10-dAY ICelandic & scottish Mysteries
Holland America Cruise
Sailing from Reykjavík, Iceland to Amsterdam, The Netherlands
July 10 - 20, 2024
Sailing from Reykjavík, Iceland to Amsterdam, The Netherlands
July 10 - 20, 2024
TRIP |
10-Day Icelandic & Scottish Mysteries
|
TRAVEL DATE |
Jul 10 - 20, 2024 |
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS |
ICELANDIC & SCOTTISH MYSTERIES
|
TRAVEL SCHEDULE |
Day 1 - Jul 10: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Day 2 - Jul 11: Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland Day 3 - Jul 12: Djupivogur, Iceland - Scenic cruising Berufjordur Day 4 - Jul 13: Day at Sea Day 5 - Jul 14: Portree (Isle of Skye), Scotland, United Kingdom Day 6 - Jul 15: Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom Day 7 - Jul 16: South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom Day 8 - Jul 17: South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom Day 9 - Jul 18: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom Day 10 - Jul 19: Day at Sea Day 11 - Jul 20: Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
PACKAGE
|
KEY FEATURES
● ACCOMMODATIONS ON AN INCREDIBLE HOLLAND AMERICA SHIP ● ALL ONBOARD MEALS INCLUDING 24-HR ROOM SERVICE ● COFFEE, TEA, MILK, JUICE, NON-BOTTLED WATER ● ENTERTAIMENT, CASINOS, BROADWAY-STYLE SHOWS ● ONBOARD ACTIVITIES, FITNESS CENTER, POOLS ● CREW APPRECIATION GRATUITY ADD HAVE IT ALL PACKAGE!
INCLUDES:
|
|
|
Reykjavik, Iceland
Cruise to Iceland on one of Holland America Line European Cruise. Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital, Reykjavik, 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.
During your stop on a cruise to Iceland, enjoy one of the many shore excursions like bathing in the Blue Lagoon or take a tour of one of many world-class museums or at galleries. During the evening relax at a cozy café or a bar. 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. Explore this one of a kind Icelandic city on a northern European cruise today!
|
|
HEIMAEY, WESTMAN ISLANDS, ICELAND
Some 4,500 people live on Heimaey, a 13-square-kilometer (five-square-mile) island off the southern coast of Iceland. It's mentioned in some medieval Icelandic sagas and was attacked in a Turkish raid in the 17th century, but events that took place on January 23, 1973, really put Heimaey on the map. On that day, the island’s inhabitants woke up to an earthquake and plumes of ash from the volcano Eldfell, followed by lava flows. Most residents were evacuated, while a few remained to defend the harbor by spraying ocean water on the hot molten lava.
When the eruption subsided almost six months later, the island had grown by 2.2 square kilometers (0.9 square miles) and half of the town had been destroyed—but the harbor had been saved. Most of the island’s residents returned, and in the years since Heimaey has become known as a dramatic microcosm of Iceland’s remarkable geological activity. The 1973 eruption is the focus of the fascinating Eldheimar museum; among the exhibits is a house that, as in Pompeii, was engulfed in ash. A circumnavigation of the island offers yet another perspective on Heimaey’s remarkable geological history, and its present.
|
|
DJUPIVOGUR, ICELAND
Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity.
The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1.
|
|
PORTREE (ISLE OF SKYE), SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, offers an intriguing and curious contrast of landscapes and cultures. Between the green rolling hills and the jagged mountain ranges, the Quiraing ridge dominates the north of the island, attracting wildlife watchers and hikers keen to test their abilities. The island’s rich with history, too—its Celtic, Norse and Scottish influences can be picked up in casual conversations (and more formally at the Aros cultural center), while Scottish Gaelic is enjoying something of a revival.
Skye’s also home to 170-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, the 800-year-old Dunvegan Castle and the Talisker distillery which dates back to 1830.
Portree is the center of commerce and cultural life on the island, with a number of boutiques, cafés and pubs that belies the town’s size. The eye-catching harbor welcomes cruise ships and fishing boats bringing in the day’s fresh catch (which you can easily find at the many restaurants). If you choose to remain near the harbor, spend at least an hour wandering the narrow streets nearby. |
|
KIRKWALL, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scots—a rich community of artists and crofters (small-holding farmers), fisherfolk and those in the trades.
A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. More recently, because of its isolation, Orkney was chosen as the place to keep Italian prisoners of war during WWII; a chapel built by them is a popular site to visit.
The island capital is Kirkwall (originally Kirkjuvagr meaning Church Bay). Here you'll find the Cathedral of St. Magnus—one of only two pre–Reformation cathedrals still largely intact in Scotland (the other is Glasgow's St. Mungo). Nearby, the historic town district includes the Earl's Palace, built for the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart, whose father was a bastard son of King James V and who was executed in 1615 for treason. |
|
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY (EDINBURGH), SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
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. Andrews—Scotland'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 post–WWII 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. |
|
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
Newcastle upon Tyne is a classic city of England’s north country, where you can visit reminders of some 2,000 years of British history. The city’s crucial location along the River Tyne has meant that it has been the site of Roman forts under Emperor Hadrian and Norman castles under William the Conqueror and the kings that succeeded him. A short drive outside of town offers the chance to stroll along sections of Hadrian’s Wall, built by Romans as a defense against Scottish invaders.
And a walk through the city finds a mix of modern and old, with new structures like the Gateshead Millennium Bridge alongside Victorian storefronts, Edwardian marketplaces and remnants of the Industrial Revolution.
Perhaps Newcastle’s most recognizable claim to fame is its renowned beer, Newcastle Brown Ale, which you can sample, along with other local craft ales, at historic pubs. Newcastle also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby historic towns like Durham and Alnwick, with their impeccably maintained gardens, historic castles and soaring cathedrals. |
|
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
A stop 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. And at Dam Square, the 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.
|
|
JOIN US ON BOARD THE
NIEUW STATENDAM Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have many innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage. |
B - VISTA SUITE - $2949 per person
With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.
|
|
VE - VERANDAH - $2402 per person
Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads.
|
|
F - OCEAN VIEW - $2114 per person
These expansive staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.
|
|
|
$600 PER PERSON
|
TelephoneOFFICE: 888-689-0660
Jana Huse Cell: 785-259-8696 Kristen Pfeifer Cell: 785-639-1060 Stephanie Benson Cell: 970-405-1219 Shonda Meitler Cell: 785-658-7129 Tammie Macias Cell: 620-277-6003 Emily Wangen: 785-259-8683 Katelyn Bozada Cell: 636-497-6126 Alejandro Del Villar Cell: 832-221-0739 Miranda Martinez Cell: 504-201-2221 Tracy Sattler Cell: 920-572-0570 |
|