Explore with Viking—Europe

Experience historic Ålborg and the surrounding countryside, heading out of town to meet locals past and present. Visit the Fyrkat reconstructed farm on the outskirts of the hometown of Viking king Harald Bluetooth, and witness firsthand some of the local traditions, chores and cultural practices that date back to the Viking era. Stop at the Fyrkat Fortress; built in 980 AD, it is supposedly one of the oldest ring fortresses in Denmark. Sample a glass of mead as your guide regales you with tales of Vikings past. Continue to Lindholm Hoje, where you will learn about the importance of this ancient burial site featuring more than 700 gravesites and 150 stone ships. See history come alive at the museum exhibit, where accounts of the inhabitants’ lives are conveyed through reconstructions, illustrations and animations. At tour’s end, you will return to your ship.

Venture into the pristine countryside outside Bergen to witness life on a traditional Norwegian farm. Drive with your guide through vistas of soaring mountains and tranquil lakes to the idyllic working farm at Øvre Eide, nestled on the beautiful Jordal Lake. Here, surrounded by green fields and magnificent scenery, the owner will greet you and lead a relaxed and leisurely guided tour of his tranquil property. Along the way, you will pause with him as he shares the farm’s history and local heritage and provides some insight into the evolving ways of farming in Norway. You will also meet some of the animals typically found on Nordic farms, from Norwegian fjord horses to Norwegian spel sheep. Then you are invited to join him in the beautiful main house for freshly made almond pralines, pastries with berries and cream and natural fruit juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Drive through Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands, to the island’s southerly point on a panoramic tour. Pass through the rural townships of Fladdabister and—conditions permitting—admire the magnificent Mousa Broch, the world’s tallest and best-preserved roundhouse. Continue south, passing St. Ninian’s Isle, where the famous Pictish hoard of silver dating from the 9th century was found in 1958. Arrive in Jarlshof and explore the prehistoric Norse settlements, one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Britain. Over 5,000 years old, it features a remarkable sequence of stone structures. Continue to the historic village of Hoswick and visit the Visitor Centre. Through informative displays gain an understanding of the culture of Shetland, then spend time browsing the original Shetland garments in the knitwear shop before returning to your awaiting ship.

Follow your own interests in Berlin, from its historic sites to its lesser-known gems. Begin your journey by train early in the morning along with your escort. Continue by motor coach to the city center, accompanied by a guide who will provide you with a map and some tips during an orientation tour. Upon arrival, set off on your own, with 3½ to 4 hours to explore the city. Call on Checkpoint Charlie and see remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore Alexanderplatz. Gaze upon the remarkable glass cupola of the Reichstag or visit a museum on the renowned Museum Island. For lunch, perhaps stop at a sidewalk café and enjoy a fine German wine while you observe modern Berliners strolling by. At the allotted time, meet your escort at a prearranged location and return to your ship via train in time for dinner.

Journey through a region known as the “Garden of England” to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury. This is a quintessential medieval city in one of the most attractive corners of rural England, made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Pilgrims once flocked to the city to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Spend time exploring the magnificent cathedral, labyrinth of medieval streets and quaint shops before heading off to Leeds Castle. Built on an island in the middle of a lake, Leeds Castle is the oldest and most romantic castle in England. It was built by the Normans in 1119, and its most famous owner, Henry VIII, was responsible for turning Leeds into a truly royal palace. Enjoy free time at the castle during a guided visit and explore the beautiful grounds at your leisure.

Embark on a leisurely cruise across the extensive harbor and the Christianshavn and Frederiksholm Canals. After boarding your boat, settle in for a narrated overview of the city, an intriguing blend of pioneering modern architecture, historic landmarks and recreational quays. Pass the Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament, and admire the distinctive spire of entwined dragon tails atop the old Stock Exchange. Pass the colorful Nyhavn Canal, lined with 500-year-old gabled houses; this neighborhood was once home to Hans Christian Andersen. You will also pass Amalienborg Palace, the Rococo-style royal winter residence, built in the 18th century. After pausing at the famous Little Mermaid statue, continue to the old naval base of Holmen. You will also see the Royal Library, nicknamed the “Black Diamond,” the Copenhagen Opera House and the Royal Danish Playhouse.

Immerse yourself in Norway’s beauty during a full-day excursion to Flåm, one of its most scenic coastal villages. You will find the countryside as breathtaking as your destination while riding by motor coach from the shores of Hardangerfjord to Sognefjord, crossing scenic mountain passes and driving through manmade tunnels en route. Travel through picturesque woodland to the Tvinde Waterfall cascading down the steep cliffside. After a short stroll close to the waterfall, continue to Flåm. Then, board the Flåm Railway for a thrilling ride as you climb nearly 3,000 feet through 20 tunnels and over numerous bridges. Change trains at Myrdal and continue through more spectacular vistas, alighting in Voss, settled among snowcapped mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. Stop for a delicious lunch before returning to your ship, seeing more beautiful scenery via motor coach.

Cross over the Menai Strait to the Welsh mainland to visit two very impressive Welsh castles. Penrhyn Castle was completed in 1837 by Thomas Hopper, and designed in a Gothic style with a Moorish flavor. The extensive grounds, which you can discover after your self-guided tour of the castle, include formal gardens, semi-wooded walks and a Victorian walled garden. Following lunch in the seaside town of Caernarfon, your tour takes you to Caernarfon Castle. Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of King Edward I, this is the most magnificent. Caernarfon Castle’s symbolic status was reinforced when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In more recent times, King Charles III was crowned Prince of Wales here in a glittering ceremony in 1969.

Experience the flavors of Northern Ireland with this exciting walking tour centered on cuisine. Set out for the city, where you will connect with your experienced local guide. You will have the opportunity to soak in Belfast’s rich heritage and culture as you make your way through historic neighborhoods, all the while enjoying delicious foods with a local food connoisseur who knows and loves Northern Ireland’s specialties, as well as the best spots in town to sample them. Tastings are frequent and generous; you will encounter local producers, learn about the food of Northern Ireland and enjoy sampling favorite foods and drinks from the region along the way.

Discover some of cosmopolitan Liverpool’s most impressive architectural and cultural sights. Explore the city by motor coach as you learn about Liverpool’s maritime heritage as the home port of RMS Titanic. View the Liverpool Cathedral, dominating the city’s skyline from atop St. James’s Mount, and admire its impressive Gothic arches; it is the largest Anglican cathedral in the UK. In stark architectural contrast, admire the striking style and multicolored glass lantern tower of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest Catholic cathedral in the UK. Pass through St. George’s Quarter, which boasts some of the country’s finest examples of Victorian architecture, including the imposing St. George’s Hall. As you return to the port, pass the iconic “Three Graces,” Albion House, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the rejuvenated Royal Albert Dock.

Explore the majesty and mystery of Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will journey inland, through Ballymena and Bushmills, to the dramatic North Antrim Coast. Here, You will discover an aggregation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns—the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. For millions of years, the unique rock formations of Giant’s Causeway have stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns both intrigues and inspires. You may be astonished by this ancient natural marvel as you scan the mysterious stones for structures that resemble objects, such as the Organ, Giant's Boot, Camel's Hump and Chimney Stacks. Returning to port, You will stop for photographs at the magnificent clifftop Dunluce Castle, and, time permitting, at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that spans a chasm 80 feet deep.

Witness one of the world’s most iconic skylines during an evening cruise along the River Thames. Depart your ship, board your private clipper and sail through history as you glide past London’s landmarks. Sit back and relax with a glass of prosecco as your guide points out the city’s famous attractions, including the Tower of London that has protected the Crown Jewels of England’s kings and queens for centuries. Cruise under Tower Bridge and trace the Victoria Embankment to Westminster, where you will view the looming London Eye and Elizabeth Tower, known the world over as Big Ben, whose historic clock tower has seen six monarchs and 41 prime ministers since its famous bell first chimed across London. During your panoramic cruise, hear the legendary tales behind the sites as your vessel returns to Greenwich and back to your awaiting ship.

Experience the magnificent Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, up close. Proceed to your embarkation point with your guide. There, you will don your required life jacket and board a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB. For the next 50 minutes, you will skim along the waters at high speed, sea spray in your face and the soaring slopes of Geirangerfjord around you. You will stop for more intimate views of the natural landscapes. The waterfalls that plummet into the fjord’s waters—Seven Sisters, Suitor and Bridal Veil—are especially thrilling to witness up close. You will also see abandoned farms that once thrived in the Geirangerfjord, once-proud homesteads standing quietly in the shadow of giants. By tour’s end, you will have seen a rare and exciting perspective of the fjord. Please dress for the weather of the day and wear shoes that can get wet.

Witness untold centuries of human settlement during visits to Orkney’s Neolithic and Viking sites. Take a drive through rolling landscapes, passing prehistoric sites such as the Standing Stones of Stenness, dating to the third millennium BC. Stop at the well-preserved Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, and explore one of Europe’s most complete Neolithic villages. Older than Stonehenge, it has been called the “Scottish Pompeii” because of its remarkably preserved dwellings. Visit the 17th-century Skaill House, built by Bishop George Graham. All 12 of its lairds have been related during its 400-year history, and the house features memorabilia collected from each generation. Return to your motor coach and continue on this circular route, following the coastline of Scapa Flow.

See Bergen both up close and from a bird’s-eye perspective on this expansive tour. With your guide, pass the medieval fortress at the entrance to the harbor. Stroll along the seafront to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, the picturesque wharf that helped put Bergen at the center of the Hanseatic League. Visit the Schøtstuene Museum and explore its multipurpose rooms in which wealthy Hanseatic merchants gathered during the winter months. Embark on a scenic drive through the city for a visit to the elegant Fantoft Stave Church. Built entirely of wood in 1150, it was moved to this site in 1883 to preserve it as part of the nation’s heritage. Return to the city where you will ascend Mt. Fløien via funicular railway. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of Bergen’s seaside setting before returning to your ship.

Take in the sights of Stockholm, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stunningly set on Sweden’s east coast. Also known as the "Venice of Scandinavia," this vibrant city is made up of 14 islands, connected to the mainland by 57 bridges. Begin your journey with a guided drive by motor coach. Hear stories about Swedish life and culture as you travel through the city streets, passing by famous sights including the City Hall, Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera. Continue your journey on foot through the old town, calling at a local café to enjoy a Swedish fika, a traditional coffee break accompanied by a cinnamon bun. Cap your day with more time to explore the cobblestone streets of the old town on your own, returning to your ship either independently or with the complimentary shuttle. Alternatively, re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to your ship.

Explore the Polar Museum, the Tromsø Museum and take in breathtaking vistas via cable car. For adventurers and explorers, Tromsø is the “Gateway to the Arctic.” You will begin at the fascinating Polar Museum, located in a wharf house dating to 1837. Here, gain a glimpse of Arctic life and learn about the expeditions of explorer and native son Roald Amundsen, who reached the North Pole in 1926. After, board a cable car at Tromsø Fjellheis and ascend to the 1,378-foot summit of Mount Storsteinen. From the top, marvel at the Tromsø cityscape nestled amid islands and sea, then return to the city and continue to the informative Tromsø Museum. Here, delve into the natural history of the region, including changes to the Arctic environment, and learn more about the elusive northern lights during your guided visit. En route back to your ship, enjoy a brief city tour.

Get an in-depth look at the history of the Vikings and Norway’s most notable explorers. Norway’s long history of exploration extends back to the Viking Age. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, learn about the voyages of renowned explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Browse numerous texts, maps and books, and view the Kon-Tiki balsa-wood raft Heyerdahl, used to sail from Peru to Polynesia in 1947. Explore the Fram Museum, which chronicles the polar expeditions of Norwegian explorers, including Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach both the North and South Poles. Cap your excursion with a visit to the Norwegian Maritime Museum to discover Norway’s seafaring history, and see its nautical paintings by famous artists such as Hans Gude and Axel Revold. There, enjoy a short film on Viking traditions and culture, and see a replica of the Gokstad ship, the largest Viking ship in Norway.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Vikings on this excursion to a longhouse. Explore the site of an ancient Viking homestead at Borg, discovered accidentally by a farmer plowing his land during the early 1980s; researchers believe it was the home of a local chieftain during the Middle Ages. Admire the archaeology and faithful reconstruction—particularly in the main building, the Chieftain’s House, which houses various exhibitions in the 272-foot-long space. You can also see the nearby Tufta excavation site, where markings on the ground denote where the location of the turf walls and square pillars of the original structure were found. Learn about living conditions during the Viking era and enjoy a tasting of dried cod, accompanied by a glass of mjød (mead). After time to explore this engrossing piece of Viking history, you will return to your ship.

Take a classic tour by some of London’s most famous landmarks, accompanied by a renowned Blue Badge licensed guide. Upon arrival in the city, you will pass Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Parliament Square and Big Ben. See the imposing yet delicate Westminster Abbey and its vast flying buttresses. Drive through Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall, the government district where you will view The Cenotaph war memorial and the gates to 10 Downing Street, home of the prime minister. Enjoy time for lunch and shopping in Covent Garden. A drive along the Thames features the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theater, Tate Modern and the OXO Tower. Stop for exterior photos at Sir Christopher Wren’s greatest masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral. At the famed Tower of London, gaze upon the stunning Crown Jewels and hear tales of the Traitor’s Gate and the White Tower.

Explore Alta’s storied history, from its archaic past to the present, through its native culture. Embark your motor coach for a scenic drive to Alta’s cathedral; a modern architectural landmark, its spiral, titanium clad exterior is designed to reflect the northern lights in motion. After time to admire its main room, continue your tour to the Alta Museum. Upon arrival, step inside to see relics recovered from this prehistoric settlement that lay undiscovered until 1973. Local guides will be on hand to provide insight, as you explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions covering a variety of topics related to local history and nature, including the northern lights, salmon fishing, and local Sami and Christian religions. Enjoy free time to explore the museum independently and perhaps stop at the museum café for light refreshments, before returning to your ship.

Take in the sights of Tromsø’s natural beauty and unique structures amid its island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. View its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, you will see the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary before returning to your awaiting ship.

Delve into the mystery of the aurora borealis as you watch the night skies from atop Mt. Pæska. At the mountain camp you will meet your host, who will introduce you to the various activities you can enjoy. Learn about the science behind this natural phenomenon through a series of visual presentations and films. Get cozy around a campfire in a Sami tent, called a lavvu, or take a seat in one of the slate cottages and warm up over a hot beverage and a slice of cake. There is no guarantee that the unpredictable northern lights will be visible, but with a little luck, clear nighttime skies and sufficient solar activity will prevail and you will be rewarded with a glimpse of this majestic wonder. Camp guides will be on hand to offer tips on capturing the special moment on camera, and a gift shop is available where you may purchase locally made handicrafts.

Explore the Polar Museum, the Tromsø Museum and take in breathtaking vistas via cable car. For adventurers and explorers, Tromsø is the “Gateway to the Arctic.” You will begin at the fascinating Polar Museum, located in a wharf house dating to 1837. Here, gain a glimpse of Arctic life and learn about the expeditions of explorer and native son Roald Amundsen, who reached the North Pole in 1926. After, board a cable car at Tromsø Fjellheis and ascend to the 1,378-foot summit of Mount Storsteinen. From the top, marvel at the Tromsø cityscape nestled amid islands and sea, then return to the city and continue to the informative Tromsø Museum. Here, delve into the natural history of the region, including changes to the Arctic environment, and learn more about the elusive northern lights during your guided visit. En route back to your ship, enjoy a brief city tour.

Experience the beauty of the Arctic while waiting to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing northern lights. Leave the light pollution of the city behind as you travel into rural Norway to the Gargia Lodge, a charming, rustic mountain lodge nestled in the woods. Upon arrival, enjoy snacks and spend your time engaged in a range of activities while you wait for the elusive aurora borealis to appear. Tour the upstairs gallery that chronicles the region’s history with artifacts and photos or pet the friendly resident huskies. Alternatively, explore the grounds on snowshoes or just relax on a reindeer skin and take in the silence. On a clear night, the northern lights may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of bright, neon light over the Arctic landscape. With any luck, you will see her dancing lights grace the night sky before returning to Alta.

Learn about a historically important railway and gain insight into those who built it. The Ofoten Railway has been integral for the hauling of iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland to the ice-free port of Narvik since it opened in 1902. At the railway station in Narvik, board your private train car for the picturesque roundtrip journey to Bjørnfjell Station and back. During the construction of the railroad, this heritage trail was the “road to work” for the navvy, the itinerant workers who labored under extreme conditions to build the railway. Learn more about their lives and work, and the role of the railway during World War II, as you wind along a path of picturesque forests, small streams and mountain views. During the return portion of your journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun while en route back to your awaiting ship.

Sled over the scenic Arctic landscape outside Alta while being pulled by a team of lively huskies. A short drive from your ship brings you to the local farm where the huskies reside. Upon arrival, meet your guides and listen to a short safety briefing before heading out. Relax as your experienced musher guides you and the sled’s team of well-trained dogs through the rugged terrain. Breathe in the fresh air as you journey through the forests and clearings along the Alta River during your 20- to 30-minute outing. At the end of your ride, you will return to the husky farm to warm yourself with a hot beverage while sitting in a traditional Sami lavvu (tent) and listening to your guide’s tales of racing sled dogs. You will have an opportunity to spend time with and photograph the charming huskies before returning to your ship.

Learn about the vibrant culture of indigenous Norwegians during a visit to a local Sami village. The Sami’s roots in Arctic Europe trace back at least 5,000 years. Embark on a scenic journey by motor coach to the small village of Máze, located on the Finnmark Plateau. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts, members of a reindeer-herding family. You will have an opportunity to climb on board a reindeer-pulled sled for a picturesque ride along a frozen river. Relax as you glide along to the sound of reindeer bells and snow crunching under hooves. After your ride, return to the village, where you will be invited into a large traditional tent called a lavvu. Take a seat next to a roaring fire and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch while your hosts entertain you with stories of Sami traditions and modern life. Later, you will return to your ship.