Northern Discovery - 8 nights, November 2013

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

Your leisurely drive will take you past the 13th century Akershus Fortress, which is part museum and part military area, before turning towards the City Hall. The City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900 year jubilee, hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony every year and is one of Oslo's most famous buildings after its expressionist architecture won it the 'Structure of the Century' title in 2005. You will pass the eclectic Parliament of Norway building before proceeding down Karl Johan Street, named after the 19th century Swedish-Norwegian king, towards the prestigious University of Oslo, which was established in 1811.

View the impressive Royal Palace, built in 1849, which is the residence of the Royal Family. Carry on past the granite and wrought iron gates of the Vigeland Sculpture Park and begin the climb up Holmenkollen Hill. Perched high above Oslo, Holmenkollen is the cradle of ski jumping and the site of the 1952 Olympic ski jumping competition. On clear days, there are impressive views to parts of the town and the Oslofjord with its many islands.

Returning towards the town centre, drive down the busy 'Bogstad-veien' with its many shops, and continue along the Royal Park passing the House of Artists, and down to 'Stortorget' - the big market square, where you also find the Dutch baroque architecture of Oslo Cathedral, built in 1697, before returning to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Hamburg including many of the city sights before transferring to Lüneburg.

Lüneburg city is rich in tradition and 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 fully appreciate the beauty, take a tour of the Old Town on foot. The many important historical buildings testify to the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays an important role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies.

During your walk through the city and small cobbled alleyways, you will see buildings such as the historical town hall Rathaus, which was built around 1240.

Enjoy some free time, exploring the medieval, quaint town centre with its numerous shops.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Luneburg is estimated at 45 - 60 minutes each way. The orientation drive will be around 45 minutes. There is approximately two hours of 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. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain's only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of Bath, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be approximately three hours’ free time to explore this historic city at your own leisure. Watch the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre, wander around the fabulous shops or simply sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Any walking is at guests’ own discretion. Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

Embark on a drive through the breathtaking scenery of the New Forest to Beaulieu, one of England’s top visitor attractions. On the journey, you will pass by a quaint village and glimpse some of the wild ponies and livestock which the New Forest is famous for.

Beaulieu has many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace Manor 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. The museum has a 1930s street scene which shows the shops, vehicles and tradesmen of the period which will bring back memories of a bygone era.

During 2013 you'll be able to witness the fascinating BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which houses 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.

Admire the remains of the lovely 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

The grand Palace Manor House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 14th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail which connects the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu Estate at your own leisure.

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.


This excursion will operate on foot. 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.

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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

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.


This excursion will operate on foot. 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.

Explore the small picturesque town of Drøbak, with its narrow streets and beautifully restored 18th century wooden houses. Local law protects Drøbak, due to its significant cultural value, therefore much of the city centre looks like it did 100 years ago.

Feel the festive cheer of this decorated town as you visit the Christmas House and Drøbak Post Office. The Christmas House has a range of Christmas articles such as candles, tablecloths, angels, dolls, decorations etc. The Post Office is said to be Santa’s personal post office, and as a result they receive thousands of Christmas letters from all over the world.

Drøbak also contains art galleries, small shops, a saltwater aquarium, museums and a quaint market square to occupy your time. If you want a more leisurely afternoon then you can sit back and absorb the local atmosphere over a coffee and waffle in one of the restaurants or enjoy the lovely views over the Oslofjord.

Before you leave don’t forget to post your Christmas cards so they can be stamped with Drøbak’s official Christmas postmark. Enjoy a short orientation of Oslo before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey involves several tunnels. There are some steep slopes and uneven surfaces to reach the residential area. Walking is at guests’ own discretion. Guests are advised that the small shops are popular in December so queues may be experienced. There is approximately 1½ hours’ free time in Drøbak. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. This excursion is extremely popular so book early to avoid disappointment.

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 will 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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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).

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.

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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion operates on foot. 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 excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

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. Time permitting, 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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

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 Krameramtsstuben, which was an earlier form of widow housing.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is mainly panoramic, with only an estimated 30 minutes of walking, including a few steps at the Church.

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.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of 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).