23 nightsFrom Rotterdam17 ports of call
23-Day Arctic Circle & Northern Lights with France & Iberia
Holland America Line · Rotterdam
Overview
A 23-night voyage aboard Rotterdam, departing Rotterdam on 8 Oct 2028 and arriving in Lisbon, calling at 17 destinations along the way.
RotterdamAlesundTrondheimTromso, NorwayHammerfestAlta, NorwayMolde, NorwayBergenLerwick, ScotlandRotterdamBrusselsPortsmouth, UKCherbourgLe VerdonBilbaoLeixoes, PortugalLisbon
Cabin prices
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Itinerary
23 nights · 25 ports of call- 1
Day 1 ·Rotterdam, The NetherlandsEmbark
8 Oct 2028Depart 15:00Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.
Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house. - 2
Day 2 ·At Sea
9 Oct 2028 - 3
Day 3 ·Alesund
10 Oct 2028Arrive 10:00Depart 21:00Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a "Norwegian town" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations.
Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. - 4
Day 4 ·Trondheim
11 Oct 2028Arrive 11:00Depart 23:59Although a popular cruise destination, Norway’s Viking capital is often overlooked by other travelers in favor of Oslo and the fjords. Yet Norway’s third-biggest city has plenty to offer those who make the time to explore.
The compact city center, enclosed by the Nidelva River, is easy to get around on foot. Within a couple of hours you can explore the main downtown sights and still have time for a bite to eat. The medieval Gothic grandeur of the Nidaros Cathedral is a must-see, as is the historic riverside Bakklandet neighborhood just a few steps away.
Despite so much history, the city has a youthful feel to it, thanks to the dominance of NTNU, Norway’s leading technology university. The presence of thousands of students means Trondheim scores well on café culture and shopping.
Music lovers will feel right at home here. The Rockheim and Ringve museums chronicle the importance of music to the city’s past, while vinyl stores and basement bars showcase the present. - 4
Day 4 ·Scenic Cruising Trondheimsfjord
11 Oct 2028 - 5
Day 5 ·Crossing the Arctic Circle
12 Oct 2028 - 6
Day 6 ·Tromso
13 Oct 2028Arrive 11:00Depart 23:00Gateway to the Arctic and overhung by lofty snowcapped peaks, it's still a bright and lively place, thanks to the Midnight Sun. Visit the Tromso and Polar Museums for fascinating displays of wildlife and Arctic explorations. - 7
Day 7 ·Hammerfest
14 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 23:59The town of Hammerfest offers a good selection of outdoor activities, including sport fishing, scuba diving, hiking, and boating. Explore the town and marvel at the area's long and proud history (it's been an important fishing and Arctic hunting settlement since the Stone Age). - 8
Day 8 ·Alta
15 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Alta, a 2½-hour drive from Hammerfest, is the commercial center at the head of Altafjord -- home to some 12,000 inhabitants. Since 1791, the Sami people have come here to trade at the markets each March and December. Alta is situated at the 70th latitude, where pine forests and fertile land cover the wide valley, making it the northernmost place on earth where it is possible to grow barley. - 9
Day 9 ·Alta
16 Oct 2028Depart 14:00Alta, a 2½-hour drive from Hammerfest, is the commercial center at the head of Altafjord -- home to some 12,000 inhabitants. Since 1791, the Sami people have come here to trade at the markets each March and December. Alta is situated at the 70th latitude, where pine forests and fertile land cover the wide valley, making it the northernmost place on earth where it is possible to grow barley. - 10
Day 10 ·Crossing the Arctic Circle
17 Oct 2028 - 11
Day 11 ·Molde
18 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00The Molde area is rich in scenic attractions, including the Trollstigen Mountain Road, the Atlantic Road, and the 222 mountain peaks of Molde Panorama that offer exceptional vistas for photographers to capture. Go for a hike, explore the local caves, or stay in town and enjoy the excellent shopping and dining that Molde has to offer. - 12
Day 12 ·Bergen
19 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen. - 13
Day 13 ·Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
20 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse.
Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year.
Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat.
A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life. - 14
Day 14 ·At Sea
21 Oct 2028 - 15
Day 15 ·Rotterdam, The Netherlands
22 Oct 2028Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.
Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house. - 16
Day 16 ·Zeebrugge (Brussels)
23 Oct 2028Arrive 07:00Depart 18:00From this busy port city tour to canal-laced Brugge; Brussels, home of the European Union; and Ghent, mecca for chocolate lovers. Sample shore excursion: Antwerp, City of Diamonds. - 17
Day 17 ·Portsmouth, England, UK
24 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 21:00 - 18
Day 18 ·Cherbourg
25 Oct 2028Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00In the 20th century, Cherbourg’s biggest claim to fame was perhaps that it had been a vital port during the Allied forces’ D-Day invasion, which landed to the southeast and traveled overland to capture the well-defended city from the Germans. However, in recent years, Cherbourg has undergone a revitalization that makes it a great place to sample local delicacies in the Place de Gaulle Market and calvados (apple brandy) from nearby orchards, plus visit the historic sites in and near town. Can’t-miss attractions include the wonderful Cité de la Mer maritime museum, as well as the Roule Fort where the Americans ousted the Germans, now home to the Museum of the Liberation.
Cherbourg is also a perfect jumping off point for exploring the sights of Normandy, like the D-Day landing locations on Utah and Omaha Beaches, the historic town of Bayeux—the base of William the Conqueror before he invaded England—and the stunning scenery and sea cliffs of the Cape of La Hague. - 19
Day 19 ·At Sea
26 Oct 2028 - 20
Day 20 ·Le Verdon (Bordeaux)
27 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00 - 21
Day 21 ·Bilbao
28 Oct 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00This Basque city combines a heady mix of ancient roots and ultramodern sensibilities. If you like modern design, Bilbao’s got striking architecture—like Frank Gehry’s shiplike Guggenheim Museum, the soaring Isozaki towers and Calatrava’s glass-bottomed Zubizuri Bridge. If you seek older cultural highlights, there are historic buildings, traditional Basque cuisine and inviting cobblestone streets to explore. Outside Bilbao’s bustling center, there’s lots to discover. Find sweeping views and surprising meals—both traditional and avant-garde—waiting to be savored in hilltop communities. Learn about the Basques’ tragic history and promising future in Guernica, the city bombed by Fascist forces and immortalized by Picasso. Or spend a day in San Sebastián, exploring the historic center, the boardwalk and the curving bay, setting some time aside to sample the city's famous Michelin-star worthy cuisine. - 22
Day 22 ·At Sea
29 Oct 2028 - 23
Day 23 ·Leixoes (Oporto)
30 Oct 2028Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00From lovely Oporto enjoy a leisurely drive along the Rio d'Ouro (River of Gold) into port wine country. Hear the fascinating story of its origin; taste test the season's best. - 24
Day 24 ·LisbonDisembark
31 Oct 2028Arrive 07:00Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes.
Your ship: Rotterdam
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