13 Nights - Best of Scandinavia Cruise

Amsterdam, Netherlands/Holland

Amsterdam has always had strong ties to the water. Spread out over 70 islands, this cosmopolitan city boasts 60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. As early as the 13th century, tiny ships sailed from this port into the challenging Zuider Sea. A direct connection to the North Sea was made with the construction of a canal in the early 19th century.

The most dramatic alteration of the landscape came in 1932 with the building of a 22-mile dam that sealed off part of the Zuider Sea, allowing large landfills.

Amsterdam gained renown in the 15th century when it became a major trading center, steadily assuming commercial leadership and thus controlling the country’s finances, a trend that remains to this day.

Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. The historical center is full of interesting attractions such as the medieval weighhouse, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church which was built in 1468. From the time of Rembrandt, Amsterdam has been revered as an artistic center. Today the city is renowned for its celebrated museums – the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums to name but a few. It also is a shopper’s city, featuring everything from the famous flower market to glassware, Delft porcelain, cheese and wooden shoes. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade.

Within a relatively short distance from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem which is the main center of the bulb-growing industry.

You may explore Amsterdam’s center on foot or join the thousands of residents who favor riding their bicycles. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy the city’s famous sights is from a glass-topped sightseeing boat. Gliding through the canals, the boat passes the characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Aarhus

Aarhus is a city in Denmark on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast. Den Gamle By is its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Nearby are the greenhouses of the Aarhus Botanical Garden. In the center, the multistory ARoS art museum shows global contemporary works. The underground Viking Museum explores early local history. Nearby, Aarhus Cathedral has restored 14th- to 16th-century frescoes.

Warnemunde, Germany

Warnemünde is a little old fishermen town and is located at the mouth of the Warnow, a little river wich becomes a bigger lake just before flowing into the baltic sea. The town of Rostock is settled at the shores of this lake and by this way obtains access to the baltic sea.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Stockholm, Sweden

Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital, spread out over many islands at the meeting point of the Baltic with Lake Mälaren. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts a world of natural beauty. One-third of the city’s total land area is devoted to parks.

Guided by a strong belief in individual freedom, Sweden is governed by a constitution that is the oldest in use in Europe. The country’s neutrality has allowed it to avoid wars for more than 150 years. Its cities and industry remained intact during both World Wars. A distinct political philosophy has also added significantly to the nation’s success. Many of the country’s social achievements can be attributed to the development of the “welfare state” early in the 20th century. This provides its citizens with excellent medical care and substantial retirement benefits. Sweden is recognized as one of the world leaders in matters of health care and life expectancy. Education standards are high, accounting for the country’s 100% literacy rate.

The Swedes are proud of their country and take great care to preserve its great natural beauty. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy
boutiques and exciting nightclubs.

Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

Every year in August the colorful, ten-day Stockholm Water Festival is held. During this time the central part of the city is transformed into an array of temporary restaurants, bars, theaters and art exhibitions, providing activities 24 hours a day. The World Fireworks Championships, swimming races, a midnight marathon, music and dancing are just a few of the endless list of events that highlight this gigantic festival.

Tallinn, Estonia

With preserved medieval walls, cobbled squares and towering spires, Tallinn is a fairytale city. Walk the walls and view the towers with fanciful names like "Fat Margaret"" and ""Peek in the Kitchen."" See a colorful folk dance and perhaps shop for fine leather-bound books Ð a specialty."

Helsinki, Finland

Sail in past the island fortress of Suomenolinna to Finland's clean, bustling capital. Gaze at the neo-classical architecture of Senate Square and the copper dome of Rock Church. Shop along the Esplanade for Finnish crafts. Or visit architect Saarinen's studio.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Home to a quarter of Denmark’s population, Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Although Vikings and fishermen knew this site for years as Havn (Harbor), the founding of Copenhagen dates from 1167, when the warrior-bishop Absalon established a citadel here. As commerce flourished, the name was changed to Køpmannæhafn (Merchants’ Harbor); in 1443 the city became capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. A century later, Christian IV began the building program that was the basis of the modern city; in 1669 Frederik III graced the city with its first royal palace, Amalienborg, for his queen, Sophie Amalie. Many of these structures still exist; the taller ones remain the dominant features on what is a refreshingly low skyline.

Copenhagen was attacked by Britain and Sweden between the 17th and 19th centuries; it was invaded by Germany in 1940 and occupied until 1945. It has been a crossroads for northern Europe throughout its history.

Visitors to Copenhagen are impressed by the magnitude of attractions that await. The locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen is known as Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its Little Mermaid statue and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget. Shopping and dining opportunities are endless. Tours of the Tuborg and Carlsberg Breweries as well as the Royal Copenhagen china factory are equally popular with visitors. It’s an easy city to get around. You are unlikely to need to venture far from the central section, where most of the activity and sights are contained.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Home to a quarter of Denmark’s population, Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Although Vikings and fishermen knew this site for years as Havn (Harbor), the founding of Copenhagen dates from 1167, when the warrior-bishop Absalon established a citadel here. As commerce flourished, the name was changed to Køpmannæhafn (Merchants’ Harbor); in 1443 the city became capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. A century later, Christian IV began the building program that was the basis of the modern city; in 1669 Frederik III graced the city with its first royal palace, Amalienborg, for his queen, Sophie Amalie. Many of these structures still exist; the taller ones remain the dominant features on what is a refreshingly low skyline.

Copenhagen was attacked by Britain and Sweden between the 17th and 19th centuries; it was invaded by Germany in 1940 and occupied until 1945. It has been a crossroads for northern Europe throughout its history.

Visitors to Copenhagen are impressed by the magnitude of attractions that await. The locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen is known as Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its Little Mermaid statue and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget. Shopping and dining opportunities are endless. Tours of the Tuborg and Carlsberg Breweries as well as the Royal Copenhagen china factory are equally popular with visitors. It’s an easy city to get around. You are unlikely to need to venture far from the central section, where most of the activity and sights are contained.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Amsterdam, Netherlands/Holland

Amsterdam has always had strong ties to the water. Spread out over 70 islands, this cosmopolitan city boasts 60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. As early as the 13th century, tiny ships sailed from this port into the challenging Zuider Sea. A direct connection to the North Sea was made with the construction of a canal in the early 19th century.

The most dramatic alteration of the landscape came in 1932 with the building of a 22-mile dam that sealed off part of the Zuider Sea, allowing large landfills.

Amsterdam gained renown in the 15th century when it became a major trading center, steadily assuming commercial leadership and thus controlling the country’s finances, a trend that remains to this day.

Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. The historical center is full of interesting attractions such as the medieval weighhouse, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church which was built in 1468. From the time of Rembrandt, Amsterdam has been revered as an artistic center. Today the city is renowned for its celebrated museums – the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums to name but a few. It also is a shopper’s city, featuring everything from the famous flower market to glassware, Delft porcelain, cheese and wooden shoes. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade.

Within a relatively short distance from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem which is the main center of the bulb-growing industry.

You may explore Amsterdam’s center on foot or join the thousands of residents who favor riding their bicycles. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy the city’s famous sights is from a glass-topped sightseeing boat. Gliding through the canals, the boat passes the characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges.