Holland America Line Norwegian fjords: 23 nights from Rotterdam with Rotterdam
Oct 8, 2028

Alesund

It is a seaport, and it is known for its extraordinary concentration of Art Nouveau architecture which will make you discover a great variety of fanciful ornaments on the fronts of the buildings. Climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama.

Ålesund is a natural starting point for an active holiday with a beautiful coastline and cliffs, deep valleys, fjords and spectacular mountains. It is also a great place for children, offering a series of exciting experiences for the whole family, from seeing the fish and penguins at the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, to the exciting Barnas Lekeland Children's Playland, to travelling back in time at the open-air Sunnmøre Museum or the Nouveau Art Centre.

Trondheim

Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Wonders from Trondheim!

Set sail on a captivating cruise from Trondheim, Norway, a historic city nestled at the mouth of the Nidelva River. Known for its colorful wooden houses, medieval Nidaros Cathedral, and vibrant cultural scene, Trondheim offers a picturesque departure point for exploring the stunning Norwegian fjords and the Arctic coastline. Experience its unique blend of history and natural beauty before embarking on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable discoveries at sea.

Tromsoe

Arctic Explorations from Tromsø!

Embark on an extraordinary polar adventure from Tromsø, Norway, the "Gateway to the Arctic," nestled amidst stunning fjords and dramatic mountains. This vibrant city, known for its Northern Lights and midnight sun, offers an unparalleled departure point for exploring the Arctic wilderness. Prepare for a cruise filled with majestic landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable cultural encounters, promising an immersive journey into the heart of the North.

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and one of the most populated and is located about 350 km from the Arctic Circle. The center of the city develops on an island called Tromsøya, while the population lives on the mainland, Tromsdalen: there are many bridges that connect the islands with the mainland, giving the city a decidedly particular character. The area on which Tromsø was later born has been inhabited since the ice age. In the Middle Ages, the Sami settled in this area and it was during this period that it became a border city with Russia.
Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, it is possible to witness natural spectacles such as the midnight sun, which occurs near the summer solstice and which means that the night never falls. Tromsø is a tourist destination above all for the phenomenon of the northern lights: between the end of September and the end of March, it is possible to witness this natural spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the world and who are not frightened by the low temperatures, because it is really worth it. Photography lovers will find bread for their teeth and will be able to bring home real photographic trophies.
Tromsø is a university city and there are many students who populate it, both indigenous and foreign. In the city, it is possible to visit a museum that collects finds from expeditions to the Arctic Circle: almost all the expeditions started right from here.
Tromsø is also an important port for the cruise market: cruises on the Norwegian fjords stop here so that visitors can admire its beauty. In spring and summer, the only times of the year in which it is possible to visit these areas by cruise, the valleys are colored with a bright green and are a real spectacle to admire on board a cruise ship.

Hammerfest

Alta

Alta

Molde

Bergen

Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beautiful, charming city with beauty and entertainment for all tastes. With the bustling port of Vågen as its centrepiece, Bergen climbs up the hills with hundreds of timber-clad houses, while cable cars offer splendid views from above. Great museums, friendly people and a dynamic cultural life make Bergen a popular destination in recent times, also thanks to the surrounding natural beauty. The wonderful natural beauties of this region will leave you speechless. HardangerFjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord are similar if we consider some aspects such as: steep walls of crystal- clear rock plummeting with sublime force directly into the sea, often decorated with waterfalls and small farms that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.

With the lively port of Vågen as its fulcrum, Bergen climbs the hills with hundreds of wooden-clad houses, while cable cars offer a splendid view from above. Great museums, friendly people and a dynamic cultural life make Bergen a very popular destination in recent times, also thanks to the surrounding natural beauty. This spectacular region will dazzle you with a truly indescribable scenario. Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord are all variations on the same theme: steep walls of crystalline rock that plunge with sublime force directly into the sea, often decorated with waterfalls and small farms that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.

Lerwick

Rotterdam

Rotterdam has a booming energy, with an excellent nightlife, a multicultural community, a gritty arts scene and an offer of excellent museums.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands' 'second city', was heavily bombed during the Second World War and spent decades before reconstruction. You won't find the classic medieval Dutch architecture here – it was swept away along with the other debris and debris of war. In its place is an architectural aesthetic that is unique in Europe, a perpetually progressive approach to construction that is clearly a result of the city's post-war, postmodern philosophy. In fact, Rotterdam is known as a city of architecture. In the few square kilometers of the city center you have a complete overview of what the twentieth century produced in terms of modern architecture.

Zeebrugge

Connected to Bruges by 7.5-kilometer canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort that looks to the future.

On the sea front, hotels and cafes offer a warm welcome. Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port. The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, located in a modern complex in the inner port, is one of the largest and sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive tourist port that can contain a maximun number of 100 ships. Furthermore, its geographical position is very convenient, near the beautiful city of Bruges, the trendy seaside resort of Knokke and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

On the seafront, hotels and cafes offer their warmest welcome. Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port. The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, installed in a modern complex in the inner harbor, is one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina that can accommodate around 100 ships. Furthermore, it enjoys a very convenient geographical position, a few km from the beautiful Bruges, the trendy seaside resort of Knokke and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

Cherbourg

Cross the Atlantic from Cherbourg!

Set sail on an epic ocean adventure from Cherbourg, France, a historic port city with a deep connection to maritime exploration. Known for its strategic location and impressive harbor, Cherbourg offers a grand departure point for transatlantic voyages and European cruises. Experience the allure of French coastal charm before embarking on a journey promising elegance, discovery, and breathtaking views of the open sea.

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Oporto

At the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a mix of styles, eras and attitudes: narrow medieval alleys, extravagant Baroque churches, small squares and wide avenues, flanked by stately buildings.

The heart of Oporto is the Ribeira district, an area declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of winding alleys, zigzagging stairs and churches on every corner, village-style squares and old merchants' houses where Roman ruins are hidden under the foundations. In the last two decades Porto has undergone a remarkable rebirth – which is expressed in the buzz of its efficient metro system and the shimmering of some ambitious urban renewal projects. The crowning of the city's glories are the two latest masterpieces, Museu de Arte Contemporânea by Álvaro Siza Vieira and the 'Casa da Música, which have transformed the city into a place of pilgrimage for architecture enthusiasts.
The Dom Luís I bridge an audacious iron arch, which crosses the Douro river, is impressive and not to be missed. It was built by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, for road traffic. Since 2003 the upper level has been used exclusively by the city's metro trams.

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon offers all the pleasures you'd expect from Portugal's main attraction.

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (in Portuguese Lisboa) has experienced a great rebirth in recent years, with a lively and flourishing contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that face the ocean and use water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an ancient charm that makes it a popular destination all year round.