We arrive this morning and our motor coach takes us to the hotel.

Our overnight stay 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. At Dam Square, 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. 

After free time this morning, our private motor coach takes us to the ship and board with the sailing scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (B, L, D)

Relax in a comfortable coffee house environment. Spoil yourself with a massage or other treats at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Enjoy delicious thin-crust pizzas and Italian salads served up poolside.  (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 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. 

Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen. Docks 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (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 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. Docks 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (B, L, D)

Entertainment included aboard ship the Rolling Stone Rock Room and Lincoln Center Stage. Step into the pages of Rolling Stone magazine for a unique experience chronicling rock history as a live band kicks out iconic hits by your favorite stars. In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Center Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea. (B, L, D)

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 37-mile fjord—the country’s longest—and 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, busy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum.

From here it’s possible to explore some of the country’s most memorable landscapes, starting with Akureyri’s own fjord, Eyjafjörur, where you’ll find several museums (including the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum), fishing villages like Grenivík and plenty of dramatic mountain scenery. Farther afield are the island of Grímsey, the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mvatn and a whole host of waterfalls, gorges, churches and saga sites. 

We sail along Eyjafjörur, which translated to English means ‘Island Fjord,’ is one of Iceland’s longest fjords. Lined by peaks that descend to the water’s edge, it runs some 64 kilometers (40 miles) long and is located roughly in the middle of the country’s northern coast. Docks 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.  (B, L, D)

Bordered on three sides by dramatic mountains that form a natural harbor, the idyllic town of Ísafjörur—population 2,600—serves as a charming exploration hub for the surrounding Westfjords peninsula. Settled since the 16th century, and traditionally dependent on fishing as its main source of income, its streets are today lined with old wooden houses interspersed with occasional shops, restaurants and cafés.

Despite its low-key atmosphere, Ísafjörur offers plenty to do, from visiting local museums and enjoying a game of golf, to hiking, biking and kayaking around the town and harbor. The town also hosts several notable events, such as Iceland’s oldest cross-country ski race, the mud-football European Championships and a classical music festival, Vi Djúpi.

The rugged and remote Westfjords offer many more attractions. A daily summer ferry transports visitors to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that’s home to many protected bird populations. Follow the region’s striking coastline and you’ll find snow-streaked mountains, waterfalls and beaches. 

Although it is the largest town in and the capital of the Westfjords region of Iceland, Ísafjörur has a mere 2,600 inhabitants and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow 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, Ísafjörur 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 Suur (“I Never Went South”) held each Easter. Ísafjörur and its outlying regions stretch over 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. Given its location, it’s no surprise that the fishing industry has long been central to life in Ísafjörur—you’ll likely pass fishing boats headed out to sea. On dry land, chief among Ísafjörur’s attractions is the Westfjord Heritage Museum, situated at the tip of the spit on which the town makes its home, in a renovated 18th-century house. The museum focuses mainly on maritime history; you’ll find everything from fishhooks to antique ships here Docks 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  (B, L, D)

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 city’s 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. 

Sunday August 7, 8:00 a.m.-Monday August 8, 3:00 p.m. (B, L, D)

The Dining Room is known for sophisticated dining along with the Lido Market for fresh casual options.

Special experiences are available: like the Pinnacle Grill In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared—from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch.

Or another optional opportunity: the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea, BLEND has a tasting table that accommodates 10 guests who can create their own blend from a selection of five barrels of single-vineyard red wine. In addition to participating in the blending process, guests also will learn about wine from the ship’s wine expert, who leads the blending session.  (B, L, D)

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s 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, Shetland’s 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. Docks 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (B, L, D)

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 rebellion—and led to years of Highland repression to ensure no further uprising ensued.

The port of Invergordon is only a short drive from charming villages such as Fortrose with its ancient cathedral ruins or Rosemarkie where the Groam House Museum will show you the remarkable prehistoric art of Scotland’s aboriginals, the Picts. Docks 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (B, L, D)

The portside neighborhood of Newhaven is just minutes from one of the most charming city centers in Western Europe: that of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. A top destination for travelers to the U.K., Edinburgh is known not only for its nearly fairy-tale appearance, with a castle hovering over the city center, but also for its rich arts scene and long cultural heritage. 

The center of Edinburgh is divided between two distinct and internationally recognized historic districts. To the north is the Old Town, with its vennels (alleys) and medieval remnants—all still intact if modified over the ages. To the south, it’s the New Town, begun around the time of the American Revolution. Both districts demand wandering and exploration. The city counts amid its splendor such attractions as the National Galleries of Scotland and the Holyrood Palace (Queen Elizabeth’s official Scotland residence) and Abbey ruins. Other touring options include a trip to the royal burgh of Culross (an important destination in the 16th through 18th centuries), a day in the buzzing city of Glasgow, or a round of golf at St. Andrews, the most famous course in the world. August 12, 2021, 8:00 a.m.-August 13, 2021 1:00 a.m. (B, L, D)

After you got to stay up late in Edinburgh, you can rest up today as we sail back to Amsterdam. Don’t forget to book a massage. (B, L, D)

Docks 7:00 a.m. Our private motor coach takes us from the ship to the airport and our  flight home with memories of a unique itinerary of some of the most scenic and remote places in Europe. Our private motor coach takes us from Chicago O’Hare to Central Illinois (B)