9 Days - Lands of the Vikings [Bergen to Reykjavik]
Itinerary
Day Bergen, NorwayDepart 6:00 PM
Beautiful Bergen, Norways second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergens rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europes oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Beautiful Bergen, Norways second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergens rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europes oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Day Olden, NorwayArrive 10:00 AM Depart 6:00PM
A charming village and urban area at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden is a short distance from the Briksdalsbreen glacier, a popular hiking destination. In town, travelers can compare the deep red new Olden Church, built in 1934, to the white old Olden church, built in 1759.
A charming village and urban area at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden is a short distance from the Briksdalsbreen glacier, a popular hiking destination. In town, travelers can compare the deep red new Olden Church, built in 1934, to the white old Olden church, built in 1759.
Day Alesund, NorwayArrive 8:00 AM Depart 7:00PM
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a ""Norwegian town"" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. "
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a ""Norwegian town"" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. "
Day Molde, NorwayArrive 7:00 AM Depart 6:00PM
Molde, town, western Norway. It lies along Molde Fjord, an inlet of the Norwegian Sea. A port since the 15th century, Molde was partially destroyed by fire in 1916, damaged during World War II, then rebuilt completely. During April 1940 it was the temporary home of the Norwegian government. Local industry includes fish export, textile mills, and furniture manufacture. Moldes outstanding gardens have earned it the nickname Town of Roses.
Molde, town, western Norway. It lies along Molde Fjord, an inlet of the Norwegian Sea. A port since the 15th century, Molde was partially destroyed by fire in 1916, damaged during World War II, then rebuilt completely. During April 1940 it was the temporary home of the Norwegian government. Local industry includes fish export, textile mills, and furniture manufacture. Moldes outstanding gardens have earned it the nickname Town of Roses.
Day Geiranger, Norway / Cruising GeirangerfjordArrive 7:00 AM Depart 1:00PM, Arrive 1:30PM
"Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinaviaif not the world. These are among the planets longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the waters surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "
Cruising Geirangerfjord
The coast of Norway is fringed with jagged fjords cut into the shoreline by glaciers eons ago. One of the most spectacular inlets is the mighty Geirangerfjord, a popular cruising destination and, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Norways glaciers retreated they left deep valleys in their wake that filled with seawater, in the case of the Geirangerfjord to a depth of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). Above the surface, the fjords sheer rock walls shoot straight up three times as far. You'll want to wake up early to catch the exhilarating views during the nine-mile cruise up the Geirangerfjord to the tiny village of Geiranger; your ship will likely make this trip in early morning to give you a full day in port. If youve sprung for a balcony cabin, you wont regret it. Otherwise, head for the open decks to soak up the stunning scenery and the crisp, fresh Norwegian air as the ship moves up the calm, glasslike channel.
"Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinaviaif not the world. These are among the planets longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the waters surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "
Cruising Geirangerfjord
The coast of Norway is fringed with jagged fjords cut into the shoreline by glaciers eons ago. One of the most spectacular inlets is the mighty Geirangerfjord, a popular cruising destination and, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Norways glaciers retreated they left deep valleys in their wake that filled with seawater, in the case of the Geirangerfjord to a depth of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). Above the surface, the fjords sheer rock walls shoot straight up three times as far. You'll want to wake up early to catch the exhilarating views during the nine-mile cruise up the Geirangerfjord to the tiny village of Geiranger; your ship will likely make this trip in early morning to give you a full day in port. If youve sprung for a balcony cabin, you wont regret it. Otherwise, head for the open decks to soak up the stunning scenery and the crisp, fresh Norwegian air as the ship moves up the calm, glasslike channel.
Day Lerwick, ScotlandArrive 2:00 AM Depart 9:00PM
The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and its small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore, along with a windswept beauty thats refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins. Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands name.
The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and its small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore, along with a windswept beauty thats refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins. Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands name.
Day Kirkwall, Scotland, United KingdomArrive 2Arrive 7:00 AM Depart 5:00PM:00 AM Depart 9:00PM
"While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scotsa rich community of artists and crofters (small-holding farmers), fisherfolk and those in the trades. A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. More recently, because of its isolation, Orkney was chosen as the place to keep Italian prisoners of war during WWII; a chapel built by them is a popular site to visit."
"While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scotsa rich community of artists and crofters (small-holding farmers), fisherfolk and those in the trades. A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. More recently, because of its isolation, Orkney was chosen as the place to keep Italian prisoners of war during WWII; a chapel built by them is a popular site to visit."
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Reykjavik, IcelandArrive 7:00AM
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.
Laid-back and effortlessly cool, the world's most northerly capital is like nowhere else on earth. With geothermal water pumping through its veins and a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers and rainbow-colored houses, Reykjavík is famous for its natural wonders and dramatic scenery. But what is less well known is that the diminutive Icelandic city has cultural offerings to rival many destinations twice its size. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries during the day, then while away the evening hours in cozy cafés and bars. A thriving food scene showcases traditional Nordic cuisine, as well as modern and international trends, and the citys creative output is in high gear with internationally acclaimed designers, musicians and artists. Self-confident but not cocky, this city is truly one-of-a-kind.