Name: Norwegian Fjords cruise
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D1326052510

Itinerary

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 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

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.

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

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.

Capital of the fjords, the village of Flåm is unmissable. It sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of huge Sognefjord which, at 204 km, is Norway’s longest. The 650 m-high Stegastein viewing platform shows the area, a world of waterfalls and towering rock faces, in all its glory. The picturesque Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest rides and at 20km long it's also one of the most spectacular train journeys.

Panoramic Stegastein

Included

02 h 30 m

Take in 13th-century architecture with a visit to the church that the fjordland village of Aurland is built around
Chat with your guide about the diverse ecosystems that thrive in the picture-perfect Aurlandsfjord
Bring home an inspired collection of photographs from your walk along the uniquely designed Stegastein viewpoint

Vatnahalsen Railway

Optional

04 h 00 m

Get out your camera for amazing views of the Rjoande Waterfall with a sheer drop o 140 meters, nestled into the Vibmesnosi mountain with a peak rising to 1269 meters
The ride to Myrdal Station will bring you to an altitude of 867 meters above sea level
Your guide will give you insight into how the railway was constructed while pointing out notable landmarks

Deep in Sognefjord, the ancient village of Vik opens up the fjord’s dramatically different arms – waterfall-fringed Arnafjord and tiny, narrow and steep-sided Finnafjord to the west, and the wild World Heritage landscape of Nærøyfjord, itself 17 km long, to the east. Vik itself sits amid rich farmland – and has a dramatic 26 m-high statue of Viking saga hero Fridtjov the Bold, well-preserved wooden buildings and a 12th century stave church.

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

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

Geiranger is a small village at the head of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO heritage site for its staggering mix of snow-capped peaks, clear blue waters, lush greenery, and magnificent waterfalls. The mighty Seven Sisters are a series of seven waterfalls cascading down a steep cliff face. The 1,500 m Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba offers panoramic vistas. In Geiranger, the Norwegian Fjord Centre is the visitor and education hub of the fjord region.

Mount Dalsnibba & Norwegian Fjord Centre

Included

03 h 15 m

Visit the Flydal viewpoint for some of the most photographed scenes of Geirangerfjord, renowned as one of Norway's most stunning natural wonders
Enjoy the remarkable views as you drive up winding mountain roads past Lake Djupvatn to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba
Visit the interesting Norwegian Fjord Centre and learn about the challenges locals had when building the Geiranger road and gain insights into life in the fjords

Kayaking the Geirangerfjord

Optional

03 h 00 m

Explore Geirangerfjord from water level in the comfort and silence of your kayak and revel in the magnificence of one of Norway's most spectacular fjords
Take in the incredible scenery of the Seven Sisters waterfalls, cascading from towering cliffs, from the serene vantage of your silent vessel
Learn about the fjord's geology and history from your knowledgeable guide

Geiranger RIB Adventure

Optional

01 h 15 m

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime RIB boat tour of this incredible fjord
Learn about the small mountain farms nearby
See the Bridal Vail Waterfall and Seven Sisters Waterfalls up close

Stairway to the waterfall

Optional

02 h 00 m

Enjoy a guided nature walk along river Storelva up to Storfossen waterfall
Stop at various viewpoints allowing incredible views over the Geirangerfjord
Climb 327 steps and be rewarded at the top with a unique opportunity to walk behind the roaring waterfall

At the mouth of Geirangerfjord, Ålesund was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904. The fairytale-style turrets and spires look wonderfully out of place amid fjords, peaks and dramatic waters. Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s biggest saltwater aquariums, is set into the coastal rocks. On the Town Mountain, Aksla, or Fjellstua, viewpoint has some of the best views over the town, mountains and fjords.

Alesund & Sunnmore Museum

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore Ålesund – recently voted the country's most beautiful town
Learn about the fire in 1904 that destroyed the town, leaving 10,000 people homeless
Discover Ålesund's fairytale architecture, featuring turrets, spires, and medieval ornaments

City Walk & Art Noveau Museum

Optional

02 h 30 m

Explore Ålesund's Art Nouveau legacy in the 1907 Swan Apothecary Building
Discover impressive exhibits, including advertising, posters and jewellery
Take a relaxing stroll along the harbour and enjoy impressive views of Mount Aksla

RIB Boat Safari

Optional

01 h 30 m

Enjoy a high-speed tour of historic Viking islands
See protected Alnes lighthouse, which dates back to 1876
Experience the coast of Ålesund up close

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.

Trondheim by Kayak

Optional

02 h 30 m

Experience Trondheim's stunning waterfront from a completely different perspective - the water itself!
See the beautiful architecture and historic monuments that give the city its unique charm

Bymarka Hike

Optional

03 h 30 m

Reach the highest point of Bymarka at Gråkallen hill, 1,700 feet above sea level, where you'll enjoy a spectacular view of fjords and islands
From your viewpoint at Gråkallen hill, you’ll be able to see the mountain-chain forming the border between Sweden and Norway in the far distance
Though Trondheim may be Norway’s third-largest town, you’ll come to find fresh air and vibrant nature not far from the city’s centre

A Walk trough Trondheim Old & New

Included

03 h 00 m

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.

RIB to Støtt

Optional

03 h 30 m

Experience an exhilarating RIB boat ride to the enchanting island of Støtt, a charming Norwegian fishing village
Explore landmarks on the island with a knowledgeable guide, including a historic trading post dating back to the 1700s
Indulge in Norwegian coastal culture with typical dishes and local products

Kayaking on Glomfjorden

Optional

03 h 30 m

Take a refreshing dip in the fjord's cool, crisp waters
Paddle your way along the fjord and get a unique perspective on the area's industrial heritage
Cosy up by a beach bonfire with snacks and hot drinks as you soak up the peaceful fjord setting

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

With red fishermen's cabins nestled on the shores of Reinefjord amid dramatic granite peaks, Reine is celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful places. The village serves as a starting point for hikes like the Reinebringen trail, offering panoramic views of the vertical granite Lofoten Islands rising from the Arctic Sea. Nearby, the fishing village of Å houses the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.

Å Fishing Village

Optional

02 h 40 m

Explore Å, once the most important fishing village in the Lofoten area, offering insights into its past significance
Indulge in freshly baked delights at Bakeriet at Å, attached to the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum
Take in the magnificent scenery of Lofoten, with majestic mountains and red and white fishermen's huts scattered along the shoreline

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.

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.

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.

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

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.