Honfleur, France to Oslo, Norway - 7/19/10Viking Conquests: 19-night itinerary, July 19 to August 7, 2010. Get ready to travel to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia and the dawn of time. Your journey includes Stornoway, with a stone circle dating back 2,500 years and Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, a birder’s paradise. You’ll explore spectacular fjords; Bodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just above the Arctic Circle; and Bergen, with its charming, carved wooden buildings, as you make your way to Oslo. Featuring Captain Reidulf Maalen and Special Guest Lecturer David Perry
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Cruise OnlyDay
01 | Paris, France July 19, 2010
Arrive in Paris, France, gateway to Honfleur, and check into your included hotel.
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02 | Paris / Honfleur, France July 20, 2010
Enjoy a highlight tour of Paris before transferring to Honfleur. Embark and set sail for the British Isles and Scandinavia. | Day
03 | At Sea July 21, 2010
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04 | Dublin, Ireland July 22, 2010
Explore sites in the County of Wicklow, “the Garden of Ireland.” Located just south of Dublin, it’s as varied as it is beautiful. Central Wicklow, with its domed granite mountains, deep glens and wooded valleys, is particularly scenic. Your first stop here is Glendalough where you’ll have your morning coffee, before beginning a guided tour of these monastic ruins. Established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough’s ruined churches are scattered around two lakes. In its day, it was a famous center of learning that drew thousands of students from all over Ireland, Britain and Europe. One of Europe’s finest examples of Round-Tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches and ornate crosses — all in a setting of stunning natural beauty.
After lunch at a local hotel or restaurant, visit the magnificent gardens at Powerscourt. This estate, owned by the Slazenger family, is situated on the River Dargle. It’s a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes, together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens, which span 20 hectares, were begun in the 18th century, but most of what we see today dates from the 19th century. Five terraces drop down to Triton Lake, with the Sugarloaf Mountain in the background.
The house at Powerscourt was designed by the German architect Richard Cassels in 1740, on top of an existing castle which dated from 1300. Cassels was the leading country house architect of his time in Ireland. The house was gutted by a fire in 1974 just before it was due to be opened to the public, but has since been fully restored. It’s now home to a delightful café and the Avoca Handweavers. Their shop is divided into several different rooms for different handcrafted goods, such as garden gifts and pottery, clothing from both Irish and International designers, jewelry and accessories, and a children’s emporium set in the house’s original kitchens.
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05 | Portrush,Ireland July 23, 2010
After tendering ashore you’ll board a motorcoach with a local guide in Portrush then head out along the Antrim coast. Your first stop this morning is Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland with fortifications dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Next, you’ll visit the Giants’ Causeway. For centuries visitors have marveled at this mysterious and majestic site. These unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against Atlantic storms, and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire. Enjoy an audio-visual presentation and causeway exhibition before boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, which will bring you to this remarkable site.
After lunch at a local hotel drive along the Antrim Coast where you’ll see some of the world’s most spectacular unspoiled scenery. We’ll make photo stops in Whitepark Bay and the overview point at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Time permitting we’ll stop at the Old Bushmills Distillery where you can pick up some fine Irish whiskey prior to your return to the ship.
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06 | Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides July 24, 2010
Travel from the island capital of Stornoway to the Blackhouse of Arnol, a fully furnished island croft (small farm), complete with attached byre and stockyard. The house has very thick walls, a thatched roof, and a peat fire burns in the grate. Here you can see how the islanders used to live — the crofting life as it was as recently as 50 years ago. In a fascinating contrast, the area is also home to a white house, furnished as it was in the 1950s and representing the world into which the black house residents moved.
Continue around the west coast to Dun Carloway Pictish Broch. Probably built in the last century B.C., it would have served as both a status symbol and an occasionally defensible residence for an extended family, complete with accommodation for animals at the ground-floor level.
Journeying on you’ll arrive at Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000 BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. It is thought that the site, one of several in the area, was constructed for astronomical observations. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Roag. Visit the excellent visitor center, then venture out amongst the stones and feel their mysterious power. After exploring Callanish you’ll return to Stornoway and your ship. | Day
07 | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands July 25, 2010
Heading west on Mainland, Orkney’s largest island, travel through the gently rolling landscape into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, an area designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its archeological significance. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, and visit the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial stone circle dating back almost 5,000 years.
Then it’s on to the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor center. See remarkable ancient dwellings that were revealed 150 years ago when storms swept the sand dunes that covered them. There will also be time to visit the nearby manor house of Skaill House, built in 1620 on top of an ancient graveyard. The owner, Malcolm Macrae, will welcome you and give you his personal insights on life at Skaill as well as a history of the area.
Continue this circular route and follow the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars. Your guide will share stories of Scapa Flow en route back to Kirkwall.
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08 | At Sea July 26, 2010
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09 | Bodø, Norway July 27, 2010
Saltstraumen has the strongest tidal current in the world. Every six hours, the tide enters the narrow sound (3 kilometers long and just 150 meters wide) between the Saltenfjorden and the Skjerstadfjorden. Around 400,000,000 cubic meters of water rushes in at speeds of up to 20 knots, creating whirlpools of up to 10 meters in diameter. When the tide comes in it carries huge quantities of plankton, which are followed by codfish, salmon, catfish and halibut, making Saltstraumen a fantastic spot for fishermen.
Situated just beside the Saltstraumen Bridge, the Saltstraumen Experience Center focuses on the history, people and culture of the region. There are models, exhibitions and an exciting multi-media show, offering you a safe, dry way to encounter the awesome power of the current. There’s also a small aquarium where you can see local fish species.
Once we leave the Saltstraumen we will make a short stop at Bodin’s old church. The oldest part of the church is from the 13th century, but most of the interior dates from the 17th century. From here we’ll drive the short distance back to Bodø and your ship.
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10 | Svolvær, Lofoten Islands July 28, 2010
On this excursion you visit the three most popular attractions in Storvågan: Galleri Espolin, the Lofoten Museum and the Lofoten Aquarium. Just a short drive from Svolvær is Storvågan, one of the first fishing villages in Lofoten. As early as a thousand years ago commercial fishing operations were carried out in the Vestfjord. Every winter, fishermen from all over northern Norway came here to harvest their share of the wealth of the seas. Until the 1900’s, Storvågan was the seat of powerful landowners who built their wealth on the stockfish trade.
Galleri Espolin boasts Norway's largest collection of the works of artist Kaare Espolin Johnson (1907-1994). There are two permanent exhibition halls and one for changing exhibitions, as well as a video room, Espolin room and an art shop to explore.
At the Lofoten Museum visitors can experience life in an old fishing village and explore the dramatic contrast between the simple, every day existence of the fisherman in his rorbu cabin and the extravagant life of a squire in his elegant home.
At the Lofoten Aquarium you can learn more about marine life from Lofoten and the north Norwegian coastline. Here you’ll encounter living creatures — from the water's edge to the farthest depths of the sea — while gaining insight into the marine ecosystem. With its 23 large and small aquarium tanks, the Lofoten Aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea creatures. After our visit at the museums and gallery we’ll return to Svolvær where the ship will be waiting. This afternoon, weather permitting, we’ll board our Zodiacs in search of Orca whales. (Zodiac landing or touring)
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11 | Tromso, Norway July 29, 2010
Tromsø — Gateway to the Arctic — sits on a forested island linked to the mainland by a sweeping 3,398-foot concrete bridge. Starting at the pier, we’ll take a short city tour before we head across the Tromsø Bridge, connecting Troms Island with the mainland, then on to the Tromsø cable car. You’ll ride up to Storsteinen, 421 meters above sea level, where you‘ll enjoy the fantastic view of Tromsø and its surroundings, before we head back down again.
Proceed to the Arctic Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture designed to reflect the nature, culture and faith of the Arctic region. Its spires are said to represent the 11 apostles left after the betrayal of Judas. The entire east wall is formed by one of the largest stained-glass windows in Europe. The ultra-modern architecture symbolizes the immense strength of the pack ice in the Arctic Ocean.
Drive back to Troms Island for our last stop of the tour, which is Mack’s Brewery, the world’s northernmost brewery, founded in the autumn of 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack. It eventually became Tromsø’s largest industrial business and today it’s northern Norway’s most beloved and well-known brand. We’ll learn about the art of making arctic beer on a guided tour, which ends in Tromsø’s oldest pub, Ølhallen (The Beer Hall) where you can enjoy a cold beer in historical surroundings.
After a short drive we’ll return to the pier and your ship. | Day
12 | Honningsvag / North Cape July 30, 2010
Today’s tour begins in the little town Honningsvåg, the capital of Magerøy. The majority of the island’s population lives here, with the fishing industry as their main source of income. Drive through the little town, past the airstrip and along the Skipsfjord. As your coach begins the climb towards the plateau, we’ll stop off in the fishing village of Kamøyvær at the head of the narrow fjord arm. This is the smallest of the fishing villages on Magerøy, with approximately 100 inhabitants.
At the top of the plateau, see some of the 4,000 reindeer who freely roam this area during 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. Here at 300 meters above sea level you’ll be able to see the “Horn” (weather permitting), a cliff formation protruding from the North Cape cliff in the distance.
Continue to Skarsvåg, the northernmost fishing village in the world, home to 200 people year round. On a drive through the village, you’ll see many modern fishing boats and other North Cape sights.
The North Cape Plateau, as well as the fishing village of Honningsvåg, are located on the island of Magerøy some 1,300 miles south of the North Pole, no doubt one of the main attractions of Norway. The North Cape itself is a steep rock with a massive wall reaching more than 1,000 feet above sea level.
Upon arrival we will be served lunch in the Kompasset Restaurant which provides a fantastic view of the Arctic Ocean. After lunch you’re free to explore the North Cape Hall and enjoy the fantastic view from the plateau. The North Cape Hall has shopping facilities, a post office, chapel, bar, restaurants and a cinema with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will be a 20-minute film about Lapland and the North Cape, showing the magnitude of Lapland’s breathtaking scenery during the four seasons. Adjacent to the cinema is a Hall of Fame, with tableaus of important events that have taken place at the North Cape Plateau, and a large hall with a terrace offering a splendid view of the ocean further north.
There will be ample time for taking photos, shopping and writing post cards before returning by coach to Honningsvåg through the barren landscape of the North Cape area. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
13 | At Sea July 31, 2010
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14 | Holandsfjord August 1, 2010
Enjoy spectacular scenery as your ship weaves its way into a breathtaking fjord where you’ll see wildlife and waterfalls and the spectacular Svartisen glacier. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
15 | Trondheim August 2, 2010
Your tour starts with a drive through the city center, passing many of the wooden buildings that are so typical of Trondheim. You’ll visit the Folk Museum of Trøndelag which encircles the remains of “Sion,” King Sverre`s 12th-century palace. The museum contains exhibits from the daily life of the towns and villages in this area.
See the University, Stiftsgården, which is the second-largest wooden building in Scandinavia; the Kristiansten Fortress, built between 1675 and 1684; and the fish market “Ravnkloa,” where the local fishermen sell fresh seafood.
Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, is certain to be a highlight of our tour. The construction of the cathedral started in 1070 AD and is built over the grave of St. Olav, which is why it’s an important pilgrimage site. The building has been destroyed several times by fire, but has always been rebuilt. The oldest part of the cathedral dates back to the 12th century. The church is richly ornamented in stone and has magnificent stained-glass windows.
Our last stop before returning to the pier is Sverresli where you’ll get a panoramic view of the city you’ve just explored. (Zodiac landing or touring) | Day
16 | Molde / Alesund, Norway August 3, 2010
Enjoy an overview tour of Molde, including a visit to its distinctive church and rose gardens, before stopping at the Romsdalen Outdoor Museum. One of the largest provincial museums in Norway, the Romsdlen Outdoor Museum is a unique cultural institution. About 40 historic buildings from Molde`s past illustrate the development of this community. You may also see traditional folk dancers dressed in colorful national costume.
Head out to the Varden viewpoint, which sits high on the side of a mountain, 1,300 feet above the town of Molde. Enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding fjords and the 87 peaks of the Romsdal Alps.
This afternoon, relax and enjoy the scenic cruising of nearby Alesund. | Day
17 | Geiranger, Norway August 4, 2010
Today you’ll visit one of few summer mountain farms still operating in Norway.
Our tour begins with a scenic dive on the famous Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s turn) to a viewpoint offering a breathtaking view of the fjord and your ship. After a photo stop, we’ll continue over the mountain to the fjord on the other side and the village of Eidsdal.
From Eidsdal we’ll take a narrow road up the mountain to our destination, Herdalssetra. Located at the terminus of one of the world’s most beautiful fjords with picture-postcard views in all directions, this unique farm may well be the largest goat farm co-operative in Norway. The compound includes 30 farmhouses and is home to more than 450 goats!
On your guided tour here you’ll explore the contrasts and similarities between traditional and modern summer-farming methods. You’ll see a demonstration of traditional cheese-making in some of the older farmhouses which function as working museums and you’ll have a chance to sample the delicious goat caramels that are made here! Coffee or tea will also be served. At the end of your tour and tasting, you’ll return to Geiranger via the same scenic route. (Zodiac landing or touring)
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18 | Bergen, Norway August 5, 2010
On this introduction to lovely Bergen, explore its downtown area, including the old wooden Hanseatic pier or Bryggen; the medieval King Håkon’s Hall, erected during the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson; the Rosenkrantz Tower; St. Mary’s Church, built around 1170 and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Norway.
Take the Fløybanen funicular (cable car), approximately 320 meters above sea level to the top of one of Bergen’s most popular city mountains. You will have free time to stroll around and enjoy a panoramic view of the town center and the surrounding area.
After taking the funicular back down to the city, board a coach for Troldhaugen. Along the way, pass Nordnes peninsula, the Bergen Theater (Den Nationale Scene) and Grieghallen, the modern concert hall named after Norway`s great composer, Edvard Grieg.
The tour continues to the southern residential areas passing the royal residence Gamelhaugen before arriving in Troldhaugen. After lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, take a guided tour of Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s 19th century house and garden. Edvard Grieg lived here with his wife Nina for 22 years and composed many of his best-known works in the composer’s hut by the shore of Lake Nordås. Edvard and Nina Grieg are buried in a cliff-hewn tomb, below the grounds of the house.
Our tour ends with a private recital in the Troldsalen Concert Hall. One of the best interpreters of Grieg’s music will play some of his most famous pieces as well as some of the more obscure ones, in addition to telling stories about the composer and his wife. After the recital, rejoin the coach and drive back to the pier and the ship.
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19 | At Sea August 6, 2010
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20 | Oslo, Norway August 7, 2010
Disembark of continue your journey with the next voyage. |
All meals are included aboard the ship. |
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