19 Day Norwegian Fjords with Seabourn

19 Day Norwegian Fjords with Seabourn

Scandinavian countries are arguably among the least known countries in Europe. In Norway and Sweden the majority of the population lives in the south in affluent modern cities, which are also rich in history and tradition. Away from the main towns and cities lie the vast unspoilt, often wild terrain, from the breathtaking Norwegian fjords to the dense pine forests and clear lakes of Sweden.

Highlights

  • Cruise to the land of the midnight sun and witness 24 hours of daylight
  • Explore the majestic fjordlands of Norway’s rugged coastline
  • Travel onboard the Flam railway, one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge which passes through Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery
  • Visit two of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities, Copenhagen and Stockholm
  • View Fredensborg Palace – home to the Danish Crown Prince and Princess
  • Cruise by catamaran deep into the Lysefjord, carved over centuries by glaciers
  • Enjoy a personal invitation to a private home to experience authentic Norwegian hospitality
  • Cruise through the Sognefjord, included in the World Heritage list and considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjord areas in the world
Day
1

ARRIVE COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s largest city situated at the mouth of the Baltic Sea. A thousand years of history await you in the medieval streets; the same streets walked on by every generation of the world’s oldest royal family. On arrival into Copenhagen transfer through to the distinctive Copenhagen Admiral Hotel located on the historic waterfront. This evening’s special welcome dinner will be enjoyed in the fairytale surrounds of Tivoli Gardens at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants.

Overnight: The Admiral Hotel or similar
Day
2

COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen transformed itself from a humble fishing village to the glittering capital of the Danish Empire. Its current position is one of the world’s premier design capitals and Scandinavia’s pre-eminent city. The stories and characters of Copenhagen’s history unfold during a tour of this enchanting city. Today’s exploration continues into the picturesque countryside and coastline to Kronborg Castle, one of northern Europe’s most important Renaissance castles. This castle was also the setting used by William Shakespeare for ‘Hamlet’. We visit the small town of Hillerød to view Frederiksborg Palace. This magnificent Renaissance building is now home to the Museum of Danish National History. Drive past Fredensborg Palace – the spring and autumn residence of the Royal Family and today, home to the Danish Crown Prince and Princess. Return to Copenhagen along the beautiful coastal road, passing through fashionable residential areas before boarding the Seabourn Pride for a 16 day voyage.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
3

AT SEA

Enjoy the facilities on board Seabourn Pride as you spend the day at sea. Whilst at sea, enjoy wine tastings, designer boutiques language and dance classes. Take in a matinee movie, check the market or your e-mail in the Internet Point, slip away with a novel from the library to a sunny chaise or with a movie to your suite. Or just take in the sun pool side. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
4

STAVANGER , NORWAY

Just a five-minute walk from the pier, the Rygerkatt catamaran awaits for an exciting cruise deep into the Lysefjord. Cutting over 30 miles into the countryside, the Lysefjord is surrounded by steep glacier-polished mountains dotted with beautiful waterfalls and the occasional small farm perched on a mountainside. On the southern side of the fjord is Helleren, an overhanging cliff that in former days gave shelter to the people that fished and hunted in this area. On the northern side of the fjord, view high above the well-known protruding rock formation, Pulpit Rock. Completely flat on the top, Pulpit
Rock extends some 80 feet out over the fjord, and is over 1800 feet above sea level. This afternoon enjoy a taste of authentic Norwegian hospitality, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the Norwegian way of life by meeting and speaking with the local people.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
5

FLORO

Floro is a charming fishing village located on the westernmost point of Norway. It is a tiny community that makes its living from the fishing industry and supplies of oil and gas to the north sea. Floro includes an archipelago of many islands, including Reska, Askrova, and Kinn which provides a picturesque setting against a backdrop of mountain ranges.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
6

AT SEA

The cruise continues north with breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Today, relax on board and enjoy the excellent facilities on the Seabourn Pride.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
7

SVOLVAER

Huddled together in what appears to be a wall of solid rock, the Lofotens are actually several islands. Their scenery, revealed when the ice disappeared from the last Ice Age, is held to be among the most dramatic in Norway. Svolvaer, located on the island of Austvaagoey, received town status in 1996, and is the Lofotens’ most important city with about 4,500 residents. Dominating the town is the mountain peak called Svolvaergeita, a beacon for climbers. Fishermen flock here when the Norwegian Arctic cod enters the Vestfjord to spawn. Artists prize the picturesque setting and extraordinary light.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
8

TROMSO

Many a polar expedition has begun from Tromso. The town was founded in 1794, but its roots go back to Hanseatic and, even earlier to Viking times. Situated inside the Arctic Circle on the forest-clad island of Troms, this spirited city is linked to the mainland by the spectacular Tromsobrua Bridge, built in 1960. During WWII, Tromso was one of the few places in northern Norway to escape bombing and a number of old wood buildings still remain. At the Tromso Museum, the exhibits include an extensive display on the
people of Lapland. The town also boasts both the world’s northernmost university and brewery.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
9

HONINGSVAG - NORTH CAPE

The perpendicular cliffs of Nordkapp, or the North Cape, mark the very top of the European continent. This ultimate destination has long drawn adventurous royalty including Oscar II, King of Norway and Sweden, who visited in 1873 followed by the King of Siam in 1907. The North Cape is located on the island of Mageroey, a name derived from a word that means “meager.” While the landscape may have a lunar appearance, it is not really so isolated. Just 21 miles away, the main town, Honningsvåg, has some 4,000 inhabitants. In summer that number swells when the Sami people and their reindeer settle on the outskirts of town. Late this evening cruise to the North Cape. The Norwegian Arctic Circle is at a Latitude of 66.5’ and it is this imaginary line which denotes the beginning of the Arctic region where they have the midnight sun and Polar nights.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
10

AT SEA

The next two days we spend sailing on the Norwegian Sea. The sea is a part of the North Atlantic Ocean and is positioned to the northwest of Norway and to the southeast of Greenland. It merges with the Barents Sea off the northern coast of Norway, and with the waters of the North Sea to the southeast of the Faroe Islands.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
11

AT SEA

Today is yours to spend at leisure. While we’re at sea there is so much to do. You may wish to book a spa treatment or to attend one of the lectures on board the ship. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
12

ALESUND

Alesund is located at the top of the fjord country, spread over three islands in an archipelago, with the snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps in the background. The town has a fascinating history and equally fascinating architecture which will be brought to life during a walking tour hosted by a local guide. After a fire destroyed the town in 1904, Alesund was rebuilt in the style of the times - Art Nouveau. Towers, turrets and romantic medieval facades are pure Art Nouveau and the Alesund version includes elements from Nordic mythology.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
13

SOGNEFJORD

Cruise the spectacular Naeroyfjord which is a branch of the world’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord. It has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list and is considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjord areas on the planet. Along the way make stops at attractions and spot seals, porpoises and eagles. Go ashore in Undredal, a little village squeezed in between tall mountains.This afternoon discover the Flam Railway – an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal down to Flam station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. The train journey provides some of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery. The Flam Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifestations of the most daring and skilful engineering in Norwegian railway history. At the foot of the mountains you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flam Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
14

HJELTERFJORD - BERGEN

Cruise through the picturesque Hjelterfjord docking at Bergen. With its mountain backdrop and painted wood houses, Norway’s secondlargest city is one of the country’s most appealing places. In the 14th century, the port of Bergen was a Hanseatic trading centre and for a time, the country’s capital. The buildings on Bryggen, as the Hanseatic Wharf is called, are collectively a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. The harbour-side market, the lovely parks and the shopping district are all best suited to explore on foot. Take a ride on a funicular up to the 1,050-foot-high Floeien lookout, or head to 13th-century Bergenhus Fortress and 16th-century Rosenkrantz Tower to feel transported back in time.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
15

AT SEA

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
16

COPENHAGEN

Today is free to explore Copenhagen at leisure, wander along the picturesque canals,enjoying coffee in one of the many cafés thatmline the waterways. You will never tire of the beauty and relaxed atmosphere of this city. Reboard the Seabourn Pride late afternoon.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
17

AT SEA

Today is our final day at sea. We journey through the Baltic Sea which is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Europe and the Danish islands.

Overnight: Seabourn Pride
Day
18

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

This spectacular cruise ends this morning in Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm. Known as the most beautiful city in the world, this “city that floats on water” sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Today will be spent exploring this city. This includes visits to beautiful Djurgardsbrunninlet, Djugarden the famous Vasa ship museum and the Fjallgatan with its spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounds. This afternoon we transfer to the Grand Hotel – a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner.

Overnight: The Grand Hotel or similar
Day
19

STOCKOLM - HOME

This morning enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to the airport for your international flight.

Dates & Prices

Tour Code Days Departs Returns Price $AUD  
NF200 19 25th June 2012 13th July 2012 $14,965

JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International air-fare, visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance. Items of a personal nature like drinks (except whilst on board the Seabourn Pride where all alcohol is included), laundry, telephone calls, camera fees etc.

TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS
Exploring the Norwegian fjords can of course only be done by cruising the vast coastline of Norway. Stretching over 2000km this rugged, spectacular coastline is home  to a myriad of stunning fjords, dramatic mountains and tiny villages. On this 19 day adventure Bill Peach Journeys has taken care of every detail, careful planning and researching every aspect to ensure you can simply relax and  mmerse yourself in the experience. From the very best available accommodation at the commencement and conclusion of the journey to private shore excursions onboard the Seabourn Pride, all has been organised to ensure a
seamless journey.

LOCAL GUIDES
As with all Bill Peach Journeys, your cruising adventure of the Norwegian fjords will be hosted by one of our experienced Journey Directors who will be on hand for the duration of the journey to ensure that every detail is taken care of. To complement our Journey Director we will of course have local guides with an intimate knowledge of the special attributes of the area, the history, hidden treasures and local knowledge that will take us from the well warn paths to places that would be out of bounds to the average traveller.

TRANSPORTATION
The mode of transportation has been selected to ensure the ultimate viewing of each destination visited. To undertake this remarkable journey 16 days are spent on board the Seabourn Pride. Shore excursions at each port will be undertaken by air conditioned coach. Exclusive touring of each of these citites has also been included, along with private airport transfers in Denmark and Sweden

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. The accommodation chosen for this journey is the very best available and has been hand picked by our journey planners. We ensure that the accommodation selected is in the best possible location so that you are perfectly positioned to explore the destination. Luxury accommodation has been included in Copenhagen at the commencement of the journey and Stockholm at the conclusion of the cruise to ensure a comprehensive travel experience.


Accommodation onboard the Seabourn Pride is a haven of sophisticated luxury. Your suite offers you all the modern conveniences combined with the old world charm of ocean travel.