European Gems with Norwegian Fjords

Arrive in Amsterdam and board Holland America Line’s MS Zuiderdam, your home for the next seven nights.

Enjoy a day at sea sailing towards Norway. Make the most of the ship’s facilities or simply relax on deck as you cruise towards Eidfjord.

Arrive in Eidfjord, gateway to Hardangervidda National Park. Follow the river Eio, known for its salmon and trout fishing, to the Norwegian Nature Centre. Here, exhibitions and interactive displays explain the region’s climate and environment, and a film offers a glimpse of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and fjord. You can also visit the aquarium showcasing native fish from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

As your ship sails inland through Hardangerfjord — the fourth-longest fjord in the world — take in ever-changing scenery of waterfalls, islands and small shoreline villages framed by rising mountains. Within the wider region lies the famous Trolltunga (troll tongue) rock formation, perched high above Ringedalsvatnet. The fjord and surrounding highlands support abundant wildlife, including wild salmon, brown trout and reindeer. Enjoy time at leisure in port or join one of the optional shore excursions available (additional expense).

Spend the day in Ålesund, a picturesque coastal town spread across a series of islands on Norway’s west coast. After a devastating fire in 1904, the town was rebuilt in distinctive Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, and its colourful buildings, turrets and decorative facades now give Ålesund its unique character.

Surrounded by fjords and mountain ranges, the region offers plenty to discover. You may wish to climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for sweeping views over the town and the Sunnmøre Alps, wander the waterfront streets and cafes, or visit the Atlantic Sea-Park, one of Scandinavia's largest saltwater aquariums. The nearby Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, can also be explored on an optional excursion (additional expense).

Surrounded by dramatic peaks, farmland and rugged coastline, the Nordfjord region lies between the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier and Norway’s wild western shores. Enjoy a special Insider Experience here. Later, return to your awaiting ship.

Insider Experience – The Nave Deer and Llama Farm

After a scenic 35-minute coach drive, arrive at the family-owned Nave Deer and Llama Farm, set among rolling farmland and mountain scenery. Meet the friendly animals, including deer, goats and llamas, and learn from the owners how they care for them. The deer are accustomed to visitors and may approach for hand-feeding, making for a memorable close-up encounter. During your visit, hear stories about life on the farm and spend time interacting with the animals at your own pace. Afterwards, gather around the fire to sample traditional Norwegian pancakes (svele) and coffee prepared the old Norwegian way over an open flame.

Dock in Sandnes, a relaxed coastal town set at the southern end of the Gandsfjord, near Stavanger. Surrounded by beaches, mountains and waterways, the region is ideal for outdoor exploration. You may wish to stroll the streets lined with cafes and shops, or venture into the surrounding countryside for walking or cycling. Optional excursions offer the chance to experience the area’s natural highlights, including the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), perched high above Lysefjord, or the shorter hike to nearby Dalsnuten. Alternatively, visit the Science Factory (Vitenfabrikken) or simply enjoy time at leisure discovering Sandnes and nearby Stavanger (additional expense).

Enjoy a day at leisure on board. Take advantage of the ship’s superb amenities, from exquisite dining and onboard shopping to the fitness centre and pickleball courts. Be entertained by performances at the spectacular World Stage or unwind with live music.

This morning disembark your ship and transfer to The Hague. On arrival, join a guided walking tour, taking in the city’s impressive architecture, including the Binnenhof complex and the Peace Palace. Later, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Discover the historic town of Gouda on a guided walking tour, passing many of its iconic landmarks. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the region’s famous cheese, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam to board your river cruise.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience

Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.