fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Late Summer in the Cities, Islands & Fjords of Norway

Late Summer in the Cities, Islands & Fjords of Norway

From GBP £5,195

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

A voyage along Norway’s beautiful coastline offers the traveller scenery on an epic scale. The immense size of the magnificent fjords, the cascading waterfalls, the picturesque fishing villages and dramatic snow-capped mountains with farms clinging to their slopes are a sight to behold. The region is certainly one of our most popular destinations and simply perfect for exploration by small ship.

We begin our voyage in the Arctic Circle at Tromso from where we sail south to the enchanting Lofoten Islands for a full day to explore the villages and experience life on the islands. An exploration of the western coast of Norway down to Bergen follows from where we head to Scotland’s east coast. Our days will be spent on guided excursions with local guides, on walks with our naturalists and on deck of the MS Serenissima as we cruise amongst the fjords. There will also be ample time to relax and enjoy the summer days independently when in some of the delightful towns.

With 25 years of experience in operating cruises in Norway, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary featuring as it does a combination of dramatic fjords, small towns, cultural history and wildlife. A highlight for many will be the journey on the Flam Railway, one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world. The train journey provides us with views of some of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery with rivers cutting through deep ravines, cascading waterfalls, snowcapped mountains and mountain farms clinging to sheer slopes.

Trip Name
Late Summer in the Cities, Islands & Fjords of Norway
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Tromso, Norway.
Fly by scheduled flight via Oslo. On arrial transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy Welcome Dinner and Drinks as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Lofoten Islands.
Our first morning of exploration sees us in the Lofoten Archipelago, an enchanting area of picturesque villages with jagged granite mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. We will have a full day tour to explore the villages and see the life of these islands. We will disembark in Svolvaer and drive to the picturesque seaside village of Vikten and the Viking Museum at Borg before driving through the dramatic Lofoton scenery to Nusfjord. Here we will enjoy a guided walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, seeing the restored fishing cabins and local stores, followed by lunch. Our day ends in the small fishing village of Reine revered as one of the most beautiful in Norway, where the ship will have sailed to meet us.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Torghatten.
Over breakfast we will cross the Arctic Circle as we pass by the island of Vikingen where we will see the Arctic Circle Monument marking the location. We will continue to cruise through scenic Bronnoysund and in the early afternoon Mount Torghatten will come into view, one of the most famous landmarks on the Norwegian coast. A fairly strenuous walk will take you to the ‘hole’ in the mountain which has been eroded by the sea. For those wishing to have a more relaxing afternoon our naturalists will lead some gentler walks along the water’s edge.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Trondheim.
Arrive this morning into Trondheim. Founded in 997 AD by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city and we will discover its historical treasures today. We will drive past the old wooden buildings and visit the 11th century Nidaros Cathedral built over the grave of St Olav and richly ornamented in stone with stunning stained-glass windows. We continue to Ringve Manor, a typical manor house of the Trondelag district and home to Norway’s only musical instrument museum, before enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the Sverresli Viewpoint. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruising.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Alesund.
We have a whole day in Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway which has a wonderful setting being built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of Alesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, typical for the first decade of the 20th century. Today, it is a bustling town which we will discover on a morning walking tour. We will visit the Art Nouveau Centre which documents the town’s unique architectural history and we can stroll through the many rooms in the listed building known as “The Swan Pharmacy”, with its beautiful and authentic decor. We will also wander through the Jugend (Art Nouveau) quarters of the town centre and inner harbour and the attractive park at the foot of Mount Aksla. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace and the active may which to climb and see the views from the top of Mount Aksla.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Nordfjord & Loen.
At dawn we will enter the spectacular scenery of Nordfjord and cruise towards the small village of Loen. From here we travel past Lovatn Lake to the beautiful Kjenndalen Valley where we will walk to the Kjenndalen Glacier, an arm of the Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe. After lunch on board choose to enjoy some free time in Loen or maybe take a trip on the cable car which rises 1100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Alternatively join us on a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last great ice sheets in Europe with some sections over 1200 feet deep. Our scenic drive will take us through the mountains, past rivers and lakes before ending at Videster with wonderful views towards Lodalskapa Peak and the Buldrefossen Waterfall.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Dalsfjord & Bygstad.
Dalsfjord lies at the heart of Western Norway with its starkly contrasting fjord scenery, half way between Bergen and Alesund. Its little-known fjord arms and gentler landscape in harmony with powerful and diverse watercourses have left their impression on the landscape and settlement. Today’s tour will take us through this beautiful environment with its magnificent waterfalls and mountains. We will visit Sunnfjord Museum, which provides an insight into how life was in Sunnfjord settlements in the mid-1800s, before taking a scenic drive to the region known as ‘the waterfall country’ making various stops at waterfalls and small settlements.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Sognefjorden & Naerofjorden.
We spend the day enjoying spectacular fjord scenery from aboard the MS Serenissima. Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord extends more than 200 kilometres inland and is surrounded by three national parks. Here we will see thundering waterfalls, glacier arms stretching down into green valleys and many small farms clinging to the mountainside. We will continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naerofjorden, one of the many fjord arms of Sognefjord and considered one of the most dramatic. If time and weather permits we will drop the Zodiacs to find a suitable landing to explore and enjoy a walk. This evening we will moor at the village of Flam.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Flam.
This morning we will embark on one of the most dramatic train rides in Europe. The Flam Railway is only 20 kilometres long but a masterpiece of engineering. The train climbs up from sea level to 867 metres during these 20 kilometres, crossing back and forth across rivers and through 20 tunnels. To allow you to view the magnificent scenery the train will proceed slowly and stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall where you may leave the train to take a closer look or take some pictures. We will leave the train at Vatnahalsen and walk from the station to the Mountain Hotel where there will be time to relax before re-boarding the train back to Flam. Enjoy lunch as we sail back along the scenic fjords this afternoon.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Bergen.
We arrive this morning in the lovely fjord capital of Bergen. A guided excursion will drive past the fish market, Nordnes peninsula and Bergen Theatre on our way to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Here we explore the house and gardens before enjoying a private concert of his music. Before returning to the ship we will explore the Hanseatic Quarters of ‘Bryggen’. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. In the early evening we will leave Norway and begin our journey towards Scotland.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Shetland capital at lunchtime. This afternoon visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouse, a Medieval farmstead, and the 16th century laird’s house. Alternatively enjoy a free afternoon to explore this historic port. Perhaps wander through its narrow stone lanes or maybe visit the excellent Shetland Museum, containing artefacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Scrabster, Scotland.
Our final morning sees us in Scrabster, the most northerly port on the Scottish mainland. This morning choose to either visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey which was built between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. The castle was purchased by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1952 who restored the castle for use as a holiday home and created the beautiful gardens we will see today. Alternatively drive along the coast to Dunnet Bay, a glorious crescent of sand and dunes and Dunnet Head to see the lighthouse built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson and enjoy the views over to Orkney. We continue to John O’Groats the most northerly town on mainland Britain. Back on board for lunch we sail this afternoon towards Edinburgh.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Leith.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Edinburgh International Airport and Waverley Station at a fixed time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £5,195Standard Single
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £5,195Standard Stateroom
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £5,395Classic Stateroom
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £5,595Superior Stateroom
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £5,895Deluxe Stateroom
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £6,195Junior Suite
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £6,595Serenissima Suite
21-08-201902-09-2019GBP £6,595Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the Lofoten Archipelago, an enchanting area of picturesque villages with jagged granite mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop
    • Cross the Arctic Circle
    • Enjoy a whole day in Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway which has a wonderful setting being built on several islands stretching out into the ocean
    • Embark on one of the most dramatic train rides in Europe. The Flam Railway is only 20 kilometres long but a masterpiece of engineering
    • Visit Scrabster, the most northerly port on the Scottish mainland

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Norway
More of activity:
Northern Europe Cruises