Grand Northern Explorer - Amsterdam to London Cruise

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Mon 24 June 2024 / Depart: Mon 24 June 2024 at 18:00

Take a boat ride along Amsterdam's charming canals past sturdy old houses and under quaint bridges. Visit one of the city's superb museums housing many of the Dutch Masters' most outstanding works, or learn about Anne Frank and the city's Jewish heritage. Journey into the countryside and see historic windmills and the fascinating porcelain works in Delft.

Day 2 - Antwerp

Arrive: Tue 25 June 2024 at 10:00

The two most recurring sights in Antwerp are the works of local sculptor Peter Paul Rubens and hands, which adorn everything from the town flag to the local Belgiam chocolates. The hands' symbolism is explained at Brabo Fountain in Grote Markt square, which depicts the soldier that severed the hand of a mythical giant who bullied the townspeople by taking tolls. Antwerp is also known for its beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, which includes the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of lace work in stone on Groenplaats public square.

Day 3 - Antwerp

Depart: Wed 26 June 2024 at 14:00

The two most recurring sights in Antwerp are the works of local sculptor Peter Paul Rubens and hands, which adorn everything from the town flag to the local Belgiam chocolates. The hands' symbolism is explained at Brabo Fountain in Grote Markt square, which depicts the soldier that severed the hand of a mythical giant who bullied the townspeople by taking tolls. Antwerp is also known for its beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, which includes the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of lace work in stone on Groenplaats public square.

Day 4 - Paris

Arrive: Thu 27 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 27 June 2024 at 22:00

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it's gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.

Day 5 - Portsmouth, UK

Arrive: Fri 28 June 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 28 June 2024 at 19:00

Day 6 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Arrive: Sat 29 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 29 June 2024 at 16:00

Enjoy this charming port, its beautiful harbor, architecture and imposing castle. See the rugged countryside and take a walk along the extraordinary cliffs and down to the sea, where Renoir once admired the view. Or savor the landscape in a drive around the island past grazing Guernsey cows in rich pastures. Then visit artisans working with silver and gold. Learn about the German occupation during WWII, or tour Victor Hugo's house and absorb the spectacular view. Stroll through the lovely Candie Gardens on this island known for its flowers.

Day 7 - Cork, Ireland

Arrive: Sun 30 June 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 30 June 2024 at 20:00

Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland's most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol, where you'll see the 19th century prisoners' graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.

Day 8 - Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Arrive: Mon 01 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 01 July 2024 at 19:00

The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier, and locally caught fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises. Nearby Sandycove is home to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, as well as the sheltered beach and bathing spot at Forty Foot.

Day 9 - Greenock

Arrive: Tue 02 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 02 July 2024 at 18:00

Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. When exploring Scotland’s culinary culture, be sure to taste some of the famed single malt whiskies.

Day 10 - Cruising the North Sea

Day 11 - Stavanger, Norway

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 20:00

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, oil-rich Stavanger lies in southwestern Norway's stunning fjord region. Old Stavanger has been meticulously preserved with many of its wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques. But it's the museums that set this cosmopolitan city apart. The Stavanger Museum alone consists of eight buildings exhibiting collections that include maritime, medical and printing artifacts. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy walking the nature trails along the banks of nearby Lysefjorden, a classic fjord, or beholding the amazing view of the countryside from Pulpit Rock.

Day 12 - Arendal, Norway

Arrive: Fri 05 July 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 05 July 2024 at 19:00

Day 13 - Oslo

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024 at 21:00

Overlooking a gorgeous fjord, Norway's capital and largest city simply radiates with natural beauty and sophistication. Oslo's rich seafaring history is on display at the Viking Ships Museum, rivaled only by the Kon-Tiki Museum, which holds the balsawood raft that Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl used to sail from Peru to Polynesia. History aside, Oslo exudes a love of the outdoors in city parks like Vigeland, which is adorned with over 200 life-size sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Much of Oslo is heavily forested with pines, making it one of Europe's greenest cities.

Day 14 - Skagen

Arrive: Sun 07 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 July 2024 at 17:00

A centuries-old fishing village, Skagen is perched along the windswept sand dunes at the northernmost point of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic merge in a frenzy of crashing currents. The town has long been depicted by painters because of its spectacular scenery, charming communities and the remarkable quality of its light, inspiring a group of artists known as the Skagen Painters. See their work at the Skagen Museum, and then learn the science behind the region’s natural wonders at the nature center, housed in a striking building designed by architect Jørn Utzon of Sydney Opera House fame.

Day 15 - Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive: Mon 08 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 08 July 2024 at 18:00

Founded in 1641 near the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand once claimed the world's largest fleet of sailing ships. Today the proud city exudes an energy that peaks in summer, when your ship calls. The Posebyen old quarter boasts a collection of historic wooden houses surrounded by shops and restaurants. Museums abound and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway's most visited attraction, covers 150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.

Day 16 - Haugesund

Arrive: Tue 09 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 09 July 2024 at 18:00

Located in the southwest of Norway where the fjords flow out into the North Sea, Haugesund is surrounded by the blue ice Folgefonna glacier in the north and the impressive mountain formation of Preikestolen in the south. Learn why this charming town is known as the Homeland of the Viking Kings at Avaldsnes’ Viking settlement, where you can see a reconstructed Viking farm and learn how the Vikings lived. Discover majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, stunning glaciers, imposing mountains, and idyllic islands and lighthouses. The best way to get an insider’s look at Haugesund is to follow the locals and go for an invigorating hike at Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock or Preacher’s Rock, one of the most popular hiking trips in the region.

Day 17 - Alesund

Arrive: Wed 10 July 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 10 July 2024 at 21:00

In 1904 much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period's popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. An evening departure allows you plenty of time to explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe's largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Ålesund's squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town's rich fishing history and Norway's contribution to World War II.

Day 18 - Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive: Thu 11 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 11 July 2024 at 21:00

Founded in 1641 near the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand once claimed the world's largest fleet of sailing ships. Today the proud city exudes an energy that peaks in summer, when your ship calls. The Posebyen old quarter boasts a collection of historic wooden houses surrounded by shops and restaurants. Museums abound and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway's most visited attraction, covers 150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.

Day 19 - Trondheim

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 at 17:00

Over a thousand years old, Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway’s major cities. Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, and Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence and one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe. Enjoy stunning views of Trondheim Fjord from the Ringve Museum, home to a collection of more than 2,000 musical instruments.

Day 20 - Nordfjordeid

Arrive: Sat 13 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 13 July 2024 at 16:00

Day 21 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Sun 14 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 14 July 2024 at 17:00

This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, amazingly discovered with furniture and indoor drains preserved. Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and the earlier Bishop's Palace.

Day 22 - Cruising the North Sea

Day 23 - Southampton

Arrive: Tue 16 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 16 July 2024

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.