Overview
The tour is designed to highlight the outstanding rural and mountain scenery of Scandinavia as well as show us many of its historic and vibrant cities and towns. It is a tour of great variety utilising a range of transport options including coach, overnight ferry, rail and concluding with a wonderful cruise of the Norwegian fjords and coastal settlements.
Highlights:
Helsinki
Explore Finland’s vibrant capital, renowned for its stunning architecture, lush parks, and dynamic cultural scene. Discover historic landmarks, bustling markets, and the unique blend of modern and traditional Finnish design.
Stockholm
Discover Sweden’s charming capital, featuring picturesque waterways, historic sites, and a blend of modern and medieval architecture. Enjoy its vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and the scenic beauty of its archipelago.
Copenhagen
Experience Denmark’s enchanting capital, home to the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue and the whimsical Tivoli Gardens. Stroll along charming canals, explore historic castles, and indulge in the city’s renowned culinary delights.
In addition to these:
- Helsinki
- Overnight Baltic ferry
- Stockholm
- “Under the Bridges” Cruise
- Copenhagen
- Tivoli Gardens & the “Little Mermaid”
- Hamburg
- Amsterdam
- 14-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Our floating home for 14 nights – “Holland America Rotterdam”
Come float among the famous Norwegian Fjords aboard the Rotterdam. A powerful and symbolic moniker honoring cruise ships of our past, this Holland America new ship (and new flagship) is the third in our Pinnacle-class fleet. Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining, innovative entertainment, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, the finest service and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise. Music is front and center on this new cruise ship and the result is a ship that moves—not only through water, through the hearts of guests. Rotterdam will be the soundtrack of discovery from that very first day to the end of each perfect night.
Itinerary
Friday 08 May Auckland – Doha
We commence the tour with an afternoon flight to Doha. We cross the international dateline enroute, arriving into Doha late evening.
Saturday 09 May Doha (B,D)
A leisurely start to the day today, after our late arrival last night. Late morning, 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 National Museum, Souq Waqif, and Pearl Island. We also get a closer look at Qatar’s history and culture with a visit to the Katara Culture Village.
We return to the hotel late afternoon.
Sunday 10 May Doha – Helsinki (B)
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.
Monday 11 May Helsinki (B,D)
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.
Tuesday 12 May Helsinki (B,L)
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.
Wednesday 13 May Helsinki – Overnight Cruise – Stockholm (B,D)
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.
Thursday 14 May Stockholm (B,D)
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 17th 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.
Friday 15 May Stockholm (B)
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.
Saturday 16 May Stockholm – Copenhagen (B,D)
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.
Sunday 17 May Copenhagen – Odense (B,D)
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.
Monday 18 May Copenhagen (B,D)
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 19th century Theatre Royal. This evening, we visit the world famous Tivoli Gardens and enjoy dinner amidst the glittering lights.
Tuesday 19 May Copenhagen – Hamburg (B,D)
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.
Wednesday 20 May Hamburg – Sightseeing (B)
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.
Thursday 21 May Hamburg – Bremen (B,L)
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 15th century Rathaus (Town Hall). Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and your evening will be at leisure.
Friday 22 May Bremen – Amsterdam (B,D)
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.
Saturday 23 May Amsterdam (B)
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.
Sunday 24 May Amsterdam (Join Holland America Cruise) (B,D)
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 “MS Rotterdam”. Our ship departs at 3.00pm.
Monday 25 May At Sea (B,L,D)
Enjoy the opportunity to get acquainted with your floating hotel and the many activities that are offered during sea days.
Tuesday 26 May Eidfjord, Norway (B,L,D)
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 splendour. 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. Arrives 7.00am, Departs 3.00pm
Wednesday 27 May Olden, Norway (B,L,D)
A charming village and urban area at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden is a short distance from the Briksdalsbreen glacier, a popular hiking destination. In town, travelers can compare the deep red “new” Olden Church, built in 1934, to the white “old” Olden church, built in 1759. Arrives 9.00am, Departs 7.00pm.
Thursday 28 May Alesund, Norway (B,L,D)
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 8.00am, Departs 5.00pm.
Friday 29 May Bergen, Norway (B,L,D)
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 harbour 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.
Arrives 8.00am, Departs 5.00pm
Saturday 30 May At Sea (B,L,D)
Sunday 31 May Rotterdam, The Netherlands (B,L,D)
The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries’ most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands’ finest museums and most trendy shops. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city’s location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbour and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe. Arrives 7.00am, Departs 3.00pm
Monday 01 June At Sea (B,L,D)
Tuesday 02 June Oslo, Norway (B,L,D)
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 centre, 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. 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. Savour fine restaurants and luxury boutiques along the Aker Brygge waterfront, or dive into the eclectic neighbourhood of Grünerløkka for vintage shops, microbreweries and corner cafés. Arrives 7.00am, Departs 5.00pm
Wednesday 03 June Mandal (Kristiansand), Norway (B,L,D)
Discover the coastal elegance of Mandal and Kristiansand where you’re invited to experience the beauty of Norway’s southern shores. From pristine beaches to cultural attractions, these ports offer a unique Norwegian experience. Delight in the local cuisine, explore the charming surroundings, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. 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 harbour views and even a sandy beach. Arrives 8.00am, Departs 5.00pm
Thursday 04 June Stavanger, Norway (B,L,D)
Before this port city on Norway’s western coast earned its status as the epicentre 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, 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. Arrives 8.00am, Departs 3.00pm
Friday 05 June Skjolden, Norway (B,L,D)
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 7.00am, Departs 3.00pm
Saturday 06 June At Sea (B,L,D)
Sunday 07 June Rotterdam – Amsterdam – Doha (B)
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.
Monday 08 June Doha – Auckland
Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.
Tuesday 09 June Arrive Home
Arrival is early morning.
