Viking Trails with European Gems

Arrive in Reykjavík and transfer to your ship, Holland America Line's MS Rotterdam.

Home to around 4,500 residents, Heimaey is the largest of Iceland’s Westman Islands, just off the country’s south coast. Steeped in saga history and once raided by pirates in the 17th century, the island is best known for the dramatic eruption of Eldfell in 1973. Awoken by earthquakes and ash clouds, locals were evacuated while a small group remained, famously pumping seawater onto advancing lava to protect the harbour. After almost six months, the eruption ended — the town was partly buried, yet the harbour survived, and most residents returned. Today, Heimaey offers a remarkable window into Iceland’s living geology. At the Eldheimar Museum, see a home preserved beneath ash, while a cruise around the island reveals rugged cliffs, sea caves and birdlife. Spend time exploring at your own pace or join an optional sightseeing tour (additional expense).

Enjoy a day 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.

Enjoy a special Insider Experience today. On the August departure of this tour, discover the ancient treasure of Kirkwall, journeying into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a World Heritage Site home to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the remarkably preserved village of Skara Brae.

Insider Experience – Essence of the Scottish Highlands Discover the spirit of the Scottish Highlands on an Insider Experience. Travel through sweeping glens to Loch Ness, arriving at Clansman Harbour for a scenic cruise across the loch’s deep, mysterious waters. After returning to shore, continue by coach to Inverness, regarded as the capital of the Highlands. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps strolling along the River Ness, browsing local shops or relaxing in a welcoming cafe.

Next, arrive at the elegant Kingsmills Hotel for a two-course lunch accompanied by a traditional Scottish dram. This afternoon, visit Glen Ord Distillery on the Black Isle, where a guided tour reveals the art of whisky-making, followed by a tasting of Glen Ord single malts (June departure).

Just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth lies South Queensferry, a harbour steeped in history. Around 1071, the future Queen Margaret of Scotland landed here, establishing 'Queen’s Ferry' as a key arrival point for pilgrims travelling to St Andrews, Scotland’s medieval religious centre. Her legacy lives on nearby at Edinburgh Castle, where St Margaret’s Chapel — the oldest surviving part of the fortress — is believed to have been her place of worship. Beyond the castle, you’ll find world-class museums, galleries and grand Georgian streets to explore. From here, you may also choose to visit Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore independently, or join one of the optional sightseeing tours available (additional expense).

Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Edinburgh. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town and stroll along Princes Street before travelling part of the famous medieval Royal Mile, which stretches between Edinburgh Castle and the 17th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse. The palace was home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Today, it serves as the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland.

Dominating the city skyline, Edinburgh Castle stands proudly atop an extinct volcanic rock and remains one of the nation’s most important historic landmarks. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old and New Towns, the fortress reveals layers of Scotland’s past through its varied architecture, with sections dating back to the 12th century. Inside, you’ll also have the opportunity to view the Honours of Scotland.

Enjoy time to relax on board your ship as you cruise to Rotterdam.

Today, you will transfer to your hotel in Amsterdam for the night. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps wandering beside the city’s canals or relaxing at a cafe.

After breakfast, transfer to your river ship to begin 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.