The Fjords and Waterfalls - 7 nights, July 2013

Visit Geiranger’s interesting Fjord Centre and savour views of majestic mountains reflected in the mirror-still waters of a most beautiful fjord.

Set at the top of a series of 11 hairpin bends, the Eagle’s Bend Viewpoint is a spot where you can enjoy magnificent views of farms stubbornly clinging to narrow shelves, high above the fjord.

The fascinating, interactive Geiranger Fjord Centre provides an insight into life around the Geirangerfjord. Your senses will be awakened by the numerous sounds and images used throughout. Experience a simulated avalanche and see the forces of nature at their wildest. During the screen feature, the magnificent scenery of this stunning area of Norway will be presented. You’ll hear about the challenges and dangers the farming people face in their daily lives and learn how the little fjord boats are the very lifeblood of this area. An exhibition with tableaux and interactive effects demonstrates the unique building of the Geiranger Road.

At the Flydal Gorge Viewpoint, you will have the opportunity to photograph your ship down in the fjord and the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

Note: There is a total of 30 minutes of walking. You will have the option to explore the Fjord Centre, either in the company of a guide, or independently. Some walking is essential and there are also several steep steps leading to the slide show. This tour may operate in reverse order. This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from a fear of heights or vertigo.

The quintessential fjord. Dazzling green water snakes its way to the village of Geiranger, below mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Head towards the villages of Loen and then through Stryn, following the river up to the beautiful Stryn Lake with its turquoise-coloured water originating from the glaciers covering the mountains nearby. Climb via hairpin bends to Videseter, from where you will experience the Stryn Road, which passes through three long tunnels and the spectacular Djupvatn Lake.

Then, take the three mile toll road leading to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba. Reaching 4,500 feet above sea level you should have a fabulous view (weather dependent) down towards the valley of Geiranger, the fjord and the majestic mountains. A photograph stop will be made at Flydal Gorge, before stopping off for a Norwegian buffet luncheon. One of the tour’s highlights is a hour long ferry ride on the Geirangerfjord, passing several spectacular waterfalls, including The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil.

From the village of Hellesylt, you drive to the Hornindal Lake, the deepest lake in northern Europe. Travel alongside the lake, across wooded hills, to Nordfjord, for a short photograph stop before returning to Olden.

A stop will be made en route for refreshments of coffee and tea.

Note: There are steps and a flight of stairs to negotiate on board the ferry. This tour involves tunnels and is not recommended for guests who suffer from vertigo.

Leave behind the bustling city of Stavanger and become acquainted with the charming and peaceful countryside.

Following the Dirdal River and valley, you will reach Byrkjedalstunet. The re-constructed cheese factory in Byrkjedalstunet dates back to 1920 and now houses a restaurant and a candle-maker’s workshop. Enjoy a tea or coffee and some traditional 'lapper' (thick pancakes) with jam and sour cream. Take some time to visit the colourful candle workshop, to see the wide variety of candles produced here, before browsing the gift shop with its array of Norwegian handicrafts, woollens, souvenirs and candles.

Venture onwards to see the Gloppedalsuren Boulder Field, Norway's largest field of boulders, with some as big as houses.

Continue via the flat, fertile farming area of Jæren and the beaches at Sola before some city sightseeing in Stavanger.

Note: There is approximately 15 minutes’ total walking involved on this tour, most of which is optional. This tour involves several tunnels.

Admire the colours of the Briksdal Glacier as you paddle on the Briksdal Lake – a truly unique glacier experience.

Drive along the shore of the small Floen Lake, along the long and narrow Olden Lake, one of Norway’s most beautiful lakes, to Rustøen where colourful farms cover the wide fertile upper valley. On both sides, numerous waterfalls descend from the ice field, and in front lies the white tongue of the Melkevoll Glacier. The road ascends through woodlands to the Briksdal Inn, where you will disembark and start the 1½ mile walk to Briksdal Glacier Lake (approximately 45 minutes).

On arrival, you will be given a safety briefing, life vest, rubber boots, oars and a helmet. Once you have been kitted up, you will board your raft for a 45 minute adventure, paddling between the ice floating on the glacier lake with the dramatic Briksdal Glacier, with its blue and white coloured ice as a beautiful backdrop.

Note: Guests do not require rafting experience, however they must be good swimmers. Please take a change of clothing and footwear with you, in case you get wet. For safety reasons, the rafts are not allowed closer than 240 feet to the Glacier. It is advisable to leave any valuables on the ship. This tour is not suitable for those guests who are pregnant, have back or neck injuries, or are under 15 years old. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. This tour involves a few tunnels.

Admire the lovely fjord landscape as you delight your taste buds with fresh seafood prepared by one of the finest chefs in Bergen.

A short transfer through the city centre of Bergen will bring you to the small harbour where you will board a comfortable modern boat for your Byfjord cruise of the Bergen archipelago and the peninsula of Nordnes. Your guide for the tour will be the local ‘sea cowboy’, Alf Roald Sætre also known as ‘Oyster Dundee’ – Alf is a very colourful character and will bring his hometown to life with his flamboyant tales.

On arrival at the small private island of Holmen you will be welcomed with a glass of wine and an appetiser before beginning your ‘seafood safari’ where you will be shown an array of fresh lobster, crab, scallops, langoustines and other shellfish. You will be given seafood demonstrations, watch the daily catch being processed and taste smoked salmon straight from the oven before adjourning to the unique and renowned Cornelius Seafood Restaurant where you will be greeted by a freshly caught sumptuous seafood buffet. Savour your delicious luncheon whilst you admire the picturesque views of the fjord and surrounding landscape.

You will have exclusive access to the restaurant and its surroundings for the duration of the tour making it a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Note: The island is only accessible by boat. The boat ride is approximately 25 minutes each way. There are 12 steps to access the toilet.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the scenic fjord followed by a guided walking tour of the picturesque Hanseatic Quarter.

Step aboard your boat for a scenic cruise, lasting approximately 1½ hours, along the beautiful fjords. Beginning on the Byford, you’ll travel between the surrounding archipelago of the Bjorøyna, Lerøyna and Tyssøyna islands, under the Askøybridge and along the Lysefjord. After relaxing and soaking up the scenery on board, a coach awaits to take you on a drive through the suburbs and city centre to Bryggen.

Bryggen is a living illustration of the city’s history, with 61 protected Hanseatic buildings. Enjoy a guided walk through the alleyways and colourful, picturesque warehouses lining the street and waterfront. These once housed German merchants belonging to the Hanseatic League who settled in Bergen around 1350.

As you stroll through the narrow passages and along the dark covered balconies, you’ll be transported back through the centuries. Bryggen is not a museum, it is living cultural heritage. Today these buildings, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, house shops, restaurants, cafés and artists’ workshops.

Note: The guided walk is approximately 30 minutes over level cobbled terrain. There are a few steps and a steep gradient to board the boat.

Towering, steep mountainsides and numerous waterfalls combine to make your journey both unique and memorable.

The Flydal Gorge is a perfect place to admire the superb view of the fjord, with your ship looking like a toy boat in the distance. Continue up to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba, nearly 4,920 feet above sea level, for ideal photograph opportunities.

A drive along the shores of ‘the deep lake’ leads to Tystigen Summerski Centre. Soon after, you will reach Videseter, where a poached salmon luncheon awaits. There will be time to take a short walk to the impressive Buldrefossen Waterfall close by.

Ride along the hairpin bends of the Stryne Road down to the beautiful, turquoise-coloured Stryn Lake. The route follows the shores of the fjord before crossing a woodclad hill to Hornindal Lake, Europe’s deepest freshwater lake, and through a mountain valley to the village of Hellesylt.

The final part of your trip is by ferry along the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Listed Geirangerfjord, giving you the opportunity to admire the towering mountains, waterfalls and abandoned mountain farms.

Note: Most of the sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of the coach, however there is an optional walk over uneven ground at Mount Dalsnibba and a steep slope leading to Buldrefoss Waterfall. Please be advised that the tour involves a long tunnel and will operate irrespective of weather conditions. On rare occasions, due to local conditions, it may be necessary to use an alternative route. This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from a fear of heights or vertigo. The itinerary order may vary.

An opportunity to come face to face with the crowning glory of this scenic landscape –the beautiful Briksdal Glacier.

Travel by coach through the beautiful Olden Valley with its majestic mountains, glacier tongues, waterfalls and the green Olden Lake. On arrival at the Briksdal Inn, you will board your troll cars which will take you part of the way to the Briksdal Glacier.

Briksdal Glacier, located in Jostedalsbreen National Park, is part of the Jostedal Glacier Icefield, which is the largest Glacier on the European mainland. This massive Glacier flows 4,000 feet down the mountainside into the Briksdal Valley. The troll cars will drop you off at the entrance to the National Park. It is not possible to see the Glacier from this point, however, there is a good view of it on the way up and a walk of approximately 550 yards will provide a closer look. There will be time to admire the Glacier and photograph its many shades of blue and turquoise before walking back to the troll cars for the return journey to the Briksdal Inn where refreshments of coffee, tea and cakes will be served. There will be time to browse the souvenir shop before boarding the coach back to Olden.

Note: The walk to the Glacier from the troll cars will take approximately 15 minutes over some steep, uneven terrain. Please wear comfortable, enclosed walking shoes and carry a bottle of water and a warm jacket. Please heed the warning signs erected near the Glacier and do not venture beyond the safety barriers. The Glacier is not visible from the refreshment venue. This tour involves tunnels.

Enjoy a leisurely drive through stunning scenery before stopping in the quaint village of Nordfjordeid.

Your scenic extravaganza begins in the charming village of Olden right at the head of the Nordfjord, which penetrates some 60 miles deep into the country. The route passes alongside the northern banks of the fjord through the picturesque settlements of Blakset, Fjelli and Hopland.

The road is narrow and winding and the terrain very steep. There will be a stop at the Nos Viewpoint for a spectacular vista of the Nordfjord and the surrounding area. Nos is located at the edge of a 1,640 foot vertical drop to the fjord, so it is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

There will be a further photograph stop at Kvalen, before you descend to the Nordfjord and Nordfjordeid village. Explore the village at your own leisure and absorb the holiday atmosphere as the locals, dressed in their colourful and decorative National costumes, celebrate Norwegian National Day.

The return route to Olden takes you via the crystal clear Hornindalsvatnet Lake – northern Europe’s deepest lake.

Note: This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from vertigo. This tour includes several tunnels. There will be around 45 minutes spent in Nordfjordeid. The cafés and shops will be open in the village but may be crowded due to the National Holiday celebrations.

Discover Southampton’s historic buildings and its links with the legendary Titanic on this fascinating walking tour.

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.

Note: There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This tour only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Enjoy a blossoming garden of exotic plants on the island of Sør Hidle, described as the World’s northernmost palm tree island.

Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the Gandsfjord, which is dotted with several picturesque islands. On arrival at the lovely harbour on the private island of Sør Hidle, there is a short walk to the Flor and Fjære Garden which is set in a protected harbour making it a place of peaceful tranquillity, colourful flowers and great sea views.

You will be given a guided walk of the gardens with one of the knowledgeable garden guides before having free time to explore the exotic gardens at your own leisure. See the world’s most northerly plantation of tropical palm trees, bamboo and banana trees; smell the fruit trees and bountiful flowers all set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and deep fjords.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours spent at the Gardens. There are gravel pathways and some inclines in the Garden. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended. Please note that in May the garden is newly planted.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a vintage railway as a steam train carries you along in its restored teak carriages.

The Old Voss Line is the only preserved railway in Norway where the steam locomotives and teak carriages still run on a main line track. It was originally constructed in 1883 as a narrow gauge line, which formed part of the Bergen to Voss railway. In 1904 the line was upgraded to extend to Oslo and then electrified in 1954. It continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo main line until it closed in 1964 when the Ulriken Tunnel opened.

The railway is now run by volunteers of the local branch of the Norwegian Railway Society. The service operates with a 1913 steam locomotive, which was restored by the society between 1981 and 1993.

Enjoy a nostalgic 45 minute ride on this lovely heritage railway which travels between Garnes and Midttun. The 11 mile journey passes through the Arna Valley towards Haukeland, where the scenery undertakes a change toward a more typical western Norwegian nature.

There will be time at Garnes Old Railway Station to browse the gift shop or explore the museum and railway area.

Note: The journey to the train station is approximately 50 minutes by coach. The walk from the coach to the station is approximately 220 yards and there are three high steps to embark the train. There is no place to store wheelchairs on the train. Guests are reminded that the train is vintage therefore the toilets will be basic and the windows may experience condensation in certain weather. The coach and train journey involves numerous tunnels.

Absorb the tranquil atmosphere of Exbury Gardens as you wander around the stunning gardens which are bursting with beautiful colours.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.

Note: There is up to three hours of leisurely walking, which is at guests’ discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

Discover the unique scenery of this part of Norway on a trip around the magnificent mountains surrounding Geirangerfjord.

A perfect spot to capture the extraordinary mountainous scenery, in one of the most beautiful fjords of Norway, is the Flydal Gorge Viewpoint.

Situated at 3,378 feet above sea level, the Djupvatn Lake is normally covered by ice and snow until the end of June, when it then transforms into beautiful clear blue waters. Your coach will drive along the Stryne Road before arriving at the Hjelle Valley on the other side of the mountain.

Close to Videseter is a spectacular waterfall, the Buldrefoss. Enjoy a short stroll and the opportunity to take a closer look.

A poached salmon luncheon, which includes a choice of low alcohol beer, a soft drink, tea or coffee, is included.

A brief stop will be made at the Tystigen Summerski Centre for you to admire the mountain scenery.

The summit of Mount Dalsnibba sits at almost 4,920 feet above sea level. Here, photographers will delight in the superb view to all sides, and on a clear day you can see the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Geirangerfjord deep below.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, with some uneven ground at Dalsnibba and a steep slope leading to the Buldrefoss Waterfall. This tour involves tunnels and is not suitable for those who suffer from a fear of heights or vertigo. Please be advised that this tour will operate irrespective of weather conditions and an alternative route may be taken.

Enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views as you take a hike in the mountains.

Discover and delight in the mountain world that surrounds Olden. From the village centre, your hiking adventure sets off along the forest path onto a fairly even, hard mud road with a steady incline up to the Huaren Viewpoint. Huaren, a peak situated 980 foot above sea level, provides a stunning panoramic view over the inner part of the Nordfjord, lakes and villages of Loen and Olden.

Note: Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. Guests participating on this tour should be in good physical condition and wear solid, waterproof hiking footwear. Please dress according to the weather. We recommend you bring a light backpack with a bottle of water, a light snack and sun protection.