Norway in a Nutshell, Iceland & UK

Arrive in Oslo today and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Norwegian capital. Head up to the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle which offers breathtaking views over the Oslofjord. Alternatively, visit one of Oslo’s wide choice of museums. Take a boat out to the Bygdoy Peninsula for the highest concentration of these, or stay in the centre of town and see Edvard Munch’s the Scream at the National Gallery.

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Oslo with the Oslo Pass, which provides access to over 30 museums and attractions. Top attractions include the Natural History Museum, Fram Museum, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower, the Viking Ship Museum and TusenFryd Amusement Park. the city center offers world-class shopping and dining, jazz and blues clubs, and bars and cafes where you can relax and take in some good people-watching.

After breakfast this morning, take an early train from Oslo to Myrdal and then connect with the world-famous Flam Railway. the journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam deep in the fjord has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world, and is one of the steepest normal track railway lines in the world, dropping 2,824 feet in just under an hour. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, deep valleys and thundering waterfalls as you descend into the Aurlandsfjord. On arrival in Flam, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and relax over a delicious dinner at aegir restaurant, where the Viking dinner menu includes the famous aegir Viking plank – 5 courses of delicious local food paired with 5 different o†gir beers served on a plank.

Take an unforgettable journey by boat today through the UNESCO Word Heritage listed Aurlandsfjord and beyond into the stunning Naeroyfjord on a heritage fjord safari rib boat ride. Starting in Flam, you’ll make stops at scenic attractions and see incredible wildlife up close, including porpoises, seals and eagles. Learn all about the fjord and local history with fascinating stories, tales and legends from your safari guide. This will be a journey you won’t soon forget!

Your onward journey begins this morning with a ferry ride into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world. This branch of the Sognefjord is spectacularly beautiful with its high peaks framing the narrow thread of water. Watch goats grazing along the banks and seals lying on the rocks before mooring at Gudvangen. Here, transfer onto a bus which will take you up the winding bends of the Stalheimskleiva to a lookout point above the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls. You’ll make a brief stop to admire the view before continuing to Voss, where you transfer to the station for your onward train journey to Bergen. On arrival in Bergen, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. You have an afternoon here to explore Norway’s second city. Why not discover the colorful Hanseatic buildings of Bryggen and Vagen harbors or take the Fløibanen up to the top of Floyen for spectacular views?

After breakfast this morning, start the day with one of the many sightseeing tours that give you an introduction to what charming Bergen has to offer. Use your included Bergen Card and enjoy free discounted admittance to most museums and attractions as well as many cultural events, various sightseeing tours, restaurants and parking.

After breakfast this morning, head back to the station for your scenic journey from Bergen back to Oslo along the Bergen Line, the highest mainline rail line in Northern Europe. On arrival in Oslo, check-in at your hotel for the last night of your holiday. If the weather is fine this evening, why not go to the waterfront area of Aker Brygge where there are many bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour. Alternatively, head to the Oslo Opera House, an amazing building constructed to resemble a glacier emerging from the water. the building is worth a visit, even if you don’t go for a performance.

Join your cruise in Oslo today and set sail for Iceland and the UK.

Norwegians head to Kristiansand during the summer for the agreeable weather, plenty of attractions and a popular city beach. Stroll through the Posebyen old quarter and its grid pattern of historic streets, looking out for a former post office dating back to 1695. Don’t miss the Kristiansand Zoo, featuring moose, wolves, lynx, wolverines and so much more. And be sure to visit the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Gardens, with its 19th-century rose garden and extensive collection of succulents.

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, Stavanger lies in southwestern Norway’s stunning fjord region. Old Stavanger has been meticulously preserved with many of its wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques. But it’s the museums that set this cosmopolitan city apart. Visit one of Stavanger’s museums to view collections that include maritime, medical and printing artifacts. Or get outside and take a cruise around the fjords. And when in Norway, one should of course buy Norwegian wool. In addition to wool garments, Stavanger also has glasswork, pewter goods and nautical clothing for you to bring home to friends and family (or keep all to yourself).

View this lovely and charming Norwegian city from your cruise ship and you’ll see how the city is nestled between seven mountains, seven fjords and the North Sea. The Norwegian King resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. These events come alive when you amble down the old streets of Bryggen, past picturesque, wooden buildings and the Romanesque-style St. Mary’s church. Explore more of Bergen on a European cruise!

Beautifully situated on four main islands, Kristiansund is an inviting city surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Atlantic Road, believed to offer the world’s best road trip. The route winds its way across islands and over bridges with magnificent views of the ocean and coastline. Take a stroll around Kristiansund and marvel at the diverse and colourful array of architectural styles – both classic and modern.

One of Norway’s most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Cruise visitors will immediately notice Ålesund’s unique layout, as it is built on islands extending to the sea, and offers scenic views of fjords and the Sunnmore Alps. Ålesund is the fishing capital of Norway. Explore more of Ålesund on a European cruise!

There’s a good reason that Iceland is considered a photographer’s dream destination. Its terrain is visually stunning, offering views of lava flows, hot springs, unspoiled nature – and colourful, fascinating cities like Reykjavik. The world’s most northerly capital brings together quaint villages, exciting museums, a flourishing music scene and restaurants that rival Europe’s finest. Explore more of Reykjavik on a European cruise!

As the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords’s region, Ísafjörður is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting an enchanting fjord ideal for watersports and a mountainous landscape brimming with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Originally a church site and a 16th century trading post, the town of Ísafjörður is home to wonderful museums and historic sites for those wishing to learn about the region’s rich heritage and local culture.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest urban area and a centre of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums, hike along the extraordinary vistas or explore the botanical gardens. Shop in one of the charming boutiques and then catch a glimpse of the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world. After you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on some Nordic specialties like smoked lamb and fresh fish and then indulge in an Icelandic fried pastry.

Nestled in between the two fjords, Hamarsfjörður and Berufjörður, you’ll find the remote little town of Djúpivogur. Captivating as it is quant, this humble fishing village is home to breathtaking scenery that moves from gently sweeping beaches to jagged cliffs and Búlandstindur, the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain. In contrast to the high-energy hustle and bustle of modern life, Djúpivogur encourages a slower, more contemplative way of living. Savour incredible seafood, have drinks with locals and shop traditional handcrafts you can’t find anywhere else in the world. While the town of Djúpivogur might be small, there’s no doubt it will make a big impression on your next Northern Europe adventure.

This colourful capital city of the Faroe Islands on the island of Steymoy features a panoply of Nordic landscapes, with fjords, straits, deep green valleys, and a wonderful harbour dotted with colourful boats. Thorshavn began as a Viking settlement, and later became a thriving town, replete with quaint, colourful neighbourhoods, and historic cathedrals and fortresses from the Middle Ages.

The capital of Scotland’s Shetland Islands is a vibrant and energetic city coloured by grand Victorian houses and the region’s namesake ponies. It is a cruise ship’s primary entry to the Shetlands, a mosaic of over a hundred islands inhabited by about 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea featuring views of dramatic sculptured cliffs and tranquil sandy bays. Explore more of Lerwick on a European cruise!

Make sure you pack your walking shoes for Edinburgh. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Savour the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture. Marvel at the impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached. Leave enough time to rest your legs at one of Edinburgh’s seaside restaurants to enjoy fresh salmon, scallops, lamb and prime Angus beef.

Your cruise ends today, a shuttle transfer will take you to your hotel where you have 2 nights in London to explore the city.

London offers a vibrant mix of things to do, see, and eat. Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Enjoy the views from the London Eye or take a stroll along the River Thames. Explore bustling markets like Borough Market for fresh food and local treats, or Camden Market for eclectic fashion and street food. Don’t miss classic British dishes such as fish and chips, a hearty Sunday roast, or indulge in afternoon tea at one of the city’s elegant tea rooms.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending? Ask us about our amazing range of accommodation and touring packages.