14-Day Northern Isles
Starting from
$2,949*
Rotterdam, The Netherlands to Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Ship: ms Rotterdam
Departure Date :
Itinerary
Day Rotterdam, The NetherlandsDeparts 05:00 PM
The Netherlandsâ second-largest city and Europeâs 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 âManhattan-on-the-Maas,â 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.
Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. 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 cityâs location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.
The Netherlandsâ second-largest city and Europeâs 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 âManhattan-on-the-Maas,â 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.
Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. 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 cityâs location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.
Day At Sea
Day Alesund, NorwayArrives 11:00 AM Departs 11:00 PM
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat 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. "
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat 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. "
Day At Sea
Day Seydisfjordur, Iceland / Scenic cruising SeydisfjordurArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM / Cruising
Icelands eastern coast was the first area to be settled, and the very ancient site of Thorrarinstadr is the earliest community yet discovered. Your Ventures team archaeologist will escort an optional tour to the site. The pretty, multicolored houses of Seydusfjordur are gathered on a narrow alluvial shelf at the base of a jaw-dropping mountain wall beside the fjord that gives it its name. Today it is a magnet for artists, musicians and other creative types inspired by the Icelandic grandeur. The Blue Church is a local icon, an early wooden structure that has been moved three times in its checkered history. There are a number of old wooden buildings dating from the immigration of Norwegian fishermen who settled here in 1848 to exploit the vast seasonal populations of herring.
Scenic cruising Seydisfjordur
Icelands eastern coast was the first area to be settled, and the very ancient site of Thorrarinstadr is the earliest community yet discovered. Your Ventures team archaeologist will escort an optional tour to the site. The pretty, multicolored houses of Seydusfjordur are gathered on a narrow alluvial shelf at the base of a jaw-dropping mountain wall beside the fjord that gives it its name. Today it is a magnet for artists, musicians and other creative types inspired by the Icelandic grandeur. The Blue Church is a local icon, an early wooden structure that has been moved three times in its checkered history. There are a number of old wooden buildings dating from the immigration of Norwegian fishermen who settled here in 1848 to exploit the vast seasonal populations of herring.
Scenic cruising Seydisfjordur
Day Akureyri, Iceland / Scenic cruising EyjafjordurArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 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 05:00 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 03:00 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 At Sea
Day Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United KingdomArrives 10:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetlands roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetlands heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.
Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetlands roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetlands heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.
Day Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland, United KingdomArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Welcome to the Highlands, the wildest and least trammeled region in the entire United Kingdom. Inverness is considered the Highland capital and, while a very small city by international comparisons, it does offer more than a few hours of enjoyment and entertainment with first-class restaurants among its attractions. Just outside Inverness is a trove of Scottish and Celtic history, myth and natural beauty amid unspoiled glens, mountains, lochs, rivers and more. Most famous among the attractions is no doubt the legendary (and likely imaginary) Loch Ness Monster, though for the less frivolous traveler, the sites associated with Scottish history will hold more appeal. For example, the Culloden Battlefield, where the 1746 stand-off between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the army of the Hanoverian King in London put the nail in the coffin of any Jacobite rebellionand led to years of Highland repression to ensure no further uprising ensued."
"Welcome to the Highlands, the wildest and least trammeled region in the entire United Kingdom. Inverness is considered the Highland capital and, while a very small city by international comparisons, it does offer more than a few hours of enjoyment and entertainment with first-class restaurants among its attractions. Just outside Inverness is a trove of Scottish and Celtic history, myth and natural beauty amid unspoiled glens, mountains, lochs, rivers and more. Most famous among the attractions is no doubt the legendary (and likely imaginary) Loch Ness Monster, though for the less frivolous traveler, the sites associated with Scottish history will hold more appeal. For example, the Culloden Battlefield, where the 1746 stand-off between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the army of the Hanoverian King in London put the nail in the coffin of any Jacobite rebellionand led to years of Highland repression to ensure no further uprising ensued."
Day South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United KingdomArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
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 Rotterdam, The NetherlandsArrives 07:00 AM
The Netherlandsâ second-largest city and Europeâs 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 âManhattan-on-the-Maas,â 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.
Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. 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 cityâs location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.
The Netherlandsâ second-largest city and Europeâs 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 âManhattan-on-the-Maas,â 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.
Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. 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 cityâs location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.
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