MS Nieuw Statendam - August 3, 2024

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Eidfjord is perched at the end of the Hardangerfjord. Located on the official tourist route, Eidfjord is a great place to see Hardangervidda National Park, the highest mountain plateau in Northern Europe. The natural scenery of the area is splendid. The central placement of Eidfjord makes for convenient access to Bergen and Oslo.

Lerwick is a town in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago north of the Scottish mainland. Historically a major fishing port, Lerwick today attracts those drawn to the combination of Norse and British culture in the area. Every January, the Up-Helly-Aa fire festival features a Norse ship that is dramatically dragged through the town and burned.

Akureyri is the capital of the northern part of Iceland and serves as the gateway an area full of stunning waterfalls. It's also the place that Icelander head went they want some sun. From here, it is a short trip to the magical and mystical Dimmuborgir area and its ominous black castles.

Isafjordur, capital of Iceland's Westfjords, dates back to the 9th Century and is one of the country's main fishing ports. Isafjordur also boasts a lively cultural scene and the West Fjords Folk Museum is definitely worth a visit. Take a walk down the harbor and see local fisherman at work or see many of the nearby homes that date back to the 18th Century.

Reykjavik, the largest city and capital of Iceland, is a city full of history, great theatre, and exciting nightlife. For a dose of Icelandic and Viking history, visit the National Museum and visit Hallgrimskirkja, a church that features a famous statue of explorer Leif Erickson and a great spot to view the entire city.

Frozen, gleaming white fjords and glaciers, looming icebergs, pale green fields dotted with sheep farms and towns of brightly painted blue, red, yellow, green and white houses are the hallmarks of Southern Greenland, and especially Qaqortoq, the 'White Palace'',one of the region's largest villages. Greenland's only fountain splashes gently in a pleasant square while the harbour is alive with locals bringing in the day's catch.

Nanortalik includes some of Greenland's most beautiful fjords, the country's only natural forest and dramatic, rugged mountains. The district's population of c. 2,700 is divided between the town of Nanortalik itself, five villages and a number of sheep farms. The main occupations are hunting and fishing.

Named for Thos, the god of thunder, this Danish outpost in the middle of the Atlantic has much of interest to see. Visit a farmhouse with a 900-year-old smoke room, the unfinished Gothic-style St. Magnus Cathedral, a medieval church still in use, and a fascinating Maritime and Historical Museum containing boats from the Viking period to the present.

Invergordon is a small port on the North Sea, and enjoys deep and safe waters. Invergordon is home to a variety of industrial activities, including production of aluminum and protective coating for pipes. Linksters can play a round of golf on the par-69 golf course. Take an excursion to Loch Ness, the home of the legendary Loch Ness monster.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.