Northern Europe Explorations – Fly, Stay & Cruise Package

Your package includes return economy airfares to Hamburg, Germany, departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Perth.

Once your fight lands, you’ll make your way to your central Hamburg hotel for 1 night pre-cruise accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend some time sightseeing in Hamburg, or just resting after a long flight. Situated between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Hamburg is a city that will capture your heart from the moment you lay eyes on its graceful and imposing buildings gazing out over the port, one of the largest in Europe.

It’s cruise day. Head to the port terminal to board MSC Preziosa for your 22-night Northern European cruise. Depending on your assigned embarkation time, you may be able to get in some sightseeing before making your way to the terminal and boarding. After that, spend some time getting to know your home-away-from-home before sailaway at 7pm.

Your first full day at sea is the perfect opportunity to discover the timeless elegance of the meticulously designed MSC Preziosa, featuring stunning highlights such as a genuine stone piazza, dazzling Swarovski crystal staircases, and a mesmerising ‘infinity’ pool. Discover all this and more at your leisure onboard, savouring every moment as you journey to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Calling in to port in Ålesund is like arriving into a fairytale world. The town, rebuilt in the early 20th century after a devastating fire, boasts stunning art nouveau architecture that gives it a unique charm. Once onshore, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Ålesund, adorned with turrets, spires, and intricate decorations. For a bird’s eye view of Ålesund, climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla and marvel at the stunning vistas of the surrounding islands and the Sunnmøre Alps. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Sukkertoppen, the “sugar peak,” starting from Hessa above the port where your MSC cruise ship docks. To experience traditional architecture up close, head to the island of Godøy and explore Alnes, a charming fisherman’s village near the beach offering local crafts and culinary delights. Don’t forget to book an excursion to a characteristic lighthouse for a breathtaking ocean view. And of course, a visit to Geirangerfjord is a must to truly experience the beauty of Norway’s iconic fjords.

As your cruise ship makes it’s way to the North Cape, spend your day at sea in the refreshing pools, let loose at themed parties, indulge in delectable cuisine in a specialty restaurant, enjoy the kids’ aqua park with your family, or even try the exhilirating Vertigo water slide. There are endless activities and entertainment options for guests of all ages, it’s just a matter of where to start!

The port of Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in Norway, is a magical destination. Here you will witness breathtaking landscapes featuring barren tundra, majestic mountains, steep cliffs, and picturesque birch trees, as well as a charming town celebrated for its pretty churches, a charming harbour, and enriching museums. From mid-May to July, the Honningsvåg sky is perpetually adorned with iridescent clouds and bathed in the 24-hour sunlight, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. It’s impossible not to feel the magic of this special place, the final stretch of continental land before reaching the end of the world. During your overnight stay, you will have plenty of time to discover all this this magical place has to offer. Discover the spirit and way of life of the fishermen who call these extreme lands home, by visiting the Honningsvåg museum. Alongside a collection of everyday items, the museum also showcases the impact of the Second World War on the region.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take an excursion to North Cape, where you’ll find a 500 million-year-old cliff rising 307 meters above sea level, commanding stunning views over the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean, It’s the perfect place to witness the mesmerising sight of the midnight sun. Nearby, you’ll discover Nordkapphallen, a visitor’s center hosting exhibitions and documentaries showcasing the area’s beauty. Complete with a cafe, restaurant, post office, and even a chapel – St. Johannes Kapell – the northernmost chapel in the world. Nature here reigns supreme, offering opportunities for photographic safaris to observe the local flora and fauna. Head over to Gjesvær, near North Cape, where you might encounter sea puffins, gannets, cormorants, and other marine birds.

Tromsø, located on Tromsøya island, is a vibrant port connected to the mainland via an elegant bridge. Explore the city’s wealth of attractions, including the iconic Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum, botanical gardens, art museum, and the most northerly aquarium in the world at Polaria. For a taste of local flavuor, visit Ølhallen – opened in 1928, it is the oldest pub in Tromsø and is where townspeople of all ages meet and taste the best beers from Mack as well as other Norwegian breweries.

Enjoy a day cruising at sea as MSC Preziosa takes you to your next Norwegian stop, Trondheim.

Trondheim, founded in 997 by Olaf I of Norway, is a city with a rich history and vibrant university life. As the former capital of Norway for over two hundred years, Trondheim takes its name from the fjord where it was originally built. During your time in port, take the opportunity to explore the medieval center of the city and experience the lively atmosphere of the university. One of the main attractions is the Nidaros Cathedral, a stunning Gothic structure dating back to the 12th century. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge), also known as the Portal of Luck, which provides access to the Kristiansten Fortress offering a magnificent view of the city. Along the banks of the Nidelva River, you can admire the Bryggen, a series of charming commercial buildings built between the 18th and 19th centuries. Trondheim is truly a city with a little something for everyone, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Molde is the most populated city in Norway that you can explore during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe. Once you arrive in the city center, make sure to visit the Romsdal Museum. Here, you can see a model of the town as it was before World War II, showcasing 35 buildings constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries. It’s a great way to see for yourself how much Norway has changed over the years! Located on the southern shores of Norway’s Romsdal Peninsula, Molde also offers captivating views of the Moldefjorden, surrounded by majestic mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Varden viewpoint for a panoramic view of 222 snow-capped peaks or explore the Viking life on the island of Håholmen.

The port city of Bergen, nestled among majestic fjords and islands, is a place rich in history and charm. The Hanseatic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the oldest buildings in the city, lining the docks and offering a glimpse into the past. It has a medieval atmosphere with narrow allwys and dark galleries. The Hanseatic Museum and the Schøtstuene merchant navy league assembly provide insights into the town’s intriguing past, while the Håkon Hall in the royal palace, along with the Rosenkrantz tower, showcase the influence of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. For a bird’s eye view of Bergen, hop on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen. From there, you can stroll down through breathtaking landscapes to the lively fish market, and wander through the wooden homes on the hillside and along the narrow passages, known as smau, typical of Bergen.

Enjoy the day at sea as your cruise ship makes it’s way back to Hamburg Germany.

Once you have docked in Hamburg, some passengers will be finishing their cruise, and new passengers may join you for the next part of the journey. You have a full day to discover more of this vibrant city. While many visitors flock to Hamburg to explore the infamous Reeperbahn, the city’s red-light district, a visit to Speicherstadt (Warehouse Town) is a must to truly soak in the city’s atmosphere. The charming cobbled streets, gabled buildings, and turrets create a distinct ambiance on the opposite side of Zollkanal (Tax Canal), setting it apart from the bustling city across the water. A true icon of the city, St. Michaelis stands proudly at the western edge of the city center on Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse. This iconic church perfectly embodies Hamburg’s enduring spirit, having faced destruction multiple times, only to be meticulously rebuilt each time. Whilst here, be sure to take in the breathtaking views from one of the best vantage points in Hamburg. The 360-degree panorama offers a sweeping vista of Speicherstadt, the container port, shipping on the Elbe River, the picturesque Alster lakes, and the towering spires of churches and the Rathaus.

After departing from Hamburg, enjoy a day at sea making friends with new passengers that boarded the day before.

The picturesque port of Invergordon is located on the shores of Cromarty Firth, an inlet in Scotland’s Northwest Highland region. This port of call offers a glimpse into the charming Easter Ross town, famous for its stunning summits, lush green slopes, vibrant murals, and historic architecture. While in port, you can explore some of the Highland’s most iconic castles, including the medieval Cawdor Castle, the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and the majestic Dunrobin Castle; visit the delightful village of Tain and visit the Glenmorangie distillery; discover the historic town of Dornoch, home to the prestigious Royal Dornoch Golf Club; or venture south to the banks of the beautiful Loch Ness. The legendary tale of Nessie, the mysterious monster said to dwell in the dark waters, has captured the imaginations of millions! According to folklore, Nessie is believed to be a small plesiosaur, a long-necked marine reptile that is now considered extinct.

Enjoy a day at sea as MSC Preziosa makes her way from the UK to the shores of Iceland, your next stop on this unique Northern Europe journey.

Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, is a charming port city bursting with Viking museums, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere. As a top destination on your MSC cruise – and an overnight stop – you have plenty of time to discover all that Reykjavík has to offer, as well as any number of nearby attractions, including the geothermal blue lagoon, a magnificent waterfall, and serene lakes. Go on an excursion to explore Iceland’s awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall and take in the breathtaking scenery of this protected nature reserve, designated in 1979. Or venture to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in a valley northeast of Reykjavík. Here you can explore the unique habitat set on the Silfra rift, where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. From the viewpoint, marvel at the diverse landscapes, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and discover the original location of Iceland’s Alþingi parliament, established in 930 AD!

With another full day to explore Reykjavík and it’s surrounds, perhaps book an excursion to the Blue Lagoon, located in the heart of a volcanic field. Soak in the warm 37° to 39°C waters surrounded by a lava wall, rich in minerals with revitalising properties for the body and soul. It is a must-visit attraction in Iceland.

Located on the picturesque shores of Skutulsfjörður in northwestern Iceland, the historic town of Ísafjörður is a must-visit Icelandic destination. You can choose to explore on your own, or book a shore excursion. You could marvel at the breathtaking Dynjandi Waterfall as it cascades down the slopes of Arnarfjörður on a leisurely coach ride through the stunning Icelandic landscape. Or, step back in time in the charming town of Thingeyri, where ancient folklore and captivating Viking culture come to life. On this excursion you can explore the Old Blacksmith’s Workshop, now a fascinating museum, and witness modern-day Vikings in action at the ‘Viking Area’ and admire the majestic Icelandic horses at the Sandar riding arena. And, just a stone’s throw away lies the enchanting Vigur Island, a pristine sanctuary for puffins, gulls, and a charming sea lion colony. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp Fjord, you can embark on a 30-minute boat ride before exploring the island on foot, taking in its natural beauty and visiting iconic landmarks such as Viktoria House, Iceland’s only windmill, and the country’s smallest post office.

Akureyri, a charming port town in northern Iceland, is known for its sweeping fjord and stunning backdrop of mountains. This port is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding landscapes, including the breathtaking Godafoss Waterfall, also known as ‘the Waterfall of the Gods’. Witness the awe-inspiring 12-metre vertical drop of Godafoss, a truly spectacular aquatic display. On an MSC excursion you can also visit the uniquely surreal Lake Mývatn. Situated just 105 km south of the Arctic Circle, it is considered one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures, with an exceptionaly shallow lake that has formed over a bed of volcanic rocks. You can relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where steam rising from the earth’s surface will rejuvenate your soul and skin.

With the Icelandic part of your journey at an end, enjoy a day at sea unwinding after a big few days of exploration.

Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney archipelago, is located in the Northern Isles of Scotland and is home to Europe’s most complete Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae. Book an excursion that will take you to a UNESCO World Heritage Site where there are eight stone dwellings, some dating back to 318 B.C. and a collection of astonishing artifacts, including tools, beads, and pottery. Nearby, you can also explore Skaill House, a 162s mansion offering stunning panoramic views of the bay. You could also visit Scapa Flow, an ancient maritime body of water, dating back to Viking times, that provides access to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Learn war stories from the British Naval Fleet and explore Orkney’s dramatic cliffs, ancient stone circles, and a small chapel built by Italian prisoners of war as a symbol of hope and peace. Finally, visit St. Magnus Cathedral, the northernmost cathedral in Great Britain. This 12th-century red-sandstone building, affectionately known as the ‘Light of the North’, was founded by the Viking Earl Rögnvald.

It’s your last day at sea before your cruise journey comes to an end, so make sure to tick off anything you haven’t yet seen or done on board MSC Preziosa.

This morning your cruise ship docks back in Hamburg, Germany, and you can make your way to the airport for your return flight to Australia. Or, ask us about our flexible fares and extend your stay to see even more of Europe!