Scandinavian Explorer - 9 nights, September 2013

Celebrate Christmas with a stop at Hamburg’s largest Baroque church, and a visit to the Christmas Market.

Visit St Michael’s Church, the largest north German Baroque church and Hamburg’s main landmark. During a brief public sermon (in German), you’ll have the opportunity to listen to a short organ recital. It is not surprising to find that this church has 3 organs, one of which contains no less than 6,665 pipes, 85 stops and 5 keyboards. The church’s high nave and resonant acoustics afford an ideal environment for the organ.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of elegant and cosmopolitan Hamburg. See the palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades and extravagant shopping malls, plus the famous Reeperbahn in St Pauli. Pass the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange, the Speicherstadt and the Aussen-Alster.

With your guide, you’ll explore Roncalli Christmas Market located at the Town Hall, which provides a grand setting for the city’s most charming market.

Note: This tour involves up to 1 hour of walking. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended. The organ recital is approximately 15 minutes in duration. Guests who wish to remain in Hamburg at the end of the tour will be responsible for their own return to the ship. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common.

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Royal residence of Windsor Castle followed by free time to explore the historic town of Windsor.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.

Note: The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Since the fall of the Wall in 1989, Berlin has visibly flourished and its transition has made it an attractive city full of opposites.

Travel to Berlin by coach, where your local guide will meet you. One of your first stops will be at the remnants of the Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery. Today, approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world cover this memorial for freedom and make it the largest open-air gallery in the world.

Some of the most famous highlights which you’ll see are; Bebel Platz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library, the city’s most original memorial, created to commemorate ostracised authors whose books were burned. Check-Point Charlie, the legendary border crossing; the Potsdamer Platz, formerly a no-man's land between East and West where the first gap in the Berlin Wall was made in 1989. Next you’ll travel to the famous Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Berlin’s history and the Reichstag.

Drive through Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s ‘Champs Elysées’, passing the impressive Schloss Charlottenburg’, and the Gendarmenmarkt. Have your camera ready as you pass the main railway station, Hauptbahnhof, the building has been dubbed an architectural and logistical wonder. Next, it’s time for some retail therapy where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure to browse the numerous shops for souvenirs.

A traditional German luncheon is included and will be served at a local pub-style restaurant.

Note: The coach journey to/from Berlin is approximately 3½ to 4 hours. This tour involves some walking at the photography stops. The time spent in Berlin will be subject to traffic conditions and may cause a variation in time given for exploration in Berlin.

This walking tour unveils many of Oslo’s famous sites, including the Nobel Peace Centre.

Cradled between forest-clad hills with a number of islands spread out in the fjord, Oslo is a vibrant city centred around a harbour and guarded by a castle. This is an eclectic place of traditional timber houses, stately Neoclassical buildings and the latest in modern architecture.

In 1624, the town was completely destroyed by fire and King Christian IV decided to rebuild the city under the walls of the fortress of Akershus. Your walking tour starts here, passing the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the modern landmark of the City Hall.

Take a closer look at the National Theatre and the Royal Palace, before turning down the main street, Karl Johan and passing the University of Oslo and the Ibsen Museum. Visit the Nobel Peace Centre, inaugurated in 2005, whose mission is to keep the spirit of Alfred Nobel’s last will and testament alive.

Note: There is approximately two hours of walking over various terrains and including lots of steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress according to the weather and carry a bottle of water. This tour will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. Wind and rain are not considered extreme. Depending on the ships berth, there may be a short coach journey at the start of the tour.

Enjoy the scenic delights of Beaulieu Estate including the National Motor Museum and Palace House with its beautiful grounds.

Beaulieu is a top visitor attraction located in the heart of the beautiful New Forest. The estate features many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace House and a variety of gardens including a Victorian, kitchen and wilderness garden.

Within the fascinating National Motor Museum you can see some of the earliest examples of motoring from the 1890s through to legendary world-record breakers, such as Campbell’s jet powered Bluebird which broke the world land speed record in 1964.

New for 2012 is BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating 50 years of Bond, with 50 vehicles from the films, this exhibition includes iconic on-screen favourites such as Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Zao’s Jaguar XKR loaded with weapons from Die Another Day and Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace.

Take some time to admire the remains of the picturesque 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic multimedia exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

Historic Palace House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 13th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.

Note: The grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail and Veteran Bus which connect the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu attractions at your own leisure.

Explore the beautiful medieval town of Lübeck and spend some free time visiting the Christmas Market.

Once known as the ‘Queen of the Hanseatic League’, Lübeck is steeped in history and tradition and is, quite simply, beautiful. The old town on its oval island is one of the most impressive, intact examples of medieval Gothic architecture.

Your guide will host you on a walk, to soak up the medieval ambience as you stroll through the Altstadt (old city) with its well known landmark, the Holsten Gate. Pass by St Marien Church and the Gothic Rathaus, one of the oldest in Germany. You’ll continue past the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, as well as the Buddenbrooks House, home of the famous writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, who were both born in Lübeck. Another fascinating attraction is the Fuechtingshof, one of the quaintest of the 82 Wohngaenge (alleyways).

Next, enjoy some free time to explore the Christmas Market around the Town Hall and visit the famous Kaffee Niederegger, the large selection of chocolate coated marzipan will make a great gift for Christmas. Whilst there, why not sample a slice of their popular marzipan gateau, truly delicious.

Note: Journey time to Lübeck is approximately, 1¼ hours each way. There is approximately two hours of walking included on this tour with some steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common.

Visit Berlin’s top ten city sights and spend some free time shopping at one of its Christmas Markets.

Travel to Berlin by coach, where your local guide will meet you. One of your first stops will be at the remnants of the Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery. Today, approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world cover this memorial for freedom and make it the largest open-air gallery in the world.

Some of the most famous highlights that you’ll see are; Bebel Platz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library, the city’s most original memorial, created to commemorate ostracized authors whose books were burned. Check-Point Charlie, the legendary border crossing; the Potsdamer Platz, formerly a no man's land between East and West where the first gap in the Berlin Wall was made in 1989. Next you’ll travel to the famous Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Berlin’s history and the Reichstag.

Drive through Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s ‘Champs Elysées’, passing the impressive Schloss Charlottenburg’, and the Gendarmenmarkt. Have your camera at the ready as you pass the main railway station, Hauptbahnhof, the building has been dubbed an architectural and logistical wonder. Next, it’s time for some retail therapy where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure to browse the colourful stalls at one of Berlin’s Christmas Markets.

A traditional German luncheon is included and will be served at a local pub-style restaurant.

Note: The coach journey to/from Berlin is approximately 3½-4 hours. This tour involves some walking at the photo stops. Guests will have approximately 45 minutes free time at the market. The time spent in Berlin will be subject to traffic conditions and may cause a variation in time given for exploration in Berlin.

Enjoy a drive around the city’s highlights before visiting the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park and Viking Ship Museum.

Departing from the base of the Akershus Castle and Fortress, your guide will provide an interesting commentary as you pass the modern landmarks of the City Hall, Parliament, National Theatre, the Royal Residence and up to the Holmenkollen Hills, for excellent views over parts of the city and the Oslofjord.

A stop will be made at the Vigeland Sculpture Park, for an interesting guided walk around the fascinating ‘wonder-world’ of human figures in stone, iron and bronze. The artist, Gustav Vigeland, never explained these works, leaving the interpretation to each beholder.

Leaving the Park, you will head towards the peninsula of Bygdøy, for a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. Here you will see the incredible craftsmanship of Viking ships. The ‘Gokstad’ is a classic Viking ship, while the ‘Oseberg’, which was dug out in 1904, is richly adorned and was probably used as a pleasure boat. The Museum holds a collection of sleds, implements and gold and silver jewellery found with the ships.

Afterwards, travel past the pleasure boat harbour and glimpse the charming, little castle ‘Oscarshall’, built in the 19th century by the Swedish-Norwegian King, Oscar I.

Note: The Viking Ship Museum is a popular attraction and can get crowded. There is approximately one hour of walking including several steps in Vigeland Park. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The journey may involve two tunnels. The itinerary order may operate in reverse.

Combine a visit to Europe’s most intriguing prehistoric monument, with the enchanting medieval city of Salisbury.

Stonehenge is Britain’s most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument. It is as old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt and remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. This mighty symbol is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty and mystery.

The stone circle of shaped stones, lintels, unique jointing and absolutely perfect geometry make it the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The stones are fenced off for their preservation and protection, however your guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence.

After a short drive from Stonehenge, you’ll arrive at the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury, with its historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional eating houses and medieval Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture which also boasts the tallest spire in Britain, Europe’s oldest working clock and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure.

Note: The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. There will be approximately 2½ hours of free time in Salisbury. Luncheon and the Cathedral entrance fee are not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

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).

Sit back and enjoy the scenery and beautiful islands of the Oslofjord, whilst savouring the fresh flavour of local shrimps.

Oslo, with its superb location, offers unique opportunities on and around its fjord which stretches almost into the city centre. Discover the Oslofjord scenery on a traditional wooden boat, fully restored to its former glory. You’ll sail past numerous islands, including Hovedøya and the Dyna Lighthouse, through narrow inlets and into sheltered bays so that you can capture the capital on camera from different angles.

The boat passes close to the peninsula of Bygdøy, housing many interesting museums as well as beaches such as Huk Bay. See the Maritime Museum with its veteran sailing ships moored outside, and the impressive Fram Museum, housing the polar ship of the same name.

As you sail past the interesting sights enjoy a refreshing drink whilst you savour the taste of a delicious Norwegian fresh shrimp buffet.

Note: Please be advised that there will be a short walk of 300 yards to join the boat. The boat has a short steep gangway and steep steps to reach the onboard toilets, however there is a handrail. A jacket, hat and comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. There is no shade on the top deck so extra care needs to be taken of exposed skin in sunny or windy conditions.

An opportunity to rediscover Copenhagen if you’ve been before, and the ideal option for those who prefer to explore independently.

Enjoy the sights en route to Elsinore as you drive along the Danish Riviera passing by out of town residences and the former royal hunting grounds.

Arriving in Copenhagen you will be dropped off at ‘Kings Square’ in central Copenhagen. From here, it is just a short walk to many sights, restaurants and shops, like Stroeget, Nyhavn, Royal Palace and more.

This is the perfect opportunity to tailor your day to suit your needs and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

At a time specified by your escort, you will meet up and walk back to the coach park for the return drive to Elsinore.

Note: This tour is non-guided. Practical information about departure time and meeting point will be advised before you leave the coach. Please pay close attention as the coach may not be held for latecomers. Transfer time from Elsinore to Copenhagen is around 70 minutes.

Discover the spirit of Norwegian explorers through the ages, at three of Norway’s most fascinating museums.

As you travel to Bygdøy, you will pass some of Oslo’s main landmarks including the City Hall, National Theatre and Royal Residence. Bygdøy, once the King's private property, is now partly laid out as a museum area, you’ll stop here for a guided visit to three interesting museums; Viking Ship, Kon-Tiki and Fram.

The Viking Ship Museum contains well preserved Viking ships, which are an excellent example of the Viking period's daring initiative and ship building craftsmanship. The museum also houses a collection of household implements found during the excavations of the ships and a Viking Age display which includes sledges, beds, a horse cart, wood carvings, buckets and other artifacts.

The Kon-Tiki Museum houses original boats and exhibits from Thor Heyerdahl’s world famous expeditions to Ra, Tigris, Fatu-Hiva, Kon-Tiki, and Easter Island. It also has a 100 foot cave tour, cinema and an underwater exhibition containing a life-size 33 foot whale shark.

The Fram Museum shows the history of the polar explorers, including Nansen's journey across the Polar ocean, Sverdrup's expedition to Greenland and Amundsens journey to the South Pole. There are exhibits displaying animals from the Polar region and the world’s most famous polar ship, the Fram, built in 1892. The Fram is in its original condition with its interior and objects perfectly preserved.

Note: The Fram ship is not wheelchair accessible. There are souvenir shops at the museums.

This trip presents an ideal insight into Hamburg, the ‘Free and Hanseatic City’ and Germany’s second largest city after Berlin.

Hamburg is one of Europe’s biggest ports. Elegant and cosmopolitan it is a city of palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades, international musicals and extravagant shopping malls as well as the famous Reeperbahn. Hamburg is also Germany’s greenest city with many spacious lawns and lovely parks.

Enjoy a panoramic tour showing you the highlights of this bustling city, such as the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange; the Speicherstadt; as well as the Jungfernstieg, one of the elegant and luxury shopping areas. Travel around the Aussen-Alster, which is one of the top addresses in Hamburg.

Continue your journey along the world famous Reeperbahn, where at the beginning of the 17th century, the Reepers made rigs. Nowadays this street, together with the Grosse Freiheit and Herbert Strasse, are referred to as ‘the mile of sin’.

Visit St Michael’s Church, also known as the ‘Michel’ by the locals. This is the largest north German Baroque church and Hamburg’s main landmark. St Michael’s has four organs, one of which is said to be the largest in the world inside a church. During your visit, you will be treated to a wonderful organ recital to appreciate the excellent acoustics of the church.

Before returning to the ship you will take a leisurely stroll through the Kramer Amts Stuben, which was an earlier form of widow housing.

Note: This tour is mainly panoramic, with only an estimated 30 minutes of walking, including a few steps at the Church.

This tour introduces you to many of Berlin’s highlights, leaving with the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure.

Upon arrival in Berlin, have you camera to hand, as your guide takes you on a panoramic drive around the city’s highlights. En route, you’ll pass by the Bebel Platz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library, the city’s most original memorial, created to commemorate ostracised authors whose books were burned.

Some of the most famous highlights which you’ll see are the remnants of the Berlin Wall; Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; the Brandenburger Gate and the Reichstag. There will be a brief photography stop at the legendary border crossing of the former Check-Point Charlie.

During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Berlin independently from Potsdamer Platz. Have a spot of lunch, do some shopping or perhaps visit one of the many top attractions.

Note: The coach journey to/from Berlin is approximately 3½ to 4 hours. Free time is generally around 2 to 3 hours, but this may vary depending on local conditions. The advertised drop off point may vary, please pay careful attention to the pick-up point and time. Guests will be provided with a map for independent exploration.