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Europe contains many popular destination sites, filled with historical sites and tourist attractions. From sleek, modern cities, to beautiful mountains and shorelines, Europe has something for everyone. And fortunately, you don’t have to book a bunch of different accommodations and rent cars to see everything at once! With the best cruises in Europe, you can discover the continent without having to think through all the logistics. Here are some of the best European cruises available for you from Holland America!
Best Cruises in Europe
Norway and Scotland
Welcome to the Land of the Midnight Sun! On the 7-Day Norwegian Fjords & Scotland, you’ll sail around Norway, admiring the dramatic fjords and scenery. Starting out in Rotterdam, you’ll spend a luxurious day at sea before lowering anchor in Kristiansand, Norway. As the capital of the coastal region, this Norwegian Riviera has earned the nickname “Summer City” because the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild, even this far north! So, disembark and feel free to explore the Posebyen, or old town, which dates back to 1631. Then, head over to old military fortresses or enjoy the fish market and strip of beach!
The next morning, you’ll arrive in Eidfjord, one of the most iconic ports in Norway! Nestled between fjords and framed by snowy peaks, Eidfjord gives you access to Hardangervidda National Park, where you can see Stone Age settlements and arctic animals. In fact, this region is home to around 20,000 reindeer, so pack your binoculars and see if you can have some truly wonderful animal sightings!
For Day 4, you’ll get to cruise the Hardangerfjord, witnessing the beautiful, steep stone rises that are home to some of Norwegian Queen Sonja’s favorite scenic routes.
Then, you’ll spend your final day in Norway in Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which still has some of its medieval architecture. Known for its wooden buildings, it’s a fun and memorable city to explore!
The next day, you’ll arrive in Kirkwall, Scotland, which exists in the Orkney isles. Historically, the people in these isles had more in common with Scandinavia than Scotland. Today, the residents are creatives, farmers, and tradespeople who make the city truly feel alive. Plus, you can visit Kirkwall’s old churches and the Skara Brae, a Neolithic village.
Finally, you’ll disembark again in Rotterdam, where you can either return home or continue to explore Europe!
Malta, Sicily, Greece, and Turkey
Malta, Greece, and Turkey are home to some of the most famous ancient civilizations. On the 14-Day Malta, Sicily & Aegean Jewels cruise, you’ll depart from Athens and sail for gorgeous Katakolon, Greece, which is the site of ancient Olympia. Explore ancient ruins and enjoy some wine before boarding the ship again and spending a day relaxing at sea. Your next stop: Sicily, where you’ll get to explore Mount Etna and see the Greco-Roman theatre, which dates back nearly a millennia and still holds performances! You’ll then board your ship and arrive in Valletta, Malta. This tiny port city is just a third of a mile in area, but don’t be fooled: it’s crammed with historic monuments from several different ancient kingdoms. In fact, it’s small size makes it incredibly easy to navigate!
Next, after spending another day at sea, you’ll land in Rhodes, the most famous of the Greek islands. Gawk at ancient history, enjoy old architecture, and immerse yourself in scenic forests.
Your penultimate stop is in Ephesus, where you can see evidence of Byzantine and Roman rule. Also, this ancient city is home to the Great Theatre, where the Apostle Paul once preached to the early Christians. For many religious people around the world, it’s also the city where Mary, the mother of Jesus spent her last years (you can still visit the place thought to be her home!), along with the Apostle John.
You’ll then spend a day cruising the Dardanelles and end up in Istanbul. Once the center of the Byzantine empire, the Turkish capital has a lot of historic and modern charm. Visit the Topkapı Palace (former administrative building of the Ottoman Empire, current museum) or the Hagia Sophia (former church, current mosque, renowned and treasured by both Christians and Muslims alike). And don’t forget to stop by the world-famous Grand Bazaar!
Now, it’s time to head back to Greece. Cruise back through the Dardanelles again and make one final stop in Mykonos, a one-time favorite of Hollywood starlets that still holds its place as one of the most visited Greek islands. You can also optionally shuttle to Delos, the now-uninhabited birthplace of Apollo and former ancient Greek settlement.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so it’s back to Athens to disembark. But that doesn’t mean you can’t spend more time savoring delicious Greek food, visiting the Parthenon, or taking in ancient world wonders!
Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey
The countries around the Mediterranean Sea are among the most popular destinations in Europe for a reason. From millennia-old cultures to famous sites like the Colosseum and the Strait of Gibraltar. And even though Egypt is technically in Africa, it’s become a favorite destination of people who travel the Mediterranean due to its vast history!
During the 11-Day Turquoise Coast cruise, you’ll get to cruise along the Mediterranean coastline and see some of the best sites. You’ll depart from Athens, where you’ll get the opportunity to see centuries-old art and architecture while visiting famous neighborhoods and savoring Greek food. Then, you’ll spend a day aboard a luxurious ship, relaxing and enjoying top-notch entertainment. The next day, wake up and prepare to explore Alexandria (yes, that Alexandria!) in Egypt. Famous for the ancient library that held a vast collection of books and later burned down, many people still flock to it to enjoy the ancient city’s history. You can even go to a modern library of Alexandria! If the pyramids and King Tut are more your style, take an excursion to Cairo, where you can see the Pyramids of Giza or see the spoils found in the boy king’s tomb. Don’t be afraid to fill this day with lots of things to do. You’ll have plenty of time to relax on the ship during your day at sea between Egypt and your next destination: Cyprus.
Once you dock in Lismassol, you’ll be met with a blend of modernity and ancient history. Best known for where Richard the Lionhearted wed, the city also has an archaeological museum showcasing pieces from the Neolithic to Roman time periods. Not far away, Kolossi Castle served as a military post during the Christian crusades!
The next day, you’ll start to venture into the heart of the Ottoman Empire as you drop anchor in Alanya, Turkey. Situated along the Turkish Riviera, this city boasts ornate mosques and homes dating back to the Ottomans. Don’t miss out on vibrant bazaars and a chance to see the beautiful Mediterranean from the perspective of the Red Tower!
Your next Turkish stop is in Marmaris, a once-sleepy fishing village that hosted some of the world’s most famous armies, including that of Alexander the Great. It also served as an important trading post and became a renowned place for tourists to relax in the 1980s. Make sure you treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath. You deserve it after all the adventures you’ve had!
You’ll spend the next days in Rhodes and Ephesus (read more about these famous cities in the section above) before heading back to Athens. From there, you can either return to your home country or spend more time exploring the Mediterranean on your own.
The British Isles
Have you ever dreamed of exploring the British Isles? From the famous sight of Big Ben towering over London and Buckingham Palace to partaking in a pint at an Irish pub, there’s much to be enjoyed about this old yet lively part of the world!
This 14-day journey with Holland America leaves from London and sets sail for Rotterdam, the Netherlands. There, you’ll get to enjoy one of Europe’s fully-modern cities (Rotterdam was nearly completely destroyed in World War II and has since been rebuilt). But that means famed architects, like Rem Koolhas, got to flex their talents in this remarkable city, making it a contemporary marvel.
After a day at sea, you’ll arrive in Edinburg, one of Scotland’s most famed cities. Visit the Edinburgh castle, the thousand-year old home of Scottish kings and queens and get a glimpse of medieval Scotland through the Royal Mile, which once served as the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh during the days of knights and serfs.
Next, you’ll head to the Shetland Islands, home of the Shetland ponies. Explore castles and other centuries-old features, and even visit an expert Shetland pony raiser and learn as much as you can about these wonderful, adorable creatures!
Kirkwall is the next city on the itinerary (read all about it in the first section!).
If you love history, you won’t be able to wait to explore this next place. The Isle of Lewis has been inhabited for more than 6,000 years (before even Egypt started its ancient civilization). View Iron Age settlements and marvel at the Standing Stones at Callanish. You can also head over to St. Clement’s Church, which is considered the grandest surviving medieval building in the Western Isles.
After another day at sea, you’ll spend time in Belfast, which served as complex political hotbed in the 20th century. You can explore many museums detailing Ireland’s history, go through quaint streets and neighborhoods, or head over to the Giant’s Causeway, which consists of 40,000 basalt stones.
Beatles fans, rejoice! It’s time to head to Liverpool. Famous for its swarths of popular musicians, from being an iconic rock scene to the place many teen pop bands come from, Liverpool offers a vibrant, gritty, and quirky vibe to your trip!
If you enjoyed the history of the Isle of Lewis but wanted something a bit more modern as well, you’re in luck; you’re stopping in Glasgow now! The first Glasgow settlement dates back to 4,000 B.C.E., making it an excellent place to learn about Scottish history!
With so many days spent in large cities, you’ll be glad to get to relax in a small area for a change. And we mean really small: the Isle of Man is only 570-square kilometers! Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy this tiny but centuries-old location.
Finally, before heading back to London, you’ll get to stop in Cork! The local residents are very passionate about their town, and for good reason: it has the Blarney Castle nearby and is home to many old buildings, including the Old Jameson Distillery.
Once you’re back in London, your cruise is done, but you don’t have to be! Feel free to explore this city or see the rest of England!
Bon Voyage!
Now that you know the best cruises in Europe, you’ll be able to explore the world with your loved ones (or by yourself!). Not sure what to pack? Take a look at these tips, and then board your cruise ship and enjoy!
