Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an afternoon departure from Dover.
Day 2
Full day cruising. Time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 3
Early evening arrival in Torshavn, Faroe Island and this is your opportunity to join one of the following excursions.
TORSHAVN PANORAMIC DRIVE - (TOUR D) - 3 hours - £21 to £30 per person
We board our coach on the quayside opposite historic Tinganes, the rocky peninsula in Tórshavn harbour. Travelling up to the scenic ridge top road that runs along the southern part of the island of Streymoy, we pause for photos at a viewpoint overlooking the city.
We continue on and above Norðradalur (North Valley), we stop again for photos. Winding down into a valley, we pass a charming mountain tarn and pause to admire Lake Leynar. Here we may visit the local wood turner and watch him work, or we may have a walk on the shores of the beach.
Our journey back to Torshavin takes us through many villages and through a three kilometre (one and a half mile) long tunnel and along a fjord at sea level before reaching our ship.
VESTMANNA SEACLIFFS (ARTS CLUB) - 4 hours - £45 to £55 per person
By coach we will travel to the village of Vestmanna, where we board a boat to reach the sea cliffs. We sail along the cliff wall into a narrow gorge before the boat slowly enters one of the many grottoes. We stop the boat for a while to enjoy the scenery and capture this wonderful experience on film.
After our boat trip we return to Tórshavn via the mountain road, stopping for photos at a viewpoint overlooking the capital.
THE ISLAND OF VAGAR - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £30 to £39 per person
We head towards Vágar via Kaldbak fjord and Kollafjørð valley, where we leave Streymoy Island through the new undersea road tunnel, and five minutes later we arrive on Vágar. Our tour gives us the chance to see Vágar’s changing scenery and to explore its villages.
We shall drive through the villages of Sandavágur, where we visit the church, Miðvágur and pass the largest lake in the Faroe Islands - Sørvágsvatn. We arrive in Bøur, from where we have a spectacular view of the Tindhólmur islet and the island of Mykines beyond. We depart Bøur and drive through a tunnel to Gásadalur, Vágar’s westernmost village.
We return to Tórshavn via the mountain road.
SAKSUN & KOLLAFJORDUR - (TOUR A) - 4 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Leaving the pier in Tórshavn by bus, we will pause at a viewpoint overlooking this tiny capital. Driving north on the mountain road, we pause at another viewpoint – from here (weather permitting) we can enjoy a beautiful view of the islands of Hestur and Koltur. We now travel to Kollafjørður, to visit an old Faroese church with a traditional Faroese turf roof.
Journeying further north we head towards the village of Saksun, the old farm here, Dúvugarðar, is now a national heritage museum, and, together with its outbuildings, it provides an intimate look into past rural life in the Faroes.
We return to our ship in Tórshavn.
TORSHAVN THE CAPITAL - (TOUR E) - 3 hours - £20 to £30 per person
Our tour will visit Tinganes, which is the historic part of Tórshavn, for a walk of approximately one-hour. We will then drive to, and make a short stop at, Skansin to explore the remains of the old fort, overlooking Tórshavn harbour.
Continuing our drive, we go up to the beautiful Nordic House cultural centre. It holds exhibitions and lectures, as well as being used to practise traditional Faroese dance and hosting theatrical and musical events.
Continuing by coach through the modern sections of the city, we then head back to the harbour, stopping briefly at a viewpoint overlooking the capital.
Day 4
Full days cruising.
Day 5
Early morning arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE - 8.5 hours- £TBA per person
We leave the pier heading for Thingvellir National Park, approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) inland. Our visit allows us to experience some of the most outstanding scenery in the country. Thingvellir ranks at the top of Iceland’s tourist attractions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The outstanding scenery here is of tremendous geological and historic interest. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. The area is covered with typical Icelandic vegetation, low birch and willow trees, blueberry and crowberry bushes.
Our tour continues to the mighty Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’ – the most famous of the country’s many waterfalls. Here the Hvita River drops 30 metres (96 feet) in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle.
During our next stop, at the Geysir area, we will be able to see hissing springs and other geothermal activity. The active Strokkur geyser spouts every few minutes. Lunch is served at a restaurant in the Geysir vicinity.
On the return drive to Reykjavík we will have a short stop at Hellisheidi Power Plant. Once back in the capital we visit The Pearl – a dome of glass built on top of hot water storage tanks. The viewing platform affords a lovely panoramic view of Reykjavík and surroundings.
VOLCANO EXPERIENCE - 6.5 hours - £TBA per person
The drive takes us through amazing views of the Icelandic countryside, over the mountain road Hellisheidi (where a geothermal power plant is located) and down into the richest farmland in Iceland. The road goes past the small village of Hveragerdi, where they grow cucumbers, tomatoes and roses in greenhouses and on over the large and forceful Olfusa River into Selfoss - an agricultural and industrial service town. From here we travel through two small villages, crossing Iceland’s longest river, Thjorsa, and the clear and amazing River Ranga where salmon fishermen stand all day long in hope of a good catch.
We cross Markarfljot River, where we can see the impact of the glacial flood caused by the recent eruption. Then we head to the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where we have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall itself. From here we drive to a vantagepoint in Fljotshlid valley where free time will be given to take pictures of Eyjafjallajökull, the now famous volcano.
Afterwards, we stop in Hellisholar, a farm café where refreshments are served - Icelandic coffee and pastries. After the coffee break we will drive back to Reykjavík and our ship.
FLIGHTSEEING ADVENTURE - (TOUR G) - 2.5 hours (1 to 1.5 hours flying time) - £TBA per person
This magnificent tour will take us over the Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Between the ice and snowfields we see Hekla, the most famous of Iceland’s volcanoes which last erupted in 2000. Other places of interest viewed will include Thingvellir – site of the world’s oldest parliament – the Gullfoss golden waterfall and Geysir – one of the world’s outstanding geothermal areas and the origin of the English word "geyser".
The valley of Thórsmörk is considered one of the pearls of Icelandic nature. In the shelter of three glaciers, a most glorious oasis has been formed. This magnificent valley is only accessible by jeep, due to numerous glacial rivers. We will also fly over the area of Landmannalaugar – a region that lies in the Highlands of Iceland and is said to be one of the most beautiful in the country because of its various volcanoes and the special colouring of the landscape. Pink and blue ashes as well as black lava are found at the volcano Blahnjukur and red, brown and yellow are seen at the sides of another volcano next to it.
GLACIER ADVENTURE - (TOUR B) - 9 hours - £TBA per person
Our tour starts by coach as we travel to Iceland’s first National Park – Thingvellir. The outstanding scenery here is of tremendous geological and historic interest. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. Our route takes us up to 700 metres above sea level, overlooking Kaldidalur - a rocky and barren area between the snow-capped Ok and Langjökull Glaciers. The spectacular Langjökull Glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900 metres thick and approximately 1,000 square kilometres in area - it is the country’s second biggest glacier.
Changing transportation, we continue on snow trucks into the icy world of the glacier. We shall be supplied with overalls, helmets, gloves and boots and for approximately an hour the snow truck will take us into the wonderful world of ice. After this amazing adventure we shall have a lunch break at a mountain hut.
Back on the coach, our tour continues into the Borgarfjordur district where we will visit the waterfalls at Hraunfossar. The water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. We shall also stop at Deildartunguhver - Europe’s mightiest hot spring with high spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing on, over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys, we head towards one of the longest fjords in the country - the scenic Hvalfjördur. Driving along the shores we return to Reykjavík and our awaiting ship.
WHALE WATCHING - (TOUR H) - 4 hours - £TBA per person
There are many species of whales (blue, fin, humpbacks, minke and sei included) – in fact about half of the 36 whale species which are present in European seas can be seen in Icelandic waters. Whale watching in Iceland only started in 1995, but has had one of the highest growth rates for whale watching in the world. Seven years ago, in 2002 (from April to October), around 30 % of all visitors went whale watching. We shall have our chance with this special whale watching tour.
We will have a short drive from the ship to reach Hafsulan – a 23 metre (75 feet) catamaran type vessel which will take us whale watching. Due to its double hull it is far more stable than most ships of the same size. The ship is equipped with a quiet, yet powerful double engine, which propels it at up to 40 kilometres (24 miles) per hour. This allows us to cover a large area in a relatively short time, which gives us more chance of locating different types of whales. There is seating on the ship's deck, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a close proximity to the spectacular Icelandic nature.
KRYSUVIK & THE BLUE LAGOON - (TOUR C) - 5 hours - £35 to £45 per person
Here we witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the earth’s crust and multicoloured pools of boiling mud of the fumaroles.
The Blue Lagoon is close by, which owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. The mineral rich water of the lagoon – reputed for its healing properties – is a warm 37-39°C (99-102°F). The blueness of the water, the steam and the 4 metre (13 feet) high lava wall surrounding the lagoon create a unique atmosphere. This natural and very popular health spa is now a major attraction in the region, and one of the most visited places on the island.
After viewing the Blue Lagoon we drive over the lava covered Reykjanes peninsula to the outskirts of the small town of Njarðvík. We will see "Icelander" (Islendingur) - a fully seaworthy replica of an average sized Viking ship. It is 23 metres (75 feet) long and 5.25 metres (17 feet) wide and would have carried a crew of 70. The shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson travelled onboard the replica to America and back in 2000, to commemorate the one-thousandth anniversary of his countrymen navigating to and discovering North America.
We drive back through the Reykjanes lava fields, to our awaiting ship.
PANORAMIC REYKJAVIK - (TOUR E) - 2.5 hours - £TBA per person
Our tour starts with a drive through the city’s main recreational and sports area of Laugardalur. We pass the Olympic sized, open-air swimming pool. From Laugardalur we head inland and arrive at the City’s municipal conservation area of Heidmork.
We return to the hustle and bustle of the inner city, driving past the open-air museum at Arbaer where selected old houses have been reconstructed. Onwards, crossing the Ellidaar (Ellida River) we then have a stop at The Pearl or Perlan. Here, the panorama from the viewing platform is splendidly clear, making it a great place for a view of Reykjavík.
We then drive past the Hallgrimskirkja Church, and head for the charming old quarter of Reykjavík. Passing the city lake, Tjornin, we head towards the old harbour area where we have a short photo stop. Returning to the pier we follow the coastline, passing the Hofdi house where the summit meeting between US President Ronald Reagan and Russia Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986.
BATHING IN THE BLUE LAGOON - (TOUR F) - 3.5 hours - £TBA per person
The Blue Lagoon owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. The mineral rich water of the lagoon – reputed for its healing properties – is a warm 37-39°C (99-102°F). The blueness of the water, the steam and the four metre (13 feet) high lava wall surrounding the lagoon create a unique atmosphere. This natural and very popular health spa is now a major attraction in the region, and one of the most visited places on the island. The facilities here include a tax-free shop, café and good changing room facilities. We will spend approximately two hours here.
From the Blue Lagoon we head back to Hafnarfjörður and continue on a slightly different route, along the coastline, back to Reykjavík.
VOLCANO HELICOPTER FLIGHTSEEING - 2.5 hours - £TBA per person
The icecap of the glacier covers a volcano (1.666 metres in height) which has erupted relatively frequently since the Ice Age. Immensely beautiful, and uniquely situated in stunning surroundings, to experience the volcanic eruption sites close up is a once in a lifetime memory.
On the way to the eruption we will also see, from a distance, three other volcanoes. These are the volcano Hekla, which has erupted many times in recent centuries and is due another eruption, Vestman and Surtsey - one of the world’s newest islands.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the power of nature. It is difficult to predict how long the volcanic eruption will last. It could end tomorrow, but it could also last for days, weeks or even months. So do not miss the opportunity of a lifetime!
Day 6
This morning you arrive in Isafjordur, Iceland
LIFE & CULTURE OF ISAFJORDUR (TOUR A) - 3 hours - £TBA per person
We start from Ísafjörður harbour and drive through the centre of town along a narrow coastal road towards the town of Bolungarvik where we visit the church. A visit is made to Osvor, an old fisherman’s hut, which was restored in 1988. Osvor is a perfect example of how life was for Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. The village of Bolungarvik lies at a picturesque bay surrounded by steep mountains. It was previously a harbour for rowing boats.
We shall then enjoy a drive in the direction of Ísafjörður during which we can enjoy views of the magnificent mountains of the “Djup”, the largest fjord in the West Fjords. We then drive to the Valley of Tungudalur.
On the way back to our ship, we will drive through the oldest part of Ísafjörður and stop at the Maritime Museum. The Museum is situated in one of the oldest houses in Ísafjörður and beside it there are three other renovated and preserved houses, all from the same era around 1780.
GLACIER FJORDS & HESTEYRI BOAT TRIP - (TOUR C) - 4.5 hours - £TBA per person
After an approximate one-hour cruise, we reach our destination at Hesteyri - the westernmost bay of the Glacier Fjords. With very limited lowland strips, this isolated spit of land is framed with steep cliffs and has the backdrop of two beautiful mountains.
Until the 1950s Hesteyri had a small and scattered community with a whaling station and later a herring processing factory as a main source of income. This visit gives us an insight into the difficult lives of the people living in Hesteyri, who eventually deserted the village. Tired of the isolation and hardships the location imposed on them, they left in 1940 when herring fishing came to an abrupt end. The ruins of the factory are still very evident and a dozen houses are still maintained as summer residences.
In 1975, the area was turned into a nature reserve and today represents one of the main wild areas in Iceland. After a walk around the area we shall stop for light refreshments at the former doctor’s home. As Hornstrandir is one of the most inaccessible areas in Iceland, this journey is definitely something to write home about.
BOAT TRIP TO VIGUR ISLAND - 3 hours - £TBA per person
After an approximate 30-minute boat ride to Vigur, we will walk around the island and have a perfect opportunity to see an abundance of birds in their natural environment. Eiderdown is collected during the spring and cleaned, whilst the nests of the ducks are carefully protected. Some relics of old farming methods are preserved in Vigur, including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark. The windmill has been carefully preserved as well as a 200-year-old eight oar rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland.
The houses also date back to the last century. Viktoria House was erected in Vigur in 1862, made of wood, which was pre-cut into shape in Norway. In 1993 the house was restored by the National Museum of Iceland. The second house was erected by a young priest in 1884, an ancestor of his family still live on Vigur today.
Before heading back to Ísafjörður, refreshments will be served in Viktoria House and we will also have the chance to visit one of the smallest post offices in Europe (which is located on the island), giving us the opportunity to send home a postcard or two.
SEA ANGLING - 3 hours - £TBA per person
Our experienced captain will take us to a perfect spot for fishing and give us advice on how best to catch a fish!
The boat used is especially equipped for the purpose and all the tackle we need awaits us onboard. The most commonly caught fish are cod, catfish and haddock among others. If we are lucky, we might even catch a giant halibut!
This tour is not only fun and rewarding, it is also suitable for people of all ages. The crystal clear air and the picturesque Onundarfjordur add to the experience.
Day 7
After arriving this morning in Akureyri, Iceland why not try one of the excursions on offer.
JEWELS OF THE NORTH - (TOUR A) - 8 hours - £75 to £85 per person
This tour leads from Akureyri where we will have time for photos. We then proceed to Lake Mývatn with a stop at Skútustadir, on the southern shore of the lake. We shall have lunch at a restaurant in the Mývatn area.
Continuing by coach we drive to Dimmuborgir Nature Reserve where we will stop to admire the view. Passing through Reykjahlid village our tour continues along the shores of Lake Mývatn, with a drive through Akureyri on our way back to port.
WHALE WATCHING & GODAFOSS WATERFALLS - 8.5 hours - £130 to £140 per person
From the pier in Akureyri we drive across Koldukinn, the shortest route to Husavik Village. Upon arriving in Husavik we will be welcomed aboard the whale watching boats for an approximate 2 ½ to 3-hour boat trip. Sailing from Husavik harbour, the course is taken due west across the bay.
On returning from the whale watching, we shall have lunch in a nearby restaurant. After lunch we will visit the award winning Husavik Whale Centre. We shall then drive to Godafoss, where we will have time here for photos, before we return to Akureyri and our awaiting ship.
MYVATN NATURAL BATHS - (TOUR D) - 5 hours - £61 to £70 per person
Once we have arrived at Lake Mývatn there is an opportunity to enjoy the Mývatn Nature Baths. The tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth’s crust.
We will make a stop at the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall on the way back to Akureyri
POLAR FLIGHT TO GRIMSEY - (TOUR C) - 3 hours (approx. 30 min flight) - £190 to £200 per person
We will board our plane in Akureyri and fly directly to the island. The flight itself offers chances to take in magnificent views while a guided walk will lead us to the highlights of the island. We head back to the plane and our return flight to Akureyri.
SIGHTS OF AKUREYRI - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £41 to £50 per person
After the tour of Akureyri we cross the fjord and head on to Godafoss, where we will stop as close a possible to the waterfall, there is also an option to walk closer.
From the waterfall it is then possible to follow an uneven gravel path along the river to reach Fosshóll, where we will rejoin the coach. This walk takes approximately 15 minutes. For those passengers preferring not to walk, the coach will wait a few minutes for photos to be taken, and then drive the short distance to Fosshóll, on the eastern bank of the river.
Through the wide-open valley Fnjoskadalur we drive into the part of the valley known as Dalsmynni.
Day 8
Full days cruising.
Day 9
Early evening arrival into Alesund, Norway
GISKE & GODOY - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £40 to £50 per person
The visit to Giske first stops at Giske church which dates back to 1150. From Giske we drive to the pretty little fishing village of Alnes, taking a short break at Alnes lighthouse for refreshements in a nearby café.
We then rejoin the coach for the journey back to our awaiting ship, stopping en-route on Alaska mountain.
CITY & SURROUNDINGS - (TOUR A) - 3.5 hours - £60 to £70 per person
Beginning with a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the suburbs, to the bustling old trading centre of Borgund, we then move onto a visit of the Sunnmøre Museum - an open-air folk museum for Norwegian coastal culture. Also located on the site is the Borgund Church which dates back to 1250.
HJORUNDFJORD CRUISE - (TOUR F) - 3 hours - £70 to £80 per person
Departing from the quayside we shall board a catamaran and commence our fjord cruise on Hjørundfjord. The modern catamaran has inside seating with large windows – and an open sundeck. At the historic Hotel Union at Øye, we shall turn around and return to Ålesund.
Day 10
Early morning arriving into Olden, Nordfjord, Norway
FJORDLAND SCENERY - (TOUR A) - 7.5 hours - £100 + per person
We begin by driving along the Fjord towards Utvik Mountain where we stop for photo opportunities. On the other side of the valley we pass through the very green Våtedalen reaching the northern end of Jølster Lake.
We continue along the so-called Kjøsnesfjord, before traversing the six kilometre (four mile) long tunnel, which leads underneath the southern part of the mighty Jostedal Glacier.
We next arrive in Fjærland where we shall visit the Norwegian glacier centre. After this experience we have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in Skei, and also another photo stop by the Bøya Glacier. We once again reach Utvik Mountain before returning to our ship.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTSEEING - (TOUR G) - 15 mins flying - £115 to £125 per person
The helicopter will lift off from sea level and travel into the Jostedal Glacier. Towards the end of the 15 minute flight we fly over the Jostedal Glacier itself, before descending back to the landing site with a view of the fjord.
FJORD FISHING - (TOUR E) - 2.5 hours - £35 to £45 per person
Enjoy Fjord fishing on board the ten metre boat Isabella, at the bottom of the fjord arm at Loen. A line and brisling for bait will be provided.
Afterwards, we return to our ship.
GEIRANGER & HELLESYLT - (TOUR H) - 8 TO 8.5 hours - £120 to £130 per person
From Olden we travel through Stryn, the administrative centre of the area, before a photo stop up on the Stryn Mountain Road, with a spectacular view! We continue through three tunnels before we reach Djupvatn - at 1,000 meters the snow stays for most of the year.
We now ascend the steep toll road that takes us up Mount Dalsnibba (1,500 metres/4,900 feet high). With each turn of the road the panorama unfolds - mountains and forests, streams and tiny towns clinging bravely to the steep hillsides. It is interesting to note that this route was open to traffic as early as 1889, when the construction was done entirely by hand, assisted by the hardy fjord horses. After our photo stop the trip down the valley offers a different perspective of the region. A stop at Flydalsjuvet provides a classic view of the Geirangerfjord – considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful fjord.
We descend to Geiranger and visit the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which will give us an introduction to what people who once lived along the fjord were like and how they lived. As we wander through recreated historical settings, we will gain a great sense of what life must have been like over 100 years ago. There will also be a short film. At the well-known Union Hotel close by we will enjoy a buffet lunch.
After lunch we will take an approximate one-hour fjord cruise from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Our boat takes us into the famous Geirangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, with deserted farms clinging to the sides, and majestic waterfalls such as The Seven Sisters and The Suitor.
Rejoining our coach we travel through the small yet important village of Hellesylt - where Henrik Ibsen was inspired to write his immortal drama Brand.
Passing the boundary between the counties of More og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane, we journey through another lovely valley. The incredible Horindalsvannet will then come into view – perhaps Europe’s deepest lake at nearly 610 metres (2,000 feet), with crystal clear water. We continue past the lovely Nordfjord and through Stryn, before following the Stryn River, known for its salmon fishing, as we travel back to Olden.
CRUISE ON OLDEN LAKE - (TOUR F) - 2.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Surrounded by perpendicular mountainsides, white waterfalls and sparkling glaciers, the long and narrow Oldenvatn Lake twinkles in the valley bottom and reflects scenery that many have called the most beautiful in Norway.
We will have a short coach transfer from the quayside, driving through Olden to board the boat on the lake. Following our approximate hour and a half scenic boat ride we will be collected again by coach at the furthest end of lake for our return journey back to our awaiting ship.
KJENNDALEN GLACIER & LOVATNET LAKE CRUISE - (TOUR D) - 4.75 hours - £55 to £65 per person
Departing the quayside by coach, we travel along the fjord until we arrive at Loen. From Loen we continue to Kjenndalen Valley for a walk up to the Kjenndalen Glacier. Back onboard the coach, we journey to Kjenndalen Mountain Lodge for refreshments.
The next part of the tour is by boat with a cruise down the Lovatnet Lake to Sande. This should take 45 minutes and from Sande a coach takes us back to Olden and our ship.
BRIKSDAL GLACIER - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £TBA per person
Our excursion starts from the charming village of Olden continuing along the beautiful, narrow Olden Lake to Rustøen, situated at the far end of the fjord, where in front of us we can see the Melkevoll Glacier.
From the Briksdal Inn we tackle a 45-minute to one-hour walk above a waterfall to the top, where we will have a fantastic view of the Briksdal Glacier.
Walking back to the Briksdal Inn via the same route, refreshments will be served before we drive back to Olden.
Day 11
Early morning arrival into Bergen, Norway
EXPLORING THE HARDANGERFJORD - 8 hours - £90 to £100 per person
The second-longest Fjord in Norway, board the coach at Bergen pier to experience the beautiful fruit orchards and surrounding mountains.
Leaving the city we journey in a southerly direction through the suburbs on to the village of Os, located on the Bjørnefjord. This short fjord enjoys wonderful views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. At Hatvik we cross by ferry to Venjaneset, where we proceed past many small settlements.
Our tour continues to Gjøna Lake and the farming hamlet of Eide, which comprises several old farm buildings. It was customary during the medieval period to have approximately 15 to 20 buildings on a farm, each having its own special use – for example, one for food storage (the ‘stabbur’), another for livestock, and one for the ‘badstue’ (sauna). We may see examples of the traditional rose painting inside the living quarters here (now a museum). Refreshments are served.
We reach the Hardangerfjord at Mundheim and enjoy a one-hour drive along this ‘Queen of the Fjords’. On a clear day we will be able to view Norway’s third largest glacier, the Folgefonna Glacier. A stop is made in the village of Øystese for lunch, situated in a bay and surrounded by mountains and fertile farmland. Refreshed, we head inland to see the lovely Steinsdal Waterfall, which we can walk right behind if we wish (time permitting)!
Via several tunnels we climb to the Tokagjel Gorge, then reach the mountain plateau of Kvamskogen. This area is exceptional for hiking and skiing, and there are many holiday cottages built in the woods. We descend to the fjord again, before once more climbing to Gulbotn, another popular recreational area. We proceed to Sørfjord (South Fjord), where Oster Island – the largest island on the west coast – is in view.
Back in Bergen, we rejoin our ship after a truly memorable day!
FLIGHTSEEING BY SEAPLANE - 45 to 50 minutes of flying - £230 to £240 per person
Enjoy a spectacular Seaplane experience with this aerial tour of Bergen.
The seaplane flight takes in Bjørnefjord and the ‘Queen of the Fjords’- Hardangerfjord - heading northwards to continue along the narrow fjord to the small settlement of Botn. Our flight path then crosses the industrial town of Vaksdal, located 40 kilometres (25 miles) north east of Bergen, situated in a narrow valley.
This exhilarating flight comes to an end as we approach Bergen once more.
INTRODUCTION TO BERGEN - 2 hours - £21 to £30 per person
Boasting nearly 1,000 years’ experience of welcoming visitors to the area, the inhabitants are justly proud of their beautiful city that has a great shipping, trading and cultural tradition.
This introduction to Bergen includes all the keys sites in Norway’s Fjord capital. Taking in the Rosenkrantz Tower, a little further on we see Bryggen – the picturesque wooden hanseatic quarter along the harbour – as well as the fish market.
We continue up the Nordnes peninsula and past the Bergen Aquarium. From here we see beautiful views of the harbour before returning to the centre via the base of the tallest mountain in Bergen, Mount Ulrik (610 metres/2,000 feet above sea level). We then return to our ship.
LYSOEN ISLAND - 3 to 5 hours - £50 to £60 per person
Enjoy more of Bergen and explore the Island of Lysoen and its beautiful estate, which we reach by boat.
Our journey begins as we leave the pier and pass Bergenhus Fortress, which contains coronation hall, before passing the gabled fronts along the wharf (Bryggen) and the fish market. Passing the city park and lake, our tour continues south through Bergen’s attractive suburbs. On Nordås Lake we can see the royal residence, ‘Gamlehaugen’.
We then take in the views on top of Fana mountain before descending to Lysefjord. To access Lyseon Island we take a 10-minute boat crossing to the area where the violin virtuoso Ole Bull lived. We take a tour of the house and gain an introduction into the composer’s life.
Our route back to Bergen takes us through woodland, past lakes and through the village of Nesttun.
GRIEG'S BERGEN - 4 hours - £51 to £60 per person
Catch a glimpse of Bergen’s past in a corner of western Norway that abounds in culture and history. Take a tour round legendary composer Edvard Grieg’s lakside home.
Join us as we take a tour round Troldhaugen, the once lakside home of Edvard Grieg, now a museum. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy a short performance in the concert hall located next door.
Afterwards we return to the pier.
NORWAY OLD AND NEW - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Enjoy a tour of the outskirts of Bergen, taking in the Fjord, lake and coastal districts.
We will take a drive by the small fishing village of Aagotnes having the chance to view a fishing farm. On our way to Øygarden we pass a number of small fishing villages. In Øygarden we will visit the coastal museum, and have the opportunity to taste a local treat - coffee with lappes (Norwegian pancakes with strawberry jam and sour cream). The coach journey back provides the opportunity to take in more of the charming area.
NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL - 9 hours - £140 to £150 per person
Experience the landscape by train for our journey up towards Voss and Mydral, before changing trains for the spectacular “Flams-banen” railway line.
From the ship we arrive in Bergen railway station for the journey up towards Voss and Mydral. On top of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau we will change trains for a spectacular ride on the “Flams-banen” railway line.
Once we arrive in Flåm we rejoin the coach and head to Stalheim’s Kleivene. At the Stalheim Hotel we shall have a buffet lunch and hopefully an opportunity for some free time.
After lunch were back on the coach to Tvinde waterfall, past Voss and once again to Bergen and the pier.
TEA AT ULRIKEN MOUNTAIN - (TOUR I) - 2 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Upon our arrival at the base of the mountain we will board our cable car for an approximate five minute journey up the precipitous cliff to the top of the mountain – make sure cameras are at the ready as the ride offers some amazing views. Once we have reached the summit, we will be invited to walk up to the viewpoint which offers an incredible panoramic view of Bergen, the islands, the fjord, the countryside and the other mountains (weather permitting). We will also be able to enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee and an Ulrike bun – a speciality of the Sky:Skraper restaurant!
Following our free time and refreshments we shall return down the mountainside cable car to our awaiting coach for our short transfer back to the pier.
Day 12
Full day cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 13
Morning arrival into Dover
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