Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Explorer to Hamburg - 16 nights, July 2013

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

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.

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.

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.

See the old medieval city, including the 13th-century King Håkon's Hall, the 16th-century Rosenkrantz Tower, and Bryggen, a major trading centre for the medieval Hanseatic League. Pass the open-air fish market at Torget and Grieg Hall, the city's concert hall. Enjoy the surrounding sights of green slopes and ragged mountains as you drive through suburbs, with well kept houses and gardens, to Troldhaugen.

Troldhaugen, beautifully situated at the Nordås Lake, was home to the late Edvard Grieg. Grieg (1843-1907) was a composer, pianist and conductor with his first piano debut being at the age of 18. Norwegian folk music, nature and the delightful scenery of Norway inspired him to create the most beautiful pieces of music.

A special piano recital in the ‘Troldsal’, a unique style concert hall with turf roof, will immerse you in the exquisite sounds of Grieg's music. After the recital, there will be a guided tour of Grieg’s house and gardens where you will see many of the original furnishings including a Steinway grand piano, which was an anniversary gift in 1892. Before departing Troldhaugen, there will be the opportunity to visit the information centre which sells books, CD’s and other Grieg memorabilia.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a total of 30 minutes' walking with some steps and gravel terrain. Photography is not permitted inside the house. If the ship is berthed at Dokken or Jekteviken Pier the journey will include a tunnel.

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.

From the small fishing town of Honningsvåg, you’ll drive through wild, desolate and sometimes dramatic terrain. Your 45 minute journey will take you along the shore and then climbs the North Cape at a latitude of 71° 10' 21". The North Cape is the point where the Norwegian Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. The globe monument erected here in 1978 has become the actual symbol for the North Cape.

At the North Cape Hall, you are free to explore the ‘Experience Centre’, which includes a film about the area through the seasons, as well as exhibits of the North Cape’s fascinating history. The Hall also includes a panoramic restaurant, gift shop, small chapel and a post office for that sought after ‘North Cape’ postmark. If you wish, you can stroll outside to the top of the cliff and enjoy the panorama. Even on the most pleasant day, the wind can be chilly; so if you plan to walk around outside during your visit, you are advised to take a warm jacket.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be several departures with each coach filled to capacity. This tour is non-guided. The fare includes the entrance fee to the North Cape Hall and the multi-media film. The film is shown every 20 - 30 minutes and you are advised to view it as soon as possible after arrival. The North Cape Hall is built on three levels with the entrance on the top level. Stairs and lifts lead to lower levels. Belongings should not be left on any tour coaches as you may not return to the ship on the same coach. The North Cape is a popular attraction therefore crowds should be expected.

A warm welcome awaits you at the Tromsø Wilderness Centre where Tove Sørensen and Tore Albrigtsen live with their three children and more than 100 Alaskan huskies. Tove regularly takes part in the Finnmark Race with her dogs - a race of 621 miles. Tore has also crossed Greenland on skis and has taken part in the world’s longest dog race. Tore is, in fact, the only person to have completed this race with only one dog. You are sure to be fascinated by the vivid account of their various expeditions, illustrated by a DVD show, and you will also have the opportunity to say ‘hello’ to the dogs.

The Polaria Centre shows the polar areas and the Barents region through a series of interesting exhibitions. A spectacular film, shown on a 225° wide screen and taken with five cameras, gives an insight into Spitsbergen, its wildlife and its fauna. The interesting aquarium displays the indigenous sea life, while curious seals look down from above as you pass through a tunnel beneath one of the tanks.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a gravelled path at the Wilderness Centre and some uneven ground. Please wear clothing to accommodate muddy paws; the huskies like to be friendly and may jump up at you. The huskies change their fur in the summer, which can often make them appear scruffy; rest assured that these working animals are very well taken care of. It is not guaranteed that both Tore and Tove will be present.

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.

The colourful buildings, decorations and turrets of Ålesund, look as though they belong in a fairytale book. The town was entirely rebuilt in this Art Nouveau style, following a devastating fire in 1904. Its extravagantly decorated buildings have been sympathetically preserved to present a townscape like no other. Elaborate façades embellished with dragons, flowers and human forms are topped by a forest of spires and turrets, combining native Norwegian elements with continental Jugend-style.

As you stroll around this truly unique Norwegian town, your guide will provide an interesting commentary and explain the town’s strong maritime traditions. Arriving at the lovely harbour area of Brosundet, you will be able to see examples of the picturesque Jugend-style houses that have made Ålesund famous.

From the harbour, the walk continues uphill to the attractive little park at the foot of Mount Aksla, with its famous viewpoint. Here, exotic trees and plants thrive despite their northerly location. There will be free time to walk up part of Mount Aksla and enjoy the spectacular views over Ålesund and the harbour. Or you may choose to sit or stroll in the park and enjoy the refreshing mountain air before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking including some steep inclines. Comfortable enclosed, walking shoes and a jacket are recommended. The optional walk up part of Mount Aksla involves 418 steps and is unaccompanied.

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

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

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


This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. The guided walk is approximately 30 minutes over level cobbled terrain. There are a few steps and a steep gradient to board the boat.

The giant King Crab was introduced to the Barents Sea by Russian scientists during the 1960's. The crab thrived in these waters, and spread quite rapidly to the west where it can now be found along the north Norwegian coast. As the number of this species is now into the millions, it naturally consumes a great deal and there is concern that it may have an impact on the local eco-system. Controlled fishing is now allowed. The King Crab can live to 30 years old, measure up to six feet between its claws and weigh as much as 22 pounds. The catch in the crab pots will most likely be smaller, between six and 15 pounds.

After being kitted out in your survival suit and given a safety briefing, the deep-sea raft with a driver/guide will set off towards the Sarnesfjord to inspect the crab pots. The duration of the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) ride will be approximately one hour.


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. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under ten years old cannot participate. In the case of adverse weather conditions, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. There is a short walk from the ship to the RIB dock.

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.

The Seven Sisters and other cascading waterfalls are truly magnificent and a kayak is, without a doubt, the best way to experience Mother Nature’s work in Geirangerfjord. The fjord basin curves between towering mountain peaks, so is virtually free from wind - a beautiful place every day of the year.

Glide along the fjord, surrounded by steep mountain walls, for a 2- 2½ hour guided sea kayak excursion which takes you out to Geirangerfjord’s Preacher’s Pulpit. Here you’ll see the magnificent Seven Sisters Waterfall and, along the way, your guide will tell you stories and the history of Geiranger.


This excursion will operate by kayak and on foot. No kayaking experience is required as the trained guides will teach you all you need to know. Guests should be in good physical condition, not suffer from any back problems or conditions affected by cold water, and must be capable swimmers - you should expect to get wet. Children between 8 and 15 must be accompanied in the kayak by a responsible adult. Children under 8 cannot participate. In the event of inclement weather, spray sheets (that cover the kayak - not a jacket) will be provided. Flat shoes with rubber soles should be worn.

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.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk of the Altstadt (old city) with the Holsten Gate. Pass by St Marien Church and the Gothic Rathaus, one of the oldest in Germany. Continue past the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, as well as the Buddenbrooks House, home of the famous writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, both born in Lübeck. Another fascinating attraction is the Fuechtingshof one of the quaintest of the 82 Wohngaenge (alleyways).

Visit the famous Café Niederegger, where you may enjoy refreshments and Niederegger’s popular marzipan gateau. There will also be time for you to stock up on Niederegger’s large selection of chocolate-coated marzipan.


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 Lübeck is estimated at 75 to 90 minutes each way. 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.