Fjords & Arctic Horizons

Day 1-2: Welcome to England
Following your included overnight flight, arrive in London and enjoy a relaxed city tour. Pass some of London’s most celebrated sites: the stately Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, historic Westminster Abbey, and majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Settle into our hotel for the next three nights and enjoy a warm Welcome Dinner. D

Day 3: Greenwich/Rochester, England
Travel a short distance to the historic riverside district of Greenwich, long associated with Britain’s maritime history. Stroll among the graceful buildings of the Old Royal Naval College and stand astride the Prime Meridian. Continue southeast through the Kent countryside to the historic town of Rochester, which was beloved by novelist Charles Dickens. Admire towering Rochester Castle, a powerful reminder of the years following the Norman Conquest of 1066, and Rochester Cathedral, one of England’s oldest churches founded over 1,400 years ago. Enjoy time strolling Rochester’s wonderfully preserved High Street, lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. B, D

Day 4: Free Day in London
Today is yours to enjoy London at your own pace. Book a public day trip to Stonehenge, visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, explore the galleries of the British Museum, or wander through lively Covent Garden with its cafes, performers, and shops. For those interested, your Tour Director will lead an optional excursion using London’s famous Underground to Westminster for a scenic cruise along the River Thames, gliding past many of London’s greatest landmarks before arriving at Tower Bridge. B, D

Day 5: Canterbury/MS Nieuw Statendam
Depart London and travel to the medieval city of Canterbury, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the inspiration for Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales. This afternoon, board the MS Nieuw Statendam and begin your Arctic adventure. Enjoy time to settle into your cabin and become familiar with the ship. Optional shore excursions are available in each port, or you may simply enjoy the ship’s amenities. During the voyage, our group will gather for two private cocktail receptions. B, D

Day 6: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Arrive in lively Rotterdam, Europe’s busiest port and a modern architectural marvel. Choose to admire buildings designed by famed architects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster, or travel back in time to historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. You will have ample opportunities to explore Rotterdam’s world-class museums, abundant shopping, and Dutch heritage. B, L, D

Day 7: Day at Sea
Slow down, unwind, and enjoy your day at sea. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities, from leisurely meals and spa treatments to entertainment and enrichment programs. B, L, D

Day 8: Ålesund, Norway
Visit the charming fishing town of Ålesund, often called Norway’s most beautiful city. Rebuilt in striking Art Nouveau style after a devastating 1904 fire, its colorful buildings feature turrets, spires, and intricate Viking-inspired details that celebrate Norway’s independence. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its stunning mountain ranges and fjords. Available excursions allow you explore Ålesund’s history and architecture, visit one of Europe’s largest aquariums, or witness the natural beauty of nearby landscapes. B, L, D

Day 9: Trondheim, Norway / Cruising Trondheimsfjord
This morning, connect with history in Trondheim, Norway’s Viking capital. The town’s easily walkable city center offers many options to discover. Appreciate the quaint, colorful architecture, visit the 11th century Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, or immerse yourself in history at the Trondelag Open-Air Folk Museum. This afternoon, sail the Trondheimsfjord along the route of the Vikings. Because it is ice-free year-round, this fjord is home to a vast array of marine life and deepwater corals. B, L, D

Day 10: Day at Sea
B, L, D

Day 11: Honningsvåg, Norway / Cruising North Cape
As one of the northernmost cities in mainland Norway, Honningsvåg is famous for its fishing industry, colorful houses, and prime location to experience the midnight sun. This town also serves as the gateway to the North Cape, a 1,000-foot cliff overlooking the Arctic Ocean, which is accessible via excursions from the port. If you choose to wander through Honningsvåg’s quaint streets, you may visit the North Cape Museum, sample some King Crab, or stop by the statue of Bamse, the Saint Bernard dog that became the mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces during World War II. Later, journey to the top of Europe as you cruise the North Cape, where towering cliffs rise dramatically above the icy waters of the Barents Sea. From the ship, enjoy panoramic views of rugged Arctic landscapes, seabird colonies, and cliffs bathed in the light of the midnight sun. B, L, D

Day 12: Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Nestled between fjords and mountains, its colorful streets feature historic houses, lively cafes, and museums, while the striking Arctic Cathedral and panoramic views from the Fjellheisen cable car showcase the region’s natural beauty. You may also choose to spot wildlife, interact with sled dogs, or visit the Northern Lights Planetarium. B, L, D

Day 13: Day at Sea
B, L, D

Day 14: Åndalsnes, Norway
Åndalsnes lies at the mouth of the Rauma River by the Romsdalsfjord, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can stroll along the quiet streets of this charming village and take in views of the Rauma River winding through the fjord. A short walk brings you to scenic viewpoints where mountains rise dramatically above waterfalls and the surrounding valleys. Shore excursions offer a chance to venture deep into Norway’s rugged natural beauty. B, L, D

Day 15: Haugesund, Norway
Haugesund was once a center of Viking power and home to Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, who is buried nearby along the Karmsundet Strait. A monument honors his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which united the country in the late 9th century. Today, Haugesund blends history with culture, featuring lively waterfront restaurants, museums, and easy access to the glaciers of Folgefonna National Park and the dramatic Langfoss waterfall. B, L, D

Day 16: Shetland Islands, UK
Experience a unique blend of Norse and Scottish heritage in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Shetland is also home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Choose to explore independent shops, local eateries, or the Mareel arts center, celebrating Shetland’s thriving music, film, and arts community in this town dating back to the 1600s. B, L, D

Day 17: Inverness, Scotland
Welcome to the Scottish Highlands, a wild and storied region of the United Kingdom. The city of Inverness, considered the Highland capital, offers a storied history, excellent dining, and quaint shops. Excursions also offer easy access to dramatic landscapes and castles, Loch Ness, and the Culloden Battlefield. B, L, D

Day 18: Day at Sea
B, L, D

Day 19: Return Home
Return from your incredible adventure as our journey comes to an end. Bring back the unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant cultures, and the special moments shared along the way. B

Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-4: Hyatt Place London City East Hotel, London

Nights 5-18: MS Nieuw Statendam

Dates:
Jun. 7-25, 2027

Price Per Person:
See table below
Land only pricing available

Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL (call for other cities)

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service

Pricing Table:

Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand that walking is required throughout this tour. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for up to one mile at a time, for a daily total of three to four miles, and manage steps when boarding and exiting motorcoaches, ships, and excursion vehicles.

During the cruise, gangways, ramps, and ship corridors may require additional walking. Shore excursions may include uneven sidewalks, docks, steps, hills, or cobblestone walkways. Airports may also require lengthy walks between ticketing, security, and departure gates.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps
High of 62°F, low of 50°F

• London / England: highs mid to upper 60s
• Netherlands: upper 60s
• Norwegian fjords: upper 50s to low 60s
• Arctic Norway (North Cape/Tromsø): upper 40s to mid 50s
• Scotland / Shetland: upper 50s to low 60s

Currency
Multiple currencies may be used during your journey. Credit cards are widely accepted onboard the ship and in many ports of call.

• England / Scotland / Shetland Islands: British pound sterling.
• Netherlands: Euro.
• Norway: Norwegian krone.

Time Zone
England, Scotland & Shetland Islands: British Summer Time (BST)
Netherlands: Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Norway: Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship are a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in business casual attire. Layers, sunglasses, a hat or visor, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.

Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest dress pants or a skirt with a blouse, sweater, or dress for women, and dress pants with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater for men. A blazer is optional.

An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart. A UK adapter may also be needed for England and Scotland.

A valid U.S. passport is required for travel to and from the United States.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.