Scandinavian Explorer - 9 nights, September 2013

Discover Hamburg’s Jewish heritage and visit a former Concentration Camp, commemorating the lives of those who died in the Holocaust.

Your morning starts with a panoramic tour of Hamburg, where for more than 400 years the Jewish community have influenced the city’s development. En route you will pass by some of the main highlights including City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange, and the old warehouse quarter, which was built in Gothic redbrick architecture and houses fine spices, coffee and tea from all over the world. You will also pass through the elegant shopping area of Jungfernstieg.

During your panoramic tour, you will pass by the Jewish Cemetery that dates back to the early 1600’s, as well as the site where the new synagogue stood, until its destruction during World War II. The site is now Hamburg’s Holocaust Memorial, where a voluntary group works towards ‘a world without hate’.

Situated outside Hamburg is the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial. The historical site commemorates over 100,000 people who were imprisoned in the largest concentration camp in north west Germany during World War II. Free time will be given at the main exhibition entitled ‘Traces of History: Neuengamme Concentration Camp 1938–1945 and its Post-war History’, which focuses on the history of Neuengamme Concentration Camp and its satellite camps. Before departing a short drive will be made at the Memorial.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours of walking included over flat paved ground. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse. Please be advised that the Museum exhibits sensitive material including some graphic images and displays on the atrocities of war.

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).

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.

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.

Visit the medieval town of Lüneburg, situated on the River Ilmenau, a secret treasure south of Hamburg.

Sit back and relax as you drive south to the ‘hidden treasure’ of Lüneburg city.

Lüneburg is historically connected with salt – the ‘white gold’ of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an important member of the ‘Hanseatic League’. To appreciate the beauty of this medieval city, your guide will host you on a stroll through the ‘Old Town’. As you wander through the small cobbled alleyways, you’ll discover many medieval houses as well as the historic Rathaus Town Hall.

Enjoy some free time to explore the local Christmas Market, where the booths are decorated on the Brothers Grimm fairytale themes transform Lüneburg's pedestrian streets into a magical fairytale world. Stroll through this winter wonderland, which many Germans have not yet discovered.

Enjoy a hot Glühwein and some traditional Christmas snacks whilst being surrounded by festive merriment.

Note: Journey time to Lüneburg is estimated at 45 minutes each way. There is approximately two hours’ walking included on this tour with steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common.

Take a leisurely walk around the highlights of Oslo followed by a drink in a unique bar made totally from ice.

As you stroll past historical buildings, cosy cafés and art galleries, your knowledgeable guide will provide an interesting commentary of the history of Oslo.

On arrival at ‘Stortorget’, the big market square, you’ll see the dramatic Oslo Cathedral and the statue of King Christian IV, pointing to where the town should be rebuilt. Heading along Karl Johans Gate, you will pass the Parliament of Norway and the original University of Oslo buildings from 1811, before reaching the Royal Palace. Finally, you will stroll towards the City Hall with its two impressive towers and a building adorned with statues and artwork of various kind.

The highlight is a visit to ‘Icebar Oslo’, where you will be provided with warm clothing before entering the -5°C bar. Everything including the walls, bar counter, furniture and artwork is made from 60 tons of solid ice sourced from the Torne River in Lapland. Enjoy a drink served in an ice glass while you view the ice art in this unique surrounding, before taking a leisurely walk back to the port.

Note: There is approximately two hours of walking over mostly flat ground with some uneven terrain and several 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.

Discover the mystery surrounding Stonehenge, Europe’s most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument.

Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the
whole of Britain. It stands as a timeless tribute to the people who built it and is now a richly deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural and historical stone circle was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC (earlier than the Egyptian pyramids) by no less than three different cultures. Its extraordinary features include its orientation on the rising and setting sun, incredible geometry, unique jointing and the fact that some stones were dragged over 100 miles to the site.

As your guide accompanies you around the encircling pathway an insight will be given into the huge significance of Stonehenge. This stone circle also provides many photographic opportunities and with so many theories about its usage and uniqueness, Stonehenge is one of today’s wonders of the world and an absolute must to visit. There will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs in the gift shop before leaving the site.

Note: The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. Audio guides are available at the entrance if you wish to explore Stonehenge independently. The site is wheelchair accessible and the terrain is mainly grass and tarmac pathways with one short but steep incline. The area immediately around the stones is cordoned off to protect them. There is a refreshment area on site for those guests who do not wish to walk around the stones. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

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.

Visit Queen Victoria’s much loved home on the Isle of Wight, for an insight into the life she shared with Prince Albert.

Osborne House was the treasured summer home of Queen Victoria and her family; a secluded seaside retreat away from public life and the formalities of London.

Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for the short drive to the impressive estate of Osborne House. Enjoy a tour of the main house and admire the beauty of the opulent interior with its architectural design and decoration. You will gain an insight into the private life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as you wander around the Royal bedrooms and see the many family photographs which adorn the desks and walls.

One of the most impressive rooms in the house is the richly decorated Durbar Room, with its intricate ceiling inspired by medieval temple structures, which celebrates Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India. The room itself contains art, furniture and many trinkets sent as gifts to Queen Victoria from India.

To the rear of the house are the beautiful Italian-style terraces and at the bottom of the estate stands the wooden chalet style, Swiss Cottage, which belonged to the children. The children each had a vegetable garden where they planted and grew produce which they sold to the main house, providing them with a valuable lesson in gardening and commerce.

Note: The main house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, however the nursery and Swiss Cottage are not. Photography is not permitted inside Osborne House. To derive full enjoyment of the estate will involve two hours of walking. Luncheon is not included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Visit two of North Zealand’s most glorious castles. Frederiksborg home to the Crown Prince and Kronborg Castle.

The magnificent Frederiksborg Castle is considered by many to be the most beautiful castle in Denmark. The castle was built as the Hunting Manor House by King Christian IV and completed in 1609.

At Frederiksborg Castle you will be guided through several of the interior rooms of the King´s Wing including the Knight’s Hall with its intricate wood carvings along the ceiling, as well as the church where Danish monarchs were crowned from 1671 to 1840. This imposing Castle is situated on three islands in the middle of a lake. From the main courtyard the spectacular Neptune Fountain and numerous 17th century copper spires create a wonderful fairytale ambience.

Leaving the Castle, drive though the picturesque forest past Fredensborg Palace which is the Queen’s Summer residence. The Palace is attractively located in the middle of a lovely park surrounded by the idyllic Esrum Lake. Here you will have time to stretch your legs, and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince family who reside in one of the wings.

Before returning to the ship, you will view Kronborg Castle – also known as Hamlet’s castle.

Note: There will be approximately 1¾ hours walking during this tour and 100 steps to negotiate at the Castle. The order of this tour may vary. The drive to Frederiksborg is around 40 minutes.

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).

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.

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).

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.

Take in the sights from the comfort of your coach and allow wonderful Copenhagen to unfold before you.

Sit back and relax during a scenic drive along the Danish Riviera to Copenhagen. The area along the Oresund is the exclusive residential area for many Copenhageners. During the drive, you will pass the deer park and Hermitage, once the royal hunting grounds and castle.

Copenhagen has a rich history dating back to 1417, and although there have been many modern developments over the years, they far from spoil the atmosphere and old-world charm of this wonderful city.

This tour is an ideal introduction to the city, as you will pass by the main highlights within Copenhagen including the Town Hall Square, Tivoli Gardens, New Carlsberg Glyptotek, the National Museum, Christiansborg Castle (home of the Danish parliament), the old Stock Exchange Børsen and the beautiful park, Amaliehaven at the seafront.

During the tour, photographic stops will be made at the Little Mermaid, as well as Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Royal Family.

Note: Your return drive to Elsinore will be un-guided and the order of highlights may vary. There is very little walking involved and some limited time is given for souvenir shopping at Amalienborg. The transfer time from Elsinore to Copenhagen is around 70 minutes.