Bergen
Bergen 05/15/2024
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League's only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops, where artisans sell their wares, to its cafés, where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.,
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05/15/2024 |
05/15/2024 |
Bergen
Bergen 05/16/2024
Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots, is nestled between gargantuan snowcapped mountains, magnificent fjords, and one of Europe's largest glaciers. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway. Not to be missed is a stroll through the Fisketorget, where the fresh catch of the sea awaits—from cod and prawns to local caviar and icy oysters.,
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05/16/2024 |
05/16/2024 |
Geiranger
Geiranger 05/17/2024
The quaint village of Eidfjord is nestled in the heart of one of Norway's most scenic regions. From the Norwegian Sea, the waters of the expansive Hardangerfjord lead to the smaller Eidfjord and to this charming mountain hamlet. Eidfjord embodies the Norway of every traveler's dream, the gateway to Hardangervidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau of soaring beauty. Wild reindeer roam here, among stunning, treeless moorlands dotted with pools, rivers, streams, and the Vøringfossen Waterfall, a 550-foot cascade that plummets into the cavernous Måbødalen Canyon.,
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05/17/2024 |
05/17/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/18/2024
Stavanger is home to one of Europe's most interesting old towns. The cobblestone streets of Old Stavanger, or Gamle Stavanger, are lined with the continent's highest concentration of wooden buildings that date to the 17th and 18th centuries; approximately 250 are protected by a conservancy formed in the 1950s after developers threatened to destroy these cultural riches. Stavanger profited from an offshore oil drilling boom in recent decades; buoyed by its energy sector, the once-placid city gained a cosmopolitan flair and was honored in 2008 as European Capital of Culture.,
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05/18/2024 |
05/18/2024 |
Leknes
Leknes 05/19/2024
Enjoy scenic sailing as we head toward our next destination. Oslo is one of Scandinavia's most vibrant cities, set on a splendid bay amid stunning fjords and hills. It was founded by a Norseman, King Harald III, and has grown over the centuries around the cherished Akershus Fortress. The city not only has a rich Viking past with its close ties to the sea, it also boasts an impressive artistic heritage. Perhaps its most famous painter is Edvard Munch, whose work The Scream is known the world over. But Gustav Vigeland's 200 or so sculptures are the most prominent works in the city, on full display throughout Vigeland Park.,
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05/19/2024 |
05/19/2024 |
Tromso
Tromso 05/20/2024
Oslo is Norway's largest and most populous city. The city is nestled between the waters of Oslofjord and the sloping forestlands that stretch into the hinterlands, so a nature walk is never far away. Even in the heart, vast open spaces invite residents to commune with the great outdoors. Norway's most famous is Frogner Park. While a short ferry ride leads to Bygdøy, the green "Museum Peninsula" jutting into the fjord. The grassy expanse of Tøyen Park, with its inviting Botanical Garden, unfolds behind the Munch Museum, while St. Hanshaugen Park affords sweeping city views.,
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05/20/2024 |
05/20/2024 |
North Cape (Honningsvag)
North Cape (Honningsvag) 05/21/2024
Founded by Vikings in the late 900s, historic Ålborg enjoys a picturesque setting. The best-preserved Renaissance architecture in all of Denmark is here, most famously at the Jens Bang's House, built in 1624. Its clean symmetry helped lay the foundation for today's Scandinavian design. Ålborg, the nation's fourth-largest city, was founded as a trading post. The wealth that poured into merchants' accounts helped build many half-timbered mansions that still stand today. Ålborghus Castle, the seat of the modern-day governors of Northern Jutland, is perhaps the finest example.,
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05/21/2024 |
05/21/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/22/2024
Copenhagen charms visitors like a Danish fairy tale. Among the Baltic's most beautiful cities, it began as a fishing village and boasts more than 850 years of history. It has been an important Scandinavian port since the Viking Age and remains one of Europe's most enchanting places, thanks to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and The Little Mermaid statue sitting in the harbor at Langelinie. Grand palaces also grace the cityscape, including Amalienborg Palace, the royal winter residence, and Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels.,
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05/22/2024 |
05/22/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/23/2024
After a decades-long postwar rift both between Berlin and the world and within the city itself, Germany's capital has been reunified and undergone a remarkable rebirth as a center of art, culture, and great architecture. It is still riding the wave of its newfound energy, and exploring its streets feels akin to browsing a newly opened museum. Risen from the ashes of war, many of its buildings that once stood for division now embrace unity. Among them, the Reichstag parliament building embodies a new transparency with its glass dome, and the city's Museum Island celebrates self-expression and creativity.,
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05/23/2024 |
05/23/2024 |
Lerwick, Shetland Island
Lerwick, Shetland Island 05/24/2024
Founded around the year 1000 as a fishing community on the Danish island of Bornholm, the village of Rønne has played an important role in the maritime trade of the Baltics. Germans, Swedes, and Soviets variously overtook the island throughout its history. Along Laksegade and Storegade streets, historic cobblestone lanes and the low-timbered, red-roofed houses of merchants exude the Rønne of yesterday. Today, Rønne is home to celebrated and talented artisans who uphold a long tradition of glassblowing and, more famously, of crafting longcase grandfather clocks.,
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands) 05/25/2024
Gdansk is widely known as the city of glowing amber and Gothic cathedrals. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities in the Hanseatic League, the mercantile powerhouse of the Baltic. The city's rich history is on display in the remarkably restored Old Town, a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—from the royal residence of Green Gate to the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant's palace. Traditional Polish pierogies or a glass of Goldwasser, a liqueur created here in the 16th century, round out any visit.,
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05/25/2024 |
05/25/2024 |
Edinburgh
Edinburgh 05/26/2024
Traverse the historic waters that line the coast of Sweden, where maritime battles unfolded in a bid to control Northern Europe. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine onboard. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours
With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.
You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.
Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.
*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
Highlights:
- Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
- Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.
- Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
- Supplement for public holidays
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
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Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours
The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit
Highlights:
- Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
- At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/27/2024
The Swedish-speaking city of Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. The archipelago spans approximately 6,700 islands and lies halfway between Finland and Sweden. The compact city center sits between two harbors, and offers a number of restaurants, cafés, and shops. A haven for outdoor activities, it is an ideal location to explore the region by land or by sea. The city's Viking heritage is a celebrated treasure; each year, Mariehamn hosts the annual Viking Market, one of the largest of its kind in Scandinavia.,
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05/27/2024 |
05/27/2024 |
London (Greenwich)
London (Greenwich) 05/28/2024
Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren's cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world's cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The preserved 13th-century Gamla stan, or Old Town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous Baroque Stockholm Palace to the Art Nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe's loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.,
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05/28/2024 |
05/28/2024 |
London (Greenwich)
London (Greenwich) 05/29/2024
Stockholm is an open book for those interested in Swedish culture and history; the city has one of the highest concentrations of museums in the world. The most prominent is the maritime Vasa Museum, which houses the restored 17th-century ship Vasa. Other homestead reconstructions are spread across the Skansen open-air museum on the isle of Djurgården, providing a glimpse of life before the Industrial Age. Art lovers may also linger among the thousands of paintings and handicraft pieces at the National Museum or admire works by Picasso and Dalí at the Moderna Museet. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.,
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05/29/2024 |
05/29/2024 |
