Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Explorer - 14 nights, July 2013

Enjoy an adventure on board a Rigid Inflatable Boat, through the spectacular Aurlandsfjord to Beitelen and back. In the secure RIB, you will have the best opportunity to experience nature and wildlife at close range.

The Aurlandsfjord and the Naeroyfjord are both branches of the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in the world, and the whole area has extreme, dramatic and beautiful fjord scenery. So, as well as the exciting RIB ride, along the way there will be plenty of stops for you to admire the extraordinary natural and cultural history of the area.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by rigid inflammable boat. Guests with back or neck injuries, or those who are pregnant, should not participate in this tour. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted to participate. There is no shelter on board the RIB. Compulsory survival suits are provided and flat shoes, preferably with rubber soles, are recommended. Some of the ride can be bumpy, fast and up to 30 knots. In case of poor weather conditions this tour may be cancelled.

The Geirangerfjord is without doubt one of the most beautiful of the Norwegian fjords. Impressive mountains, numerous waterfalls as well as farms clinging to the steep hillsides give the fjord its unique character. Drive uphill past the tiny octagonal Geiranger Church, and the large Hotel Union, situated 300 feet up the hill-side, to the camping site where you will begin your hike.

Follow the zigzag path up the mountainside through former summer pastures. Reach the spectacular Storsæter Waterfall, which falls nearly 100 feet in a wide curve away from the mountainside, which allows you to stand underneath the falls.

Head downhill towards Westerås Farm, perched on a ledge above Geiranger. This farm was abandoned years back because of the danger of avalanches in winter and early spring, but it is in full activity during the summer months. Enjoy refreshments of tea or coffee and local waffles before returning by coach to Geiranger.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate on foot. The hike to the falls takes approximately one hour, and is at times steep and strenuous. It is mandatory to wear enclosed footwear suitable for hiking over rough, uneven and wet ground. Please carry bottled water to prevent dehydration.

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 Jaeren and the beaches at Sola before some city sightseeing in Stavanger.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is approximately 15 minutes' total walking involved on this tour, most of which is optional. The lighting at the refreshment venue is quite dim to add to the atmosphere, therefore care should be taken. This tour involves several tunnels.

Your walking tour begins at the quayside, from where you will walk towards the city centre. Crossing Market Square with its colourful stalls, the statue of the Viking King who founded the city looks down on you from a great height. Heading up Munk Street, you will see the old, narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings, as you make your way towards Nidaros Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace, also dating back to the Middle Ages (entrance not included).

You will then stroll through the park leading to the River Nid and cross over the Elgeseter Bridge. The walk continues through the old part of the city called Bakklandet, where you are able to admire the many picturesque, wooden houses painted in vivid colours. Reaching the old drawbridge, painted in bright red, you head down the street following the River Nid.

From Bakklandet, the route goes through the newly-restored area of Solsiden (the sunny side) before crossing the Blomsterbrua (Flower Bridge) over the River on the way back to the ship.


This excursion will operate on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and you should dress according to the weather. This tour includes some uphill walking. It is advisable to take sun protection and a bottle of water.

Walk from the pier to Høyden, home to the University of Bergen Library and the Botanical Gardens. View some of the beautiful buildings in Bergen as you head to Grieg Concert Hall, built in the shape of a grand piano and inaugurated in 1978. Enter the city park, where many of the city’s art museums are located and pass the small Lille Lungegaardsvannet Lake and the city’s Town Hall.

Take a look at the fish market and the Byfjord, before reaching the famous Bryggen Hanseatic Quarters. Soak up the atmosphere in the narrow passages between the buildings. Continue past St Mary’s Church, the oldest building in Bergen still in use, and one of the outstanding Romanesque churches in the country.

You’ll soon reach Bergen’s oldest street, Øvregaten Street, to board the funicular for a ride to the top of Mount Fløien. This is one of the most popular recreational areas with spectacular views at 1,050 feet above sea level. You’ll return to the base of Mount Fløien by funicular.

At the end of the tour you can either return to the ship or opt to remain in town to explore further.


This excursion will operate on foot. Long queues may be experienced at the funicular station, due to the popularity of this attraction. The views from Mount Fløien may be affected by adverse weather conditions. Flat, comfortable walking shoes and bottled water are recommended. Please dress according to the weather. The fish market may be closed on Sundays.

Enjoy a drive around the lovely Art Nouveau town of Ålesund and admire the unusual architecture and pretty colours of its buildings. Visit the Mount Hessa and Mount Aksla viewpoints for excellent panoramas of the city from two different angles, before continuing along the Borgundfjord, past modern suburbs and the old trading centre of Borgund to Solavågen.

At Solavågen, you will transfer to a private chartered boat for a 20 mile cruise on the Hjørundfjord. The fjord, considered to be one of the most magnificent in Norway, is 1,443 feet deep and surrounded on both sides by a dramatic landscape of mountain peaks. Enjoy refreshments of tea or coffee and waffles on the boat as you sail through Vegsundet and Borgundfjord back to Ålesund.


This excursion will operate by boat. There is a steep gangway to board the boat and 12 steps to reach the outside deck

This area of wild mountains and peaceful nature will give you an understanding of how the myths about trolls originated!

Your scenic drive will take you along the picturesque Borgundfjord, passing little villages with charming houses and well-kept gardens, through the valley of Valldal and up the Trollstigen mountain road. A photograph stop will be made at the summit to capture the impressive scenery.

The descent will be along Troll’s Path with its 11 hairpin bends and surrounding mountain peaks, it is one of Norway’s most dramatic and scenic roads. In the valley, a stop will be made to admire the cascading waterfall of Stigrøra, before passing through Åndalsnes to the famous Troll Wall. A stop will be made at this famous vertical mountain face, the highest in Europe, at approximately 3,280 feet high. Your journey continues along the Romsdalsfjord and over the Ørskog mountain plateau; following the fjord once more back to Ålesund.

During the day a delicious Norwegian buffet style luncheon will be served and afterwards there will be time to purchase some souvenirs.


This excursion will operate by coach. Most of the sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of a coach, with regular stops to take photographs. There is an optional walk of 138 steps to an additional viewpoint at Trollstigen. This tour involves several tunnels.This tour also operates from the port of Andalsnes.

Begin your panoramic discovery of the ‘Capital of the North’ with a drive towards the centre of town, a charming blend of old and new. Modest wooden houses sit alongside the modern architecture of this university city. You will pass Tromsø Church, one of the largest wooden churches in the north. Continuing around the forest-clad island, which is five times the size of Oslo, reach the 4,002 foot long Sandnessund Bridge, which connects Troms Island with Kvaløya (Whale Island). Here you will find Tromsø’s most modern suburb set against a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks.

Returning to Troms Island, the university will come into view. This is the world’s northernmost university, with students from all over Norway and abroad. The next landmark is the Northern Lights Planetarium.

Just over the Tromsø Sound lies the beautiful Tromsdalen Parish Church, also known as the Arctic Cathedral. During this tour you will pass many homes and gardens, with a great variety of colourful flowers, which you may be surprised to see at this latitude.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing will be done from the coach with no stops being made. Guests who opt to remain in town at the end of the tour will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship.

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.

As you walk around Honningsvåg your guide will provide a fascinating insight into local life in this small and northerly town. Your first stop will be at the small North Cape Museum, which illustrates various aspects of local history, culture and the environment through interesting exhibitions and displays. Next, you’ll continue on to the quaint 19th century neo-Gothic Honningsvåg Church, which is the town’s oldest building.

The highlight of your walk is a visit to the unique Artico Ice Bar, this modern and elegant bar is re-created every year by a group of aspiring artists. The team go to local lakes every winter to source the most exquisite natural ice to build their cool masterpiece. The ice, snow and 23 degrees Fahrenheit temperature adds a bit of winter magic as you enjoy refreshments of two non-alcoholic drinks (one of which will be served in an ice shot glass). The bar has a seating area covered in warm reindeer skins and if you are feeling adventurous you could experience the novelty of sitting in a cosy igloo. As you leave the bar, there will be time to browse its extensive gift shop which contains Arctic goods, Nordic clothing, reindeer skins, decorations, children’s presents etc.

A leisurely stroll back along the harbour will bring you back to the pier.


This excursion will operate on foot. The walk covers approximately one mile over even surfaces therefore comfortable, enclosed footwear is recommended. A warm poncho and gloves are provided at the Ice Bar. Interior visits to the Church cannot be conducted during religious ceremonies.

The line between Flåm and Myrdal is only 12½ miles long but the journey takes up to 50 minutes. As you climb from 16 to 2,845 feet to Myrdal Station, there are 20 tunnels and one stop at the Kjosfoss Waterfall, where you may alight to take photographs before continuing your journey.

Changing trains at Myrdal, pass through the Gravhalsen Tunnel down to the Raundalen mountain valley to Voss, a well known tourist resort in both summer and winter. In Voss, relax over a buffet luncheon.

Have your camera ready - as your journey continues by coach, stopping at the Tvinde Waterfall, which cascades down the mountainside. Passing the Oppheim Lake, you will soon reach the serpentine bends of Stalheimskleivane, the steepest road in Norway, which feature tumbling waterfalls on either side.

Back on the valley floor, the scenic return to will take you along the Nærøy River, through the village of Gudvangen and past Nærøyfjord. Back to Flåm.


This excursion will operate by coach and train. The walk to Flåm station takes five minutes. There are a few steep steps to access the train. The local guide is not permitted to give a commentary onboard the train, however a limited taped commentary will be provided from Myrdal to Flåm. You must remain seated on the train, as the journey can be bumpy. This tour involves several tunnels. The amount of water in the waterfalls varies depending on recent rainfall. There is an optional walk of five minutes to get a closer view of the Tvinde Waterfall.

Travel along the fjord, before following the winding road up the mountainside along 11 hairpin bends. At the uppermost bend, called the Eagles Bend, stop to enjoy the fantastic panoramic views.

In the distance lie old farms, stubbornly clinging onto narrow shelves high above the fjord. For generations families were able to make a living up there, and today great efforts are being made to restore these relics of the past.

Return via the same road, passing several farms where some of the buildings are more than 200 years old. Drive through the village of Geiranger, passing the little octagonal church, before ascending to the viewpoint of Flydal Gorge. From here there are lovely views of the picture-postcard village of Geiranger, the fjord and your ship. The return to Geiranger is via the same route.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach. This tour involves mountain roads, therefore it may not be suitable for those who suffer from a fear of heights or vertigo.

The Flåm Railway is a remarkable piece of engineering which provides wonderful vistas of the mountains and waterfalls that characterise this beautiful part of Norway. Boarding the train at Flåm Station, you’ll travel along the Flåm River, which is one of the best salmon rivers in the west country, to Myrdal Station at an altitude of 2,845 feet above sea level.

Admire the fabulous passing scenery along the 12½ mile track, including the sheer drop of the Rjoande Waterfall and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi Mountain. In order to climb the 985 foot Myrdalsberg, the railroad is built on 4 levels. As your train stands on the 4th level, you can see all of the other 3 levels. In order to ensure the best possible views the train will slow down at the finest sections so you have time to capture the dramatic scenery. There will be a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall to photograph the spectacular 305 foot cascading waterfall.

At Myrdal, the train turns around and returns back to Flåm.


This excursion will operate by train. The walk to Flåm station takes five minutes. There are a few steep steps to embark the train and the journey is approximately 60 minutes each way. There is a limited taped commentary on the train. This tour involves several tunnels. The train stops at Myrdal for five - ten minutes to turnaround, as soon as it is ready it will depart therefore guests are requested to remain on the train.

From the port, a short drive will bring you to Ullandshaug Viewpoint for magnificent views of Hafrsfjord and the surrounding area. Hafrsfjord is where the Kingdom of Norway was founded in 872 after the Viking King, Harald Hårfagre, defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. Nearby at Møllebukta, you’ll stop to see the Three Giant Swords monument which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

As Stavanger is considered to be the most important ‘oil city’ in Norway, no visit would be complete without visiting the entertaining state-of-the-art Norwegian Oil Museum. Its unusual architecture has already made it a main landmark in Stavanger. The museum cleverly manages to tell the story of oil and how it is created, discovered and produced, in a very interesting and informative way using audio-visual aids, models, interactive exhibits and an amusing 3D dinosaur movie. Discover how oil is used in our everyday life for more than just fuel and learn the challenges facing the North Sea Divers.

On the return journey, a stop will be made at the quaint old town of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger). You’ll have the option to take a short guided walk along the picturesque narrow cobbled lanes and past the well preserved wooden houses as you listen to tales of the bygone ages.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Norwegian Oil Museum is wheelchair accessible. Guests who do not wish to participate in the guided walk of Gamle Stavanger can remain on the coach.

Ålesund, the largest town on Norway’s northwest coast, is built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of the town was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the ‘Art Nouveau’ style which was the typical architecture of the time. Today it is a bustling town where the fish and furniture industry are the main sources of income.

Your leisurely drive will provide you with the opportunity to see the fine Art Nouveau architecture of various buildings in the town and harbour area before heading through the suburbs up to Mount Aksla. A stop will be provided at Mount Aksla viewpoint so you can admire the surrounding panorama of the ocean and the many islands in one direction and the Borgundfjord, framed by snow-capped peaks in the other direction.

This excursion will operate by coach. The majority of sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach. There are 15 steps to reach the toilets at the Mount Aksla viewpoint.