Name: Land of the Fjords
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D1825072110

Itinerary

The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.

Trollfjorden is unbelievable. A 100m-wide entrance to a narrow fjord with near-vertical mountainous sides up to 1,100 m high, the passage slices through Austvågøya, on the edge of the Lofoten Islands. As the ship enters the fjord, the silence is only broken by the gentle sound of the ship's engines and the occasional cry of a white-tailed eagle soaring overhead. At the end of the fjord, the ship slowly spins, offering a final captivating view.

Svolvær is a classic Norwegian fishing port, tucked away on Austvågøya in the Lofoten Islands. Surrounded by peaks and beaches, bays and craggy inlets, it’s an age-old picture, a jumble of white and red clapboard houses, the clear water filled with little, bobbing boats. Popular with mountain climbers, the town’s mountain Fløya commands a spectacular viewpoint across the harbour and Vestfjord.

Svolvaer Panorama

Included

02 h 00 m

Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords at Svolvær
Visit Lofoten’s beautiful 12th century cathedral, Lofotkatedralen
Explore the charming fishing village of Henningsvær with its traditional wooden buildings and fresh seafood

Walking Tour of Svolvaer, Svinoya and Ice Bar

Optional

03 h 15 m

Walk over the 359-m Svinøy Bridge, enjoying views of the famous "Svolvær Goat" rock formation on Mount Fløya
Explore Svinøya Island, where artists find inspiration in its wild nature, vibrant colours and ethereal light
See colourful fisher's cabins and stockfish racks before ending with a drink at the ice bar in Svolvær

Lofotr Viking Museum & Borg Church

Optional

04 h 00 m

Travel 1000 years back in time and experience the Viking age by visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum
See the world's longest reconstructed longhouse and discover how people used to live in the Viking Age
Admire the magnificent northern Norwegian nature and the different livestock that existed during the Viking Age

The mighty Svartisen glacier, Norway’s second biggest, pours down the mountain almost to Svartisvatnet lake. The glacier visitor centre is a fascinating place with access to hikes along the edge of the ice flow, up to 200 m thick. Glorious Holandsfjord is just the other end of a short channel from the lake and the ship has stirring views. The little village of Holandsvika sits across the fjord, with an 18-km lakeside path and boat trips.

Hike towards Svartisen Glacier with your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Get up close and personal with Norway's second-largest glacier, Svartisen, for a jaw-dropping experience
Enjoy a scenic hike towards a glacier-formed lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding icy landscape
Be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of this massive ancient ice tongue, set amidst a pristine national park

Bronnoysund, a charming town on a narrow peninsula midway up Norway's coast, is surrounded by islands. Torghatten, a granite mountain on Torget island, is renowned for its unique, natural hole. Boat trips explore the Vega Archipelago UNESCO site, known for shallow waters, fishing docks, and nesting spots for eider ducks. The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre offers insights into salmon farming through aquariums, underwater cameras, and a restaurant.

Shuttle bus to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre

Included

02 h 00 m

Witness the sustainable practices and innovative systems that contribute to Norway's renowned salmon industry
Enjoy an on-site tour covering every aspect of aquaculture, from hatcheries to fish pens, offering a comprehensive understanding of the industry's processes
Experience a salmon tasting session, enjoying the finest Norwegian salmon while learning about its culinary significance

Tucked away amongst the hills of Trondheim fjord, Trondheim is a Viking city founded in the 11th century that is filled with colourful timber buildings. Nidaros Cathedral is the burial site of Viking king St Olav (c. 995 – 29 July 1030). The mighty 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress is the country’s best preserved fortification. Stiftsgården, the Norwegian royal residence, is believed to be one of the largest wooden buildings in northern Europe.

The Eidsfjorden village of Nordfjordeid has a craftsman-built replica of Myklebust, Norway's largest known Viking ship. The surroundings boast rich Viking burial mounds. Nordfjordeid is also the gateway to Briksdalsbreen Glacier, an accessible arm of the expansive Jostedalsbreen glacier. At the end of Innvikfjorden, the Loen Skylift gondola ascends 1,011 metres, offering breathtaking views.

Leisurely Nordfjord

Included

03 h 00 m

Marvel at the sublime views of Hornindal Lake, Europe’s deepest - and clearest – lake
Take in marvellous panoramic views of nature, framed by snow-capped mountains
Explore fantastic views of the Nordfjord on this excursion through Norway's wild coast

Briksdal Glacier with Trollcars

Optional

06 h 35 m

Zigzag up the steep track by troll car towards the entrance of the park for remarkable views of this stretch of Jostedals Glacier
Drive through the villages of Loen and Stryn while your guide educates you on their people and cultures
Once you’ve had time to explore the national park, you’ll return to the Briksdal Mountain Inn for a tasty lunch stop

Helicopter Flight

Optional

01 h 00 m

Start off with a complete safety run-down for peace of mind while flying high
Marvel at unbeatable panoramic views that only a helicopter ride can offer
The minimum age to take part is 3 years and the maximum weight is approx. 198 lbs per person (depending on the total combined weight of the guests)

Nordfjordeid Village & Home Visit

Optional

03 h 30 m

Be welcomed into the inviting home of a Nordfjordeid local for a truly exceptional and unparalleled cultural experience
Cozy up with coffee, tea and mouthwatering pastries in the lounges or garden at the local’s home
Learn about the traditional tools and techniques used to create the delicious local pastries before putting them into practice

Nordfjord by RIB Boat

Optional

01 h 45 m

Ride in a state-of-the-art RIB (rigid inflatable boat) at speeds that will knock you off your feet
Your captain will keep things interesting with some exhilarating driving maneuvers
As this is a high-intensity activity it is not recommended for people with back pain, the minimum height requirement is 3.9 feet and children must be accompanied by an adult

Hike Mount Veten

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enjoy remarkable views of the fjord from atop Mount Veten
Be prepared for any terrain with sturdy shoes and durable clothing on this rugged expedition
Take some time to relax and recharge at the summit while snapping pictures of the marvellous views

The magnificent gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a medieval port surrounded by mountains. From the beauty of Bryggen, the seafront maze of ancient timber buildings, to the modern Fløibanen Funicular that soars up Fløyen peak, no one would want to miss this city. Other highlights are the aquarium, the KODE art museum encompassing Norway’s Edvard Munch, as well as Picasso, while outside town is composer Edvard Grieg’s enchanting house.

One of Norway’s most dramatic sights is sailing the mighty Hardangerfjord (at 179 km, Norway’s second longest) with its impressive waterfalls and then through to the end of Ulvikafjorden. Ulvik village, nestled amid mountains, offers breathtaking scenery reflected in glistening waters. It's an ideal destination for hikes, kayaking, and water activities. In May, the slopes come alive with the blossoms of thousands of fruit trees.

Scenic Ulvik

Included

02 h 00 m

Marvel at Hardanger Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges
Visit Espeland Falls, a beautiful 99-metre-high waterfall overlooking Lake Espeland
Stop to take photos of Ulvik’s breathtaking views

Farm Cider Tasting

Optional

03 h 00 m

Pass through Ulvik, a vibrant village known as "Norway's fruit garden,” which is home to many orchards showcasing the region's agricultural abundance
Take a photo stop at Osafjord and the small village situated at the end of where the fjord lies, Osa
Make a short detour through Hjeltnes for a brief photo break before continuing on to Lekve Farm to start your cider experience

Voss Cable Car

Included

03 h 00 m

Enjoy the panoramic drive from Ulvik to Voss
Take the cable car and on the top of the hill admire the stunning views

The southernmost town in Norway has a curving 1 km, grassy dune-backed beach, Sea Sand, one of seven beaches in Furulunden forest park. Sea Sand is only one of the calm, beautiful hideaways surrounding this charming town of white-painted buildings at the mouth of the river Mandalselva. The snaking waterway is filled with sailboats while gentle hills rise as a backdrop. Mandal also has the largest wooden church in Norway, seating 1,800 people.

Coastal Farmstead - Sustainable Living

Optional

03 h 30 m

Get to know the ins and outs of how coastal farmers manage animal welfare, slow food production, and soil fertility
Wander through the surrounding area to find panoramic views of the Harkmark Fjord
Pop into the shop for locally made souvenirs to commemorate your day on the farm

The Essence of Mandal - on foot

Included

01 h 30 m

Visit the Andorsen Estate, and learn about a genuine merchant townhouse
Meet the locals with a trip to Mandal’s picturesque shops, cafes and bakeries
Learn the history of Mandal’s Town Hall, home of the town scribe in 1766

Easy Mandal on foot

Included

01 h 30 m

Learn about a genuine merchant townhouse
Meet the locals with a trip to Mandal’s picturesque shops, cafes and bakeries
Learn the history of Mandal’s Town Hall, home of the town scribe in 1766

This tiny German island, 2 km long and 56 m above sea level in the North Sea, is surrounded by jagged red sandstone cliffs. The mostly grassy plateau joined Schleswig-Holstein in 1890, after periods as possessions of Denmark and the United Kingdom. Tours of Festung Helgoland bunkers and war tunnels shed light on the island's wartime naval history. Today, Helgoland is a peaceful retreat, inviting windswept walks and birdwatching.

Helgoland Highlights

Included

02 h 00 m

Drink in over 400 years of European history as you explore this tiny archipelago
Watch out for kittiwakes and common guillemots at Bird’s Rock, where 1000s of birds nest during early summer
Visit the Operation Big Bang blast site, listed by Guinness World Records as the location of the 'Largest single conventional explosion' ever recorded

Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing the hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.