Copenhagen

A panoramic tour of the city will take 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, you’ll 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.

A coffee stop will be made and includes a typical Danish pastry.

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 photo stop, before driving through the lively Nyhavn area. Nearby you’ll 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.

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. A well deserved break will be made at a local restaurant for refreshments, including a Danish pastry.

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’ll embark the canal boat for a cruise in the Copenhagen Harbour. Sail past some of the major sights of Copenhagen and enjoy the scenery as you relax after your walk.

Step aboard a canal boat for a leisurely 50-minute cruise. As you glide gently along, you’ll pass some of the city’s main sights such as The Little Mermaid and the old naval area of Holmen.

Following your relaxing boat cruise, you’ll spend time absorbing the atmosphere at Copenhagen’s famous amusement park - Tivoli. 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. You’ll be advised of the meeting point and departure time for the return journey.

After a short walk, you’ll embark a canal boat for a leisurely cruise in Copenhagen Harbour. You’ll pass by The Little Mermaid and the Copenhagen Opera House, located opposite the Amalienborg Palace. Further on you’ll come to the Black Diamond – the Royal Library. This remarkable building is covered in black granite from Zimbabwe. Soon, you’ll enter the canals around Christiansborg - the Danish Parliament - and see the old Stock Exchange, built by King Christian the 4th century. Sail into the canals of Christianshavn where you’ll disembark and your guide will take you through the streets pointing out the most interesting sights. Christianshavn was built at the beginning of the 17th century by King Christian IV.

It’s then time to see more sights by coach including King’s Square, the Royal Theatre and Nyhavn, before you take a quick peek at the exterior of the royal palace, Amalienborg.

Enjoy the sights of the city as you take a scenic drive through Copenhagen. You’ll have a brief stop at Amalienborg Palace to shop for souvenirs.

In the area known as Freeriksberg, you’ll find the famous Carlsberg Brewery, home of ‘probably the best beer in the world’.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the four life size granite elephants which guard the entrance. These huge statues were commissioned by Carl Jacobsen - son of the Carlsberg founder, and each bears the name of his children.

The Carlsberg Visitors’ Centre is located in the 1847 building which housed the original brewery. Your tour starts in the old granary; along the way you will pass the horse stables and the old villa of J. C. Jacobsen. See a variety of exhibitions illustrating the history of the breweries (Carlsberg and Tuborg, which merged into one large company), as well as seeing the brewing techniques of old and new. Interestingly, Carlsberg introduced the revolutionary idea of fermenting beer in the bottle.

After your tour, enjoy a sample of the Carlsberg product in the café.

At Lyngby you’ll embark the vintage boat, MS Princess Alexandrine, built in 1895, to enjoy a leisurely cruise around the lake.

A short drive will then take you to the Open Air Museum north of Copenhagen. Spread over 86 acres of land, the Museum houses more than 50 farms, mills and houses from the period 1650-1950. Virtually every region in Denmark and the Faroe Islands as well as the former Danish provinces of southern Sweden and northern Germany is represented. So, you can travel the length and breadth of Denmark in a single afternoon.

Visitors are invited inside a smallholder's cottage, a water mill and a country manor. All the buildings are fully furnished and equipped - and surrounded by the Museum's ducks and sheep. You may bump into people in period costumes, tending to their daily chores, and livestock and other animals help complete the picture.

Sit back and relax, as you travel along the ‘Danish Riviera’, passing by the luxury residence of the rich and famous of Copenhagen. Enjoy a brief stop at the ramparts of Kronborg Castle, more commonly known as Hamlet’s Castle.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful castle in Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle is situated on 3 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.

Afterwards, you’ll travel to Lyngby Lake in the idyllic forest north of Copenhagen for a leisurely cruise. Have your camera at the ready as you pass by pretty pavilions, small castles and manor houses, all situated along the lakeside.

Follow in the footsteps of many, and explore the small medieval streets and narrow walkways of central Copenhagen. Your guide will lead you through Watchman’s Passage to the Church of the Holy Ghost. Continuing on through the winding streets you’ll pass the Old Copenhagen University and the Church of Our Lady, the Cathedral of Copenhagen. Inside, admire the simple decor and sculptures created by the famous Danish artist, Thorvaldsen.

Emerging from the labyrinth of cobbled narrow streets, you’ll call at Merchant Rudolph Christensen’s Victorian apartment. His home has become a museum, retaining the original features from the 1890’s. Visit the lavishly decorated drawing room and hear about the parties and feasts that he hosted. As you wander through the bedrooms and kitchen, there is a real sense that the former resident has only just left.

Opposite the apartment is the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace. Enjoy a brief visit to the royal stables and riding course before continuing to Gammel Strand, to embark on a cruise around the harbour and canals. During the tour you’ll pass many of the famous landmarks including the Black Diamond Royal Library, the Naval Church, the National Bank and Amalienborg Royal Palace.

Before disembarking, your canal boat will stop at the statue of the Little Mermaid, for photos.

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.

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.

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 photo 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.

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 a 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.

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’ll be advised of the meeting point and departure time for the return to the ship.

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.

Driving through the old parts of Copenhagen you will pass by the Citadel, en-route 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.

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 coach.
< early booking is essential to guarantee your seat. tivoli gardens offers a no-refund policy once tickets are purchased.

Frederiksborg Castle is located north of Copenhagen and considered by many to be the most beautiful Castle in Denmark. A guided tour will take you into impressive interior rooms and to the spectacular Neptune Fountain in the main courtyard.

Not far from Frederiksborg you will find Fredensborg Castle - the Queens Summer residence, this impressive palace is surrounded by the idyllic Esrum Lake, where you will have time to stretch your legs and take a photo of this impressive palace.

A scenic drive along the Esrum Lake, one of the largest in Denmark leads to Havreholm Castle. The Castle is nestled between farmland, forests and lakes. The Castle, which now serves as a restaurant, was built in 1872 by the merchant Valdemar Culmsee – who owned a large paper industry which has been in their family for several generations. A traditional Danish pastry and coffee will be served in one of the magnificent drawing rooms decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Located at the narrowest point between Denmark and Sweden, Elsinore is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kronborg Castle, famously known as Hamlet’s Castle. Kronborg was built to demonstrate Denmark’s power and prosperity and is visible in the distance as you head towards the coastal road for a scenic drive back to Copenhagen.

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 wind 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 cafés 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.