British Isles & Iceland Explorer

Explore the rich art nouveau architecture of Ålesund, amid the city’s beautiful island setting. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904. When German Kaiser Wilhelm heard of the tragedy, he sent four ships to support the people of Ålesund while they rebuilt their beloved city in the Jugend (art nouveau) style, typical for the period. Today, it is a bustling town where the fish industry provides the main source of revenue. With a local guide, you will pass many of the buildings artfully designed by Norwegian architects who took their inspiration from all over Europe. Our route includes the inviting streets of the Jugend quarter in the town center, the inner harbor and the attractive park at the foot of Mt. Aksla. After free time to browse this charming city on your own, return to your ship.

Contrast Norway’s modern suburbs with its rural past, and discover the country’s maritime and World War II history. Meet your guide for a brief tour of Ålesund, one of Norway’s most beautiful towns. Then head out of town through the suburbs for a scenic drive to the Sunnmøre Open Air Museum—its collection of historic houses, boats and maritime artifacts provides a glimpse into life among the fjords. Many treasures here date back to the Viking Age and the Stone Age. If it is moored nearby, view the fishing vessel Heland, one of the “Shetland buses” that carried Norwegians across the North Sea during World War II. Driving back to Ålesund, visit the Monument over Englandsfarten, dedicated to these brave Norwegians, and pause at a park honoring local heroes Gange-Rolv, a Viking chieftain, and Kaiser Wilhelm II, who contributed to Ålesund’s reconstruction after the great fire of 1904.

Visit spectacular Nordic islands via a coastal network of bridges and undersea tunnels. You will meet your guide at our berth and enjoy a scenic drive to Giske, the alleged birthplace of the Viking Chieftain Rollo. Saga Island, as it is locally called, is a beautiful swath of flat and fertile land. You will stop at its historic stone church dating to 1150. This vision in white was built for the mighty Giske family; you can step inside if its schedule of services allows. Continue to Godøy Island, to the small fishing village of Alnes. If you would like, you can climb the stairs of the old lighthouse for sweeping ocean views. Later, enjoy home-baked cake and coffee or tea before returning to Ålesund and your awaiting ship.

Witness Norwegian life up close as a local family welcomes you into their home. Your driver will leave you in the welcoming hands of your hosts after a 15-minute drive and return later to pick you up. As you get to know your hosts, you will learn about day-to-day Norwegian home life. See the home’s gardens and unique furnishings and hear about traditions that families hold dear. During your visit over coffee and tea and waffles or cake, you might learn more about the great fire of 1904, the defining moment in Ålesund’s history. Most every family has a story to tell about how the city’s destruction affected their ancestors and the generations that followed. It’s a rare chance to learn about the city’s history from those who call it home. During your time together, your hostess will be happy to answer questions you may have about life in Norway.

Discover wild mountains and roaring waterfalls on this thrilling excursion into Norway’s magnificent natural world. After a drive through the art nouveau splendor of Ålesund, follow the Norddalsfjord to the fairy-tale valley of Valldal, known for its strawberry production. Ascend to the spectacular Gudbrand Gorge, carved by the foaming river far below, for a short photo stop. Next, drive up the magnificent valley towards the Trollstigen viewpoint. Here, enjoy free time to explore and marvel at the spectacular scene of towering mountains and a lush valley, and glimpse the winding Trollstigen Road, a National Tourist Route since 1936. Continue through this scenic mountainous landscape back to Valldal. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing along the Storfjord, passing through its bucolic countryside of farms and villages before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Climb to the summit of Mt. Stranda for stunning views of your surroundings and enjoy a taste of Norwegian beer. Drive to the ferry pier and cross the Storfjord to Sykkylven, where you will board your motor coach for a scenic drive to the base of Mt. Stranda. Take a cable car up to its peak—nearly 3,500 feet above sea level. From the top, you will enjoy magnificent views over Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jostedal Glacier. Savor a delicious lunch as you marvel at the vistas from your window. After free time, ride the cable car back down to base and continue on to the Troll Brewery. During your guided tour, you will see how the beer is produced and enjoy a tasting of some of Troll’s renowned brews. Return to your ship by coach along the Nordfjord.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Ålesund as you soar over its mountain peaks and fjords. Drive to the heliport, where you will meet your knowledgeable pilot and receive a safety briefing. Then, climb on board your five-seater craft, don your headset and prepare to be astounded. Your helicopter will begin its ascent over the Sunnmørsalpene mountain range and surrounding fjord landscape. Formed over millions of years, shifting glaciers have carved their way through the bedrock and left behind a network of fjords, valleys and towering peaks. During your flight, your pilot will point out the sights below. After your 30-minute flight, you will return to the heliport and board your motor coach for the return drive to your awaiting ship.

Paddle through the pristine waters of the Borgundfjord and explore Ålesund from the water. Your tour begins after a short walk to the Kayak Center, where you will don your safety gear and receive a briefing before taking to the water in a two-seat kayak. Follow your guide as you glide through the water and admire Ålesund’s Jugend-style architecture. Along the way, hear stories of the city’s history and learn about the devastating fire of 1904 that burned down much of Ålesund. The young Norwegian architects who redesigned the city were influenced by popular design trends of the early 20th century, and many of the buildings you will see feature colorful ornaments, towers and turrets. Journey through the scenic maze of islands and marvel at the coastal views before arriving back at your starting point. After your invigorating tour, you will return to your ship.

Enjoy an invigorating cycle ride by e-bike and explore the beautiful scenery of Hessa Island. Meet your guide and receive a short safety briefing, then don your helmet and set off on two wheels for a 7.5 mile ride from Ålesund. As you cycle past picturesque stone buildings and quaint churches, your e-bike’s motor will make pedaling a breeze, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride. Journey along the length of Aspøy Island, then cross the Steinvågsundet. As you reach Hessa Island, the westernmost island in Ålesund, you will admire the vistas of rolling pastures and listen to intriguing tales of Norway’s World War II history. Your guide will pause along the way, so you can take in the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. After your cycle, you will return to the staging area and walk back to your awaiting ship.

Join an invigorating hike to the summit of Sugar Mountain and admire the panoramic views. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a scenic drive through Ålesund to Hessa Island. Upon arrival, lace up your hiking boots and set off along the forested trail for a 2.5 mile hike. On the way, your guide will explain the history of Ålesund, from its founding by Viking chieftain Gange-Rolv to the Great Fire of 1904, which saw more than 850 homes destroyed. The rebuilding efforts soon began, and the city unveiled its modern art nouveau architecture, which is evident today. As you approach the summit, the landscapes will open up, offering sweeping views over the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. From the top, enjoy spectacular vistas of the ocean, the mountains and the fjord below. After your hike, you will head back down the hill, and return to your ship via motor coach.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s Hjørundfjord during a narrated cruise. Meet your skipper and crew by the quayside and climb aboard your vessel. After a short safety briefing, set sail on one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, and admire the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps as they rise steeply from the fjord. Enjoy panoramic views of towering peaks, serene landscapes and the striking contrast between the rugged mountains and calm waters of the fjord. Sip freshly brewed coffee and sample traditional Norwegian cake as you head toward the mouth of Norangsfjord, before turning back for the return journey. Keep your camera at the ready; there will be plenty of opportunity to capture Norway’s picturesque landscapes. After, you will return to shore and back to your ship.