Norwegian Fjords and North Cape Discovery - 13 nights, August 2013

Honningsvåg is often referred to as the capital of the rugged and dramatic Magerøya Island. Embark on a leisurely drive through the little town, past the airstrip and along the Skipsfjord towards the plateau. A stop will be made at the fishing village of Kamøyvær at the head of the narrow fjord-arm. This pretty village is home to the ‘Gallery East of the Sun’, which exhibits arts, handicrafts and books, all inspired by the island and its ever changing seasons. The artist has her workshop inside the Gallery and will be happy to explain her unusual works of art.

As you continue to the top of the plateau, you’ll be able to see some of the reindeer which roam this area in the summer months. These reindeer belong to the Sami people who bring their livestock out to the coastal islands as soon as the snow disappears. Reaching a height of 984 feet above sea level and providing the weather is clear, you will be able to see the ‘Horn’, a cliff formation protruding from the North Cape cliff in the distance.

Further along is Skarsvåg, the most northerly fishing village in the world, where you’ll stop at the North Cape Christmas and Winter House. This tiny, but cosy cottage contains a craft shop with a wide selection of knitwear, textiles and ceramics, which you may wish to purchase in readiness for December.


This excursion will operate by coach. There are approximately seven steps into the Gallery and Christmas House. Please note that both venues are small so sometimes they can become crowded. Please remember to carry local currency (Norwegian Kroner) for any additional purchases.

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.

The Old Voss Line is the only preserved railway in Norway where the steam locomotives and teak carriages still run on a main line track. It was originally constructed in 1883 as a narrow gauge line, which formed part of the Bergen to Voss railway. In 1904 the line was upgraded to extend to Oslo and then electrified in 1954. It continued to serve as part of the Bergen to Oslo main line until it closed in 1964 when the Ulriken Tunnel opened.

The railway is now run by volunteers of the local branch of the Norwegian Railway Society. The service operates with a 1913 steam locomotive, which was restored by the society between 1981 and 1993.

Enjoy a nostalgic 45 minute ride on this lovely heritage railway which travels between Garnes and Midttun. The 11 mile journey passes through the Arna Valley towards Haukeland, where the scenery undertakes a change toward a more typical western Norwegian nature.

There will be time at Garnes Old Railway Station to browse the gift shop or explore the museum and railway area.


This excursion will operate by vintage steam train and coach. The journey to the train station is approximately 50 minutes by coach. The walk from the coach to the station is approximately 220 yards and there are three high steps to embark the train. There is no place to store wheelchairs on the train. Guests are reminded that the train is vintage therefore the toilets will be basic and the windows may experience condensation in certain weather. The coach and train journey involves numerous tunnels.

A drive through Tromsø takes you towards the university area, where the northernmost university in the world is situated. You’ll pass the Northern Lights Planetarium, Sandnessund Bridge and the Island of Kvaløy before arriving at the polar environmental centre of Polaria.

The Polaria Centre, a fascinating building resembling huge ice blocks, shows the polar areas and the Barents region through a series of interesting exhibitions, an aquarium and a spectacular film. As you proceed along the ‘Arctic Walkway’, you’ll experience the simulated elements of Arctic nature - a snowstorm, a dozing polar bear, the tundra and the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). In the aquarium, the main attraction is the arctic bearded seals.

Returning to the city centre, you’ll cross the Tromsø Bridge, linking Troms Island with the mainland for a visit to the Arctic Cathedral.

The ultra-modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral symbolises the Northern Lights as well as the ‘period of darkness’. The interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window covering the eastern wall, picturing the Return of Christ. The Church was inaugurated in 1965 and is a typical example of a ‘boathouse-church’.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are some stairs and steps to be negotiated at the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria. Lifts are not available. The Cathedral can close at short notice for religious ceremonies, in which case only an exterior visit will be conducted. The tour involves a tunnel.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a journey around the main city sights as your guide provides an interesting commentary on the local history and how it has affected the residents daily life. A photograph stop will be provided at a hillside viewpoint, for lovely views over the city, before visiting the Trøndelag Folk Museum.

Trøndelag Folk Museum is one of the largest cultural history museums in Norway. This fascinating open-air museum has more than 60 vintage buildings, from the 18th and 19th century, which show the local building traditions, including Sami huts, country houses and a 12th century stave church. In the ‘Old Town’, you can visit buildings moved from Trondheim centre, including an old-fashioned grocer's selling traditional sweets, the old dentist's office and ateliers for local handicrafts.

Rejoining your coach, there will be a photograph stop at the 12th century Gothic style Nidaros Cathedral, which has become one of Europe's most important pilgrimage churches, before returning to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are some inclines and uneven terrain at the Trøndelag Folk Museum.

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.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's development. As you approach Hafrsfjord you’ll hear how King Harald Haarfagre defeated the regional princes here in 872, thus founding the Kingdom of Norway. Nearby at Møllebukta you’ll pass the monument of three giant swords which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

Your leisurely drive will continue along the coast of south west Norway, where you will pass the attractive 12th century Church of Sola, as it sits on the hill overlooking Sola Bay. Hear about life in Stavanger as you pass the long sandy coastal stretches of Jæren and travel by fertile farmland. As you approach Eiganes, you will travel down the narrow road with its pretty villas and past Ledaal Manor, once the home of the writer Alexander Kielland and today the King’s residence when he visits Stavanger.

Back in Stavanger, you will see the impressive medieval Cathedral, and the characteristic, colourful facades which overlook the harbour. Across the bridges towards Engøy and Buøy, situated in the fjord, there is a fascinating array of architecture – nearly all the houses are built in wood and painted in vivid colours. En route back to the ship, you will pass ‘Old Stavanger’, for a glimpse of its charming, picturesque, wooden houses which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This area is considered unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of the coach. The itinerary may operate in reverse. The tour will involve some long tunnels.

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.

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.

Your scenic journey will begin with a drive along the lovely Aurlandsfjord, before heading inland past pretty lakes, waterfalls and rivers, through a series of bends and tunnels into the lush Låvisdal Valley. Absorb the stunning views over the fjord villages of Vassbygda and Aurland before continuing through the beautiful valleys of Stonndalen and Aurland to Østerbø.

Østerbø is a mountain farm region which, in former times, was completely isolated from the outside world during the winter months. It is now a popular spot for mountain hiking. Relax with refreshments of tea or coffee and traditional Norwegian waffles at Østerbø Mountain Lodge whilst enjoying the magnificent mountain panorama.


This excursion will operate by coach. The refreshment venue is wheelchair accessible. The return to Flåm is via the same route.

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.

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).