and to serve as a fortified army base. During our walking tour our guide will tell us about 270 years of eventful history of the fortress, under the rule of three different states, as well as the life on the island today. We will see the most important sights of the fortress, such as the Great Courtyard, Piper’s Park and the Dry Dock, which in its days was among the largest in the world. We return to our hotel later this afternoon and the evening is at leisure.

The morning is at leisure and late this afternoon we join the ferry for the overnight cruise to Stockholm, a wonderful journey sailing through the 2,500 islands of the Archipelago and it is still daylight at midnight. Outside cabins are reserved on the ship and we enjoy a buffet dinner on board.

An early arrival in Stockholm followed by a sightseeing tour which features City Hall, where the Nobel Prize Banquets are held; see the Royal Palace; learn about the Swedish welfare state and realities of maintaining these first class benefits; visit the 17^th century Vasa Galleon Warship, the most expensive and ornamented ship built in 17th Century. At the end of the tour, after checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is free.

This morning enjoy the ‘under the bridges’ of Stockholm cruise which shows the city from a different perspective.  Sail under the fifteen bridges and locks connecting the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren, see the various Islands making Stockholm such a beauty on water. There is so much to enjoy about this city, a favourite with many of our travellers.

Today we travel by train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, enjoying the scenery as we pass lots of small towns and fertile farmland along the way. We arrive in Copenhagen late afternoon where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. We have a 3 night stay in Copenhagen, which sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager.

Today’s excursion takes us to the island of Fyn and the city of Odense which was the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen and where he received inspiration for so many of his famous tales. We visit his home and the museum before returning to Copenhagen.

Meet Hans Christian Andersens ‘Little Mermaid’ gazing wistfully across the harbour, followed by a highlight visit inside the Danish Parliament Building to marvel at the opulent interior.  See the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces – we may see the changing of the guard; the Cathedral and the 19^th century Theatre Royal. This evening, we visit the world famous Tivoli Gardens and enjoy dinner amidst the glittering lights.

From Copenhagen, we travel south through the island of Zealand and crossing the border into Germany. We will arrive to the maritime city of Hamburg. Check into your hotel and this evening enjoy an orientation walking tour and Dinner.

Today, discover this great maritime city during our city tour. We will see the historic centre including St Michaelis Church and St Pauli Quarter. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city further on your own or take an optional cruise to see the city from a different point of view.

Today, travel west to charming Bremen. On arrival, join an insightful tour through the city’s picturesque centre, lined with quaint red brick houses. See the market-square, the statue of Brother’s Grimm, “The Bremen Town Musicians” and visit the ornate 15^th century Rathaus (Town Hall). Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and your evening will be at leisure.

Admire the picturesque German countryside and cross the border to the Netherlands and arriving in the capital, Amsterdam in the early afternoon. We transfer to our hotel and take a wonderful cruise tour through the canals of the city.

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour around Amsterdam itself. The city is famous for its three rings of canals lined by elaborately decorated merchants’ residences and warehouses built during the 17th century. We see Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Skinny Bridge and much more. We take a cruise on the canals in a glass topped boat. At the conclusion of the tour the afternoon is at your leisure.

This morning is yours at leisure. Art lovers will want to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Flower Market on the Singel Canal – the only floating flower market in the world. Early afternoon we are transferred to Rotterdam in time to join our luxury floating home, the “Nieuw Statendam”. Our ship departs at 3.00pm.

Enjoy the opportunity to get acquainted with your floating hotel and the many activities that are offered during sea days.

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 castle like turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Arrives 10.00am, Departs 7.00pm

Although a popular cruise destination, Norway’s Viking capital is often overlooked by other travelers in favor of Oslo and the fjords. Yet Norway’s third-biggest city has plenty to offer those who make the time to explore. The compact city center, enclosed by the Nidelva River, is easy to get around on foot. Within a couple of hours you can explore the main downtown sights and still have time for a bite to eat. The medieval Gothic grandeur of the Nidaros Cathedral is a must-see, as is the historic riverside Bakklandet neighborhood just a few steps away. Arrives 8.00am, Departs 4.00pm.

For many travelers, the sparsely populated settlement of Honningsvåg is nothing more than a pit stop en route to the North Cape, the northernmost point of continental Europe. (The North Cape is rightly an iconic bucket-list destination with postcard views across the open ocean.) But amidst its colorful buildings, Honningsvåg has a lively cultural life powered by local spirit and an economy driven by shipping through the Barents Sea, which is ice-free year round thanks to the warming influences of the Gulf Stream. The town’s several notable cultural institutions include a museum and a busy cultural center. Honningsvåg is also a terrific base for exploring the rest of rugged arctic Norway, whether on foot, all-terrain vehicle or on the water. Back in town, be sure to stop by the statue of Bamse, the Saint Bernard dog that became the mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces during World War II. The city was destroyed in bombing during the war and the harrowing experiences of that period are documented at the church, which gave temporary shelter to the residents. Arrives 11.00am, Departs 6.00pm

Tromso, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Nestled between fjords and mountains, it offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, the Northern Lights, the Arctic Cathedral, and panoramic views from the Fjellheisen cable car. With its arts scene, historic houses, and harbor, Tromso is a must-visit for travelers seeking Arctic magic. Arrives 07:00am, and Departs 3:00pm

The fishing life used to be harsh and brutal on Norway’s wind-whipped Lofoten archipelago. Boats would head out from the town of Leknes in search of cod and risk never returning, but today visitors follow a well-paved road that skirts small farms below craggy, snowcapped peaks and twists around bogs and lakes and over precipitous bridges that link one rocky islet after another. In summer, fish hang on wooden drying racks at every turn.  With its airport and cruise terminal, Leknes, on Vestvågøya in the middle of the archipelago, is the gateway to a series of sheltered fishing hamlets with traditional houses perched on the rocky seafront. Just minutes down the road at the tip of the island, Skottinden is a 671-meter-high (2,200-foot) sort of mini-Matterhorn—an iconic landmark that sets the tone for countless peaks to come. With their art galleries and cafés, Henningsvær and larger Svolvær are two destinations from which Zodiacs launch to get visitors closer to orcas and sea eagles. Surprisingly for such a rugged realm, even beachcombers will find places to enjoy here: The coastal temperatures are remarkably mild despite the location north of the Arctic Circle. Arrives 10.00am, Departs 6.00pm

Surrounded by steep hills and stunning waterfalls, Skjolden is located at the head Sognefjord, the world’s longest navigable fjord. Visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church found in Norway, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, and take a hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park for views you’ll never forget. Arrives 10.00am, Departs 6.00pm

Experience lively Leirvik with Holland America Line, a beautiful stop on your Norwegian fjord exploration. Enjoy the tranquility of the fjords, sample Norwegian specialties, such as local cheese and cured meats, and otherwise explore this scenic town, which is known for its university. On board, every detail is taken care of to ensure your visit to Leirvik is a memorable part of your cruise. Arrives 8.00am, Departs 4.00pm

Aberdeen greets visitors with striking gray stone architecture that gleams silver in the sun, earning it the nickname “The Granite City.” Nestled between the North Sea and the rolling hills of northeast Scotland, this historic port is rich in culture and natural beauty. Stroll the city’s elegant streets, relax in flower-filled parks like Duthie Park, or explore the coastal paths and golden beaches that line the shoreline.Arrives 10.00am, Departs 8.00pm

Arrive in the historic port of Dover with Holland America Line, your gateway to the rich heritage and iconic sights of England. Explore Dover Castle, venture into the bustling city of London, and experience the picturesque English countryside. Our cruise offers a luxurious and comfortable base from which to explore, with amenities and service that cater to your every need, making your visit to Dover a seamless addition to your European adventure. Arrives 7:00am, Departs 6:00pm

Sadly, it is time farewell our ship as we disembark this morning. We make our way by coach back to Amsterdam, in time to join our flight back to Doha. Arrival time is late evening – we remain in transit until early morning and then continue our journey on to Auckland.

Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.

Arrival is early morning.