Explore and book MSC Cruises 11 Night Europe - Northern Cruise on the MSC Preziosa departing from Hamburg, Germany on Jul 4, 2025 and ending in Lerwick, Shetland Islands on Jul 15, 2025 Sail to Isafjord, Iceland, Hamburg, Germany, Reykjavik, Iceland, Akureyri, Iceland, Invergordon, Scotland, Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Hamburg, Germany

Germany's port city, Hamburg boasts maritime heritage, scenic canals, and modern architecture. With its cultural events, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, Hamburg is a diverse and dynamic cruise stop.

Invergordon, Scotland

This Scottish port town is a gateway to the scenic Highlands and historic sites. With its murals, distilleries, and close proximity to Loch Ness, Invergordon offers a taste of Scottish culture and picturesque landscapes.

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

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.

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

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

11 Night Europe - Northern Cruise

Europe

United Kingdom

The classic design of beautifully crafted MSC Preziosa includes spectacular features such as a real stone piazza, sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases and a magical ‘infinity’ pool. There’s all this and more to discover at your own pace on board, enjoying every moment to the full as you voyage to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.

Millennium Star Casino

While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.

Arcade

Mini Bowling

Our amazing on-board F1 Simulator delivers an adrenaline-pumping virtual-reality race, with you in the driver’s seat of an F1 racing car. Go head to head against other racers and thrill to the feel of engines gunning. Huge fun for the young and the young at heart, regardless of who wins the race.

MSC Formula Racer

Tennis Tournament - if you've got a killer backhand then why not enter our onboard tennis tournament? It might not be Wimbledon but it'll serve up a great workout and possibly a taste of glory, tooSoccer Tournament - can you kick it? Yes you can! Sign up for the onboard soccer tournament and show off your skills. Your team needs you, so get involved. Volleyball Tournament - unleash your competitive side in our very own onboard volleyball tournament. Quick reactions and impressive reach could lead you and your team to glory! Basketball Tournament - ready to shoot some hoops? Then enter our onboard basketball tournament. Get involved and prepare for glory! Ping Pong Tournament - pick up a paddle and prepare for battle! The ping pong tournament is on and you're invited. Ready for the challenge? See you there! Table Soccer Tournament - if you're a fan of football in the miniaturized form known as foosball why not enter today's tournament? Just remember the golden rule - no spinning!

Sports Tournaments

Diamond Bar and Library

Preziosa Bar

Saphir Bar

Top Sail Lounge

The Green Sax Jazz Bar

Turquoise Bar

II Cappucinno

The One Bar

Safari Lounge

Phoenician Plaza

La Playa Preciosa

La Locanda

Galaxy Lounge

El Dorado Piano Bar

Aurea SPA Bar

A selection of light and tasty dishes awaits you at our Wellness Corner. Made with your health in mind, these dishes will boost your well being without putting a strain on your waistline. Stock up on your five-a-day with dishes that are delicious, nutritious and packed with flavor.

Daily Special Corner

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Dessert Corner, a cornucopia of deliciously sweet treats that will have your mouth watering. Enter the magical world of fine patisserie, crafted with love by our team of talented bakers and pastry chefs with meticulous attention to detail.

Dessert Corner

We believe everyone’s special on an MSC cruise ship which is why we provide tailored menus and solutions to meet everyone’s dining requirements

Ethnic Corner

Our main restaurants invite you on a journey around the world’s cuisines, offering exceptional international dishes every day of your cruise. Check out the Elegant Dinner to try a signature dish by two Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa.

International Dining

Get set to be wowed by the creativity of our talented chefs at the Daily Special Corner. Wrap your taste buds around a different specialty every day of your cruise for an unforgettable culinary surprise.

Kids Area

L'Arabesque Panoramic Restaurant

Le Palmeraie

Come to the Carvery for deliciously tender, juicy and flavorful roast meat specialties that will please your palate any day of the week. Enjoy the theater of watching your personal favorites being carved right in front of your eyes especially for you.

Meat Carvery

As one of the healthiest diets on the planet, Mediterranean food takes center stage at our main restaurants, tempting you with French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. Don’t miss the Elegant Dinner with a signature dish our Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa

Mediterranean Dining

Check out the Pasta Station for authentic Italian pasta just like mama used to make. Discover a new selection of delicious flavor combinations every single day to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Pasta Station

Special Diets and Menus

The Take-Away Station is just the place to be when you’re feeling peckish for a snack on the go. A wide range of the most popular fast foods awaits you, the perfect casual dining fix for those moments when hunger suddenly strikes.

Take Away Station

The Golden Lobster

Enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavors are served up at our Ethnic Corner. Choose your personal favorite from a range of delectable dishes, hand-selected from every corner of the world, from Asian to Indian – and everything in between.

Wellness Corner

Ranked by the Berlitz guide as “the best sushi at sea”, this charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The menu includes Japanese dishes composed of nigari, sashimi, maki, futomaki, tempura, teriyaki and much more.

Galaxy Kaito restaurant

Butcher's Cut

You’d normally have to travel to New York to see the top-rated shows, but thanks to our Broadway-style theaters you can enjoy entertainment with an international line-up of artists without having to leave the ship. Take your pick, there’s sure to be a show you love.                                      

Broadway Theater

his is a competition for the whole family with dance, music and selfie challenges dedicated to Kelly & Kloe On Board, MSC Cruises’ original web series created for kids and families.

Family Game Show

who’s going to be the best dancer of the night? The whole family is invited to join the Youth Staff for a special disco time!

Family Disco 

Visit our on-board 4D Cinema for a chance to enter a world of adventure without having to leave the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience, full of surprising features and visual effects.

4D Cinema

Broadway Theatre 

Family Disco

Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the LEGO® Experience On Board: an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities for the whole family to enjoy. Thanks to this special activity your kids can spend hours building and creating  whatever they want!

Lego Experience

The Junior Club inspires connection and cooperation among 7 to 11-year-olds, through a wide variety of activities. Highlights range from Masterchef at Sea Juniors and Dorebro Sport competitions to our Fire & Ice live video game. Do you like acting, dancing or singing? Enjoy the thrill of filming with the Kelly & Kloe On Board Green Screen Experience!

Junior Club 7-11

The Mini Club welcomes children aged between 3 and 6 years old, bringing them new friends and lots of fun, enriched by the stimulating toys of our partnership with LEGO®. The club offers games, events and activities like Arts & Crafts to free their imagination and make every day special. And the whole family is invited to the Doremi Family Disco!

Mini Club 3-6

Our partnership with leading baby care brand Chicco provides a dedicated play area with facilities for babies and toddlers under 3 years old. You can leave your toddlers with our MSC Babycare staff*, or stay with them and enjoy the special Chicco toys and games. They'll love our music and rhythm activities, designed to awaken their curiosity.

Baby Club 0-3

Teenagers aged from 15 to 17 years old can look forward to having the time of their lives on board. Teen Club activities range from sports and competitions, dance contests and social network games to Wii, Xbox and PS4 tournaments.

Teen Club 15-17

With the Young Club, kids from 12 to 14 years old can dive into a world of discovery, involvement and interaction.Each day holds the promise of new experiences, with a dedicated programme of sport tournaments, hi-tech games and lots of other fun activities. And of course, every day also brings opportunities to make new friends.

Young Club 12-14

Every MSC Cruise is full of fun and discovery for kids of every age, starting with all the activities organised just for them and included in your fare. With a packed program of sports, games, competitions, parties and more, your children will enjoy endless discoveries with their new friends.Children can discover a world of their own thanks to 5 dedicated clubs for ages ranging from 0 to 17 years old, where they are looked after by our trained, multilingual personnel, certified for safeguarding children.

Kids Clubs

MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. Being pampered by a traditional Balinese Massage is a truly unique experience. Thanks to a blend of scented essences and aromatic oils, your body is enveloped in an endlessly peaceful and relaxing aura.

MSC Aurea Spa

Relaxing on one of our ships will do wonders for you, but we also have a few secrets on board to help you look and feel even better. Make the most of our range of safe and effective Anti-Ageing treatments and return from your cruise visibly rejuvenated.

Medi Spa Center

Get a lasting sensation of absolute well being that will accompany you well beyond your cruise. All our ships are equipped with a Thermal Area where you can enjoy a soothing sauna, a relaxing steam or an invigorating whirlpool bath.

Thermal Area

Refresh your look with a new hairstyle! There are different packages which include a personalized shampoo & conditioning mask, a haircut and a single process color treatment. Leave the salon styled and ready for a great evening onboard.

Hair Salon

Fitted with authentic TechnoGym® equipment and featuring panoramic ocean views, the onboard gym is the place to be for all those who take their fitness regime seriously. Hone your physique with a full set of TechnoGym® apparatus every day of your cruise to look better than ever before.

Gym by Technogym

You can enjoy the expertise of highly specialized staff in aesthetic treatments to offer you excellent results and improve the relaxing effects of your cruise. Customize your cruise with the best treatments for your body. Unwind and feel fantastic!

Beauty Salon

Enjoying time off on your cruise doesn’t need to mean letting your fitness routine slide, so gear up and rendezvous with the power walking and jogging track on deck to get your daily exercise fix while also savoring outstanding ocean views.

Power Walking Track

MSC Cruises

MSC Preziosa

Legends, lava landscapes and lakes come and experience Iceland's unique scenery of surreal volcanic fields and magical cascading waterfalls. Leave the pier and drive to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods" to admire the impressive falls and learn about the history of this site. The origins of this spectacular spot date back to 1.000 AD when a senior chieftain, Thorgeir, upon converting to the Christian faith, was compelled to hurl his Pagan god carvings into the waterfall. More natural treasures are in store at Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland's most geologically interesting lakes, due to its particularly shallow waters and rich nutrients that attract diverse flora and fauna. We will admire the craters at Skutustadir and the magnificent surrounding lava landscape with its strange formations, columns, and arches. Another highlight of the tour will be the geothermal field, full of mud-pots, steam vents, sulphur deposits, boiling springs, and fumaroles. En route to the port, a drive through the city of Akureyri concludes your day. Lunch included.

Iceland has earned itself a rightful name as a prime European location for whale watching and the port of Akureyri is one of the countrys very best spots for sighting marine mammals who come to feed in its year-round ice-free bay. In addition to an abundance of seabirds such as puffins, bay visitors include minke, fin and blue whales as well as playful harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins who like to surf alongside boats and other watercrafts. But the certain star of this bay-watch show are humpback whales, easily identified by their black and white flippers, lumpy snouts, and huge fountain-like blows. Humpbacks are particularly known for their aquatic acrobatics, so watch out for common behaviours such as breaching, fluking, tail and fin slapping, bubble blowing and spyhopping during your exploration of Eyjafjörður, the fjord adjoining Akureyri bay. You'll return to shore with a new appreciation of these majestic marine dwellers, complete with unforgettable memories to savour on board the ship.

This tour combines land-based sightseeing with a seaborne opportunity to spot marine mammals in their natural habitat. After leaving the port of Akureyri and an hour drive crossing lush, sweeping valleys dotted with picturesque farms, you will reach the place known as the "whale-watching capital of Europe", the coastal town of Húsavík. Apart from minke, killer and humpback whales, you may also sight many other marine mammals and seabirds when they come into the bay to feed. Examples include white-beaked dolphins, who will playfully swim alongside the boats, and puffins. The sea leg of the tour is followed by a lunch served in a local restaurant and a visit to the award-winning whale museum, the Húsavík Whale Centre. The informative exhibits will tell you all you ever wanted to know about the lives these majestic ocean creatures lead in the frosty Icelandic waters. To round off your tour, a stop at the incredibly beautiful "cascade of the gods", the Goðafoss Waterfalls - sporting a generous 30-metre breadth and a dizzying 12-metre drop - will give you time to take some memorable photos before you return to the port and your ship.

Located in the heart of northeast Iceland about 105 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, Lake Myvatn and its surroundings are among Europe's greatest natural treasures. You will admire the scenery around this exceptionally shallow lake which was formed by millennia of repeated volcanic eruptions which lend the area its surreal quality characterised by lava landscapes, crater formations and sulphur-streaked mountains. At the Myvatn Nature Baths, opened in 2004, you can literally immerse yourself in the scenery as you take a relaxing dip in the clouds of steam that rise from a fissure deep in the earth's surface after a 1.5-hour drive. The warm waters will soothe both your spirit and your skin, in what will be truly unique and reviving experience. On our return to Akureyri we will stop for photos at the spectacular Godafoss cascade, the "Waterfall of the Gods".

Leave the pier for a 45-minute transfer to Godafoss, "the Waterfalls of the Gods", which at 12 metres high is one of the most spectacular falls in Iceland. The origins of this legendary spot date back to 1.000 AD when a senior chieftain, Thorgeir, upon converting to the Christian faith, was compelled to hurl his Pagan god carvings into the waterfall. This is an ideal spot to take photos of the falls and the surrounding scenery. Next stop is the Laufas Folk Museum, originally as manor farm and vicarage and which dates back to 1866. The museum contains period domestic and agricultural tools. Return to Akureyri for a short unguided visit to the Botanical Gardens that contain display of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world.

The "capital of northern Iceland", Akureyri is a beautiful town surrounded by majestic mountains and a unique blend of urban, rural, and marine life. With a focus on seeing the best natural attractions in the area, we will combine travelling around the Icelandic landscapes with a trip to the spectacular Godafoss waterfall, an unguided visit to the botanic gardens and a tour of lively Akureyri with its 18.000 inhabitants. We will admire the majestic "Waterfall of the Gods" which is an impressive 12-metre-high cascade and an ideal place to take photos. Driving through the historic district of Akureyri, the Danish influence is clearly visible here, a legacy of the country's former rule by the Danish Crown. We will cross into the newer area of Akureyri and stop at the Botanical Gardens that hold examples of Iceland's native flora as well as high latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world.

Discover the amazing variety of Hamburg on this complete city tour. Leaving the port area, you'll pass the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, one of the largest and most acoustically advanced in the world. Continuing your ride west, you'll come to St. Michael's Church, followed by the St. Pauli quarter and Dancing Towers before reaching Jenisch park, the oldest park in Hamburg. You will then turn south to the Blankenese Beach, where you'll be met by a surprise coastal scene. At this point, you'll leave your bikes to enjoy splendid views of the Elbe River from one of the riverbank cafes. After the break, you'll cycle along the Elbe back to the city centre, passing the famous fish market, Hard Rock Cafe and St. Pauli Piers. As you pedal, you'll see waterfront villas with reed roofs, sailing boats anchored in delightful marinas, and woodland-backed beaches. The last leg of your outward-bound ride will take you away from the shore towards the Alster Lakes and Hamburg City Hall in the centre, where you'll have the opportunity of one last break before returning to your ship.

When maritime flair meets elegant boulevards, when palatial villas meet one of Europe's most notorious nightlife districts and when urban sprawl is relieved by acres of green and spacious parkland, it can only be one place: the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Your tour starts with a drive through the swanky HafenCity redevelopment area and the adjacent Speicherstadt, Hamburg's historical warehouse quarter. Then you will board a pleasure boat to glide along Hamburg's waterways for a unique waterside view of the city's architecturally varied skyline. Once back on your coach, the tour continues on a round of all the major sights  including City Hall, the Planten un Blomen botanical park, the Reeperbahn district and the trendy Junfernstieg area. A stop at St. Michael's Church, Hamburg's most iconic landmark, and a chance to view the 17th-century houses in the Krameramtsgasse ends your tour.

Experience Hamburg on this tour of its most iconic sights. Your visit to Germany's largest port and second-largest city begins at the late 19th-century City Hall, then proceeds to Germany's oldest stock exchange and goes on to the gorgeously Gothic, old red-brick warehouses in the Speicherstadt. The elegant Jungfernstieg shopping area is next, followed by the super-exclusive Außenalster district and the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, old jetties where sailing vessels docked in the past. You then head for Hamburg's world-famous Reeperbahn, a "mile of sin" that is named after the rig-makers that used to ply their trade there in the 17th century. The tour ends with passing by St. Nikolai War Memorial Church and with a visit to St. Michael's Church and finally the Krameramtsgasse, an old district that originated in the 17th-century as an early form of housing for widows.

Enjoy a pleasant 1.5-hour scenic drive through beautiful German countryside to the magnificent Hanseatic city of Lubeck. Discover the charming historic city centre, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore elegant XIX century alleyways and courtyards that pay testament to the glories of when Lubeck was the heart of the Hanseatic League, the world's most powerful trading alliance of its time. Admire the world-famous Holsten Gate, the seven spires of the city's five churches, the Hospital of the Holy Ghost, which dates back to 1280, and St. Mary's Church - home to the world's largest mechanical organ. Following your explorations, you'll enjoy a typical German light lunch before leaving your guide in Lubeck and returning to Hamburg.

Following a sightseeing tour of Hamburg's most important sights, your coach will take you on a 1-hour scenic drive to the beautiful city of Lüneburg, which is situated on the River Ilmenau and is a one-time member of the mediaeval Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of trading cities and guilds in its day. Lüneburg's moniker as the "City of White Gold" is owed to the abundant salt deposits on which it is built, the mining of which also gave rise to the town's prodigious prosperity in former times. The wonderful old town with its many richly decorated historical buildings and small, cobbled alleyways is best explored on foot. Your tour will take you past the 800-year old town hall  certainly worth a snapshot or two  as well as the house in which the famous German poet, Heinrich Heine, once lived and worked. You will also have some free time to enjoy the city's many picturesque sights and to do some shopping at your leisure before returning to Hamburg airport.

This thrilling sea safari and wildlife adventure will take you to explore the incredible beauty of the Cromarty and Moray Firths from the best perspective possible: the water. In addition, to turn the fun factor up to the max, you will be boarding a special high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Fast and nimble, this is an excellent craft on which to see all the key sights and observe the varied wildlife. Each of these tours is unique and as you travel, an experienced skipper and knowledgeable guide will provide a wealth of intriguing information and amusing anecdotes to entertain you. After a short introduction, the tour starts from Invergordon harbour and will then see you speed your way to the small historical village of Cromarty. As you go, be sure to watch out for marine mammals such as dolphins and harbour porpoise (a smaller relative of the dolphin), which are frequent visitors to the area throughout the year, as well as minke whales, which only come during the warmer summer months. Then, as you head towards the Moray Firth, you will pass bird colonies, coastal cliffs with sheer drops to the water, old defences dating back to WWI and WWII as well as several other points of scenic and historical interest. This seafaring tour ends with your return to the port of Invergordon and your ship.

Mother Nature excelled herself in the Scottish Highlands, and this immersive cycle tour will bring you great insight into the region's natural beauty and most famous "tipple"  whisky. You'll start the trip with a ride along the Cromarty Firth, designated a Special Protection area for its wildlife and flora. Watch for curlew, grebe and even seals as you pedal. Passing through Kildary, you'll have a gentle climb which takes you up to a plateau. Here, you'll roll through forests and green meadows before freewheeling down to the "flower town" of Alness. This lovely Highland community straddles the River Averon, and is renowned for winning countless "in bloom" competitions. So, there'll naturally be free time to look around and grab a drink before continuing to the Dalmore Distillery. This famous distillery, which has been producing Dalmore single malt since 1839, makes an impressive sight on the shores of the Firth, where the salt air provides perfect conditions for the maturing barrels. The highlight of your day will be a 1-hour tour through the Distillery, where you'll learn about Dalmore's whiskey-making processes and have the opportunity to taste their 12-year-old whiskey at the end (optional). Heading back to Invergordon at a leisurely pace, there'll still be time for a quick photo break along the way to honour the wonders of the landscape.

Starting from Invergordon to travel initially along the shores of the Cromarty Firth, a scenic North Sea inlet, you will then head up to one of the most beautiful spots in the Inverness region, the breathtaking Rogie Falls near the small spa town of Strathpeffer. The sturdy suspension bridge over the Black Water River provides spectacular views of the falls. Reboarding the coach, you then drive a short distance to the location of your second walk. In the Silverbridge Forest, you follow the dark waters of the river downstream, watching them tumble over giant boulders and through a series of rapids. As you make your way through the bosky gloom, your guide will point out some of the local flora and fauna, which may include leaping salmon and red squirrels. You will also cross a traditional stone arched bridge that spans the river at Little Garve  the halfway point of your walk. The trail will then take you back upstream to return to the starting point. Next up is a short drive to the pretty town of Strathpeffer, a popular spa town in its Victorian heyday, where you will have some free time to explore on your own. Scenery that is more stunning awaits you on your return journey to your ship, which ends your tour.

Satisfy your inner Nessie hunter on this half-day tour to what is arguably the most famous of Scotland's lakes: Loch Ness. Heading south-west from Invergordon, you will travel along the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth via Muir of Ord and pass the ruins of the abbey at Beauly (French for beautiful place) before reaching the wonderful Loch Ness. As Britain's largest inland body of freshwater, the loch's murky depths have spawned many lurid tales and sightings of weird creatures, including its most famous legendary inhabitant  Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. You can find out all about the loch's geology, history and Nessie mythology during a boat trip on the water. Make sure to have cameras at the ready for any monster sightings and to capture the dramatic mountains surrounding the loch. The coach drive to the port will conclude the excursion.

Take a trip to Loch Ness, one of Scotland's most popular destinations and the site of an abiding modern monster mystery. After leaving Invergordon, a comfortable coach will take you along the Cromarty Firth, a North Sea inlet, for a first brief stop at Beauly en route to the village of Drumnadrochit, where beyond lies Loch Ness, the UK's largest body of freshwater by volume. However, the loch's greatest claim to fame is its alleged star resident: the Loch Ness Monster, aka Nessie. Thought by some to be one of a small group of otherwise extinct plesiosaurs, Nessie has fuelled the imagination of countless explorers ever since the story broke in the early 1930s. Have your zoom-lens camera ready for a shot of the elusive creature - you would make history if your photo proved Nessie's existence. The route then continues along the main road flanking the loch, with more stunning scenery before you reach the loch-side Clansman Hotel - about as close as you can get to the water without needing a boat. As one of the prettiest spots Loch Ness has to offer, this is the perfect place to take some more photos before you return to Invergordon.

This excursion will begin with a 1-hour coach drive to Culloden for a short photo stop at the site of the important battle that occurred in 1746; the defeat of the Jacobite forces led by Charles Edward Stuart halted the intent to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne. Next, you will proceed to the village of Cawdor, seat of the eponymous Cawdor Castle. This beautiful traditional medieval castle and residence is closely associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth. Dating back to 1372, the castle is still in the hands of the Cawdor family. After the visit, you will have time to roam through the beautiful gardens: the larger North Garden with its soft fruits, flowers, vegetables and orchards just as the smaller Paradise, Knot and Thistle Gardens, and an orchard planted with old Scottish fruit trees. The uncultivated garden on the banks of Cawdor Burn (Gaelic for stream) leads into Cawdor Forest. The tour concludes with your return to the ship.

This half-day tour will take you to Scotland's most famous lake, Loch Ness, and to the picturesque Urquhart Castle. Heading south-west from Invergordon, you will travel along the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth via Muir of Ord and pass the ruins of the abbey at Beauly (French for beautiful place) before reaching the wonderful Loch Ness. As Britain's largest inland body of freshwater, the loch's murky depths have spawned many lurid tales and sightings of weird creatures, including its most famous legendary inhabitant - Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. The tour then continues on to the 14th-century Urquhart Castle, the ruins of which sit magnificently right on the edge of the loch and are one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland. After a guided tour at the castle's state-of-the-art visitors' centre, the next leg is Inverness, the "capital of the highlands", for a brief sightseeing bus city tour. Return to the port.

This appealing half-day excursion first presents views of the beautiful Dýrafjörður en route to one of Westfjord's oldest settlements, the small town of Thingeyri (or Þingeyri). You will then head for the town smithy to watch the blacksmith at work, take a look at the historical tools on display and find out about the workshop's history. Next up is the town's special "Viking" area, where modern-day "Vikings" will do battle, dance and sing folk songs for your infotainment. Also included is a local speciality of sliced smoked lamb served on Icelandic flatbread, a much prized national delicacy. The final highlight then follows at the riding arena at Sandar, where a meet and greet with Icelandic horses awaits you. These hardy creatures, the only breed of horse in Iceland, are known for their two additional unique gaits, both of which will be demonstrated. Then you can get up close and personal with these gentle equines, take photos and then return to the coach for the return journey to your ship.

The calm and secluded fjord setting of the Ísafjörður Djup, the last word of which literally means "deep", offers a pristine environment for a few hours of sea-kayaking. Coupled with the rhythmic splashing of the paddles, the serene backdrop provided by Iceland's verdant fjord landscape makes this almost meditative kayaking tour a perfect stress-busting experience. Stupendous views await you from a unique angle as you explore the great outdoors. Sports enthusiasts and bird watchers alike will delight in observing the local bird life at such close quarters and enjoy this opportunity to feel truly at one with the natural environment. Your leisurely kayaking tour ends with your return to the pier and your ship.

Wild and rugged, uncompromising, and mesmerizingly beautiful, geologically, and volcanically active, a place of thermal springs, mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls: the incredible island of Iceland is all of these things. In addition, - as everybody surely knows - the island's craggy mountainsides provide a comfortable home for the world's remaining trolls, those formidable creatures of Norse mythology. According to a legend told by the locals of Ísafjörður, a huge troll once lived in the area and one day, he decided to go for a walk in the fjord. However, soon getting tired from all the exercise, the troll spotted a nice tall mountain high above the town that looked like the perfect spot to have a rest. However, when the thickset troll sat down, his incredible weight squashed part of the mountainside, leaving a large indentation that remains visible to this day: the so-called Troll's Throne, or Naustahvilft to give the place its proper name. Situated only a few hundred metres up the mountain from the port, the Troll's Throne is a popular hiking destination for tourists and locals alike. Your walking experience up to the bowl-like "throne", which was actually formed by a glacier, will take you over ideal hiking terrain: a good mixture of grass, soil and sheep-trodden paths. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with wonderful views over the port and the picturesque fjord. Your return hike back down the mountain to your ship marks the end of this troll-themed tour.

The lovely island of Vigur is a green oasis nestling in the blue waters of the Isafjardardjup fjord. In spring, the island is a nesting place for countless birds and in the summer months puffins, arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks can be seen in large numbers. A 30-minute boat transfer will take us to Vigur where we will take a leisurely walk around the island to discover its natural beauty and unspoilt environment. The duck's nests are carefully protected by collecting Eiderdown is still permitted during spring. Traditional farming methods are still practiced on the island and visitors can see Iceland's only windmill, built in 1840 and used to grind wheat imported from Denmark. The timeless feel is enhanced by the collection of historic houses that date back to the last centuries: Viktoria House was erected in 1862 and a young priest in 1884, an ancestor of the family living in Vigur today, erected the second house. Before returning to Isafjordur, we will see one of the smallest post offices in Europe and enjoy coffee and Icelandic cake.

The first highlight on this super-scenic tour begins to unfold as soon as you leave the port on the coach: Iceland's stunning landscape itself. The journey will take you overland across sharply ridged, mountainous terrain, revealing gorgeous views of small villages and farms that occupy narrow strips of habitable or arable land. You will be heading for the picturesque Arnarfjörður and the nearby Dynjandi Waterfall, the tour's second and main highlight. You will have a chance to walk around this special spot, take photos and admire the series of cascades that thunder down around 100 m (330 ft.) of mountainside from a distance. Leaving the waterfall, the tour then continues with a visit to Skrúður botanical garden, a landmark in Iceland's horticultural history that pays homage to the pioneering spirit of its founders. Next, you will enjoy delicious coffee and cakes at the reconstructed traditional turf house in Hrafnseyri, visit the museum of Jón Sigurðsson, the father of Iceland's movement towards independence, and the picturesque church, situated in breath-taking sub-arctic environment. Strategic nature stops along the way will provide excellent opportunities for avid photographers. The tour ends with the return to the port.

Leave the pier and board a boat to one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Iceland, the beaches of Hornstrandir. An hour-long cruise takes us to Hesteyri, the westernmost bay of the Glacier Fjords. With very limited lowland, this isolated spit of land is framed by steep cliffs and is set against a backdrop of two beautiful mountains. Until 1950s, Hesteyri only had a small and scattered community centered around a whaling station and a herring processing factory. By joining this tour, you will gain insight into the difficult lives of those living in this remote place and learn how these communities were obliged to leave when herring fisheries closed. Now a beautiful nature reserve, this is one of the wildest spots in Iceland and we can enjoy the area in all its glory during a walking tour before stopping for a light snack of Icelandic pancake, rye bread with smoked lamb and coffee.

Take a break from the ship, board a coach and savour some of Iceland's dramatic, craggy landscape en route to your first destination, the Skrúður Botanical Garden. Founded in 1909 by the reverend of a nearby parish, the garden's aim was to prove that, despite its northern location, Iceland could support numerous plants and vegetables that others thought would fail to survive, never mind thrive. After enjoying a look around the garden, you will move on by coach again to Flateyri, a village founded in the mid-19th-century around the shark fishing industry. You will be dropped off at a small church, typical of many in Iceland's smaller towns, to listen to Icelandic music. A stroll down Flateyri's high street then includes visits to the town's old bookstore and a historical merchant's home, where an exhibition of the town's history awaits you. Next up is a chance to see how Icelandic handicrafts are made at a local workshop and enjoy a coffee or tea break along with homemade Icelandic cake. Last up is your return journey to the ship.

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11 Night Europe - Northern Cruise