By land or by sea, this is where we track the actual itineraries — port by port, city by city. Most of our travel happens aboard a cruise ship, waking up somewhere new every few days, but we always build in time on land before or after to dig in further. Browse by region below to find the ports, precruise stays, and full city visits from each of our trips.
Ways to Wander:
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A Morning in Pest, an Afternoon in Buda: Two Churches and a Private Buda Castle Tour
Our first full day in Budapest — a 72-hour transit pass, St. Stephen’s Basilica, a Buda Castle tour with Taste Hungary, and supper at 21 Magyar Vendéglő.
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Arrival in Budapest: Kicking Off Our Central European Adventure
Our arrival day in Budapest — the Mystery Hotel’s rooftop bar, a golden hour walk through Belváros-Lipótváros, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
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A Return to Copenhagen
Our last port of call on this adventure was Copenhagen. We spent a few days here a number of years ago prior to leaving on our first transatlantic cruise. Between that and it being the end of a busy trip, we kept a low profile today. Most large ships dock at Oceankaj which has four…
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Kiel: The Sailing City
This morning we sailed down the Kiel Fjord from the Baltic Sea. Kiel is the capital of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has a significant maritime ship building industry. Located in what was the former West Germany near Denmark, it was largely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in a much more modern urban style. …
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Glorious Gdańsk Poland
A full day private shore excursion of The Tri-Cities area including Sopot, Oliwa Cathedral and the Baltic gem of Gdańsk.
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Visby, Sweden: City of Roses and Ruins
A day in the port of Visby, city of roses and ruins. A walk through Almedalen Park, Botanical Gardens, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Great Square and gelato.
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Stockholm: A Scandinavian Jewel
Port of call Stockholm: A full day exploring Gamla Stan including the Great Church, King’s Garden, Riddarburst House, Stortorget and Swedish meatballs.
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Helsinki: the City on the Sea
Helsinki Highlights and Finnish Food Tasting Tour. Sites include Sibelius Monument & Park, the “Rock” Church, Senate Square and lunch.
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Timeless Tallinn
Old Town exploration starts with a quick walk from port. Follow a lunch break, exploring the grounds of Kadriorg Park
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Warnemunde & Rostock: North Coast of Germany
A walking tour of the seaside resort town of Warnemünde. A brief train ride to the Hanseatic City of Rostock for further exploration.
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Kalundborg, Denmark
Out first port of call on this cruise is Kalundborg Denmark on Zealand’s northwestern coast. We were informed that this is an unusual stop for Holland America and that the city was prepared to welcome us! We docked 6km from town which necessitated a shuttle bus service although some folks chose to walk it. While…
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A Stop Over in Rotterdam Before Setting Sail
A day exploring Rotterdam before boarding Holland America’s Rotterdam — cube houses, Markthal, and a seafood dinner at Langoest.