Compare Old Meets New: An Extraordinary Crossing, Amsterdam to New York City by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 17 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,500 | $ 4,713 |
| Price Per Day | $ 324 | $ 471 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Large ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included |
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 15 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Voyage from the five concentric canals of Amsterdam’s enchanting city center to the five boroughs of bustling New York City — but not via a direct route. In between the cosmopolitan start and finish, embrace thousands of years of settlement, dramatic landscapes and hearty people as you sail to villages in the North Atlantic’s Shetland and Faroe islands, feel the energy of Iceland’s Gullfoss waterfall, and rewind three centuries hearing French colonial musket fire at Nova Scotia’s Fortress of Louisbourg. Cap your adventure sailing past Lady Liberty in New York Harbor. |
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Join Local Experts on this grand Gaelic tour as you pass Britain’s northernmost point at John O’Groats and board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on these tranquil isles as you explore the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. |
Day 1: Depart North America for Amsterdam
In Flight
Day 2: Welcome and Orientation in Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
Afternoon: Program Orientation starts at 6:00 p.m. at the hotel, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. (time is subject to change, your final orientation time will be confirmed upon check-in at the hotel)
Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Introduction to Amsterdam / Embarkation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning: ROAD SCHOLAR EXCLUSIVE: Explore the rich history of this European capital. While our expert talks about the history, take in such sites as the Royal Palace and the National Monument at Dam Square. End the morning at Europe's biggest day market: The Albert Cuyp Market.
Lunch: Lunch on your own to sample the market specialties.
Afternoon: Transfer to the Crystal Symphony by coach. Embark the ship for 14 nights. Your afternoon is at leisure to unpack and explore the ship.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options. The Symphony will remain in port overnight.
Day 4: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Amsterdam derives its name from a 13th-century protective dam. Itis a beautifully preserved city with quaint architectural styles, priceless art treasures and welcoming people. Many of its wondrous highlights are located within the five concentric canals that gird the city's older neighborhoods and business districts. Whether cruising its waterways or visiting its exquisite galleries and museums, you will discover a wealth of fascinating sightseeing opportunities. A short drive away, characteristic towns preserve their traditional Dutch ways with intricate national costumes, sturdy wooden shoes and purposeful windmills.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: Independent port exploration continues. Symphony is scheduled to leave the port at 4:00 pm.
Dinner: Group dinner will be served in the Crystal Dining Room.
Day 5: Edinburgh / Rosyth, Scotland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Morning at sea as you sail towards Edinburgh, Scotland. Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation. The Crystal Symphony will arrive in Edinburgh at approximately 1:00 pm.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Edinburgh in the early morning; after breakfast choose to explore Edinburgh on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Dominated by a medieval castle on a towering crag, Edinburgh is the celebrated capital of Scotland and boasts more than a thousand years of vibrant historical heritage. The Exchange building, the famous Royal Mile featuring St. Giles Cathedral and John Knox House, as well as Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queens official, are only a few of the architectural masterpieces found in this delightful Scottish city.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Evening: The ship will remain in port overnight.
Day 6: Edinburgh / Rosyth, Scotland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Independent exploration of Edinburgh continues.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: The ship will depart Edinburgh at 1:00 pm. Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 7: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Lerwick in the early morning; after breakfast choose to explore Edinburgh on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Located at the northern tip of the British Isles, nearly 50 miles northeast of the Orkneys, the Shetland Islands are a mosaic of more than a 100 islands. Craggy cliffs sculpted by turbulent seas are in stark contrast to the tranquil, sandy bays and flower-strewn meadows found here.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: This afternoon is your final chance to delve into Lerwick history, explore its monuments, and soak in the essence of Scotland.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 8: Torshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: With roots firmly grounded in Viking language and tradition, the 18 islands that form the Faroes are steeped in history, graced with windswept wilderness and occupied by people with a hearty passion for survival. With 17,000 citizens, Tórshavn, which means "The Harbor of the god Thor," is the smallest capital in the world and is said to be the oldest capital in Scandinavia. The colorful houses and tiny fishing boats decorate a harbor that is charming and inviting.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Torshavn. The ship is scheduled to leave the port at approximately 4:00 pm.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 9: At Sea / Reykjavik, Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: The morning is at sea as you sail towards Reykjavik. Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Evening: Crystal Symphony will arrive in Reykjavik at a 8:00 pm. Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.
Day 10: Reykjavik, Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Activity note: Today's exclusive Road Scholar field trip through Iceland is included in your program price. Please do not book a Crystal Shore Adventure on this day.
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR FIELD TRIP: Journey from Reykjavik on this popular route which covers approximately 300km from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. Stop at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), and the spouting spring area of Geysir, after whom all geysers are named. En route, you will make a stop at Friheimar Tomato Farm. Learn how they are able to grow tomatoes year round using geothermal energy.
Lunch: A light lunch of tomato soup, bread and a salad will be served at the farm.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Golden Circle of Iceland as you make your way back to the ship.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 11: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 12: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 13: Crusing the North Atlantic Ocean
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax on board the ship. Take advantage of the many activities and amenities offered on board.
Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
Day 14: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Sydney, situated on Cape Breton Island's eastern shore, was settled in 1783 by New York and New Hampshire colonists loyal to the British crown and is Nova Scotia's third largest city. The opening of coal mines and a steel plant attracted a large number of Scottish and Eastern European settlers in the early 1800s. The settlers' ethnic legacy has left an indelible imprint and has created a vibrant urban and rural landscape ripe for exploration. Outside Sydney, natural wonders abound. At the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Park, visitors will step back in time to 1740, when this fortress town was France's North American administrative, military and commercial center. Sydney is also the gateway to the spectacular beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands and the Bras d'Or Lakes, where sailing opportunities flourish. Baddeck, site of Alexander Graham Bell's summer home, is also within easy reach. Whatever your desire, the treasures of northern Nova Scotia will come alive as you delve into this delightful port city.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Sydney before returning to board the ship.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 15: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax on board the ship. Take advantage of the many activities and amenities offered on board.
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
Day 16: New York City, New York, USA
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Welcome to one of the world's most famous and exciting cities. Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park are just some of the celebrated spectacles this bustling city has to offer. Giovanni da Verrazano was the first European to glimpse Manhattan Island in 1542, but the area was not explored until Henry Hudson arrived in 1609. It is said that Peter Minuit bought the entire island from Native Americans for $24 worth of beads and trinkets in 1629 - the biggest real estate bargain in history. In 1664 the Dutch surrendered to a British Fleet, and the town was renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York. George Washington was inaugurated here in 1789, and for a time, New York served as the country's capital. Since then, the city has grown spectacularly and has become one of the most exciting and electrifying cities in the country - not to mention one of the most rewarding to visit and explore.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of New York City
Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and departure logistics.
Day 17: New York City / Disembarkation
In Flight
Morning: Disembark the ship and join the group transfer to JFK airport for departure flights.
Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso
See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands
Start the day by driving to the most northern point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye
Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start
Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start
Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Holiday Inn Glasgow - City Centre Theatreland.
Breakfast
Day 9: Depart Glasgow
Your travels come to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.
Breakfast
