Sailing With The Vikings

ITINERARY

DAY 1
TROMSØ
Known as the Arctic gateway, Tromso is a remote Norwegian city at 69° north, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the soft glow of the midnight sun. Learn more about early polar explorations at the Polar Museum. Famed for the Northern Lights on winter nights, you can find out more about this natural spectacle at the Science Centre.

DAY 2
CRUISING TROLLFJORDEN
Trollfjorden is unbelievable – a 100 m-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, and there’s no way in, other than by boat or a dizzying hike. Appreciate the silence while you cruise gently onward as white-tailed eagles soar overhead - and marvel as the ship slowly spins around to leave.

DAY 2
LEKNES, LOFOTEN
Explore the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago just above the Arctic Circle. Leknes, the islands’ main town, on Vestvågøya, sits on bay-like Buksnesfjorden. The scenery is otherworldly, little red-painted houses against a backdrop of craggy, mountainous isles. In the height of summer the white sand beaches look almost like the South Seas – and this is the Land of the Midnight Sun for almost two months each year. Tours take in the mountainous interior while there are also whale watching excursions.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 3
BRONNOYSUND
A pretty town on a narrow peninsula amid a world of islands halfway up the Norwegian coast. Nearby, Torghatten, a granite dome of a mountain on the isle of Torget, is famed for the hole through the middle, which you can walk right through. Boat trips head to the Vega Archipelago UNESCO site, with shallow waters, fishing docks and nesting spots for down-rich eider ducks. The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre gives guests a taste of salmon farming with aquariums, underwater cameras – and a restaurant.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 4
MOLDE
As Romdalsfjord nears the open sea it’s a very different place, bigger and even more placid yet still wild – from the town of Molde it’s reckoned you can see 222 peaks. From here the Atlantic Road darts across bridges and islands on its extraordinary journey, and a replica Viking ship departs for Håholmen island, an 18th-century fishing port. Another boat takes you into the spine-tingling caves of Bergtatt, where marble has been mined for more than 80 years.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 5
GEIRANGER
Geirangerfjord is a truly magnificent fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its staggering mix of snow-capped peaks and clear blue waters, lush greenery and the magnificent Seven Sisters waterfalls. See the falls from a tiny boat, or take a bus along hair-raising roads to the 1,500 m Mount Dalsnibba Skywalk viewpoint and learn about your surroundings at the Norwegian Fjord Centre. The village of Geiranger at the head of the fjord is well over 100 km from the sea.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 6
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 7
KIRKWALL, ORKNEY, SCOTLAND
Old Kirkwall was once one of the most important towns of the Norse Western Empire. Officially a Royal Burgh since 1486, the town’s name comes from the Norse ‘Kirkjuvagr’, meaning ‘Church of the bay’. From the 9th to 15th centuries, Orkney and the surrounding islands belonged to the Norse king, a thraldom held by earls. This Viking heritage is still very much alive today in the town of Kirkwall. A highlight is the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Regarded as the finest medieval building in Northern Scotland, the sandstone structure was erected by skilled builders in 1137, brought north from their work on the revered Durham Cathedral.

DAY 8-9
LEITH, SCOTLAND
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without strolling along the Royal Mile from the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse, to that lauded landmark, Edinburgh Castle, which sits on Castle Rock, a volcanic hill. Nearby is the contemporary, design-forward Scottish Parliament building and the National Museum of Scotland, which presents a detailed history of the country. Or climb to the top of Calton Hill, it’s steep, but the views are worth it. You’ll sail from Leith, Edinburgh’s port on the Firth of Forth, so make your way down to the waterfront, where you’ll find your chic ship waiting.

DAY 10
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND
Aberdeen’s ubiquitous grey buildings have given the city its epithet, the Granite City. Located a stone’s throw from the North Sea oil reserves, Aberdeen is also known as the UK’s petroleum capital. Thanks to this twist of geology, the city benefits from oil-infused affluence as well as multicultural influences. Disembark to explore; the Aberdeen Arts Centre, the Maritime Museum, the Gordon Highlanders Museum and Marischal College are just some of your options. One of the city’s biggest draws, however, is its proximity to Scotland’s famed castle and whisky trails. Aberdeenshire, that great shoulder of land which pushes into the North Sea, has more castles per hectare (260) than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. There are plenty near Aberdeen itself; you could visit the impressive cliff-top ruins of Dunnottar Castle, the fairytale Crathes Castle or Drum Castle, an elegant Jacobean mansion house. Whisky lovers might be interested to note that also close by are the distilleries of Glenfiddich, Strathisla and Glen Grant.

DAY 11
NEWCASTLE UPON THE TYNE, ENGLAND
Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant and eclectic city in northeast England. Its attractions include the Tyne Bridge, St James’ Park, Eldon Square, Laing art gallery, and the great north run. You can also visit Quayside, Victoria Tunnel, The Discovery Museum, and more.

DAY 12
SCHEVENINGEN, THE HAGUE
Scheveningen is a district in The Hague, Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful beaches and many attractions such as De Pier, Westduinpark, Oostduinpark, and more.

DAY 13
AMSTERDAM
Our port is the gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the very heart of things, but where walking the narrow streets and over the hundreds of bridges is magical too. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, filled with Dutch Masters – and just around the corner from the Van Gogh Museum. While, south of the city, explore windmill-filled stretches of countryside canal.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 2
LEKNES, LOFOTEN
Shore Excursion

Aalan Farm
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Get a firsthand understanding of how the farm uses eco-friendly production practices to produce their medley of cheese and herbs
Spend some time getting to know your gracious hosts as they tell you all about how they work had just as much as they play hard on the farm
On the way back to the port, your tour will stop at the Torvdalshalsen viewpoint to admire the stunning mountains and landscape of Vestvågøy

Walking along the Ocean
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Drive through the jaw-dropping landscape of Lofoten to Vestvågøy
Experience an easy going hike through incredible scenery
Get close to nature in this special Norwegian setting

Horseback Riding
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Learn about old Norwegian traditions as you enjoy amazing views
Connect with Gimsøya’s mix of mountains and sandy beaches
Discover the secrets of a pagan temple, Viking-era graves and more

Panoramic Lofoten
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Included
Enjoy remarkable views of Leknes, your ship and distant mountains from Einangen
Take a coastal route along the Storfjorden, passing isolated homes and sheltered inlets
Admire your surroundings as waves from the Norwegian Sea lap against the shore

DAY 3
BRONNOYSUND
Shore Excursion

Discover the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Included
See the sights as you drive through the charming town of Brønnøysund
Visit the idyllic old fishing village Toft
Explore an interesting exhibition with aquariums and geology from the area

Walk to Torghatten
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Take a hike to Torghatten mountain, with the characteristic hole right through the mountain, this is one of the most recognizable and iconic places along the Norwegian coast
Enjoy the incredible views while walking up to the "hole"
According the the legend Torghatten was formed when the troll Hestmannen, disappointed in love, shot an arrow after the young girl Lekamøya who ran away from him

DAY 4
MOLDE
Shore Excursion

Bergtatt
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Explore inside a mountain on a magical boat ride
Watch a short film to learn about the Naas mining operation
Take photos to commemorate this special experience

Molde City Walk
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Learn why Molde is also known as the City of Roses
Discover how the town survived being badly damaged during WWII
Check out one of Norway’s largest regional museums

DAY 5
GEIRANGER
Shore Excursion

Mount Dalsnibba & Norwegian Fjord Centre
Duration: 02 h 25 m
Included
Learn about the impressive engineering behind the Geiranger road
Stop at Flydal viewpoint for the perfect photo op
Get an insight into fjord life and pick up souvenirs

Hiking Westeras
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Enjoy a scenic drive through Geiranger village
Visit Westeras Farm, which is perched on a ledge above Geiranger
Stop off for hot drinks and waffles before heading back to your ship

Kayaking the Geirangerfjord
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Receive paddling instructions and safety information at a kayak base
Discover the natural beauty of Geirangerfjord
Paddle through calm waters and relax, surrounded by nature

Geiranger RIB Adventure
Duration: 01 h 15 m
Optional
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