Castles of North Zealand

Drive through the lush Danish countryside of rolling farmlands and beautiful thatched-roof houses towards the town of Hilleroed to pay a visit to the most charming fairytale castle, Frederiksborg Castle. Considered by many to be the finest example of Danish renaissance architecture and the most magnificent castle in Denmark. The castle was originally built by Christian IV in the early 17th century, and after a fire in 1859 it was later rebuilt and opened as a museum of Danish national art and history. The museum has a considerable collection of historical paintings and portraits, as well as art and furniture associated with the various periods shown. The castle holds a small chapel as well with the oldest organ in the world still in use – the Compenius organ from 1610. Continue to a local Danish resort hotel for lunch, which will have a variety of typical Danish delicacies. After this lovely meal, continue to the village of Fredensborg for a short photo stop at the summer residence of the royal family, Fredensborg Palace (the Palace of Peace). Drive north to enjoy your last castle for today, Kronborg Castle - immortalized when Shakespeare chose it for the setting of his play, Hamlet. You will visit the ramparts and enjoy the magnificent view to Sweden from the cannons before you return to your ship. Drive along the coastal road with the lovely view of sea on one side and impressive manor houses on the other.