English Elegance toIdyllic Iceland
Your complete shore excursion guide for an unforgettable 10-night voyage through Amsterdam, Scotland, and the stunning landscapes of Iceland.
London, Amsterdam, Scotland and Iceland Cruise
Virgin Valiant Lady · August 26 – September 6, 2026 · All times are local
Before You Go
- England and Scotland use British pounds.
- Amsterdam uses euros.
- Purchases aboard the ship are charged in US dollars.
- Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
- Travelers entering England must obtain a UK ETA linked to their passport.
10-Night Voyage
Destination Highlights
The confirmed group plan for every stop — times, meeting points, and what to bring — plus Andy's brewery and bar picks along the way.
London
United Kingdom
Arrive into London Heathrow and take the convenient Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. Perfect location for exploring before your cruise departure.
The Group Plan
Day 1 · Wednesday, August 26
Arrival in London, hotel check-in and optional evening activities.
Nikki and Mom Arrive
Braun Family Arrives
Remaining Group Arrives
Heathrow Express to Paddington
- Follow signs in the airport for the Heathrow Express.
- Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the airport.
- After arriving at Paddington Station, use a phone map for the walk to the hotel.
- The hotel is approximately a five-minute walk from Paddington Station.
Darlington Hyde Park
- Breakfast is included.
- Early check-in was requested but is not guaranteed.
- Rooms may not be ready when the group arrives. The hotel can hold luggage.
- Hyde Park is nearby if you want to walk while waiting.
Phone: +44 20 7460 8800
Optional Group Lunch
- A group lunch may be arranged if rooms are not ready.
- The decision will be made that day.
Alto Napoli
- Restaurant near the hotel.
- A reservation is only needed for a specific time.
Leave Hotel for Dinner and Theatre
- Leave the hotel no later than 5:30 PM.
- Travel time to the theatre area is approximately 30 minutes by Tube.
Dinner at Prince of Wales Pub
- The pub is approximately a five-minute walk from the theatre.
Mamma Mia!
- Approximately 30 minutes from the hotel by Tube.
Day 2 · Thursday, August 27
Private transfer to the cruise port and embarkation.
Private Transfer to Cruise Port
Be outside by 12:20 PM
Front entrance of Darlington Hyde Park
111-117 Sussex Gardens, Paddington, London W2 2RU, United Kingdom
Open in Maps- Meet outside the hotel with luggage.
- Allow time for everyone to load the vehicle.
Make Ship Reservations
- Remaining dinner reservations should be made after boarding.
- Spa reservations and the complimentary spa tour can also be arranged after boarding.
Ship Sails
Sail-Away Deck Party
- Expected to take place on the top deck.
- Complimentary champagne is expected.
Group Dinner
Amsterdam
Netherlands
With an overnight stay, you have plenty of time to explore Amsterdam's famous canals, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife.
The Group Plan
Day 3 · Friday, August 28
Optional ship activities followed by an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Bingo with the Diva
Ship Docks in Amsterdam
Leave Ship for Canal Cruise
- Eat aboard the ship before leaving.
- The ticket requires arrival at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure.
Amsterdam 90-Minute Canal Cruise
Captain Jack Amsterdam
Arrive by 7:20 PM
Stationsplein 18
Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Exit Amsterdam Central Station through the main entrance.
- Turn right and walk toward tram stop B4 near the large tree.
- Look for a white boat with a pink flag.
- Crew members will be wearing pink shirts.
Included
- 90-minute canal cruise
- Luxury electric boat
- Blankets and umbrellas if needed
- Snacks
Available for purchase: Alcoholic beverages, Nonalcoholic beverages
- The boat is expected to be an open boat during this season.
Returns to: Same as meeting point
Day 4 · Saturday, August 29
Full day in Amsterdam before a 6:00 PM departure.
Explore Amsterdam
- Travelers should be able to leave and return to the ship throughout the day.
Andy and Marley Bike Ride
- Meeting location to be confirmed.
Ship Leaves Amsterdam
Dinner at Extra Virgin
First Woman Comic on Virgin
Sunday, August 30
Sea day with an optional group brunch.
Optional Group Brunch
- This brunch still needs to be scheduled.
Group Dinner
Edinburgh
Scotland
Scotland's historic capital offers stunning medieval architecture, a dramatic castle, and legendary pubs. Note: Tender port with limited wheelchair accessibility.
The Group Plan
Day 6 · Monday, August 31
Tender ashore for a full-day guided Edinburgh highlights excursion.
Tender Ashore
- Group tender arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
- The tour begins at 9:00 AM.
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion
Your Shore Time
Recommended by 8:50 AM
South Queensferry Cruise Tender Dock
Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9TB, United Kingdom
- After tendering ashore, meet the guide at the disembarkation point.
- The guide will display a YOUR SHORE TIME sign.
Included
- Guided full-day Edinburgh highlights shore excursion
- Drive past the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Royal Mile walk
- Visit to St Giles Cathedral
- Visit to the Scottish Parliament building
- Licensed guide
- Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle entries are optional and admission is not included.
- Food and drinks are not included.
Returns to: South Queensferry Cruise Tender Dock
Dinner at Gunbae
- The group will be split between two tables because the tables are small.
Stand-Up Comic
Invergordon
Scotland
Your gateway to the Scottish Highlands! Easy access to Loch Ness, historic battlefields, whisky distilleries, and traditional Highland pubs.
The Group Plan
Day 7 · Tuesday, September 1
Coach excursion to Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, Culloden and Clava Cairns.
Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, Culloden and Clava Cairns
Thistle Excursions
Recommended by 9:15 AM
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Coach or minibus transportation
- Inverness Castle admission
- A printed or digital ticket is not required.
- Give the lead traveler's name to the tour guide.
- The guide will check the group against the tour schedule.
- Travelers will receive a lanyard for bus access.
- The provider will supply the castle tickets.
Returns to: Same as meeting point
Dinner at Pink Agave
Mind Games
Piano Singer
Wednesday, September 2
Sea day featuring Misbehave and Scarlet Night.
Group Dinner
Misbehave
Scarlet Night
Thursday, September 3
Sea day with the Ship Show dinner and variety performance.
Arrive for Ship Show
- Arrive 30 minutes early to get good seats.
Ship Show Dinner Variety Show
- Dinner is included with the show.
Akureyri
Iceland
The capital of North Iceland sits at the head of Iceland's longest fjord. Gateway to waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and whale watching.
The Group Plan
Day 10 · Friday, September 4
Three-hour whale-watching excursion followed by dinner aboard the ship.
Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri
Elding Whale Watching
Be at the harbor by 12:45 PM
Included
- Professional guide
- Warm overalls
- Raincoats or blankets
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Multiple viewing platforms
- Large viewing windows
Available for purchase: Food, Drinks
Prepare
- Bring a hat.
- Bring gloves.
- Bring a scarf.
- Weather can be unpredictable.
- The excursion may be canceled because of weather.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Returns to: Same as meeting point
Dinner at Extra Virgin
Ísafjörður
Iceland
Welcome to the remote Westfjords - Iceland's least-visited region. Dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife await. This will be your coolest port!
The Group Plan
Day 11 · Saturday, September 5
Dynjandi Waterfall and countryside minibus excursion.
Dynjandi Waterfall and Countryside Visit
BS Tours
Arrive by 9:45 AM
Parking Slot 4, Ísafjörður New Cruise Ship Dock
Ísafjörður New Cruise Ship Dock, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
- The minibus will be located in parking slot number 4.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Dinner at The Wake
Reykjavik
Iceland
Your voyage ends in Iceland's vibrant capital. A private sightseeing tour takes the group from the ship through the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Blue Lagoon and the airport.
The Group Plan
Day 12 · Sunday, September 6
Disembarkation followed by a private sightseeing and airport transfer tour.
Leave the Ship
- Travelers who are able should carry their own luggage off the ship.
- While onboard, sign up for an 8:00 AM disembarkation time.
Private Reykjavík Sightseeing and Airport Transfer Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavík
Be outside by 8:45 AM
Outside the cruise port
- Meet the driver outside the port.
- Bring all luggage.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup.
Included
- Drive past Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall
- Photo stop at the Sun Voyager
- Seltún Geothermal Area
- Gunnuhver Hot Springs
- Possible stop at Reykjanes Lighthouse
- Photo stop at the Blue Lagoon
- About half of the group will be dropped at the Blue Lagoon with their luggage.
- Paid luggage storage is available at the Blue Lagoon.
- Blue Lagoon admission must be purchased separately.
- The five remaining travelers will be dropped at Keflavík International Airport at 2:00 PM.
Icelandair Departure
What to Pack
This isn't a generic packing list. These are the things that'll make or break your trip.
Pro Tip: Iceland's weather changes rapidly — you might experience sun, rain, and wind all in one hour. Dress in layers you can easily add/remove!
Weather Guide
Late August/early September brings mild temperatures to Western Europe and cool conditions in Iceland
Amsterdam
Mild, light rain possible
Edinburgh
Mild, breezy, showers
Invergordon
Cool, changeable
Akureyri
Cool, windy
Ísafjörður
Cold, windy
Reykjavik
Cool, variable
Final Tips
Booking Advice
- Book popular excursions early - Loch Ness, Blue Lagoon, Vigur Island puffins, Kaldi beer bath
- Morning tours for tender ports - Edinburgh and Ísafjörður get crowded
- Buffer time - always give yourself extra time to get back to the ship
For the craft beer stops: Order flights to sample the range. Iceland prices run $10-15 per beer (smaller pours are normal). Vinbudin stores are Iceland's only place to buy beer over 2.25% ABV.
Currency
- Netherlands: Euros (EUR)
- Scotland: British Pounds (GBP)
- Iceland: Icelandic Krona (ISK) - cards accepted everywhere
Grecian Formula • Virgins Again 2026