NORWEGIAN SPLENDOR

May, 2007
     

May 18 Oslo
We arrive in Copenhagen this morning to connect with our flight to Oslo. Upon arrival at Gardemoen Airport, we'll be met by a local guide and travel via private motorcoach for a three-hour city tour of Oslo. Our sightseeing includes a stop at Frogner Park with its renowned Vigeland sculptures and the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump. From the jump, we'll take in the beautiful view of Oslo and its surrounding area. We'll also visit the Viking Ship Museum. The thousand-year old ships bring Scandinavia's history to life. Here we'll view an impressive collection of ornate sledges and carriages, plus a variety of tools and artifacts from the Viking era. As we continue our tour, we drive past the medieval fortress of Akershus, the Royal Palace, and the busy port and town hall. Our tour ends at the Hotel Bristol, where we'll enjoy a delicious meal and spend our first night.

May 19 Scenic Cruising
Following breakfast this morning, our private motorcoach will transfer us to Gardemoen Airport for our flight to Kirkenes. Here we'll meet up with our guide and be transferred directly to the pier where we'll board the M.S. Kong Harald. Our ship is equipped with modern cabins, large lounges, a three hundred seat "panoramic lounge-deck", lounge and restaurant. Our ship sets sail around 1:30 this afternoon along Varanger Fjord. We'll cruise by the town of Vadsoe, with a population of 6,000. Vadsoe is the administrative center of the county of Finnmark. It's also a busy port, specializing in the shipping of seafood. As we continue our sailing along the barren and wild Arctic coastline, we arrive in the town of Vardoe. This small town is actually situated on an island and connected to the mainland by an underground tunnel. During the early 1900's, Vardoe was involved in significant trading with Northern Russia. During World War II, most of the town laid in ruins. While here, we'll have the opportunity to visit some of the town's highlights, such as Vardohus Fort (built to prevent Russian raids) or see Vardoe's only tree, a rowan, which is the pride of the town. To protect the tree from the bitter cold, the villagers construct a house around it every winter. We leave Vardoe and continue our cruise along Norway's coast, enjoying dinner on board. Tonight we'll make brief stops at the ports of Baatsfjord, Berlevaag, Mehamn and Kjoellefjord. Overnight on board. 

May 20 Honningsvaag, Havoysund & Hammerfest
Our first port of call today is at Honningsvaag, a small fishing port on the island of Mageroy. The island is considered to be the most northern outpost of Europe and the "Gateway to the North Cape". We'll leave the small town by motorcoach for an excursion to the North Cape and Hammerfest. Our motorcoach travels along the Arctic Mageroy Island, a thousand-foot cliff falling into the Atlantic Ocean symbolizing the last outpost of the European continent. Breakfast will be served at North Cape Hall overlooking the Arctic Ocean. After breakfast, we return to Honningsvaag. From here we'll drive along the shores of the Porsanger Fjord through the Olderfjord Valley to Skaidi, and along the Reppar Fjord across the Kvalsund Bridge to Kvaloy Island. After this scenic drive, we arrive in Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town. Hammerfest has been an important trading center for over two hundred years. During World War II, the Germans used the town as a naval base, evacuating all of its inhabitants and razing the town to the ground. Today Hammerfest is one of Norway's most important fishing harbors. From Hammerfest we sail south, making stops at Oeksfjord and Skjerfoy. We arrive in Tromsoe - "Capital of the Arctic" early this afternoon. Tromsoe was founded in 1250 as a trading and fish-exporting center. Today it is also referred to as the "Paris of the North". Downtown Tromsoe is an attractive city with bustling nightlife and the world's most northern university (with over 14,000 students). We'll have free time to explore Tromsoe on our own under the midnight sun. Overnight on board.

May 21 Harstad, Risoyhamn & Bodoe
We arrive in Harstad, a modern and industrial city boasting northern Norway's largest dairy and meat processing factories. Its harbor is alive with the activity of foreign trawlers and supply vessels for the new oil rigs in the North Atlantic. We'll board our private coach here to the Gothic Church (dating back to 1250). Trondenes is one of the country's oldest stave churches. We continue along the shores of Kvae Fjord to Refsnes where we board a ferry across the Gulles Fjord. Coffee and cakes will be served on board. Upon arrival in Flesnes, we drive by the center of Sigerfjord and across the 3,000-foot long Sortland Bridge to the small town of Sortland. A brief orientation tour of the town will be taken before embarking on our ship again. Our sailing continues through Toppsund Sound before we cross the Andes Fjord, through the narrow Risoysund Sound. We'll sail by the Vaesteraalen and Lofoten Islands. High, rugged mountains form the backdrop at the town of Stokmarnes, with its colorful fishing houses and pleasant beaches. On the west side of the Raftsund Sound, we'll sail into the narrow, rocky opening which brings us to the wild and famous Troll Fjord. Looming behind the fjord is the snow-covered Higravtinder (almost 4,000 feet high) and the jagged Trolltindan, and a mountain lake two miles long (which is almost always frozen). This evening, the following excursion is offered: Leave Svolvaer via private motorcoach for a short drive to Henningsvaer, one of the largest fishing villages in northern Norway. It is often referred to as the "Venice of the North". Henningsvaer is built across a number of smaller islands and is connected by a protective breakwater, which makes a fine harbor. Long ago when the fishing fleet was gathered, one could walk from deck to deck from one side of the harbor to the other. Visit one of Norway's most famous living artists gallery and view Karl Erik Herr's lovely ocean scenes (along with a special slide show). Continue through the Lofoten landscape to the fishing village of Stamsund, where you'll board your ship again and sail from Svolvaer along the Lofotveggen. From a distance, the islands appear to be a continuous jagged wall rising right up from the sea. The average elevation of the mountain chain is 3300 feet. The Lofoten Islands do not consist of mountains alone. A varied landscape with skerries, beaches, narrow valleys, fishing ports and agricultural villages are all located in the same area. Our steamer continues to Stamsund, one of the principal fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands, built up around the family business of J. M. Johansen. It is also the homeport of many of the Lofoten trawler fleets. Later we sail across the Vest Fjord to Bodoe. Overnight on board 

May 22 Coastal Voyage
Our scenic coastal voyage begins from Bodoe past countless islands and skerries, which protect the Helgeland coast against the assaults of the ocean. On these islands you will find tiny isolated communities of tenant farmers, rocky cliffs and schools of fish swimming in crystal, clear waters. This sparsely populated area gives one a sense of exploring uncharted waters. Yet, along this coastline, the oldest human settlement in Norway and other finds are constantly being found. Among the men who shaped the course of Norway's history and lived in this area are the Vikings Oyvind the Scald, Haarek of Tjoette and the poet Parson Peter Dass. At Mel Fjord, we will cross into the Arctic Circle and see the Hestmannen (horseman's Peak), a mountain famous in local fairy tales. We'll also call at the scenic town of Sandnessjoen, overlooking the Seven Sisters mountain peaks. From a distance, we'll see the Alstahaug Church, which dates back to the eleventh century. We'll sail by the War Memorial Churchyard, dedicated to the East European prisoners killed during World War II. Continuing on, we sail by Torghatten Island (the Market Hat), an incredible cliff shaped as a hat with a large hole through it. This evening we sail across the border between the Nordland and Nord Trondelag Counties. Tonight we make a call at Roervik, a modern fishing village. Overnight on Board. 

May 23 Cruise To Aalesund
Early this morning we arrive in Trondheim, the natural metropolis of middle Norway. The city maintains a unique status, as it is the home of the national shrine, Nidaros Cathedral, and the Governor's Palace, Stiftsgarden. The city is a pulsating center and one of nature's gems. Trondheim is surrounded by forested hills and the Nid River penetrates the central part of the city. It has a long history of tradition stemming from the Viking era. A two-hour tour of the city brings us to Nidaros Cathedral, the largest in the country and built on the site where King Olav the Saint was buried in 1030. Before we return to our ship, we'll take in a panoramic view of the city from the "Utsikten". As we depart Trondheim, we sail by the seventeenth-century Munkholmen Fortress, the Reinskloster Monastery at Rissa, and the Austraat Castle. At the mouth of the Trondheims Fjord, we'll see Agdenes Fortress, which was occupied by German naval forces in 1940. We'll make our way between the island and mainland of Hitra, where little fishing communities are scattered along the coast. We'll sail by the flat landscape of the island of Smoela (its highest point being only 200 feet). Directly opposite are the contrasting shapes of the islands of Tustna and Stabben, rising nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Casting a glance over the open sea, one can observe the Grip Lighthouse whose beams light up reefs and islands with strange sounding names such as the "Devil", "Killer" and the "Priest." The tiny village of Grip once existed until 1974, when the last inhabitants vacated the small, desolate community. Occasionally, waves swept over the island and in 1640 and 1820, only the church was left standing. Later this afternoon we arrive in Kristiansund, situated along the open sea. In 1691, the Dutchman Jappe Ippes settled in Lille Fosen and set up the clip fish industry. Today, countless ships make their way to the Mediterranean with their treasured "bacalao". Kristiansund developed into a charming little town with picturesque wooden houses and narrow, twisting alleys. In 1940, the town was bombed and over 700 homes were destroyed. After leaving Kristiansund, we sail across the Hustadvika. This passage calls for careful navigation as the belt of reefs and islands is only two miles wide and frequently the channel runs within a stone's throw of the breakers. We'll sail by Hustad, which is mentioned in the Sagas as the royal manor where King Oysytein died in 1122. We continue by the fishing village of Bud and through the Julsundet Sound before turning into the Molde Fjord. This evening we arrive in Molde. Protected against northerly and westerly winds, Molde lies at the foot of the hills facing a fjord. Molde is dubbed the "City of Roses" because of its wide variety of flowers and plants. Two thirds of the town was destroyed by German bombers in 1940. Today it is an important administrative center for Norway and a bustling town with diversified industries. We arrive in Aalesund late tonight. This typical seaport is surrounded by ocean and harbors on almost every side. The sound (sund) that gives Aalesund its name thrusts its way into the heart of the town, making boats and sea an integral part of the scenery. Our home for tonight is the Hotel Radisson SAS Aalesund. 

May 24 Aalesund & Geiranger
This morning we meet with our escort for a walking tour of Aalesund. After the tour, we transfer from the hotel to the pier for departure aboard the northbound Coastal Steamer Ship, M.S. Finkmarken. We sail from Aalesund along the Stor Fjord by charming small villages and the center of Stranda. We then proceed into breathtaking Synnyls Fjord, by the fjord village of Hellesylt. Finally we begin our cruise along the world famous Geiranger Fjord, with its sheer rock walls and numerous waterfalls. We'll cruise past the Seven Sister falls, which form seven separate falls when swollen by melting snow in the spring. We'll also see the "Suitor" and "Breidal Veil". Higher up is the abandoned farm of Skagaflaa. Our cruise continues to the popular little resort of Geiranger, where we will disembark and check-in at the traditional Hotel Union. This family-run establishment began in 1897, at a time when several of the guests were European royalty. The remainder of the day is free to visit Geiranger on our own or enjoy the amenities at the hotel, such as its magnificent garden, swimming pool or mini-golf. Others may wish to take a dip in the pool or relax in the saunas, Turkish steam baths or solarium. Optional local tours can be arranged in one of the vintage American cars (such as Studebakers and Buicks) at the hotel.

May 25 Balestrand
We leave Geiranger after breakfast and ascend the spectacular Geiranger Mountain Road. The road ascends some 3,300 feet with 20 hairpin turns and several bridges - making for an exciting journey. We'll stop to admire the magnificent view at Oevre Blaafjello. On one side is Flydalhorn Mountain and on the other are the Saathorn and Grindalshorn. Straight ahead we will see the "Eagle's Road," which winds it way up from Geiranger to Eidsdal. Our ascent continues past Djupvasshytta Inn, where annual ski races are held every June. Further along Lake Djupevatn, which is frequently frozen until the end of August, we'll pass the highest point of the Road, which is 3,294 feet. We continue our drive on the "Roof of Norway", a land of snowcapped peaks and crystal lakes, to Videseter for a view of one of Norway's wildest valleys, the Hjelledal. As we travel further through the Hjelledalen Valley, we drive along the edge of Strynsvatn Lake past the fjord villages of Stryn, Loen and Olden. We proceed along scenic Olden Lake to Briksdalen, where we'll explore the Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the largest glacier in northern Europe. We'll travel by horse and cart past powerful rivers, up the twisting road to the glacier. After dismounting, those who want to can continue another 600 yards on foot to the edge of the glacier. Afterwards, our journey continues along the shores of Innvik Fjord, across the Utvik Mountains and through the deserted Vaatedalen Valley with its deep sides and imposing mountains to Lake Joelster. Our motorcoach then drives through the tunnel constructed beneath the Joestedalen Glacier by the Boyal Glacier to the tiny village of Fjaerland for a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Center. Here we'll get a better understanding of snow, ice and glaciers, and view the new multimedia show "The Blue Ice". From Fjaerland, we proceed on a newly opened road through some of Norway's most unspoiled, natural landscape of waterfalls, lakes and charming summer farms. We'll drive through Sogndal, an important educational center and further on to the fjord villages of Hermannsverk and Leikanger along the shore of Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. From Hella, we sail across the Fjaerlands Fjord to Dragsvik along the Ese Fjord before arriving in the lovely fjord village of Balestrand. A fabulous view awaits us in all directions. This peaceful village truly typifies the romance of Norway. Since the Viking days, it has served as a stopover for Norsemen traveling between Bergen and Oslo. The first inn here was established in 1756 and extended several times to make up the Hotel Kviknes, where we'll enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight.

May 26 Balestrand & Lofthus
Breakfast this morning is at our hotel. Afterwards, there is free time to explore Balestrand on our own. Many well-known artists were the first to discover the beauty of Balestrand over one hundred years ago. Wilhelmina, who later became Queen of the Netherlands in 1890 when only 10 years old, was a renowned painter in her own right and Balestrand became her source of inspiration during many summers. Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany visited Balestrand every summer before World War I in his royal yacht "Hohenzollen" and sometimes he was accompanied by a flotilla of German warships. A giant sculpture of "Fridjof, the Bold Viking" is erected at Vangsnes, across the fjord from Balestrand. You may also choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a helicopter ride along Fjaerland Fjord over to the famous Jostedalen Glacier or visit a nearby enamel workshop. The hotel also has boats and bicycles you may rent. Later this morning we depart Balestrand via modern high-speed boat for a ride on the Sogne Fjord and the Aurlands Fjord, where we'll sail by cascading waterfalls, steep mountainsides and isolated hamlets. This afternoon we arrive in Flaam where we'll enjoy lunch at the Hotel Fretheim. After lunch, we depart Flaam by train on the world-famous Flaam Railway, one of the most remarkable pieces of railway engineering in the world. Although it is only 12.4 miles long, it ascends almost 3,000 feet in less than one hour to Myrdal Station. Along the way, be sure to admire the breathtaking view over the Flaam Valley and the thundering sound of the waterfalls as we pass by. Upon arrival at Myrdal Station, we depart by express train on the scenic Bergen Railway to the resort village of Voss. The town is the birthplace of Knute Rockne, the renowned football star from Notre Dame. We meet up with our motorcoach in Voss and proceed past the Skjervefossen Waterfall to Hardanger Fjord. This district is called Ullensvang, with more fruit trees than any other Norwegian community, a medieval church on a romantic point and waterfalls draping over the cliffs. Ullensvang is also home of the Folgefonn glacier and Edvard Grieg's studio hut. We'll visit Lofthus and admire the white and pink spring blossoms in the foreground of the snow-capped mountains. The area, with its old farms, orchards and eternal mountains has provided the inspiration for great works of art, literature and music. Dinner and overnight is at one of the finest establishments in Norway, the Hotel Ullensvang. 

May 27 Lofthus
This morning is free to see the sights of Lofthus on our own or enjoy the posh facilities at our hotels. A half-day scenic sightseeing tour is on our agenda this afternoon. Our private motorcoach will take us past the village of Kinsarvik to the fjord village of Eidfjord, located at the mouth of the Eio River. Behind the village are strange gravel and sand terraces, left some 9,000 years ago when the inland ice melted and flowed away. A charming church bears the inscription "Ragna Asulfsdatter built this church - she died on Christmas Eve". Folklore has it that the lady built the church in the 12th century as atonement for killing her husband. At the new Hotel Voeringsfoss, we'll stroll through the art gallery, which exhibits the well-known local painter Nils Bergslien. We proceed next to Oevre Eidfjord to visit the Hardanger Nature Center for a guided tour. We'll view a 225-degree panoramic film about the Hardanger Plateau and the inland fjord districts. Afterwards, we'll ascend to the Maaboedalen Valley to experience its dramatic and wild landscape. From there we go to Fossli for a magnificent view of the Voeringfoss Waterfall, where the Bjoreia River plunges vertically 600 feet into a narrow rock basin filled with a dense mass of spray. A marvelous play of colors cascades into the gorge below. We return to Lofthus late this afternoon for dinner and overnight at our hotel. 

May 28 Rosendal & Bergen
Following breakfast, we leave Lofthus and drive along the shores of the Soer Fjord to the industrial center of Odda. From Odda we'll take the new tunnel to Mauranger and Ænes, located in the northernmost district of Kvinnherad County. Mauranger is made up of steep mountainsides, green fertile valleys and is the natural gateway to the outdoor adventures on Folgefonna Glacier. The area's rivers provide the best salmon and trout fishing in the district. We'll visit the Salmon Park, where one is almost guaranteed to catch a salmon, and view the boars, goats, birds and other animals. Afterwards, we proceed along the shores of the Kvinnanger Fjord to Rosendal, a busy boat-building center with shopping, art galleries and other important industries. We'll visit the Barony Rosendal, one of the greatest attractions in western Norway. The castle, which was built by Ludvig Rosenkranz in 1665, sits in a beautiful park framed by majestic mountains and waterfalls. The castle is steeped in musical history and concerts have become a major cultural event in the Barony's "Yellow Room". The art gallery in the wine cellar continues in carrying on the vivid interest in the pictorial arts. After touring this royal manor, we'll visit Kvinnherad Church, among the oldest in Norway. The architectural style of this stone church is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic. It was once the property of the Barony for many years and the sarcophagi of the baronial family are still in its burial chapel. This afternoon, we drive to Loefallstrand and sail by ferry on the Hardanger Fjord to Gjermundshamn where we'll meet with our motorcoach for our journey to Norheimsund. Here we'll visit the Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter for a special guided tour of the "museum with a difference". Boats and vessels are the museum's main theme. Later we drive through the Steinsdal Valley to Steindalfoss, a beautiful waterfall on the Fosselva River. One may walk behind the thundering hundred-foot wall of water. Our drive continues along the wild gorge of the Tokagjelet Ravine with its tunnels, roaring rivers and falls. Our day ends in the old Hanseatic town of Bergen for dinner and overnight at the Hotel First Marin.

May 29 Bergen
This morning we depart from our hotel via our private motorcoach for a three-hour guided tour of Bergen. First we'll drive past the city's colorful fish and flower market. Our next stop is at the monument to medieval life and trade, the old warehouses of the Hanseatic period today called Bryggen or "the Quay". These old, wooden structures are long and narrow, and jammed so closely against each other that air and daylight can enter only through tiny slits. The warehouses are still used today for storage, offices, stores and art centers. We then drive past the Haakonshallen, the medieval Viking Hall built in 1261 as a royal ceremony hall for the crowning of King Magnus. The hall is still in use today for royal ceremonies and special occasions. We continue past St. Mary's Church, the oldest building in Bergen, originally built in the Romanesque style of the early twelfth century. Last on our tour is Troldhaugen, the home of world known composer Edvard Grieg, which is now a museum. The artist's home is located at Hop, five miles from Bergen and situated in the Lake Nordaas area. Grieg composed many of his best-known works here. Both he and his wife are buried in the town. His piano, notes and studios are still available for public viewing. We return to our hotel, where we spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Take advantage of this time for a nice quiet stroll through the old cobblestone streets or shop for Norwegian sweaters or silverware. This evening, we leave the center of Bergen for a trip on the funicular to Mt. Floyen, a unique lookout point over 1,000 feet above the sea. A farewell dinner is held at the Floyen Folke Restaurant before we return to our hotel for overnight.

May 30 Departure For Home
Following breakfast, we are transferred to Flesland for the first leg of our flight home to Atlanta.
Pricing Information

Price Per Person: $3932.00 (double occupancy, inside cabins)
$4205.00 (double occupancy, outside cabins)

Single Supplement: $680.00 (inside cabins)
$989.00 (outside cabins)

Price Includes: Round-trip airfare from Atlanta (airfare available nation-wide), air taxes, first and superior first class hotels, buffet breakfast daily, six lunches on ship, nine dinners, three-hour city tours of Oslo and Bergen (with local guides and entrance fees), baggage handling, transfer airport/hotel/airport.
Reduction: $95.00 for Seniors

Not Included: Tips to staff on Coastal Steamer, Shore excursions, and travel insurance.

Options: Shore Excursions $160.00 per person

Copenhagen Pre-Tour

May 15 Overnight flight to Copenhagen.

May 16 Upon arrival in Copenhagen, we will have a three hour sightseeing tour of Copenhagen ending with a free afternoon to stroll along the canals and cobblestone streets. Dinner is at the Nimb Restaurant in Tivoli gardens.

May 17 After breakfast, we depart for North Zealand and tour the Royal Deer Park, Kronborg Castle, and Frederikborg Castle before returning to Copenahgen and board our cruise ship for our overnight cruise to Oslo.

Price Per Person: $426.00
(double occupancy)

Single Supplement: $98.00

Price Includes: First class hotel, daily breakfast buffet, cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, city tour and North Zealand excursion with local guide, round trip airport transfers and local transfers.
Our overseas adventure begins at the airport. Enjoy an in-flight meal 

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