Norway's Stavanger is not only blessed with compelling history, but also a natural beauty. From the ancient port, the city radiates across a network of islands which are connected by graceful bridges.

A peaceful village located at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden sits at the northern end of the Oldedalen valley on the Nordfjorden southern shore.

A place where winding valleys and peaks live in harmony with cascading waterfalls and glacier waters, in Olden, you are presented with many wonderful things to see and do. 

Sailing offers by the far the best way to appreciate the scale and majesty of this ancient region, where the palette of blues, greys, and greens are occasionally punctuated by an ambitious hiker, or a wild pony grazing at the Fjord’s edge. Selected branches of the Nordfjord even resemble a tropical paradise, with near-transparent waters fringing beaches composed entirely of pure white sand.

Whether you choose to admire these passing views while strolling your ship’s deck or tucked under a blanket in the privacy of your stateroom’s balcony, your sail-by of the Nordfjord is guaranteed to deliver some of the most memorable scenery you’ll experience on your Norway cruise.

Among the network of tranquil fjords on the west coast of Norway is Lustrafjorden, a beautiful patch of water surrounded by vibrant, rolling green hills and looming mountains.

The pin drop calm that inhabits this otherworldly realm is yet another sensory experience to savour, perfect for appreciating from your stateroom balcony or in the quiet comfort of your ship’s expansive decks.

With sights that only sailing can provide, a cruise through this magnificent Norwegian treasure is sure to inspire lasting holiday memories of your time sailing the fjords on board your Cunard Queen. 

Your guide to Ísafjörður.

Few regions are as wild and unspoilt as Iceland’s Westfjords. With miles of mountains and few-and-far-between roads, venturing here evokes the feeling of entering unchartered terrain. The landscape is dramatic and approaching by sea offers the perfect chance to absorb the scenery before setting foot on land. The most enchanting attraction of this area perhaps is the peace, stillness and calm it emanates. Embrace local life in Ísafjörður town or visit the charming nearby village of Flateyri. Further afield you can sail to Vigur, home to Iceland’s last remaining windmill, where time has seemingly stood still and boat is the only connection to the world outside.

Exploring.                                                                                                                 

Like many fishing villages in the Westfjords, the sea is a source of life in Ísafjörður, and you’ll find references to this relationship dotted around town, most prominently in the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Ísafjörður is easy to navigate on foot and attractions, such as Hversdagssafn (the Museum of Everyday Life) and the Old Hospital (Culture House) are within 10 minutes apart. Be sure to explore Ísafjörður’s timber-framed houses. Built in the 18^th century, these are among the best remaining in Iceland – and a must-see. For the more outdoorsy, pastimes like horse riding and sea kayaking are possible, the latter offering an ideal way to spot native puffins and seals.

Eating and drinking.

Fish and lamb are the two mainstays of Icelandic cuisine, especially in the remote Westfjords where both are in plentiful supply. Lambs graze freely in the valleys surrounding Ísafjörður during the summer months, while fish - mainly cod, halibut, haddock and herring - are caught in the North Atlantic and snapped up by restaurants soon after being landed. Many menus will offer seasonal or daily specials based around the catch of the day, and you won’t get much fresher than the fish served here. For a good on-the-go snack try kringla, a Scandinavian pretzel-cum-donut, exquisite in its softness and common throughout Ísafjörður’s bakeries.

Shopping.

Ísafjörður is a small town and shops cater mainly for local needs, however finding a keepsake to take home here isn’t out of the question. Knitwear is widely available and it’s possible to pick up a warm woollen jumper to stave off the Icelandic chill. If it’s handicrafts and homewares you find more appealing, a smattering of independent boutiques are positioned within close reach of the guest landing point. Items tend to be decorative in nature, such as jewellery handmade using local materials and ornamental glassware and ceramics. Aðalstræti and Hafnarstræti streets are your best options for these.

Beyond Ísafjörður.

Nine miles north of Ísafjörður, you’ll find Bolungarvík, the northernmost town in the Westfjords and (at one time) one of the most important fishing ports in Iceland. Two miles further still brings you to the Ósvör Maritime Museum, a replica of a 19^th century fishing station. The small fishing villages of Flateyri and Suðureyri are both around 14 miles from Ísafjörður, the latter offering a pleasant church and homes heated by thermal spring. While a boat excursion gets you to Vigur Island, home to Iceland’s only remaining windmill and Europe’s smallest post office – a building barely bigger than a beach hut (and easily mistaken for one).

Nestled on the coast of the land of fire and ice, Reykjavik is your gateway to Iceland’s rugged natural wonders. The world’s most northern capital, this city is world-renowned for its unspoiled natural landscapes, Viking history, and vibrant city culture.

Whether you know it as the ‘Big Apple’ or the ‘City That Never Sleeps’, New York City is a paradise that blends rich history with modern attractions. Crammed full of exceptional sights, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighbourhoods, New York is pulsing with palpable energy and offers an unforgettable experience.

Seventy miles from the sea, on the Elbe River in northern Germany, Hamburg is the second largest port city in Europe and one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan, dynamic and fascinating destinations. The city has some 2,000 plus bridges - more than Venice and Amsterdam combined, earning Hamburg the moniker the ‘Venice of the North’.