Fly Stay Cruise - 22 Day Iceland, Scotland & Norway featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military...
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Package Inclusions
✓ Return international airfares included
✓ 14-night Iceland, Scotland & Norway cruise visiting Reykjavik, Heimaey, Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Rotterdam, Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Odda, Bergen and Amsterdam onboard Holland America Rotterdam
✓ 3-night pre-cruise stay at a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik
✓ 2-night post-cruise stay at a 4-star hotel in Amsterdam
✓ Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket included
✓ Admission to the Blue Lagoon
✓ Admission to the Kerid Volcanic Crater
✓ Golden Circle full-day tour with English-speaking guide and free WiFi on the minibus
✓ Scenic cruising of Nordfjord and Hardangerfjord
✓ All onboard dining, entertainment and port charges
Inspiring Value
Discover Iceland's volcanic wonders, sail through Scotland and the Norwegian fjords, and witness the
legendary Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on this 22-day fly stay cruise. Begin in Reykjavik with a Golden Circle tour and the Blue Lagoon, sail aboard Holland America's Rotterdam, and finish with two nights in Amsterdam.
Today your journey begins as you depart on your included flight to Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital city. Your overnight flight crosses time zones and prepares you for the adventures ahead. Settle in, enjoy the inflight service and rest as you make your way to one of the world's most distinctive island nations.
Meals: As provided onboard your flight
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival in Reykjavik, you will make your own way to your 4-star hotel, where you can settle in and rest after your journey. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. With time to spare, you may like to wander the colourful streets of the old harbour, take in the views from Hallgrimskirkja church, or stroll along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. Tonight is at your leisure to find a local eatery for dinner.
Special Information: Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.
This morning, make your own way to the meeting point at 45 Fiskislod, 101 Reykjavik, where you will meet your English-speaking guide and join the Comfort Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour by minibus, complete with free WiFi onboard. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in a dramatic rift valley between two tectonic plates. From there you continue to the geothermal area at Geysir, where the famous hot springs put on a regular show, before heading to Gullfoss, a powerful two tier waterfall set into a deep canyon.
You will also visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater, a striking red rimmed crater filled with vivid blue water, with admission included. The day is rounded off with Comfort admission to the Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in the milky blue geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon with the evening at leisure.
Special Information: The tour departs from the meeting point at 45 Fiskislod, 101 Reykjavik. There is no hotel pickup, so please make your own way to the meeting point in time for departure. We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for the Blue Lagoon.
Today is at your leisure to explore Reykjavik at your own pace. You may like to take a walk along Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, lined with cafes and design shops. Art lovers can spend a relaxed morning at the Reykjavik Art Museum or the National Museum of Iceland, while those drawn to the sea might enjoy a gentle stroll around the Old Harbour and Grandi area. For something a little different, the Perlan museum offers panoramic views over the city and exhibits on Iceland's glaciers and volcanoes. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy dinner at a place of your choosing.
Enjoy a relaxed start to your day in Reykjavik before checking out of your hotel. Later, you will make your own way to the Vor Cruise Terminal to embark the elegant Holland America Rotterdam, your home for the next 14 nights. Once onboard, take some time to settle into your stateroom and explore the ship before she sets sail this evening, beginning your North Atlantic voyage.
Special Information: Port transfers from your Reykjavik hotel to the Vor Cruise Terminal are not included. Cruise check-in opens early afternoon and the ship departs Reykjavik late evening.
After breakfast onboard, the Rotterdam arrives at Heimaey, the only inhabited island in Iceland's Westman Islands archipelago. The island is known for its dramatic volcanic scenery, including the Eldfell volcano which famously erupted in 1973, and for the puffin colonies that nest on its sea cliffs in summer. You will have the day to step ashore, take in the harbour and explore at your own pace before returning to the ship in the evening. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
Special Information: Tender boats are required to come ashore at Heimaey. Wheelchair access is limited.
Enjoy a full day at sea as the Rotterdam crosses from Iceland towards Scotland. Take advantage of the ship's facilities, find a quiet spot on deck to watch the North Atlantic roll by, or settlein with a book. Onboard, you will find plenty of options for dining, entertainment and relaxation throughout the day.
After breakfast, the ship arrives at Kirkwall, the historic capital of Scotland's Orkney Islands. The town's red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and dominates the skyline, while nearby you will find the ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. Beyond the town, Orkney is dotted with Neolithic sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. You will have the day to explore before returning to the ship in time for departure. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
This evening, you have an included ticket to attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the spectacular performance of military bands, pipers and drummers held against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. You will make your own way to the venue and back, and we recommend dressing warmly as the performance is held outdoors.
Special Information: Tender boats are required to come ashore at South Queensferry. Wheelchair access is limited. Transport between the port, Edinburgh city centre and the Tattoo venue is at your own arrangement and expense. Tattoo tickets will be provided onboard by Holland America or your tour documentation.
Enjoy another full day in Edinburgh, with the ship in port until late evening. You may like to spend the morning wandering the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, browsing the shops along Princes Street, or visiting the National Museum of Scotland. A walk up Calton Hill rewards you with views over the city's spires and rooftops, while a stop at one of the city's traditional tea rooms is a lovely way to pass an hour or two. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost. Return to the ship in good time before her late evening departure.
Special Information: Tender boats are required to come ashore at South Queensferry. Wheelchair access is limited.
Enjoy a relaxed day at sea as the Rotterdam makes her way south towards the Netherlands. Take advantage of the ship's facilities, enjoy a leisurely meal, or unwind on deck and watch the North Sea slip by.
After breakfast, the ship arrives in Rotterdam, the bustling Dutch port city famed for its bold modern architecture, lively waterfront and creative spirit. With the ship in port for a short call today, you may like to take in some of the city's striking sights such as the Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge or the covered Markthal. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost. Return to the ship by mid afternoon ahead of departure.
Special Information: Today is a short port call. Please return to the ship in good time before departure.
Enjoy a full day at sea as the Rotterdam sails north towards the Norwegian coast. Today is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace, whether that means a long lunch, time on deck or a quiet afternoon with a book.
After breakfast, the Rotterdam arrives at Alesund, one of Norway's most distinctive towns. Set across a small group of islands, Alesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt in the early 1900s after a devastating fire. You will have the day ashore to explore the town's elegant streets, climb the steps of Mount Aksla for sweeping views over the harbour and surrounding fjords, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the waterfront cafes. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
After breakfast, the Rotterdam arrives early at Nordfjordeid, a quiet Norwegian village set at the head of the Eidsfjorden. You will have the morning and early afternoon to explore the village and its surrounds, with its traditional wooden buildings, peaceful waterfront and easy access to the Sagastad Viking centre. Later, the ship sets sail and treats you to scenic cruising along Nordfjord, one of Norway's longest fjords, lined with steep green slopes and small farming hamlets. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
After breakfast, enjoy scenic cruising along the Hardangerfjord, often described as one of Norway's most picturesque fjords, with its mirror like waters, fruit orchards and snow capped peaks in the distance. Later in the morning, the Rotterdam arrives at Odda, a small town tucked at the southern end of the Sorfjorden branch. You will have time ashore to take in the dramatic mountain backdrop and quiet streets before returning to the ship in the evening. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
Special Information: Tender boats are required to come ashore at Odda. Wheelchair access is limited. We recommend bringing a warm layer for outdoor viewing during scenic cruising.
After breakfast, the Rotterdam arrives in Bergen, Norway's second largest city and a UNESCO listed gateway to the western fjords. The historic Bryggen waterfront, with its row of crooked timber merchant houses, is one of the most photographed sights in Norway. You will have the day to wander the cobbled lanes, ride the Floibanen funicular for views over the rooftops, or browse the lively fish market by the harbour. Optional shore excursions are available through Holland America at additional cost.
Enjoy your final full day at sea as the Rotterdam makes her way south towards Amsterdam. Take this chance to relax onboard, enjoy a final long lunch and reflect on the journey so far.
After breakfast onboard, the Rotterdam arrives in Amsterdam, where you will disembark this morning and make your own way to your 4-star hotel. The Dutch capital is famous for its concentric ring of canals, gabled merchant houses and world class museums. With the rest of the day at leisure, you might choose to take a gentle stroll along one of the main canals, sit at a cafe in the Jordaan district, or admire the floral displays at the Bloemenmarkt. Tonight is at your leisure to find a restaurant of your choosing for dinner.
Special Information: Port transfers from the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam (Amsterdam) to your Amsterdam hotel are not included
Today is at your leisure to enjoy Amsterdam at your own pace. You may like to spend the morning at the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt's Night Watch and a wonderful collection of Dutch Golden Age art, or visit the Van Gogh Museum just next door. A relaxed canal cruise is a lovely way to see the city from the water, while a wander through the flower market or a quiet.
Your tour comes to an end today. After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to board your included flight home. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Iceland, the North Atlantic, Scotland, Norway and the Netherlands, and that you take home wonderful memories of the landscapes, cities and moments along the way.
Welcome home. Following your overnight flight, you arrive back into your home city today, completing your unforgettable journey through Iceland, Scotland, Norway and the Netherlands.
Meals: As provided onboard your flight
Holland America Rotterdam
The flagship of Holland America's premium fleet, the Rotterdam offers a refined cruising experience designed for travellers who appreciate elegant dining, attentive service and thoughtfully designed onboard spaces. Guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurants and bars, live music throughout the ship including B.B. King's Blues Club and the World Stage performance venue, a tranquil spa and wellness centre, swimming pools and spacious open decks ideal for taking in the scenery as you sail.
With Holland America's classic approach to cruising, you can expect a relaxed pace, quality service and time to settle into the rhythm of life at sea as you make your way through some of the world's most spectacular waters.
Guaranteed Cabin - What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. This means you're confirmed in your selected cabin category (or higher), however your specific cabin number will be allocated by the cruise line closer to departure. You may receive an upgrade at no additional cost, but cabin location and deck cannot be requested. Rest assured, you'll enjoy all the features and inclusions of the category you've chosen, the exact cabin details will simply be revealed a little later.
Included Cabin Type - Inside Cabin
Inside cabins offer a comfortable and stylish retreat featuring two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, modern ensuite bathroom, sitting area and a range of thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation after a day exploring ashore.
Oceanview Cabin - from $1,315 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Oceanview cabins feature a large picture window allowing natural light and ocean views. Enjoy comfortable bedding, a well-appointed bathroom and ample storage space, creating a bright and relaxing environment during your cruise.
Balcony Cabin - from $2,685 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Balcony cabins offer your own private outdoor space where you can relax and take in the coastal scenery and ocean views. Inside, enjoy a spacious layout with comfortable bedding, sitting area and modern bathroom facilities.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
This product is eligible for a 3 day cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please review the terms and conditions here: Terms and Conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $5,850.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.