Copenhagen, Denmark - British Isles & North West Europe Cruises

Take in the highlights of Copenhagen before visiting the charming village of Dragor.

A panoramic tour of the city takes you past Copenhagen’s most notable landmarks. Glimpse the famous Tivoli Gardens, the new Carlsberg Glyptotek, the Town Hall and Rosenborg and Christiansborg Palace. Copenhagen's famous Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastel, depicts the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion. The winter residence of the royal family, Amalienborg Palace is situated on one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Nyhavn is the colourful and lively waterfront district, once a favourite haunt of sailors. Nowadays, the canal district is lined with 500-year-old gabled houses, pavement cafés and bars.

On the Island of Amager, visit the charming village of Dragor, one of the best preserved in Denmark. Dragor was an international marketplace for Hanseatic merchants who came here every year to buy their herrings.

During your tour, you will be offered some traditional Danish refreshments.

Note: The tour involves approximately one hour of walking, over cobbled streets.

Enjoy the sights and lights of Copenhagen as you take a serene evening canal cruise.

After a short walk you’ll board your boat for a leisurely cruise through Copenhagen harbour and canals. See the city in the evening with its vibrant local life on the banks of Christiansborg, the beautiful panorama over the Copenhagen skyline and the quiet glittering water of the harbour.

Your cruise will wend its way through the canals at Gammel Strand, formerly the Old Fish Market where you will see the silhouette of Christianborg Castle (Danish Parliament) on one side, and the bustling cafes and bars on the other.

Pass by the picturesque old buildings along the canals of Christianhavn, the Royal Library, Black Diamond and Our Saviour’s Church before cruising by the Little Mermaid.

Refreshments will be offered onboard the canal cruise.

Note: There is limited walking on this tour although guests will have to negotiate steps onto and off the boat and the streets between the ship and boat are cobbled.

Watch the magical Christmas ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ at Tivoli Gardens.

You will be transferred by coach to Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens to experience a unique adaptation of the magical Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, well known for her costumes, paintings and creative works has designed sets and costumes for Tivoli Gardens’ 2012 interpretation which includes dancers from all over the world.

The story takes place on Christmas Eve in Copenhagen in the 1870’s; a little girl named Clara falls asleep under the Christmas tree, with her favourite gift in her hand – The Nutcracker. At midnight, strange things start happening – she travels into a world, where toys become larger than life. She travels through the snowstorm and comes to a fairytale land, and like magic the snowstorm has gone. In the fairytale land she is met by numerous creatures, elves and dancers, all led by Harlequin & Columbine.

After an adventurous night she returns and finds herself by the Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker - and realises that it was all just a wonderful dream.

Soak up the festive atmosphere as you stroll back through Tivoli Gardens and the Christmas Markets to rejoin your transportation.

Early booking is essential to guarantee your seat. Tivoli Gardens offers a no-refund policy once tickets are purchased.

There is approximately ten minutes’ walking through Tivoli Gardens to the concert hall. The ballet is approximately two hours long with a ten minute interval.

Explore the delights of Copenhagen on foot before boarding a canal boat for a leisurely scenic cruise.

From the ship, you’ll walk along the harbour front passing the Langelinie Yacht Marina and stopping for a while at The Little Mermaid. Admire views of the Citadel fortification, built to protect the entrance to Copenhagen Harbour, before stopping at the Gefion Fountain, next to the English Church of St Alban. Pass the Resistance Museum en route to the modern, but elegant Amaliehave, which lies right next to the Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Queen of Denmark.

Close to the Palace is Nyhavn, a fashionable promenade with excellent restaurants and bars where a well deserved break will be made at a local restaurant for refreshments.

The walk continues past the Royal Theatre, over cobblestoned and narrow streets to Højbro Plads, by the Holmens Canal. Cross the street to take a closer look at the exterior of Christiansborg Palace, housing the Danish Parliament and the Royal Reception rooms.

In Gammelstrand, you will embark the canal boat for a cruise through Copenhagen Harbour. Glide by some of the major sights of Copenhagen and enjoy the scenery as you relax after your walk.

Note: This tour involves approximately 2 – 2½ hours’ walking over cobblestones and level ground. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Visit ‘old’ Copenhagen and find special gifts at the Nyhavn Christmas Market.

Driving through the old parts of Copenhagen you will pass by the Citadel, to Nyboder the residential area which housed mariners and was built in the 17th century by King Christian the 4th.Visit the square surrounded by the Royal Palace, Amalienborg.

Then, it is time to try a traditional Danish Christmas refreshment. Visit the Odd Fellow Restaurant located in one of the noble residential homes in Copenhagen. The interior is decorated like a castle with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, paintings covering the walls and tall ceilings. Enjoy homemade mulled wine and cakes during your visit.

By coach, tour around the King’s square area and learn the history of the buildings you see, before stopping in the famed Nyhavn area for some Christmas shopping. The Christmas Market opens mid November and has small stalls selling almost everything from food and decorations, to local handicrafts.

Note: The time in Nyhavn is free time, and as this is an open-air market we recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable non-slip shoes.

In the middle of November, Tivoli opens its gates to welcome both young and old with bright lights and Christmas stalls.

Situated in the heart of the city, Tivoli has been visited by millions of people since its opening in 1843. There are merry-go-rounds, roller coasters, music and dance, or you may prefer to simply watch the world waltz by at one of the many cafés or restaurants.

Tivoli is also famous for its Christmas Market, a truly unique experience. Spend time absorbing the atmosphere at Copenhagen’s famous amusement park.

You will be advised of the meeting point and departure time for the return to the ship.

Note: Entrance to Tivoli is included within the price of the tour and you will have approximately two hours at leisure. As this is an open-air market we recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable non-slip shoes. Tivoli has an Amusement Park including open-air concerts, funfair rides, slot machines, and souvenir shops all of which are payable directly and not included in the fare.

Explore the world famous Tivoli Gardens and enjoy a typical Danish treat.

Embark on a panoramic drive through wonderful Copenhagen passing by many of the city’s top sights, including Gammelstrand, Christiansborg Castle, home to the Danish Parliament, Nyhavn and the Royal Palace, Amalienborg. Enjoy a brief photograph stop at the city’s most famous symbol, the Little Mermaid.

Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 by Georg Carstensen and was inspired by the so called ‘romantic pleasure gardens’ of Europe. When Tivoli first opened its gates, it only had a few rides and amusements, however, today there is a mix of attractions mingled with charming flower and relaxation gardens. One of the most photographed features of Tivoli is the Chinese Pagoda from 1900 and the building is believed to have inspired Hans Christian Andersen to write the ‘Nightingale’. Your guide will host you on a walk through the park, regaling stories about the parks history and famous visitors. Then it’s time to sample the famous Danish pastry with tea or coffee served in the beautiful Concert Hall foyer.

Enjoy some free time to explore independently, shop for souvenirs or for the more adventurous, hop aboard one of the many rides.

Note: There is approximately one hour of walking included on this tour over flat, paved terrain.

See some of Copenhagen’s main sights before visiting the ‘coolest’ attraction - Copenhagen Icebar.

An orientation drive of Copenhagen shows you the main highlights of this wonderful city. The Marble Church, which holds the third largest dome in Europe and Amalienborg Palace. At Nyhavn you will see the fashionable sidewalk and King’s Square, which bustles with activity. Pass Tivoli Gardens, the park of fun and funfairs en route to City Hall Square and time for your refreshment.

The Icebar opened in April 2007 inside the trendy new lifestyle hotel Copenhagen Hotel 27. The temperature inside is kept at a permanent -5°C and the walls, bar, artwork, furniture and even the glasses are made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. Wrap up warm with coats and gloves before enjoying a super chilled vodka drink in this bar with a difference.

Note: The visit to the Icebar is not suitable for guests with medical problems that could be affected by the extreme cold. The Bar is very small and guests with claustrophobia are advised not to book. Guests must be over 18 years of age. Warm clothing is recommended, however gloves and coats are provided at the bar.

This journey, over land and water, provides a myriad of sights that will surely whet your appetite for more.

A short drive from the pier, you’ll find the most famous lady in Denmark, The Little Mermaid. Looking wistfully out into the sea, she has been sitting here since 1913. Nearby is the Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastellet and depicting the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion.

Travelling through the Frederiksstad, you soon arrive at Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family (exterior visit). The Palace consists of four equal size rococo palaces surrounding a square that is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.

No visit to Denmark would be complete without sampling the fabulous pastries, enjoy a brief refreshment stop and savour these sweet treats served with tea or coffee. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Nyhavn, a fashionable and popular part of the city where there are plenty of sidewalk cafés and restaurants. Next to Nyhavn, you will see King’s Square, where the Royal Theatre and Embassies are located.

It is then time to see the city from a different angle. Join a leisurely 50-minute canal cruise, which passes the Holmens Church and the Old Stock Exchange. Cruise along the canals of Christianshavn and see the spectacular Church of Our Saviour and the newly-opened Copenhagen Opera House, opposite the Amalienborg Palace.

Note: There are approximately ten steps to negotiate when embarking/disembarking the canal boat. The canal route may differ to that advertised, depending on weather and berth. It may be necessary for you to walk a short distance from the boat to the ship at the end of the tour.

The perfect way to explore Copenhagen independently. Enjoy free time at four of the main visitor areas.

Once onboard your four stop transfer, you will be given a map of Copenhagen, so you can plan your free time.

The first stop is at Amalienborg Royal Palace, the home of Queen Margrethe II. Enjoy an hour of free time to view the palace from the beautiful square; visit the nearby Marble Church which boasts the fourth largest dome in Europe or head off on a short walk to Nyhavn, famous for its charming old houses and lively waterfront.

At Gammel Strand you may choose to wander down the famous shopping street, Stroeget or admire the fabulous architecture including Christiansborg Castle, home of the Danish Parliament, the Old Stock Exchange, the Naval Church and Thorvaldsens Museum.

Right in the heart of Copenhagen is the City Hall and Tivoli Gardens. From here, you can soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city, visit the Design Centre, head of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek collections, or take a walk in the Bohemian Quarter.

Your fourth and final stop is at the Little Mermaid, for photographs.

Note: A tour assistant will be on hand to provide practical information about where and when to meet for the onward transportation. Please note that the assistant is not a tour guide. A map of Copenhagen will be provided. No entrance fees are included in the tour price.

This orientation drive is an ideal introduction to the capital of Denmark and introduces you to the most charming parts of the city.

No visit is complete without seeing the city’s most famous symbol, The Little Mermaid. Completed in 1913, this statue was erected to express gratitude to Hans Christian Andersen and his well-known fairy tales. Close by is Copenhagen's famous Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastellet and depicting the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion.

Travel to the royal residence of Amalienborg Palace for a short photograph stop, before driving through the lively Nyhavn area. Nearby you will see King’s Square where the Royal Theatre, embassies and many fashionable shops are located. View the old fish market warehouses which date back to medieval times and Glyptotek, founded by the Danish Brewer, Carl Jacobsen, the creator of Carlsberg beer. Next to Glyptotek lies Tivoli Gardens (exterior view), one the world’s oldest theme parks. Before returning to the pier, you will catch a glimpse of the City Hall and Rosenborg Castle.

Note: This tour does not include any visits. There will be various photograph stops, depending on traffic and time permitting. There is approximately 30 minutes’ total walking involved in this tour.

Experience the Danish Christmas Spirit.

Driving through the city of Copenhagen, which has been decorated for the Christmas season, you’ll pass City Hall displaying the Christmas tree from Norway, on your way to the countryside. The city sights soon change to rolling hills west of Roskilde, en route to ‘Nisseland’, the Land of Elves. Wander through the various ‘workshops’, and enjoy the 1,500square-metres shopping area offering unique Christmas decorations. Everything here is handmade, so take your time and explore!

Your next stop is the Gardens of Birkegaarden. The timing of your visit will coincide with the sun setting, so that you may appreciate the garden’s 80,000 lights. Although there are no blossoms at this time of year, the Gardens are still beautiful. A gluhwein, coffee or tea and Christmas cakes will be served from the small café where the outside terraces are heated. Take a stroll through the Gardens and shop in the stalls selling handicrafts before returning to Copenhagen.

Note: The walking in the Gardens is at your own pace and un-guided. Please wrap up warm in case of cold weather. Luncheon is not included on this excursion.

Take a trip north of Copenhagen to the fairy-tale castle of Frederiksborg, passing the beautiful Hamlet’s Castle en route.

Travel to the land of the kings and queens of Denmark and their former residences. Hamlet’s Castle, also known as Kronborg Castle, is beautifully situated on a point overlooking the Sound to Sweden and the northern coastline. Enjoy a walk around the courtyard and along the ramparts. A buffet luncheon with typical hot and cold Danish dishes and will be provided during your time in Helsingor.

Attractively located in the middle of a park surrounded by the Esrum Lake, you will see the Queen's summer residence of Fredensborg Castle.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful castle in Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle is situated on three islands in the middle of a tiny lake. From the main courtyard, the spectacular Neptune Fountain and the numerous copper spires, make a lasting impression. Enjoy a guided tour through several of the interior rooms of the King’s Wing, including the Knight’s Hall with its intricate woodcarvings, as well as the church where Danish monarchs were crowned from 1671 to 1840.

Back in Copenhagen, a short city drive will highlight the oldest and most charming parts, including Rosenborg, Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and Nyhavn the colourful and lively waterfront district.

Note: This tour includes a visit to Frederiksborg Castle and exterior views of Hamlet’s Castle and Fredensborg. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking including several steps.

Explore the best kept secret of the Cold War in Copenhagen, Stevns Cold War Fortress.

In the year 2000 the top secret military base, Stevns Cold War Fortress ceased operations, as it was considered to have lost its strategic importance.

Sit back and relax, as you head south from Copenhagen to East Zealand along the stunning white chalk and limestone cliffs of Stevns. For more than 40 years the Fortress and its heavy artillery guns controlled the Warsaw Pact navy ships entering and leaving the Baltic Sea. This unique underground Fortress is made up of a network of corridors, control rooms and storage.

Your guide will host you on a unique tour of the underground labyrinth and will regale you with tales of bygone era. Explore the crew quarters, the fully intact radio room and above ground visit the tanks and missile site.

Leaving the secrets of the Cold War behind, you’ll pass through the quaint village of Hoejerup to the Old Hoejerup Church. Situated precariously on the edge of the cliffs, part of the church fell 125 feet into the sea, but today the church has been secured and you can enjoy the spectacular views from inside. Before heading back to the ship, sample a delicious Danish pastry with tea or coffee served at the nearby Hoejerup Old Inn, which dates back to 1846.

Note: The approximate return journey time is one hour each way. This tour includes two hours of walking over uneven terrain with several steps to negotiate. Guests are advised to bring a warm sweater for the underground tour as the temperature remains at a cool 12°C. Comfortable non-slip walking shoes are recommended.

Discover the best of Copenhagen in a day.

Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through Copenhagen, en route, enjoy a brief photo stop at Copenhagen’s most famous resident, the Little Mermaid. During your panoramic drive you’ll pass by the Church of our Saviour, with its spectacular winding staircase on the spire, the lively waterfront of Nyhavn, the Old Stock Exchange and Christiansborg Castle, where Danish Parliament sits. Enjoy a brief photo stop at Amalienborg Palace, the Royal residence.

Upon arrival at the Carlsberg Brewery, discover the history of Carlsberg, its brewing techniques and sample some of “probably the best lager in the world”. During your visit indulge in a traditional Danish buffet lunch.

Then it’s time to head out of town, across the bridge to the island of Amager. At the very end of the island is the picturesque village of Dragør. With your guide, stroll along the charming harbour front and through the narrow streets to admire the traditional yellow painted houses with red roofs.

Returning to the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll change your mode of transport and hop aboard a canal boat for a leisurely cruise along Christianshavn, before returning to your ship.

Note: The order of highlights may vary. There is approximately two hours of walking included throughout the day, over flat terrain.