Norwegian Coastal Voyage & Scandinavian Capitals
| Resort: | Norwegian Coastal Voyage & Scandinavian Capitals |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Denmark, Europe, Norway, Sweden |
| Price From: | £3424.00 |
OverviewSee the best of Scandinavia, a land of spectacular fjords, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers. Explore Stockholms deep history your way with a choice of a guided city tour or a walking tour of Old Town (Gamla Stan), a maze of charming streets lined with colorful townhouses. Spend time in Denmark, Scandinavias greatest little kingdom. See why Copenhagen is Northern Europes coziest capital. Norway is indeed one of the most beautiful places on earth, and home to many natural wonders, stunning cities and fascinating history. Take a step back in time as you hear stories of its rich Viking heritage. Meander through the streets of Bryggen, the ancient trading port of Bergen founded in the 11th century. Sit back and relax as you discover Norways rugged coastline and pristine waterways with six nights on a Hurtigruten ship, an ideal way to experience the Worlds Most Beautiful Voyage. During the summer months, experience the land of the midnight sun. From October to March, youll be dazzled by the spectacular northern lights. Your tour culminates with a true milestone as your ship sails across the Arctic Circle to the very top of Europe. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightSet out for Scandinavia, one of the worlds most incredible regions. Explore the fascinating capital cities of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. See majestic mountains, fjords, fishing villages, historic towns, and experience a true milestone as your ship sails across the Arctic Circle to the very top of Europe. Day 2: Stockholm, Sweden – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in captivating Stockholm, a perfect blend of old and new. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the old town at Fem Sma Hus. This stunning restaurant is comprised of five connected timber-framed houses from the 17th century and captures the flavor of a bygone era. Day 3: StockholmThis morning its your choice! You may choose to embark on a tour of Stockholms city sights, showcasing the citys greatest vistas and fascinating attractions including the Riddarholm Church, the Royal Palace and the Parliament, concluding with a visit to Stockholms City Hall. Or, perhaps you would prefer to explore the narrow streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town) during a guided walking tour with a stop at one of Swedens sweetest traditions, a candy cane-making factory, for a demonstration. Later, we make a stop at the one-of-a-kind Vasa Ship Museum to learn about its shocking maiden voyage, when it sank in one nautical mile. This ship, commissioned in the 1600s by King Vasa, was raised 334 years later from the bottom of the harbor. Perfectly preserved, it offers a rare glimpse into the amazing craftsmanship of the 17th century. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Stockholm independently. Day 4: Stockholm – Copenhagen, DenmarkTake a morning flight* to delightful Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Later, join a local expert on an engaging city tour. View Denmarks center of Parliament, known as Christianborg; Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family; and the Royal Theater. See the Little Mermaid Statue, a 1913 sculpture honoring Hans Christian Andersens famous fictional character. Day 5: CopenhagenToday you may choose to spend your day at leisure in Copenhagen or perhaps join an optional excursion to Frederiksborg Castle, formerly the residence of the Danish royal family. Day 6: Copenhagen – Oslo, NorwayFly* to Norway, a land of intense natural beauty and famous for its deep fjords, steep mountain roads, Viking legends and well-preserved historical sites. Upon arrival, your tour of regal Oslo features the remarkable Viking Ship Museum, Karl Johan Street, a view of the Royal Palace, City Hall and the new Opera building. Then its on to Vigeland Park where you will find the collection of statues and sculptures that comprise Gustav Vigeland’s lifes work. Day 7: Oslo – Myrdal – Flåm Railway – Gudvangen – Voss – BergenToday you embark on the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour! All aboard the Bergen Railway to experience Europes most scenic rail journey. Have your camera ready as this legendary tour takes you through Norways most breathtaking fjord and mountainous terrain on its way to Bergen. Switch trains in Myrdal and travel 12 miles on the famous Flm Railway, a masterpiece of engineering, taking you 2,800 breathtaking feet in 55 minutes to the village of Flm on Sognefjord, Norway’s longest (120 miles) and deepest (more than a mile). Next, cruise Nryfjord (UNESCO), the narrowest fjord in Europe with stunning views of waterfalls and small farms clinging to the steep mountainsides. In Gudvangen, your journey continues by bus with the breathtaking Stalheimskleiven hairpin road (available May through September only), a thrilling ride around 13 hairpin bends. In Voss, board the train for Bergen, one of Norways oldest and most iconic cities. Day 8: Bergen – Norwegian Coastal Voyage – Board ShipJoin your fellow travelers on a leisurely paced walking tour of Bergen. Explore the picturesque, old Bryggen Wharf (UNESCO) with its tiny wooden houses and narrow streets. Mingle with the locals at the fish market, located in the “heart” of the city. Then prepare for your memorable 6-night cruise the Worlds Most Beautiful Voyage sailing along the stunning Norwegian coastline. This evening board your Hurtigruten ship. Sit back and take in the treasure trove of landscapes, scenery, sights and sounds that surround you. Day 9: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – NorthboundThis mornings view from the ship will be of either the tranquil Stadthavet Sea or the majestic Geirangerfjord as we make our way to the charming village of Alesund. Take a stroll through the fairy-tale streets of Alesund, a vibrant town known for its colorful art nouveau architecture and its stunning setting at the entrance of the Geirangerfjord. Then its on to Molde for a brief stop at this trading and cultural hub dating back to medieval times. Day 10: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – NorthboundToday, enjoy some time in the historic city of Trondheim. Founded by Viking King Olav in A.D. 997, it was the location of the first capital of Norway and is still the city where new kings receive their ceremonial blessings. Later, continue toward the Land of the Midnight Sun, passing rugged coastlines en route to Rorvik which sits among 6,000 islands. Day 11: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – NorthboundToday you become one of a select few as our cruise ship crosses the Arctic Circle on our way to Bodo. Gaze at the distant rugged peaks and to the infinite skykeep an eye out for white-tailed sea eagles found in this region. Continue sailing, crossing the stunning Vestfjord and past the breathtaking Lofoten Islands before pausing briefly at the villages of Stamsund and Svolvaer. Later, sail on past the majestic Trollfjord. Day 12: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – NorthboundTake in the serenity as we sail past a chain of islands on our way to the small town of Harstad. Stop here for a moment before continuing on to Tromso, capital of the Arctic. Find yourself immersed in beautiful fjords and mountains. Located 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso is home to the world’s northernmost university, botanical garden and cathedral. Day 13: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – NorthboundYour voyage continues along Norways northernmost region, pausing briefly along the way at sleepy villages and busy ports surrounded by breathtaking panoramas. Have some time in the peaceful town of Honningsvag, the capital of North Cape, situated closer to the North Pole than it is to Oslo. Day 14: Norwegian Coastal Voyage – Kirkenes – Disembark Ship – OsloEarly this morning we arrive in Kirkenes, home to the Sami people who have herded reindeer for centuries. Disembark your ship and fly* back to Oslo. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip filled with the breathtaking scenery and cultural treasures of Scandinavia. Day 15: Oslo – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
