Explore and book Holland America Line 28 Night Europe - Northern Cruise on the Nieuw Statendam departing from Dover (London), England on Aug 9, 2025 and ending in Portree, Scotland on Sep 6, 2025 Sail to Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dover (London), England, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Liverpool, England, Djupivogur, Iceland, Akureyri, Iceland, Kirkwall, Scotland, Isafjord, Iceland, Heimaey, Iceland, Douglas, Isle Of Man, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Reykjavik, Iceland, Stornoway, Scotland, Alesund, Norway, Cobh (Cork), Ireland, S. Queensferry, Scotland, Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, Portree, Scotland

Dover (London), England

Dover (london), England, Uk Boarding Time To Be Assigned Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Req For So

Famous for its iconic white cliffs, Dover is a significant port on England's southeast coast. Rich in history, it offers access to ancient castles, wartime tunnels, and the surrounding Kent countryside.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands Visa Req For Some

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Rotterdam is a bustling port city renowned for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can marvel at the innovative design of the Cube Houses, explore the extensive art collections at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, and take in panoramic views from the Euromast Tower. The city's dynamic waterfront, bustling markets, and diverse culinary offerings make it a lively and exciting destination. Rotterdam showcases the cutting-edge side of Dutch urban life.

Alesund, Norway

Fishing Tour - Small Group
Wildlife RIB Safari
Hjorundfjord Cruise by Bus & Boat
Strandafjell
The Path of the Trolls
Sea Kayaking
Atlantic Ocean Park & City Sightseeing
Alesund Highlights
Easy Alesund
On Foot in the Art Nouveau Town

Djupivogur, Iceland Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Djupivogur, Iceland

Scenic Cruising Berufjordur (cruising Only)

Akureyri, Iceland

Private Vehicle with Guide - Half Day
Small Group Discoveries: Siglufjordur Villag
Polar Flight to Grimsey Island
Siglufjordur Village and The Herring Hey Days
The Vacant Valley - 4x4 Adventure
Myvatn Nature Baths
Meet the Locals - Brunir Horse Owners & Holtse
Whale Watching Safari
Nature, Folk & Flora
Leisurely Akureyri & the Godafoss Waterfa

Scenic Cruising Eyjafjordur (cruising Only)

Isafjordur, Iceland Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Isafjord, Iceland

Tucked in the Westfjords of Iceland, Isafjordur is a scenic town that showcases the rugged beauty of Iceland's landscapes. Its deep fjords, steep cliffs, and thriving seabird colonies make it a nature lover's paradise.

Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur (cruising Only)

Reykjavik, Iceland

Countless Craters - A Helicopter Tour
Action and Icelandic Lobsters
The Golden Circle & White Water Rafting
Glacier Safari
Accessible Blue Lagoon Experience
Museum of Northern Lights & Icelandic Lobster Feast
Whale Watching Experience
Ring of Fire
Haunted Walk of Reykjavik

Heimaey, Iceland

Puffin and Volcano Tour in Vestmannaeyjar
RIB Boat Tour
Private Westman islands day tour
Vestmannaeyjar private tour - Puffin colony and so much more
3 Day Private Volcano Tour Iceland | Westmanislands & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
6-Days Gems of South Iceland & Reykjavik

Stornoway, Scotland

As the main town of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, Stornoway promises rich Gaelic culture, historic stone circles, and rugged coastal beauty. The town's harbor, traditional music scenes, and local arts add to its allure for visitors.

PORTREE (ISLE OF SKYE), SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

Portree, Scotland

Dover (london), England, Uk Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Req For Some

Rotterdam, The Netherlands (visa Req For Some)

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY (EDINBURGH), SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

S. Queensferry, Scotland

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom Visa Req For Some

Kirkwall, Scotland

Hydra Coastal Walk
Matera and UNESCO Sassi District
Ostuni, The White Town
Picturesque Alberobello
Snap-Play-Shop with Airport Drop-Off (EWR)
Manhattan Highlights and Transfer to Airport (EWR)
Manhattan Highlights and Transfer to Airport (LGA and JFK)
Qaqortoq Town Walk
The Greenlanders
Boat Tour to the Viking Ruins and Hvalso Church
Boat tour to Uunartoq Hot Springs
Mount Olympus & Dion
Traces of Alexander the Great: Pella & Vergina
Thessaloniki Highlights
Vergina: Ancient Macedonia's Royal Treasure
Panoramic Thessaloniki
Stonehenge with Airport Drop-Off (LHR)
Royal Windsor and Heathrow Airport

STORNOWAY, ISLE OF LEWIS, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United K Visa Req For Some

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Best in Belfast
Private Journey: Titanic Tale
A Trip to Winterfell
The Story of Hidden Belfast
Antrim Coast and Causeway
Titanic Trail & City Tour
Gobbins Cliff Path Walk
Titanic Belfast & City Tour
Bangor Castle Walled Gardens
Belfast City and Hillsborough Castle
The Giant's Causeway
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Ards Peninsula Scenic Drive

Liverpool, England, United Kingdom Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Req For Some

Liverpool, England

Liverpool, the dynamic maritime city, is famed for its cultural heritage and musical legacy. Explore the Albert Dock, home to the Beatles Story and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Wander through the vibrant streets of the city center, and experience the thriving arts scene at the Tate Liverpool. Liverpool's rich history, iconic waterfront, and lively atmosphere make it a vibrant and engaging destination.

GREENOCK (GLASGOW), SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

Scotland's largest city, Glasgow, showcases rich industrial history, vibrant arts scenes, and a blend of Gothic and modern architecture. With its dynamic cultural life and warm-hearted residents, Glasgow leaves an unforgettable impression.

Douglas, Isle Of Man

Nestled in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts rich Celtic and Viking heritage. From its historic railways to the TT motorcycle races, it offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland

Previously known as Queenstown, Cobh's harbor has stories of millions of Irish emigrants. The town’s maritime past, the Titanic connection, and colorful houses cascading down the hillside make Cobh a picturesque and historical cruise stop.

28 Night Europe - Northern Cruise

United Kingdom

Scandinavia

Europe

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Action

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful. Enjoy the programs listed below and visit our Explorations Central discovery center on board. *

Explorations Central

Enjoy a game of pickleball on top-deck courts with stunning ocean views. Play casually anytime or join a tournament, with beginner lessons available for newcomers. Complimentary equipment provided, weather permitting.



Pickleball At Sea

Direct from Beale Street, B.B. King's All Stars bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, enjoy dancing and try specialty cocktails like the Lucille and Rock Me Baby.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Crow's Nest

For aficionados, this is truly your whisk(e)y wonderland. At NOTES, a dedicated whisk(e)y bar guests can gaze in awe at the more than 120 labels on display — and sample some of the rarest whisk(e)y selections in the world. An interactive menu board and multiple tasting options are designed to identify uniquely personalized flavor profiles for every guest.

Notes

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Ocean Bar

Which is more delightful: the apple-pear saketini in your chilled glass or views of the sun going down in a crimson blaze? Enjoy both in this stylish hideaway – your destination for panoramic views and exotic cocktails, and just one of the wide selection of lounges and gathering places on board.

Tamarind Bar

Feel the rhythm at the Rolling Stone Lounge, where a live band delivers rock, pop, and country hits every night. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.



Rolling Stone Lounge

Enjoy a refreshing drink with a view at the Panorama Bar, overlooking the lively Lido Pool. It's the perfect spot to pair a cocktail with a poolside snack or movie under the stars.



Panorama Bar

Sip on a cool cocktail while basking in the sun and savoring stunning ocean views from the deck lounge chairs. A laid-back vibe with unbeatable scenery.



Sea View Bar

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell has also contributed signature pizza recipes to the menu. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza.

New York Pizza

Experience a new level of luxury on board your cruise with our exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Enjoy VIP access and elevated comforts

Club Orange

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

Dive-In

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Canaletto

At Explorations Café, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.

Explorations Café

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

Lido Market

Inspired by Culinary Council® member and world-renowned sushi master, Andy Matsuda, Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami,” Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is an homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea.

Nami Sushi

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

Pinnacle Grill

Praised by Condé Nast Traveler for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. And, try our specialty sushi created in collaboration with Culinary Council member and Master Sushi Chef, Andy Matsuda.

Tamarind

Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses. Meals at Sel de Mer are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Rudi's Sel De Mer

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

The Dining Room

From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-12)

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Club Hal

Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

Teens Programs (Ages 13-17)

Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

Port Day Activities

Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities based on their chronological age; our staff is trained to work with special needs children. Please let us know when booking your reservation.

Special Needs

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Fitness

Prepare for wonderful pampering as you enjoy a select combination of rejuvenating spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, along with other healthy amenities,

Signature Service

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Our serene Spa Staterooms and Suites (available on select ships) are spacious havens of peace and quiet, conveniently located steps away from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.

Spa Suites And Staterooms

Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials.

Treatment Rooms

Open your mind to the creativity of our international stylists and leave the salon today with a hairstyle that will put a bounce in your step and your locks!

Hair & Nail Services

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of Pinnacle-class cruise ships, its design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have a multitude of innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Rock Room, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage. 

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit.  Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful.

Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses.

Club HAL

Holland America Line

Nieuw Statendam

The Blue Lagoon is located southeast of Reykjavík, near the fishing village of Grindavík, on the Reykjanes peninsula. A high-temperature geothermal field supplies the Reykjanes district with hot water and steam to run a power plant, and it is the mineral-rich overflow water from this operation that fills the bathing lagoon. The geothermal water is pumped up from 6,000 feet below the earth's surface. High levels of silica, minerals and algae give the Blue Lagoon its rich, blue color and also form a light natural sediment on the bottom.

From Reykjavík you will drive over the Mosfellsheidi Heath to beautiful Thingvellir National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a primary site of Iceland's geological and historic heritage.

From Reykjavík, you will drive across the Mosfellsheidi Heath to beautiful Thingvellir National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a primary site of Iceland's geological and historic heritage. Walk through a massive geological fault to the place where Europe's oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in AD 930. Astonishingly, it convened here in grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries.

The Reykjavík capital area consists of seven municipalities with approximately 190,000 inhabitants. With plenty of space, clean air and natural green energy, Reykjavík clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward-thinking societies in Europe. The city's 'Pure Energy' slogan says it all.

This is a predominantly green-focused tour that circles the active 2,635-foot Hengill Volcano, located just a couple of miles from Reykjavík. Hengill last erupted approximately 2,000 years ago, but its numerous natural hot springs, colorful steam vents and fumaroles still dot the surrounding landscape. Hengill produces hydro and geothermal power, which provide the capital with plentiful hot water and electricity.

This is an excellent opportunity for horse experts and novices alike to enjoy horseback riding in the Icelandic countryside on the famous breed of Icelandic pony. It is a purebred descendent of the horses brought to Iceland by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago. Hardy, sure-footed and friendly by nature, Icelandic horses are extremely pleasant to ride.

From Akureyri, you'll drive to one of Iceland's most famous turf houses at Laufás. The 19th-century turf farmhouse here was built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf, and it is now one of the last of its kind in the country. It is an interesting regional museum and has the original implements and equipment so essential to life in past centuries, and a beautiful country church (1865). The Icelandic turf house was the product of a difficult climate, offering superior insulation compared to buildings solely made of wood or stone. The relative difficulty of obtaining other construction materials in sufficient quantities also played a significant role in the adoption of turf as a building material. This is a genuine glimpse into the Icelanders' way of life from the 9th century to the 19th century.

Akureyri has 18,000 inhabitants and is Iceland's second most important commercial and industrial center. As you travel through its timeline of cityhood, stop in front of a beautiful modern church and stroll through the lovely Botanical Gardens.

Transfer to Akureyri airport to board a light aircraft and enjoy a 20-minute scenic flight over Iceland's picturesque northern region.

Begin with a drive along the coast of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, with an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains.

The Nature Baths at Myvatn offer bathers a completely natural, relaxing dip amid clouds of steam, and a luxurious swim in a pool of geo-thermal water drawn from depths of 7,000 feet. Active volcanoes and belching steam vents populate the vicinity. The baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geo-thermal microorganisms. The warm, soothing waters are beneficial to skin and spirit alike. Facilities include a reception area and café, changing rooms and showers, as well as three natural steam baths and a 53,000-square-foot outdoor geo-thermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 100 - 104º F. Due to its chemical composition, undesirable bacteria and flora cannot live in the lagoon, making chlorine or other disinfectants redundant.

Iceland is one of the best locations in the world to enjoy whale watching. The abundance of marine life in the waters around Akureyri provides ideal feeding grounds, attracting more than twenty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Ålesund is one of the few Art Nouveau towns left in the world. This lovely and unique coastal city can best be enjoyed on foot.

The coastal city of Ålesund, with a population of 41,000, is the commercial capital of the More-Romsdal District. The city boasts one of Norway's largest fishing harbors, with a rich and lively history behind it, including a devastating fire in 1904 which gave rise to a popular expression of surprise in Norway, "I haven't heard anything like that since Ålesund burned down." The fire left 10,000 people homeless and destroyed the whole city center. Ålesund was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style with building materials from all over Europe. It is now one of very few Art Nouveau towns in the world, and inhabitants and visitors alike value its atmosphere and distinctive character.

Then, head out of town to the Atlantic Sea Park situated along the oceanfront at Tueneset. The park occupies 1½ acres of coastal scenery with fishing spots, hiking trails, swimming sites and outstanding diving venues. The Atlantic Sea Park contains exhibition space and is the largest aquarium in Scandinavia. It is uniquely built into coastal surroundings and adapted to modern exhibition principles. Large landscape aquariums teem with life direct from the ocean, with an emphasis on the western regions. you can see what the marine life is like under the ferry quay, in the ocean current, between islets and skerries, and in the depths of Storfjord. Enjoy watching the huge fish and discover the 'silver of the sea'.

A Dutch-speaking guide leads this tour (or a guide with a Dutch interpreter). A limited number of Dutch guides and interpreters are available in this port; book early to avoid disappointment. This is not a bilingual tour; please see Romsdal & the Troll Path for the same tour guided in English.

The island of Giske is known as the birthplace of the famous Viking King Gangerolv, or Rollo, who conquered Normandy in AD 911 and was the antecedent of William the Conqueror. With its powerful families, the island was a seat of power in the Viking Age. Watch for the Giske Chapel -- a very simple and starkly beautiful Roman marble church dating from 1135. The church was built as a private place of worship for the famous Giske Viking family and its interior was restored in 1756. It is surrounded by old headstones and a manicured lawn.

This panoramic drive through the city will introduce you to the many and varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city -- its industry and elegance, a rich and varied past, and 19th-century buildings that tell of its prosperous heyday.

Departing from the pier in Belfast you will travel to the nearby town of Larne, where you will join the scenic Antrim Coast Road. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the magical beauty of the Glens, this is among the best northern Irish scenery. Each bend in the road reveals more dramatic headlands and bays. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Scotland's Mull of Kintyre. Glenariff Forest Park is situated amid the world famous Glens of Antrim -- an area that has attracted international visitors for more than a century.

At the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, meet your National Trust tour guide and take your first steps onto the spectacular Causeway. This geological wonder, with its 40,000 basalt stone columns, was created by volcanic eruptions about 60 million years ago…Or was it built by warring giants? You’ll hear both sides of the story, so you can decide for yourself.

From your motorcoach, admire in the evening light the many delightful Victorian and Edwardian buildings of Belfast. Many of them feature elaborate sculptures over their doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of gods, poets, scientists, and kings and queens peer down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.

Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.

This tour takes you off the beaten track, venturing into stunning mountain scenery, amazing canyons and green valleys, and past small waterfalls hidden in the midst of it all.

Iceland's scenery is unlike anyplace else and the small village of Djupivogur is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lava formations, moss-covered cliffs and deep valleys. This outing offers an introduction to this stunning visual feast. It starts at the pier and is ideal for those interested in nature, local culture and history, and learning about the bird life in the area.

Head to Audun's Stone & Mineral Museum. Audun -- a local man -- used to collect rocks and stones as a hobby. Now, it could more aptly be described as an obsession. When his collection grew to gargantuan proportions, he invested in a rock cutter and polishing equipment. The next step was to open a stone and mineral museum so that he could store, and of course share, his very interesting geode collection. During your visit, you'll gain a whole new perspective on the hidden dimensions of everyday rocks. What is very plain and uninteresting on the outside can be dazzlingly beautiful on the inside, once the rock is cut and polished. All the rocks and minerals on display here were found locally. The east coast of Iceland abounds with agate, quartz crystal, zeolyte and many other minerals.

Travel by bus from Djúpivogur to the glacier lagoon known to the locals as Jökulsárlón. Here you will find Vatnajökull -- the largest glacier in all of Europe. You will see magnificent landscapes and touch the ice.

You'll set off in a comfortable Econoliner van to experience the East Fjords' amazing natural wonders in the Valley of Waterfalls -- the Fossardalur Valley. Enjoy the view of the impressive Berufjordur Fjord with its towering mountains and incredible rock formations. Explore the magnificent landscape, numerous waterfalls, mountainsides and rocks where sedimentary layers are easily seen. This is also reindeer territory, so keep your eyes peeled.

You'll leave the tiny fishing village of Djúpivogur and stop at the town of Höfn. From there, continue through the picturesque mountainous region to the outlet of the Hoffellsjökull Glacier. Hoffellsjökull was at its largest around 1890, and for the next 50 years it reached all the way to the moraine ridge that now envelops the lake in front of the glacier. Back then, trucks were driven up to this ridge and filled with ice, which they transported to the town of Höfn. The ice was used for chilling fish, both at sea aboard fishing boats and on shore. Due to climate changes, Hoffellsjökull Glacier has now retreated a considerable distance, leaving a deep glacial lagoon in its wake. The area around the glacier is the habitat of several rare Icelandic plants and a great variety of birds.

Tailless cats and the annual Tourist Trophy motorcycle races indicate the variety of attractions found on this green dot of an island in the middle of the Irish Sea. Resort towns and handsome villages, plunging cliffs and sandy beaches, rugged glens and wild moors preserve the rich vein of the Isle of Man's Celtic and Viking heritage. The range of scenery found here would take a visitor to the four corners of the British Isles for a mainland comparison.

The Isle of Man is one of the very few places in the world where you can travel on steam and electric railways that are more than 100 years old.

Travel across the center of the island to Tynwald. In the 10th century, the Vikings established the Manx parliament, known as Tynwald. Remarkably, this system of self-government has remained in place for more than 1,000 years, making it the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Tynwald Hill is the focal point of Manx independence. Legend has it that the hill contains earth from all seventeen of the island's parishes. Take a few minutes to stroll about the small hill, and to take photographs.

One of the biggest surprises awaiting first-time visitors to the Isle of Man is the island's extraordinary collection of railways. All date from the Victorian era. Immaculately restored, they run today much as they did 100 years ago. The island was in no hurry to involve itself with steam railways, but happily jumped on board with the arrival of electric traction. Much of the pioneering work in this field was done on the Isle of Man and lead to tramways in towns and cities throughout the world. Enthusiasts come from all over the world to experience the joy of riding on the vintage railways.

The road north leads through rolling green countryside to medieval Canterbury -- site of the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. Learn of the cathedral's epic history from your guide as you view the exterior -- it was built in two stages: AD 1070-1184 and 1391-1505. Enter the cathedral for an unguided tour of the building in which Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 -- a story immortalized in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. There will be an opportunity to browse in the shops of Canterbury before returning to the ship at Dover.

Travel by motorcoach a short distance on the main freeway; then you're off into the hinterland, driving along country roads through the quaint and scenic county of Kent. You'll pass small villages, farms and the hamlets of Tenterden and Northiam. Drive down charming High Street of Northiam, where the buildings are clad in their original façades dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

This tour is designed for guest who prefer to see the sights from the motorcoach with little or no walking involved. View sights such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Lunch at an authentic English pub is included on this full-day excursion.

Board a riverboat for a scenic cruise through London on the famous River Thames. Your vessel features a glass observation deck, as well as an open-air promenade deck. You'll see the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings that dominate the riverbank, and pass the Tower of London where William the Conqueror created London's notorious royal prison and the site of some very bloody executions. The iconic, Victorian-era Tower Bridge is situated adjacent to the Tower of London.

Grab a paddle and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Fjord kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend the day; it's also a perfect way to get to know Icelandic nature up close. The Westfjords have earned a deserved reputation for being the ultimate nature- and adventure-lovers' paradise.

This biking tour for the really adventurous guest involves cycling along a ghost road -- a road once used by traffic but now closed to vehicles and open only for non-motorized recreational use.

From Ísafjorður, you’ll set out on a panoramic drive through the breathtaking scenery of the Westfjords area. The route takes you across an unforgiving landscape of jagged mountain ridges and narrow passes. The coast is lined with steep slopes and deep fjords, where farms and villages huddle together on narrow strips of land that reluctantly yield a living for the hardy souls that tend them. Take advantage of a number of scenic photo opportunities along the way.

Visit Skrúður – the first Icelandic botanic garden, founded in 1909. This small garden is the brainchild of the former minister and principal of Núpur -- cultivation pioneer of Iceland. He grew plants and vegetables that nobody ever dreamed could germinate so far north or in such a rugged landscape and harsh climate.

The landscape in Jökulfirdir Fjord is very beautiful, with impressive, steep snow-flecked mountains and quiet, secluded coves. In the late 1940s, all 80 inhabitants of Hesteyri village made the decision to move away. At the time, they were living without telephone, electricity and roads. By 1952, the village was completely abandoned.

Leave Ísafjördur harbor by boat to cruise Djupfjord and reach the island of Vigur. This island offers a wealth of magnificent bird life including puffins, eider ducks and arctic terns. The only windmill of the country, almost 160 years old, is still maintained on the island. Here, the farmers live off the land and by harvesting the down of eider ducks.

Stroll through Westfjord's largest town, Ísafjörður, with your local guide. Ísafjörður is interesting to explore on foot -- its back streets and old houses are unique in all of Iceland.

From Reykjavík you will drive over the Mosfellsheidi Heath to beautiful Thingvellir National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a primary site of Iceland's geological and historic heritage. It was here in AD 930 that the Vikings formed the Althingi -- the oldest parliament in the world still in existence today.

Your yellow 'bus' starts out on land and takes you on a panoramic drive through the Netherlands' second city. Watch for the highlights, including the modern architecture of the Weena building situated in the business district. This is a splendid example of art-meets-commerce -- a common theme in Rotterdam. View the Café Rotterdam, Schouwburgplein, Kop van Zuid, and Coolsingel with the Town Hall and central Post Office,

Head out on a scenic journey along the IJssel and enjoy the typical Dutch landscape. Your first stop will be as a 17th century Cheese farm in the countryside. Here you will see firsthand how cheese is made and how you can recognize a 'real Gouda cheese'. You will also have an opportunity to sample some of the cheeses.

Discover Rotterdam's cultural and culinary delights on a guided tour of the city by bicycle.

The tulip has become a revered symbol of the Netherlands. Keukenhof town is the middle of the most important bulb-growing area in Holland. Originally, the area surrounding Keukenhof was used for hunting and for collecting herbs for the castle -- hence the name Keukenhof, meaning 'the kitchen garden'.

The windmills of Kinderdijk, built in the 1700s, are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19 windmills that remain intact today are lined up along the riverfront, and were used to pump rising water to the canal and thus keep the village dry. Incidentally, the name of this charming village comes from the time of the St Elisabeth flood in 1421, when the villagers found a baby (kind) on the dike (dijk).

Tour through County Cork, a region steeped in 4,000 years of history, rich in culture and heritage. In the city of Cork, view the splendid French-Gothic Cathedral of St Fin Barre and the medieval core of the city, still intact.

Cork, Ireland's second-largest city (or the "real capital" of Ireland, as the inhabitants like to call it) is your first destination today. Criss-crossing the city's bridges, a panoramic drive takes you past St Fin Barre's Gothic Cathedral, the medieval Old Town, the University, City Hall and Shandon Bells.

In the city of the same name, you'll visit the newly-constructed House of Waterford Crystal. Since the closure of the original factory in 2009, only a limited production of crystal occurs here in Waterford. The new showrooms and exhibition will take you through a reconstruction of the production process and the finished product is here on display for you to browse through, or perhaps purchase a memento.

Measuring 104 acres, Spike Island commands a strategic position within the sheltered mouth of the lower reaches of Cork Harbour -- one of the largest natural harbors in the world. For centuries people have used the island for a host of different purposes. Written early-Christian evidence suggests that, in the 7th century, Saint Mochuda founded a monastic settlement on Spike Island with 20 brothers.

Departing from Cobh, travel via the Lee Tunnel to beautiful Kinsale. Upon arrival, take advantage of a photo stop at Charles Fort overlooking the wide expanse of Kinsale Harbour, and at the town itself. From here, drive the short distance to the town where time will be allowed for independent exploration. Kinsale is a winner of the European prize for Tourism & the Environment, Entente Florale, National Tidy Town and Gourmet Capital awards. It is a pretty little town lying snugly between hills and valley. Kinsale is safely sheltered by the rounded contours of its beautiful harbor and is believed to have been founded by the Anglo Normans in around 1177. It was a magnificent naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries, and seemed to have enjoyed a degree of prosperity uncommon for Ireland. For centuries, Kinsale had close European connections and, in 1966, became the first town to be awarded the Flag of the Council of Europe.

Your coach follows the road that weaves its way around Loch Snizort, eventually leading to the famous Dunvegan Castle. The castle was the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years and is still their family home. Discover among the castle's treasures the 17th-century four-pint drinking horn, with which each male heir has to prove his manhood by successfully draining it of claret. The castle is also guardian of the 'fairy flag' of Dunvegan -- said to possess miraculous powers -- and of a lock of hair clipped from Bonnie Prince Charlie's head by Flora MacDonald as a keepsake. To this day, the hair is preserved in a locket.

Skirt the base of the famous and treacherous Cuillin Mountains -- a dark brooding mass growing larger on the horizon. Two distinct rock types make up this range -- Red Cuillin (red granite) and Black Cuillin (dark grey basalt and gabbro) -- together forming one of the most distinctive and beautiful mountain panoramas in the whole of the British Isles.

The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of Scotland's Inner Hebrides. It boasts a romantic, colorful and poignant history. After the failure of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, Flora MacDonald became famous for rescuing Bonnie Prince Charlie from the Hanoverian troops. Skye's population peaked in the 19th century and declined significantly in the wake of the Clearances and, later, World War I.

Head south out of Portree towards the Cuillins -- ferocious mountains that are by far the most challenging range in Scotland. The Cuillins' jagged grayness seems completely out of place in this otherwise green island setting. Stop to take in the majesty of the Red & Black Cuillins at the beautiful Sligachan Glen.

Built around a bustling natural harbor and fringed by high ground and hills, Portree is the setting for Bonnie Prince Charlie's last days in Scotland.

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28 Night Europe - Northern Cruise