A Scandinavian Summer

Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm, Kungsholmen and Djurgården each with its own special character, this tour gives an excellent introduction to the Swedish capital. Look forward to a stop at Fjällgatan with its impressive views of the city and medieval Old Town, “Gamla Stan”.

Continue past the Royal Dramatic Theatre along Strandvägen to the island of Djurgården, regarded as Stockholm’s amusement and recreation centre with great parklands and beautiful gardens. The island is also home to many cafés, restaurants and popular locations. Continue through Östermalm, a fashionable neighbourhood of stately apartment buildings, to the modern shopping and business areas around Sergels Torg. On the island of Kungsholmen view the City Hall, renowned for its architecture, mosaics and for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize Banquet. Proceed south via the Western Bridge to the Södermalm district before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing on this excursion is from your tour vehicle. Further walking during your short stop is at your discretion.

A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Tallinn – please select your place on just one of these excursions.

Drive through the heart of the city towards Cathedral Hill, Toompea, stopping at the Tall Herman Tower – one of the three remaining towers of the Knights of the Sword Castle. From nearby Cannon Tower, admire the panoramic view of Tallinn’s Upper Town, with its numerous churches and spires.

The tour continues towards Kadriorg Park and the baroque palace designed as a summer residence for Peter the Great. As you drive through the park, pause at the Song Festival grounds, a natural amphitheatre with a capacity for 150,000 people, making a perfect venue for Estonia’s national song festivals. The park is home to a few monuments dedicated to known cultural figures including a sculptor, author and artist. The park also boasts several museums such as the Estonian Art Museum, Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum. Following a drive through a scenic residential area, continue past St Birgit’s Convent, one of the best examples of local limestone architecture in Estonia.

Your return journey takes you past the summer residence of Count Orlov, a Russian aristocrat, and the famous Estonian Russalka monument, which commemorates a shipwreck of 1893.

Additional Information

Please note: Due to traffic restrictions the coach is unable to drive through the Old Town. Walk approximately 150 yards during the stops on this tour, but you can choose to remain with your tour vehicle instead. The Song Festival Ground is subject to closure by the authorities without prior notice at any time.

A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Tallinn – please select your place on just one of these excursions.

Discover the highlights of Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot. Starting with a short coach transfer to the Old Town, where you will begin your walk. Leave your coach in the Upper Town and see the castle, the Russian Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky and the 13th-century Gothic Dome Church. From the terraces of the Upper Town, you can enjoy a panoramic view across the gabled rooftops and soaring spires. Stroll along Long and Short Leg Streets to the 15th-century Blackheads Fraternity; continue past the Town Hall, Town Hall square and the 15th-century pharmacy to the medieval guild houses and merchants' residences. At the end of your walk, a coach transfer brings you back to your ship or, if time allows, you may choose to continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

Please note: Tallinn covers quite a large area, with distances of between 300 and 400 yards between the various sites. Although generally flat, many of the streets have cobblestones, and there are numerous steps. Altogether the tour involves approximately one-and-a-quarter miles of walking.

This excursion reveals some of the key sights of this ancient capital city, starting with a drive through the streets of Riga.

See the city’s medieval, Art Nouveau and modern architecture, together with landmarks such as the National Theatre, St Jacob’s Church and Riga Castle Park. As you pass the old town with its distinctive church spires, admire the 14th-century Powder Tower, the only remaining tower from the former city walls. Cross the River Daugava for a panoramic view of the old town before returning to the centre, where you stop for photographs at the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935. This monument is an important symbol of Latvian independence.

Next, you can choose to take a short stroll through Strulaka park to see the Latvian National Opera House. Alternatively, you may remain with your tour vehicle. On the way back to your ship, pass the medieval Riga Castle, former residence of the President.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. If you choose to see the Opera House you will need to walk approximately 400 yards in total. Due to coach parking restrictions, this excursion will pass but not stop at the old town and square.

Despite Gothenburg’s reputation for being very walkable, this excursion introduces you to the laidback city by tour vehicle, spotting several of its main sights. 

Begin with a short photo stop at the 17th-century Gustav Adolph Square, which features a statue of King Gustav II Adolf, founder of the city. Back on your tour vehicle, you then continue past the post-modern, angular opera house to arrive at ‘Klippan’, a once-bustling industrial district that is today a heritage centre. Learn about the old quarters of Majorna and Masthugget – where sailors and those working in the docks used to live – before spending some time to marvel at the view across the city: we suggest keeping your camera at the ready! Driving back to the city centre, you will pass Slottskogen, Gothenburg’s green and pleasant park. 

On your way back to the ship you will also see the famous ‘Poseidon’ statue created by Carl Milles, rising above the famous square known as Gotaplatsen. It is located at the end of ‘Avenyn’, Gothenburg’s main boulevard, and marks the end of this introductory sightseeing tour.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle and any walking during short stops is entirely at your discretion. The order of this tour may change depending on traffic and timings.

Join a scenic tour of Skagen for an introduction to this idyllic town and the unique beauty of its protected landscape. 

Begin with a drive through the town to reach Grenen, a sandy spit on Denmark's northern tip, where two seas meet. Although your coach cannot reach the point to see the two seas collide, you will enjoy a short stop at Grenen, which provides the opportunity to admire Skagen’s natural beauty. Perhaps take a short stroll through the sand dunes and take in the coastal view or pick up a souvenir or refreshment from the small shop.

Continue to Old Skagen, where you will pass the fashionable seaside hotels and the characteristic yellow Skagen houses during a drive along the coast. Make a stop at the Skagen Harbour Hotel where you can look forward to a cup of coffee and a slice of the ‘cake of the day’. 

The excursion concludes with a drive through Skagen town and along the marina before ending back at the cruise pier. If time allows, you can choose to remain in Skagen town at the end of the excursion and return to the ship later using the complimentary shuttle bus service.

Additional Information

Please note: At Grenen, there will be a stop of approximately 30 minutes. Walking is at your discretion here and will involve uneven and sandy terrain and gradients. The small souvenir shop and WC facilities are easily accessible via a paved and flat surface.

Begin with a scenic drive through the town of Skagen and enjoy the picturesque setting with narrow, winding alleys framed by the characteristic yellow washed houses. Your first stop is at Skagen’s famous Buried Church. The church, named after Saint Lawrence, was roughly built in the second half of the 1300s and was the largest church in the region. During the 1500s, the sand drift period began and the sand reached the church at the end of the 1700s. The struggle against the sand drift continued until 1795 when the church was closed by royal decree. 

Today, only the tower of the ancient church is visible. Continue to Grenen, located at Denmark’s northernmost point. Here you will board the ’Sandworm’, a tractor pulled bus, which brings you to the uttermost point of Denmark where the seas of Skagerrak and Kattegat meet. Enjoy some time to appreciate this unique location as the tides collide and perhaps take the opportunity to stand with one foot in each sea. 

Finally, the tractor will bring you back to your coach for the return drive to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be a walk of approximately half a mile at the church. There are five steep steps with a handrail to board the tractor-bus. The tractor-bus ride can be quite bumpy. Further walking at the beach is at your discretion.

Skagen is a historic port, with red wooden warehouses along the waterfront and old wooden fishing boats that bear witness to its traditional way of life. A shuttle bus takes you from the ship into the old town, where a walking tour with a local guide introduces you to the architecture of Skagen. Stroll past the Skagen Museum, Michael and Anna Ancher's house and Brøndums Hotel, all of which are connected by the story of the world-famous Skagen Painters – an artists' colony in Skagen that flourished from 1830 to 1930 and produced some of the finest masterpieces of the Danish Golden Age. Hear about the hundreds of shipwrecks that have occurred off the coast, and walk to Beacon Hill to view the town's lighthouses. 

From here, your guide will lead you back via the pedestrian precinct to see Skagen's parish church, before returning to the port. Designed by the leading 18th-century Danish architect Christian Frederik Hansen, the present simple but attractive church replaced a medieval building south of the town centre that was abandoned in 1795 as it was regularly buried by drifting sand.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk up to three miles in total, and climb approximately 15 steps. A shuttlebus will be used for the transfer to the town centre at the start of the tour, but you will walk back to the ship.

Northern Denmark played an important role in Hitler’s huge defence system that was known as the Atlantic Wall. This tour takes you to some of the fascinating remains of this wall in the Skagen area, built to repel allied attacks.

Your first stop is at the Skagen Bunker Museum, where you can explore a genuine German wartime bunker, now laid out as a modern war museum. Inside the bunker, you will find a doctor’s surgery, military uniforms, weapons and much more. From here, a short drive along the east coast brings you to Bangsbo Fort. Part of a range of fortifications set up to defend Frederikshavn port, this fort is now a museum that shows how the soldiers lived while they were stationed here. After 1945 it was used by the Danish Navy during the Cold War. It has 80 separate concrete gun emplacements, many of which still have their original guns in place.

Before heading back to the port, you make one last stop at the Jutland Resistance Museum. This poignant museum tells the story of the Danish resistance movement and the everyday life of Danes during the occupation.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile, much of which is over uneven ground and gravel, with occasional flights of steps. It will also be necessary to remain standing for extended periods of time while the guide gives a commentary.

Explore Skagen and further understand the unique and protected landscape that surrounds the town at Denmark’s northern tip. Begin with a scenic drive, passing the Hulsig Heath, a landscape internationally protected for preservation and one of the largest dune heaths in Europe.

Your tour continues to Raabjerg Mile, the largest migrating sand dune in Northern Europe. Originally, this dune was formed on the West coast in the 16th century. Enjoy a short stop here before you pass the seaside hotels of Kandestederne; here, the Danish author Karen Blixen worked on her famed novel ‘Out of Africa’. Then it’s time to head through to Old Skagen and pass by the fashionable seaside hotels and yellow Skagen houses.

Afterwards, your coastal drive will bring you to one of Skagen’s most popular attractions, the local art museum. Here, you will find a collection of art created by the artists who formed the colony named ‘The Skagen painters’ at the end of the 19th century. Enjoy an introduction by your local guide before you have time to explore the museum on your own. A highlight of the museum is the ‘Brøndum’s dining room’, the central gathering point for the artist’s colony, which they also helped to decorate. Finally, a short drive will bring you back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk approximately 300 yards at the Raabjerg Mile. Walking at the Art Museum is entirely at your discretion but should total no more than 200 yards.

Travel south from Skagen to your destination, Voergaard Manor, an enchanting, moated manor house steeped in history, and home to priceless art treasures and royal antiques. Voergaard’s decoration and furnishings are just as its last owner, Count Oberbech-Clausen, left them.

It was he who created the large collection of furniture, antiques, paintings, porcelain and silverware from his possessions in France, including treasures from Louis XIV, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette's personal effects as well as works by Rubens, Raphael, Goya and El Greco. The Count had made his fortune in France by marrying into wealth and inherited most of the manor house’s extensive art collection. Many of the items were previously owned by the French Royal family and were purchased following the French Revolution. Returning to Denmark in the 1950s, the Count bought Voergaard Manor and installed this extensive collection. In 1963 Oberbech-Clausen died and Voergaard was converted into a family trust, the aim of which is to preserve the building and keep the art collection open to the public in perpetuity.

Enjoy a guided tour of the manor with time to appreciate the vast collection. Afterwards, a scenic drive through the north of Jutland brings you back to Skagen.

Additional Information

Expect to walk a little under one mile in total during this excursion. There are two staircases to negotiate inside the manor and you will encounter some uneven surfaces throughout the tour. A good level of mobility is required to fully explore the manor house.

The Hanseatic city of Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in northern Europe. Travel by coach to the former medieval harbour of Almedalen, where you can enjoy views of the medieval walls, houses and church ruins of the old town.

You’ll continue your drive along the outside of the city wall to Galgberget, just north of Visby town. This high limestone cliff provides far-reaching views of the ocean and the outskirts of Visby. At the end of the cliff there are three stone pillars standing in a circle, which are the remnants of a gallows.

You’ll return to the centre of Visby and alight your coach for a short stroll. Cross the moat surrounding the town and continue through the Dalmans Gate to the viewpoint above St Mary’s Cathedral. If time allows you can explore this pretty area further. After returning to your coach, you’ll drive back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately 500 yards of essential walking, some of which will be on uneven and cobbled ground. At each stop you will have the option to walk further, but this is at your own discretion.

From the pier, travel south by coach towards the district of Roma, the sight of an old monastery ruin, and today also home to an open-air theatre. Here you will board a vintage narrow-gauge train. The old carriages take you through quiet pastoral scenery, passing through Tule and ending at Dalhem station. Enjoy a traditional Gotland speciality at the Old Railroad cafe, such as saffron pancake with cream and jam. Of course, a cup of tea or coffee will accompany your snack.

Rejoin your coach for the return journey to Visby, passing through coastal, agricultural and wooded landscapes. Back in Visby, before returning to your ship, enjoy a short walking tour to see the highlights of this medieval town. Walk through Dalmans Gate to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, built by German merchants in the late 11th century. Continue on foot through the main square to Almedalen, the old medieval harbour, where your coach will be waiting to take you back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately half-a-mile: the walking tour of Visby includes cobbled streets with multiple steps. As a result, this excursion may not be suitable for those with walking aids. The railway carriages are old-fashioned and are accessed by two or three steps. Station platforms are low and there may be a wide gap between the platform edge and the carriage door. Trains are normally hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive.

Gotland’s history is extensive, to say the least. Evidence of habitation stretches back to the Bronze Age, 3000 years ago, and beyond. Its past has been shaped by the unparalleled access to the Baltic Sea and Sweden’s mainland, as well as tensions rising between the powerhouse town of Visby and those living beyond its medieval wall. Embark on a tour that explores many of Gotland’s key moments in history, while also experiencing a Swedish everyday tradition – ‘fika’. As you leave Visby and enter the surrounding countryside, stop at one of the island’s many medieval churches. Continue to Gnivards Skeppssattning (Gnisvard’s Stone Ships), a bronze age burial site thought to date from between 1100 and 500 BC. The site consists of several upturned stones in the shape of a ship, to send the chief that is buried here on his voyage to the afterlife. 

After your visit to the stone ships, pass through Gnisvard, a fishing village established during the 15th century before arriving at Stelor Hotel for your ‘fika’ break. Taken literally, fika means a coffee and a cake break, but to Swedes, it’s so much more than that: it’s making time for friends while sharing a hot drink and something delicious to eat. On this tour, you will be treated to tea or coffee, accompanied by homemade buns in the garden or inside (depending on the weather) of Stelor, a renovated farmhouse. 

After perhaps realising the importance of fika, take a tour of Visby’s city wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 13th century to protect citizens of the trading town from Gotland farmers, before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half a mile in total during this excursion, with some cobbled and uneven ground at each stop.

A short coach transfer will bring you to the eastern areas of the walled city of Visby. From here, you’ll continue on foot across the bridge, through the Dalmans Gate into the UNESCO World Heritage city. The alleyways lead to a great viewpoint above the Cathedral, which offers a panoramic view over the rooftops, Sankta Maria Cathedral and across the sea.

Your walk continues downhill through winding narrow lanes, and passes church ruins and stately houses, before arriving at the ‘Big Square’ in the main street where you’ll hear about Visby’s history as a trade city. From here you’ll walk through the Fisherman’s Gate to the botanical gardens, which is famous for its variety of roses and rare, exotic trees that thrive here thanks to the mild climate. Your walk ends at the former medieval harbour of Almedalen, and a short coach transfer will take you back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There are approximately one-and-a-quarter miles of walking on this excursion, some of which will be over grass, gravel and cobblestones with multiple steps to negotiate along the way. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

Discover a trio of Stockholm’s most popular locations, while connecting with the history, traditions and culture of the Swedish capital.

Begin with a scenic sightseeing drive as your local guide introduces you to Stockholm, before arriving at the beautiful setting of City Hall, nestled by the shores of Lake Mälaren. Explore inside with your guide and discover two of the most splendid banquet rooms. The Blue Hall is home to the yearly celebratory banquet of the Nobel Prize and the Golden Hall is renowned for its splendid gold mosaics. Returning to your tour vehicle, continue to Djurgården island, Stockholm’s recreation island and home to the Vasa Museum. Built as a naval symbol of Sweden’s 17th-century power, the Vasa sank within one nautical mile of starting its maiden voyage and remained undisturbed for 328 years. Today, this incredible vessel is fully displayed in a multi-tiered museum.

Begin with a guided tour and then enjoy some free time to browse the exhibits further at your own pace. Finally, a short drive brings you to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Enjoy the atmosphere as you take a guided stroll through narrow, twisting alleys. Admire the historic Royal Palace, cathedral and colourful façades among other intriguing sites before returning to your tour vehicle and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This active excursion will involve approximately two-and-a-half miles of walking and extended periods of standing. You will encounter steps and uneven, cobblestone terrain in the old town. There are multiple steps inside the City Hall and Vasa Museum, however a lift is available. A high level of fitness and mobility is required to participate in this excursion.

If you have been lucky enough to visit Stockholm previously, you may like to head outside of the city for a guided exploration of Sigtuna, the oldest town in Sweden. Founded in AD 980, the town was a royal stronghold for some 250 years and the first Swedish coins were minted here. St Mary's, built in the 13th century, remains largely intact. This Dominican monastery played an important role in Sweden during the middle ages, and provided the country with several archbishops and other important church officials. Sigtuna was still only a small town with a population of about 600 at the end of the 19th century, but since then its population has grown to about 8,500, mainly as a result of the development of Arlanda Airport, only ten miles away. Despite this increase in size, Sigtuna remains largely a picturesque medieval town with restaurants, cafes and small shops. 

On your tour you will see the red-brick Gothic St Mary’s Church, the ruins of St Olaf’s Church and Sorga Gatan, the old main street. Stroll along the delightful little streets with their wooden houses and shops, and see the town hall, the smallest in Scandinavia. A stop for refreshments is included at a cafe located in one of the town’s oldest buildings. You also have free time to explore on your own before heading back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately half a mile, partly on cobblestones. There are three steps at the cafe. Additional walking during your free time is at your discretion. The coach journeys between the port and Sigtuna take approximately one hour each way and both journeys are via the same road.

Situated where the Baltic Sea meets Lake Mälaren, Stockholm is built across 14 islands and the mainland. Referred to as ‘the Beauty on Water’, its waterways play an important role in everyday life, which you can see during a sightseeing boat tour.

You will travel under bridges, and past many of the city’s highlights, including the Old Town, Royal Palace, the National Museum, the Bay of Nybroviken and the Strandvägen Boulevard, which is flanked by boats, restaurants and cafés. On Djurgården Island you’ll pass many beautiful houses as you make your way to the Vasa Museum, where you’ll disembark for a guided visit. Built as a symbol of Sweden’s naval power during the 17th century, the Vasa sank within one nautical mile of its maiden voyage. The ship remained undisturbed for more than three centuries, until amateur archaeologist Anders Franzen discovered waterlogged oak as he was dragging the harbour. The vessel was brought up from the seabed and is now on display in a multi-tiered museum.

Your visit will reveal more about what life would have been like on board, and how the ship was preserved. After your visit, you’ll return to your ship by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 150 yards to walk from the pier to the boat embarkation platform. Please be aware that the boat does not enter Lake Mälaren. You will need to walk approximately 500 yards at the museum. There are some steps, but a lift is available.

Often referred to as “the Beauty on Water”, Stockholm is perched at the estuary of the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren and is built across 14 islands and the mainland. Water plays an important role in everyday life in the city and a cruise along the waterways provides you with an alternative perspective to explore this.

Your sightseeing boat will take you under bridges and past many highlights of the city, including the Old Town and the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Bay of Nybroviken with the Strandvägen boulevard flanked by boats, restaurants and cafés. On Djurgården island, you will pass many residential homes before disembarking your boat.

Then it’s time for a short walk to the Abba Museum, dedicated to the sights and sounds of Sweden’s most famous musical export. On arrival, you are free to explore the interactive exhibits at your own pace. Admire the glitz and glamour of the group’s stage outfits and step back in time to 1974 in Brighton, the location of Abba’s famous Eurovision win. You will have approximately one-and-a-half hours to spend inside the exhibition. Then, you make the scenic drive back to your ship by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: There are approximately 150 yards to walk from the pier to the boat embarkation platform. Please be aware that the boat does not actually enter Lake Mãlaren. Expect to walk approximately 500 yards at the museum. There are some steps but a lift is also available. A guide will accompany you on the boat trip and provide a running commentary. At the museum and on your coach journey, you will be accompanied by a tour escort, but not a guide.

After a short coach transfer from your ship, join a small group exploration of Stockholm’s oldest and cosiest quarter, the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Despite its compact size, Gamla Stan is a bustling cultural hub filled with colourful buildings. Here, witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace and enjoy a stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. Experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. 

As you wander with your guide, savour the romantic atmosphere and sense of antiquity in buildings dating from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries with baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. See the historical Stortorget, also known as the Great Square and the hub of the Old Town. It is the oldest square in Stockholm and is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, now home of the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy, whose members every year decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature. After your walk, return to your ship by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile along relatively level ground with some cobblestones. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

Enjoy a fascinating look back at life in Tallinn during Soviet times, as you tour the city with an actor who is part militiaman, part comedian.

Meet your guide for a ride in his authentic Soviet-era bus, and listen while he shares stories of life in the Soviet Union. At the same time you will enjoy a fascinating overview of Tallinn. Your guide will demonstrate how foreign tourists were welcomed in the former USSR. Listen to typical Soviet propaganda and see the unfinished bridge to Finland, a monument to the Great Patriotic War (World War Two). Your bus will pass the jail and drive around the Old Town to the Soviet Monument in Maarjamäe to enjoy the view and have a Soviet-style picnic on the bus, consisting of a pie and a glass of local drink. A shot of vodka and some pickles are also included.

Continue afterwards to Pirita. Here your guide will talk about Tallinn’s role during the Olympic Games in 1980.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from the bus, but there will be some walking at the stops, some of which may be over uneven ground. Please bear in mind that this tour is operated by an authentic historic vehicle offering a genuine vintage transport experience: access is via steep steps. Leg room may be less generous than on most modern coaches, and there are no seat belts or air conditioning. Regrettably this vehicle is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn is a treasure trove of architectural gems. Start your small group exploration at the foot of Dome Hill; after a short walk to Palace Square, view the medieval Dome Castle, followed by Nevsky Cathedral. Board your coach and pass the medieval wall that encloses the old town before walking to Tallinn’s historic centre. Pass along the cobbles of Pikk Street, flanked by the Guildhall and the Church of the Holy Ghost, before reaching the Town Hall Square. After almost two hours of exploration on foot, relax in an art nouveau-style restaurant for a light lunch, accompanied by some live guitar music.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time at St Catherine’s Arts and Crafts Centre, before re-joining your coach to Kadriog to walk through this park to Peter’s Cottage. See a wealth of items that belonged to the Tsar before strolling through a pleasant tree-lined alley to Kadriorg Palace for an interior visit. Afterwards, board your coach and drive back to the port, stopping at the Song Festival Ground and passing by a memorial complex dedicated to victims of the Soviet regime.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion involves walking approximately half a mile, much of which will be over cobbled streets or uneven ground with at least 20 steps to negotiate. Furthermore, there are approximately 40 steps in Kadriorg Palace. Your group will consist of a maximum of 20 participants.

Head outside of Tallinn to discover typical Northern Estonian landscapes and visit the charming Anija Manor. After a scenic drive, your first destination is Jägala Waterfall. Surrounded by natural beauty and with a drop of 26 feet, it is the largest waterfall in Estonia. Nearby, is the charming Anija Manor, first mentioned in written documents in 1482. The two-storey, late Baroque manor house that has survived to this day was erected at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries.

After a thorough restoration, the manor house reopened its doors to visitors in 2020 with an exhibition that introduces you to the golden age of the manor culture. The surrounding park is designed with both French and English influences and is particularly pleasant during the summer. Following a guided tour you can enjoy traditional refreshments before returning to your tour vehicle. Back in Tallinn, make a stop at the old defensive moat, then continue on foot to the Old Town square. After a brief walking tour, you will have some free time here before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve approximately one mile of walking in total with steps inside the manor and uneven, cobbled terrain in the Old Town. As a result, a good level of mobility and fitness is required. You will have approximately 30 minutes of free time in the Old Town, where further walking is at your discretion.

For something different during your time in Tallinn, this excursion takes you to the lesser visited areas of the city. Pass through Mustamäe, a typical Soviet residential area, before reaching Nõmme, the ‘forest district’. This area of Tallinn owes its existence to the Baltic-German landowner, Nikolai von Glehn since 1841 to 1923, who not only succeeded in turning his Tsarist-era estate into a small town but also earned an eccentric reputation. When the railway line from Russia to the West Estonian military town Paldiski opened, Glehn started to give away his land for housing projects and founded some small factories and businesses for new residents. The Nõmme market is over one hundred years old and is locally renowned. Enjoy a short stop here to browse the local produce.

Your excursion then continues with a visit to a private home in Nõmme. You will be introduced to the house and garden and enjoy a cup of coffee, accompanied by an Estonian sweet treat. Finally, your tour vehicle will bring you to Glehn’s park. Here, Nikolai von Glehn built a castle at the end of the 19th century and later surrounded it with a large park. Take a stroll in the park and admire the castle exterior and many sculptures before the short drive back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 600 yards, some of which will be on uneven ground with 15 steps at the private home.

This excursion gives you a flavour of this fascinating city, starting with a coach transfer from the pier, passing along the central boulevards. Passing Art Nouveau architecture, you will see the symbolic Freedom Monument, crowned by a woman holding three stars representing the three regions of Latvia. Next, set off on a walking tour of the Old Town.

Continue to the Swedish Gates and walk past other notable buildings, such as the Parliament and the three old houses on Maza Pils Street, which are known as the Three Brothers. Pass Riga Castle, recently restored after fire damage in 2013, and continue to Dome Square to visit the Dome Cathedral. The cathedral is famous for its organ, constructed in 1883 with more than 6,000 pipes.

Afterwards, you will visit a nearby restaurant, where you can discover the secrets of making Riga black balsam, a unique alcoholic drink created by combining 24 different ingredients including plants, flowers and berries. You will have the opportunity to sample the liqueurs before continuing your walk.

See the Town Hall square and 13th-century churches of St Peter and St John, the latter of which was a former Dominican friary. Finally arriving at the Blackheads’ House, formerly headquarters of an association of ships’ captains and merchants. Badly damaged in World War Two, the house was reconstructed in 1999.

At the end of your tour, a short drive brings you back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk a total distance of approximately two miles, partly over uneven ground and cobbled streets with steps to negotiate. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

In Latvian, Jurmala means 'seaside' and this 20-mile stretch of seashore has been a popular Baltic spa resort since the late 19th century. Typical of Jurmala are the charming wooden summer cottages dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sit alongside later summerhouses and spa health centres. After a drive, walk to the beach where your walking tour begins. Discover the main promenade of Jomas Street, lined with pretty shops and cafes before pausing for some shopping or sightseeing.

Afterwards, rejoin your coach for a drive to the Open-Air Museum. Established in 1970, this museum offers a window into lives of the fisherfolk that passed through the Gulf of Riga and beyond. Discover how the collection of fishermen in this area banded together to form a close-knit community that was badly affected by both world wars and had to quickly adapt to the changing winds of industrialised fisheries. This collection of wooden huts boasts an abundance of fascinating history and is home to several maritime relics (including the largest collection of ropes in Latvia).

After your tour of the museum, enjoy a formal tasting of the fish that Jurmala prospered from and the beer that is popular among those that live here. Following your visit, re-join your coach for the return journey to the port, passing many of Riga's major landmarks before reaching your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves walking two miles over sloping, uneven ground, cobblestones, sand and forest pathways, with a few steps to negotiate.

A leisurely ride along Riga Canal on board a small wooden sightseeing boat is a wonderful way to view the city.

After a short walk from your ship you will arrive at the boat pier. Step on board your boat, then glide past the historic buildings, extensive parks and elegant boulevards of Latvia's capital city. Disembarking close to the National Opera House, your excursion continues by electric tourist tram. Travel to the elegant Town Square, where you will have time to take in views of the Blackheads’ House, the Town Hall and St Peter’s Church.

For the final part of your tour, drive through the Pardaugava district, an often-forgotten suburb that is cut off from Riga’s centre by the Daugava River. It has retained an old-world charm, with traditional wooden houses and a slower pace of life reminiscent of a rural Latvian town, rather than a district that is just five minutes from the heart of Riga. After your drive through peaceful Pardaugava, return to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 300 yards in total during this excursion with five steps to access the boat. A good level of mobility is required to embark and disembark the boats independently. The boats are fully enclosed, with opening windows and wooden bench seating. The electric tram has a covered top and open sides. Some of the sights on this excursion are also seen on the Riga Revealed excursion, therefore you may choose not to join both.

Join an evening exploration of Riga’s Old Town with your local guide, focusing on the legends and tales of the city that have been passed down through generations. You will also visit two traditional establishments along the way for refreshments.

Begin with a short coach transfer into the heart of the city, where your walking tour will begin. The buildings and cellars of Riga's Old Town are shrouded in tales of mystery and intrigue, dating back through the centuries, which your guide will recount during your walk.

Your first stop is at a local craft beer bar, Kakis Maisa (Cat in the Sack), established by an independent craft brewery. Enjoy tasting a selection of their beers, served alongside some traditional snacks. Your next stop is at the Riga Black Magic bar, where you will venture down into the ancient cellar to hear the story of Riga Black Balsam, and have the opportunity to taste several varieties of this unique liquor.

After the tasting, return to your tour vehicle for the short drive back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve walking approximately one mile over cobblestones and uneven ground. There are up to 15 steps to negotiate at each venue. This excursion may operate in reverse, visiting Riga Black Magic bar first.

Riga is one of the most exciting cities in the Baltic States and an emerging tourist destination. For lovers of architecture, the city is a delight, with buildings in all styles from Romanesque to modern. After decades of neglect, this rich heritage has now been lovingly restored. Riga has the largest collection of German Art Nouveau architecture in the world, and, after a short transfer from the port, join your guide for a walk along Alberta Iela, the main Art Nouveau street, taking the opportunity to admire unforgettable examples of Art Nouveau buildings.

Afterwards, walk to the Latvian National Museum of Art, a fine Art Nouveau building designed by German architect Wilhelm Neumann and built in 1905. It re-opened to visitors in 2016 after a major renovation and houses a permanent collection of Latvian paintings and sculpture, in addition to frequent temporary exhibitions. Rejoin your coach afterwards for a short drive along the boulevards, parks and charming green spaces of Riga. Along the way, view the opera house and university, as well as the Monument of Freedom - erected in 1935 thanks to donations by Latvian citizens.

Leaving your coach again, discover Riga’s historic centre on foot, and walk past the Blackheads’ House and the medieval churches dedicated to St Peter, St John and St George, pausing in Old Town Square, Livu Square and Dome Square. Following your city tour, return by coach to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk a total distance of about one-and-a-half miles, partly over uneven ground and along cobbled streets, with some steps in the museum. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Discover why Sigulda is sometimes called ‘The Latvian Switzerland’, as you travel from Riga through forested scenery with views of the River Gauja Valley. Stop to visit the ruined 13th-century Sigulda Castle and the 19th-century ‘New Castle of Sigulda’, also known as Kropotkin Manor House.

Continue to Gutmanis Cave, a sandstone cave named after a good man (Gut Mann in German) who lived in the cave and used the spring water to heal people. It is the biggest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States and its formation began after the Ice Age, when meltwater eroded the sandstone rock. Next, visit Turaida Castle, with its fortified tower that offers a panoramic view over this attractive landscape. View the nearby 18th-century church in the castle grounds, together with the grave of the Rose of Turaida, heroine of a 17th-century love story.

Conclude your visit with a walk through a sculpture park, dedicated to Latvian folklore. There will be a short stop for refreshments, including tea or coffee and a sweet treat, before the return drive to Riga.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk approximately two miles on this excursion, with 30 steps at Gutmanis Cave and Sigulda Castle. Those wishing to walk to the top of Turaida Castle tower will need to negotiate a spiral staircase with 139 steps. This excursion will involve a one-hour coach journey each way.

Discover the royal fairytale that is Frederiksborg Castle and its beautiful Baroque gardens. Begin with a coach drive through the rolling countryside surrounding Helsingør. Arrive in Hillerød where you will spot the huge, fairy-tale castle of Frederiksborg, a fine example of Danish Renaissance architecture.

Frederiksborg Castle is one of the most famous castles in Denmark and for good reason, situated on three islands surrounded by a lake and beautiful gardens, it is a special sight. Home to the Museum of National History, the grounds are full of rich history, architecture, and gardens. Built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, it is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, and it incorporates the very best of Renaissance architecture and craftsmanship. It has been used by kings and queens throughout history. Your guide will highlight the castle's role in Danish history, including royal residences and significant events.

Outside, you will find an enchanting Baroque garden, which led some to refer to Frederiksborg as the Versailles of Denmark. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens with your guide and see the romantic, English-inspired garden and the charming bath house, which is occasionally used by the royal family today.

After your visit, you will return to your tour vehicle and return to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to cover approximately one mile during this excursion with steps throughout the castle and some gradients and uneven surfaces in the gardens. You will be on your feet for approximately two-and-a-half hours during your tour. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately forty-five minutes in each direction. Frederiksborg Castle is undergoing renovation work and there may be scaffolding and exterior covers in place at the time of your visit.

Helsingør, or as it is classically known in English, Elsinore, was founded in the 1420’s by the Danish King Eric of Pomerania. He established a toll on the Øresund strait in 1429 and to enforce this he built the castle 'Krogen', which was expanded in the 1580’s and re-named Kronborg. It was later immortalised by William Shakespeare as the setting of his play ‘Hamlet’.

Enjoy a walking tour in the footsteps of fictional Prince Hamlet, taking you through the Old Town. See the old City Hall, the Carmelite Monastery of St Maria and St Olai Cathedral. Pass historic half-timbered houses and learn the stories behind them. After your exploration of the Old Town, continue on foot across the site of the old shipyard and onto the ramparts of Kronborg Castle – the Castle of Hamlet. The castle has been guarding the narrow sailing passage between Sweden and Denmark since the early 1400s. It has been one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe for centuries and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000.

Join your guide for a walk across the moat and ramparts before venturing inside the castle. Learn more about the castle's history as you tour the castle, the royal chapel and the great hall. Hear about the castle's early years as a toll collecting fortress, the Swedish conquest of 1658, the military prison years and of course the literary legacy of the castle. William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet placed the castle firmly on the literary land map, albeit not as ‘Kronborg’, but merely as the ‘Castle of Hamlet’.

After your visit you are free to explore the town further on your own or return to the ship by tender.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately two miles of walking during this excursion with 80 steps inside the castle. There is low light and uneven surfaces in the castle, and cobbled streets in the Old Town. If you choose not to visit inside the casemates you may like to explore the courtyard area, gift shop and ramparts independently instead.

This panoramic excursion provides an introduction to Helsingør and its surroundings, from the comfort of your coach and without the need to walk long distances. Discover the beauty of Helsingør's countryside with a local guide and enjoy a drive along the scenic Marguerite Route, passing historic ruins, palaces and charming coastal villages. See the dramatic ruins of Gurre Castle where King Valdemar IV Atterdag died in 1375 and is rumored to haunt to this day, riding his jet-black horse.

Continue through Gurre vang forest to the village of Tikøb and on to Fredensborg Palace. This beautiful, 18th-century Baroque palace was built as a hunting palace for Frederik IV, and is today the summer residence of the royal family and a favourite location of the former Queen Margrethe. It is often used to host visits of states and larger royal family occasions. A short stop is made outside the castle to take in the view. Then continue along small roads towards the coast and Humlebæk, home to quaint fishermen's houses. The final part of your scenic drive takes you along the coastal route of Strandvejen, which is known for its elegant villas and sea view.

After a panoramic introduction to the region, return to Helsingør and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing will be from your tour vehicle. Walking during your short stop is entirely at your discretion.

Located in the heart of Denmark’s second largest national park, Kongernes Nordsjælland, lies Esrum Monastery and Mill Farm. Throughout the Middle Ages, from the arrival of the first monks in 1151 until the middle of the 16th century, Esrum Abbey held great power in society: religious, political and economic. The building that remains tells countless stories of human life over 900 years.

Begin with a scenic drive through Northern Zealand before arriving in Esrum. In approximately 1151, French monks from the Cistercian Order spread across most of Europe, and some came to Esrum to explore the rich nature and resources that this area had to offer. Join your expert guide on a tour through the abbey garden full of scents, sounds and colours. Get a sense of the place the monks endeavoured to create – a little earthly paradise. Listen to stories about the various gardens that the monks established here, including the apothecary garden, the orchard, and the hop and vegetable gardens. Smell the herbs and taste some of them while walking in the grounds of the monastery. Throughout the tour, you will also be treated to some small samples of Esrum beer, honey, mustard, jams and more. Everything you taste is produced by monasteries and convents around Europe.

Afterwards, you can explore the rest of the monastery, where modern interactive installations tell its story. Take some time to visit the shop, which sells local produce, or head to the cafe where freshly baked goods are served. Then rejoin your coach for the short drive back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: You will cover approximately three-quarters of a mile during this excursion, with steps inside the monastery to access three floors. There are cobbled and uneven surfaces in the gardens. This small group experience will have a maximum of 25 participants. The visit inside the monastery is self-guided with light and sound installations, and virtual reality technology used to bring the experience to life.

Gilleleje is a charming seaside town nestled on the northernmost tip of Zealand. Known for its picturesque harbour, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, Gilleleje is a popular escape for locals and a hidden gem for travellers to explore. Start this excursion with a leisurely drive along the coast, through tiny villages and the landscapes of Northern Zealand.

Arrive in Gillejele and immerse yourself in the maritime charm of the town. Your guide will take you on a guided walk through the town, where you will see the harbour promenade, colorful fishing boats and the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming houses and shops. Gilleleje holds a special place in history, particularly for its role in the rescue of Danish Jews during World War Two. In October 1943, when the German occupation authorities began rounding up Danish Jews, many sought refuge in Gilleleje. Local fishermen, risking their lives, bravely sailed these refugees across the Øresund strait to safety in Sweden. This heroic act of solidarity is commemorated in various memorials and exhibitions throughout the town and you will get to visit some of these. Walk by the church of Gilleleje, which was Denmark's first Protestant church, but also an important hiding place, with the church loft used to hide the fleeing Jewish population.

After this insight into the historic significance of this pretty town, you can relax at the Gilleleje Strand Hotel where coffee and cake is served. Once you are suitably refreshed, rejoin your coach for the return drive to Helsingør.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately two-and-a-quarter miles during this excursion, but some of this is dependent on the coach parking location on the day. You will encounter some uneven terrain and slight gradients. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately forty-five minutes in each direction.

During your visit to Helsingør, perhaps take the opportunity to explore the enchanting Danish capital of Copenhagen at your own pace. Perfect for independent travellers, you will have the freedom to set your own itinerary during your time in the city. Your drive to Copenhagen will be accompanied by a local tour escort who can provide recommendations and help you make the most of your time here.

You will be dropped off in the city centre and will have approximately three hours to explore at leisure. Perhaps visit the colourful Nyhavn district, which is a hive of activity during the summer; walk to the iconic Little Mermaid statue; or see Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family. At the agreed meeting time, return to your coach for the drive back to Helsingør.

Additional Information

Please note: This is an escorted transfer and not a fully guided excursion experience. Walking is entirely at your discretion but this excursion has been graded as moderate based on the assumption of a good exploration.

Enjoy a tour to Gothenburg’s beautiful northern archipelago. Öckerö municipality is spread over ten islands situated only 25 minutes from Gothenburg City, and is connected to the mainland only by ferry. Öckerö is the municipality’s maritime centre, where fishing boats and boathouses abound. The archipelago is noted for its Arctic flora, ancient remains and stunning views of the sea, beautiful harbours and delightful fishermen's huts. 

Your tour begins with a scenic drive to Lilla Varholmen, followed by a short ferry crossing. Take a tour of charming Öckerö and Hälsö, stopping to visit the old church at Öckerö that dates back to the Middle Ages. Enjoy a visit to a local folklore centre, where you enjoy coffee and pastries before leaving Öckerö for the islands of Fotö and Hönö, which are connected to Öckerö by road bridges. As you cross between the islands, look out of the window for an extensive view of the whole archipelago. Once on Hönö, join your guide for a walking tour of the island's main settlement, a typical old fishing village where fishermen's huts are nestled beneath granite cliffs.

Rejoin your coach after the walk and head back to the ship, with a short ferry crossing back to the mainland.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one mile, over surfaces that may be rough and uneven. Views will depend on the weather. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

Begin your tour with a short coach drive to Kungsportsplatsen where you will embark one of the characteristic flat-bottomed boats known as ‘Paddans’ for a fifty-minute cruise around the city’s network of canals. These canals are reminiscent of the moats that surround castles and were constructed by Dutch engineers in the seventeenth century. The boat accommodates over 80 passengers and cruises past the sights of Lejontrappan, Lilla Bommen and Fiskekyrkan. See the old shipyards and fishing port, and pass under the notorious low bridge known as the ‘cheese slicer’ when you leave the canal system for a short cruise into Gothenburg Harbour, the largest in Sweden.

A local guide will provide an intriguing commentary during your journey. From the harbour your canal boat takes you back to the city centre. You then continue to the attractive Botaniska Trädgården – Gothenburg's Botanical Gardens, where you join your guide for a walk. Formerly a forest surrounding a castle, the park was created by August Kobb in the 1880s and has mature linden, oak, ash, maple and cypress trees, a rhododendron valley and a tropical greenhouse.

Additional Information

Please note: There are approximately three steps up and three steps down when embarking and disembarking the canal boat. The boat will be uncovered and regrettably is not wheelchair accessible. Expect to walk at least 400 yards in the Botanical Gardens, where you will be on your feet for about 45 minutes.

Begin your tour with a short coach drive to Kungsportsplatsen where you will embark one of the characteristic flat-bottomed boats known as ‘Paddans’ for a 50-minute cruise around the city’s network of canals. These canals are reminiscent of the moats that surround castles and were constructed by Dutch engineers in the seventeenth century.

The boat accommodates over 80 passengers and cruises past the sights of Lejontrappan, Lilla Bommen and Fiskekyrkan. See the old shipyards and fishing port, and pass under the notorious low bridge known as the ‘cheese slicer’ when you leave the canal system for a short cruise into Gothenburg Harbour, the largest in Sweden. A local guide will provide an intriguing commentary during your journey. From the harbour your canal boat takes you back to the city centre.

You then continue to Haga, a district renowned for its picturesque wooden houses and nineteenth-century atmosphere. Originally a working-class suburb, this district has gradually been transformed into a popular tourist destination, and many of its buildings were renovated or rebuilt in the 1980s. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Haga, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There are approximately three steps up and three steps down when embarking and disembarking the canal boat. The boat will be uncovered and regrettably is not wheelchair accessible. Expect to walk approximately 350 yards at Haga, including some over cobbled streets and slight inclines.

Your tour starts with a coach journey to Masthuggs Church, where you have a fine view over Gothenburg and its port. From here you drive to a tram stop for a fun ride in one of the city's historic museum tramcars. Gothenburg has a famous network of trams that covers most of the city. With almost 100 miles of track, it is the largest light rail network in Scandinavia. During the one-hour tram ride, your guide will point out the highlights as you pass through the city centre.

Returning to your coach, you drive past Götaplatsen, with the famous Poseidon Fountain, by Carl Milles, and also view the Museum of Fine Arts, the concert hall and the municipal theatre. Drive along Avenyn, the main street and the Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg with its large number of restaurants, bars and shops. See the city hall, the courthouse and the stock exchange at Gustaf Adolf Square, and drive past the very famous fish market. Reaching the historic Haga quarter, join your guide on a short walk through this pretty district, known for its picturesque cafes. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry at one of them before rejoining your coach and travelling back to the pier.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion involves walking at least 350 yards, partly over cobblestones and slight inclines. The tram offers an authentic vintage transport experience, and is accessed by two quite high steps.

Step on board your sightseeing boat, exclusively chartered for Saga guests, and head out into the Gothenburg Archipelago. Approximately 20 large islands and many more uninhabited islands make up the Southern Archipelago. Each island is completely car free with the permanent residents riding around on golf carts and bicycles.

Shortly after departing Gothenburg port, you will pass the landmark of Älvsborgs fortress, located at the entrance to the harbour. See the islands of Vrångö, Styrsö and Brännö – each with the typical West Coast features of a rocky coastline and quaint red wooden houses. During your cruise, your guide will tell you stories about these islands and introduce you to the local way of life here.

Continue towards Vinga island, at the western tip of the archipelago and the location of a locally famous lighthouse. Nearby, you may be lucky to see a colony of seals basking on the rocks. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry as you return to Gothenburg and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion takes place on a sightseeing vessel with a capacity for approximately 75 passengers. Expect to walk up to 200 yards in each direction between your ship and the sightseeing vessel. There may be some steps or a slopped gangway to embark and disembark and further steps to the upper deck. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a scenic introduction to Kristiansand and the region of Sørlandet, which stretches along the southern coast of Norway.

Step aboard your tour vehicle and, in the company of your local guide, you will wind your way past typical Norwegian wooden houses and small boat harbours. Along the way, learn about the region and its people and gain an understanding of why Kristiansand is a popular summer destination for Norwegians. Enjoy a short stop to take in a view of Christiansholm Fortress, built in the 17th century to defend the city from attack. You also pass the pretty Oddernes Church Kirke, constructed in stone and wood, and dedicated to the patron saint of the land, Olaf.

Your excursion concludes back at the port where you can choose to return to the ship, or if time allows, continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing during this excursion is from your tour vehicle. Walking during your short stop is entirely at your discretion. There will be no comfort stops made during this two-hour excursion.

Discover Kristiansand on foot, with its colourful houses and interesting history. Depart with your guide from the pier along a series of boardwalks to the pretty marina with its little boats and peaceful atmosphere. The marina is surrounded by small bridges, restaurants, shops and wooden maritime inspired buildings painted in red and yellow. You’ll stop at the popular Fish Market, where traders are selling the local catch, before strolling along the seafront to Otterdalsparken, a unique recreational area decorated with fountains and created by the artist and sculptor, Kjell Nupen.

Continue to the northeast part of town where the historic Posebyen area is situated. After a devasting town fire in 1892, this was the only area to survive. Posebyen is dominated by its large collection of original, white wooden houses which give the area its character. Finally, you’ll visit the town centre with its colourful square surrounded by green lawns and flower beds, overlooked by the charming Kristiansand Cathedral. You will then take a leisurely stroll back to the pier to rejoin your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve approximately two miles of walking, mostly on paved paths but with some cobblestone surfaces and slight gradients to negotiate. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate and suitable outdoor footwear and clothing.

Leave Kristiansand harbour by coach and drive past the old fortress of Christiansholm, built in 1672. Driving through the city centre you will observe the rectangular pattern of streets between the harbour and River Otra. Pass many delightful old wooden houses in the old part of the town. Cross the River Otra and pass the old Oddernes Church - over 950 years old.

Continue the drive to Lillesand, perhaps the most beautiful little town in the region. Many houses in Lillesand date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when Lillesand was bustling with maritime activity. At one point the shipowners in Lillesand owned 87 ships and several shipyards. The town has a sheltered harbour and was an important port for shipping timber. There will be some time for a stroll in the city after you have been served coffee and refreshments at the old and fashionable Hotel Norge, situated at the pier.

The story of Hotel Norge begins in 1837 when the Irish rebel Robert Gonsalvo Major fled his homeland and settled in Lillesand. He built a bark mill and tannery, in which the oldest part of the hotel has its origins. The hotel first opened in 1873, when Lillesand experienced its glory days as a shipping town. The return to Kristiansand will be along the coastal road.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk at least 500 yards over mainly flat terrain, with the possibility of a few steps.

Kristiansand, with its distinctive right-angled streets, was founded in 1641 by King Christian IV. Start your excursion with a short drive to the Vest-Agder County Museum to begin a journey of discovery through the architectural and social history of the area.

Divided into four sections to reflect each of the different county districts, 30 houses have been moved and re-erected in the museum: these date from the mid-17th century to the 1930s. Concentrating on the farmhouses from Setesdal and Bygaden – a city street with 11 houses moved from the town centre – step back in time for a memorable visit.

Leaving the museum, your tour continues via the winding coastal road to Høllen. This charming little seaside town was formerly a fishing village, but is now a popular residential area. Enjoy a short walk here, with your guide, before returning to Kristiansand.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk a total distance of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile. Some walking at the museum is over uneven ground and on an incline. Several of the museum buildings have high thresholds that you will need to step over.

Gain an insight into the influences of World War Two on Kristiansand while Norway was in the grip of the German Occupation. Meet your knowledgeable guide, then board your tour vehicle at the pier and begin with a visit to Stiftelsen Arkivet, a former Gestapo headquarters. This building gained a grim reputation during the war and the Gestapo prison cells and torture chambers in the basement have been recreated as they existed back then. Arkivet provides a chilling glimpse into some of the horrendous conditions and atmosphere that the prisoners endured during the German Occupation.

Your next destination is the Kristiansand Cannon Museum (The Vara Battery), which is an important part of Norwegian military history. The main attraction is a large battery canon built by the Germans to defend the coastline during World War Two. It is the only complete surviving 380mm calibre Krupp gun and, at almost 66 foot in length, weighing 337 tons with a firing range of 34 miles, it is one of the largest ever built. The large gun casement surrounding the cannon contains bunkers with interesting exhibits displaying artillery, uniforms and materials from World War Two.

After this insightful and thought provoking experience, it's time to return to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 600 yards in total. Stiftelse Arkivet is accessed by several flights of stairs, however a lift is also available. There is uneven terrain and steps at the Cannon Museum and an incline to reach the top of the cannon area. Participants should expect to be on their feet for the duration of this excursion, with the exception of the short coach journeys.

Further south west along the coastline of Kristiansand is a collection of small islands looking out across the gateway to the Baltic Sea. In April 1940, after the arrival of German forces, the strategic possibilities of Norway’s defensively exposed southern shores were recognised. Protection was needed and the solution was the fortification of Ny Hellesund, featuring a large battery which could fire up to 7.5 miles.

Visit the island and perhaps experience the defensive advantages for yourself after an exciting RIB (rigid inflatable boat) ride! Meet your boat’s skipper a short walk from the ship who will provide the necessary safety equipment, including splash goggles and a life jacket. After a safety briefing, board your boat and set off westwards. Pass towering lighthouses rising from rugged coastline, small islands which are home to plenty of varied wildlife and a section of the Skagerrak Sea before arriving at Ny Hellesund. See the bunkers built upon Germany’s arrival in April 1940 and hike to the summit of this island, for a commanding panorama out across the waterway and along the coast.

Re-boarding your boat, your RIB journey back to Kristiansand will take you through the ‘deep sea’ route, providing large waves to ensure an exciting thrill ride!

Additional Information

Please note: Due to the steep gradient on the island, walking boots should be worn. As the RIB ride may be turbulent, this tour is not recommended for guests with back problems. You should expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles, which will include some steep gradients. Expect high winds when on the water and wear warm clothing as appropriate.