8 Days - Norwayâs Famous Fjords [Amsterdam to Copenhagen]
Itinerary
Day Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDeparts 05:00 PM
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.
A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europeâs most colorful, dynamic and historic citiesâone with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where youâll find some of the worldâs top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdamâs largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you wonât have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.
Day At Sea
Day Stavanger, NorwayArrives 07:00 AM Departs 01:00 PM
"Before this port city on Norways western coast earned its status as the epicenter of black gold and the extraction of North Sea oil, it was a shipbuilding and fish-canning town. Fuelled by its wealth as one of the worlds top energy capitals, its now home to top-notch fusion restaurants and a bustling nightlife that caters to a never-ending influx of expatriates. Amidst this financial boom, though, Stavanger has managed to hold on to its heritage and soul: Archaeological museums and reconstructed settlements pay due reverence to the citys Viking past. The cobblestoned Old Town is a well-preserved core of white wooden cottages near an Anglo-Norman cathedral, the oldest in Norway. Natural beauty abounds, too, with the nearby Lysefjord and its impressive Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) drawing a steady stream of visitors during the summer. "
"Before this port city on Norways western coast earned its status as the epicenter of black gold and the extraction of North Sea oil, it was a shipbuilding and fish-canning town. Fuelled by its wealth as one of the worlds top energy capitals, its now home to top-notch fusion restaurants and a bustling nightlife that caters to a never-ending influx of expatriates. Amidst this financial boom, though, Stavanger has managed to hold on to its heritage and soul: Archaeological museums and reconstructed settlements pay due reverence to the citys Viking past. The cobblestoned Old Town is a well-preserved core of white wooden cottages near an Anglo-Norman cathedral, the oldest in Norway. Natural beauty abounds, too, with the nearby Lysefjord and its impressive Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) drawing a steady stream of visitors during the summer. "
Day Skjolden, NorwayArrives 10:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
Located at the end of picturesque Lusterfjord with its emerald-green waters from melting glaciers, Skjolden is nestled between Norwayâs highest mountain range, Jotunheimen National Park and two glaciers. It is home to the wooden, 12th century Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located at the end of picturesque Lusterfjord with its emerald-green waters from melting glaciers, Skjolden is nestled between Norwayâs highest mountain range, Jotunheimen National Park and two glaciers. It is home to the wooden, 12th century Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day Alesund, NorwayArrives 01:00 PM Departs 09:00 PM
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a ""Norwegian town"" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. "
"Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norways most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau stylealso known as Jugendstilthat was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a ""Norwegian town"" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. "
Day Geiranger, NorwayArrives 07:00 AM Departs 01:30 PM
"Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinaviaif not the world. These are among the planets longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the waters surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "
"Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinaviaif not the world. These are among the planets longest and deepest fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the waters surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level. Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005. The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak, bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close. "
Day Bergen, NorwayArrives 09:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Beautiful Bergen, Norways second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergens rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europes oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Beautiful Bergen, Norways second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergens rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europes oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.
Day At Sea
Day Copenhagen, DenmarkArrives 07:00 AM
"Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charmthis was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout. Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagens not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture. Copenhagen is a city thats easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and theres plenty of locally brewed beerwhich, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day. "
"Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charmthis was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout. Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagens not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture. Copenhagen is a city thats easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and theres plenty of locally brewed beerwhich, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day. "