Edinburgh
Edinburgh 07/12/2024
From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours
With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.
You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.
Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.
*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
Highlights:
- Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
- Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.
- Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
- Supplement for public holidays
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
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Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours
The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit
Highlights:
- Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
- At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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07/12/2024 |
07/12/2024 |
At Sea
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07/13/2024 |
07/13/2024 |
Lerwick, Shetland Island
Lerwick, Shetland Island 07/14/2024
The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and it’s 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 that’s 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.
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07/14/2024 |
07/14/2024 |
Bergen
Bergen 07/15/2024
Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.
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07/15/2024 |
07/15/2024 |
Bergen
Bergen 07/16/2024
Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.
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07/16/2024 |
07/16/2024 |
Geiranger
Geiranger 07/17/2024
Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.
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07/17/2024 |
07/17/2024 |
Geiranger
Geiranger 07/17/2024
Cruise up 9-mile-long Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous fjords of Norway. This UNESCO site has several impressive waterfalls and your ship will cruise by the most famous waterfall of the fjord – the characteristic Seven Sisters Waterfall.
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07/17/2024 |
07/17/2024 |
Olden
Olden 07/18/2024
The pleasant small village of Olden is located at the inner end of the 66-mile long Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway. Long known for tourism and industry, it is now also famous for contemporary design. With fewer than 500 inhabitants Olden is an ideal destination for people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, and is the gateway to Jostedal, the largest glacier on the European mainland. If you can, find a bottle of Olden Mineral Water, as close as you will get to a glacier on tap.
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07/18/2024 |
07/18/2024 |
Flam
Flam 07/19/2024
A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You’ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.
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07/19/2024 |
07/19/2024 |
Flam
Flam 07/19/2024
A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You’ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.
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07/19/2024 |
07/19/2024 |
Stavanger
Stavanger 07/20/2024
Here’s a day for exploration. Your ship will dock in the very city center near the oldest part of town. A short stroll will take you to Stavanger Cathedral, the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway, the city center and cobblestone pedestrian streets. Just an hour’s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.
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07/20/2024 |
07/20/2024 |
Kristiansand
Kristiansand 07/21/2024
Until recently, this beautiful hamlet was Norway’s secret, keeping its picturesque white-painted houses and sheltered coves tucked away and quietly hidden. It is best discovered by small ship, giving you access to the town with its lush green forests and majestic inlets.
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07/21/2024 |
07/21/2024 |
Aalborg
Aalborg 07/22/2024
Aalborg is found in the Jutland region of Denmark on the shores of Limfjord. This university city is full of Viking history, 21st century architecture and a quaint medieval center. This is a small port that only allows one cruise ship at a time. Visit Skanse Park with its stunning view of the city and the fjord. Grab a drink at Jomfru Ane Gade, a charming street packed with locals frequenting the bars and restaurants there.
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07/22/2024 |
07/22/2024 |
Copenhagen
Copenhagen 07/23/2024
This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.
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07/23/2024 |
07/23/2024 |
Berlin (Warnemünde)
Berlin (Warnemünde) 07/24/2024
This beautiful Baltic resort is known for its long, wide expanse of startlingly white beach. Explore the unique mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and stroll the beach promenade. Or delve into World War II history with an optional tour in Berlin with famous landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall and a UNESCO site like Museumsinsel.
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07/24/2024 |
07/24/2024 |
Berlin (Warnemünde)
Berlin (Warnemünde) 07/25/2024
This beautiful Baltic resort is known for its long, wide expanse of startlingly white beach. Explore the unique mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and stroll the beach promenade. Or delve into World War II history with an optional tour in Berlin with famous landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall and a UNESCO site like Museumsinsel.
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07/25/2024 |
07/25/2024 |
Sassnitz
Sassnitz 07/26/2024
Well-known as a seaside resort, Sassnitz is also the gateway to Jasmund National Park with its unique chalk cliffs. Also found in Sassnitz is the decommissioned HMS Otus, a British submarine, now a floating museum. Here you will find many cafes and boutiques in this charming old town that invites relaxation.
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07/26/2024 |
07/26/2024 |
Gdansk (Gdynia)
Gdansk (Gdynia) 07/27/2024
Gdansk’s Old Town was lovingly reconstructed after World War II. Take your time admiring massive red-brick churches and searching for the perfect memento in amber shops. This is also the home of the Solidarity movement, the beautiful Lake District, and Malbork Castle, Europe’s largest gothic fortress.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Gdansk: Gdansk & Sopot – 5 hours
Travel with your guide from the ship to the beautifully-restored city centre of Gdansk. Take in the highlights of this historic city during a two-hour walking tour through the town. While walking along the so-called ‘royal route’, see Long Street and the Long Market, where the richest residents of Gdansk once lived.
The fourteen-century Gothic Town Hall, with its lavish decorations, also houses the Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk. Continue to Oliwa, the most northern part of Gdansk where the cathedral, one of the best-known buildings in the city, lies. A special attraction of the church is the splendid Rococo organ which was constructed by Jan Wulf of Orneta between 1763 and 1788. Privately transfer back to your ship after the tour.
Highlights:
- Walk along the 'Royal Route' where the richest residents of Gdansk once lived
Tour Duration: 5 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 5 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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07/27/2024 |
07/27/2024 |
Klaipeda
Klaipeda 07/28/2024
Klaipeda is the only port in Lithuania, and they take great pride in its maritime history with tall ship regattas and a Sea Museum. You’ll notice that local legends and folklore play a big role here, from the playful statues scattered about Old Town to Witches' Hill with its wooden sculptures depicting Lithuanian fairy tales. Nearby Curonian Spit National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for possessing Europe’s highest sand dunes.
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07/28/2024 |
07/28/2024 |
Visby
Visby 07/29/2024
In this “Pearl of the Baltic Sea,” discover what life may have been like in 13th century Europe, stepping into your own time machine as you explore the ruins and ancient buildings. The 500-year-old cathedral alone seems to make time stand still. The town’s architectural integrity earned its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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07/29/2024 |
07/29/2024 |
Riga
Riga 07/30/2024
A major port at the mouth of the River Daugava, Riga has a UNESCO-listed pedestrian-only Old Town and a famous Central Market. It is also known for its art nouveau architecture, wooden buildings and delightful shops and restaurants at busy Livu Square.
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07/30/2024 |
07/30/2024 |
Tallinn
Tallinn 07/31/2024
The spires of 14th century churches soar above fashion-forward cafés, restaurants, and shops within the stone walls of Tallinn. Medieval Old Town is the well-preserved – and thriving – center of town, where you’ll find impressive guild houses, St. Olav’s Church, and other architectural treasures. Beyond Old Town lies Peter the Great’s Baroque masterpiece, Kadriorg Palace – and sunny Pirita beach.
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07/31/2024 |
07/31/2024 |
Helsinki
Helsinki 08/01/2024
Art Nouveau buildings, museums, timeless restaurants, and charming cafés are sprinkled throughout the harbor dominating this maritime city. Discover reminders of the early czars’ influence at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the fortress on Suomenlinna Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop along Market Square and in Aleksanterinkatu. And don’t miss a chance to enjoy a cocktail at the breathtaking Hotel Kämp.
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08/01/2024 |
08/01/2024 |
Stockholm
Stockholm 08/02/2024
Experience your own private Stockholm as you explore the interlacing canals and 14 tiny islands that surround this magical city. Renowned for its progressive nature, Stockholm offers avant-garde design, and trendy fashions. Visit the UNESCO sites of Frottningholm and Skogskykogarden, and the Södermalm neighborhood to discover charming old homes and picturesque main streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, and entertaining nightclubs.
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08/02/2024 |
08/02/2024 |