Scandinavia in Springtime

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Enjoy this sightseeing excursion of a harbour city and Norway’s capital, Oslo, renowned for its nautical and Viking history.

Your tour begins below the walls of the Akershus fortress which dates back to the thirteenth century and today is part museum and part military area. Head towards the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee, along one of the two main streets in the town centre - Stortingsgate. Pause at the gates to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to over 120 sculpted figures before your tour continues uphill, passing charming residential areas with attractive homes and gardens. Arrive at Holmenkollen, a world-famous ski jumping arena. Enjoy a short stop here to take in a view of the city and the Oslofjord beyond with its many islands.

Returning towards the city centre, continue along the Royal Park passing the House of Artists and "Stortorget" - the large market square. Here, you will also find Oslo’s 17th-century cathedral - an evangelical Lutheran church formerly known as the Church of Our Savior.

Finally, your tour travels back to the port and your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing during this excursion is from your tour vehicle. Walking during your short stops is at your discretion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

At the head of the approximately 100 km long Oslofjord lays the capital of Norway, cradled between forest-clad hills with a number of islands spread out in the fjord in front. King Harald the Hardruler founded Oslo 1050 AD. In the year 1624 the town was destroyed by fire and the Danish/Norwegian king at the time, Christian IV, decided to rebuild the city under the walls of the fortress of Akershus dating back to 1299.

Your walk begins at the pier and takes you under the protective shadow of Akershus fortress and castle, passing the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt. See the National Theatre, adorned by statues of the writers Henrik Ibsen and Björnson. Continue past the Royal Palace before heading along Karl Johan Street and passing the University of Oslo and the Ibsen Museum, located inside his former apartment home.

Arrive at Oslo City Hall where Norway's most distinguished artists contributed to the decorations of this modern landmark. Every year in December the Nobel Peace Prize Award takes place in the City Hall’s main hall.

Your guide then leads you towards the city’s modern Opera House, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately two miles in total during this excursion, mainly over flat terrain but with some inclines. There are no interior visits during this walking excursion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

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: Walking during the photoshops is at your discretion. The order of this tour may change depending on traffic and timings.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

This excursion takes you to the Haga district of Gothenburg; an area steeped in history with car-free cobbled streets and beautifully preserved buildings.

Depart from the cruise port by coach and begin with a panoramic drive through Gothenburg, where your local guide will introduce you to the city. Continue to Haga, a district renowned for its picturesque wooden houses and 19th-century atmosphere. Originally a working-class suburb with a rather bad reputation, 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 as your guide brings the history to life.

You will also have some free time to explore further at leisure, or perhaps purchase traditional Swedish Fika in a local cafe before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk a little over a mile during your guided walk, with further walking at your discretion during free time. You will encounter cobbled streets and slight inclines and therefore a good level of mobility is required for this excursion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Explore Aarhus on a panoramic drive to absorb the city's highlights and history whilst keeping walking to a minimum.

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark and your local guide will introduce to the significant historical sights and some of the evolving modern areas. Begin with a brief stop outside the 12th-century St Clemens Cathedral, the tallest and longest cathedral in Denmark, to admire its architecture up close.

Continue your journey with a scenic drive through the city, passing notable landmarks such as the distinctive City Hall, designed by renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, the expansive University Campus (the second oldest in Denmark), the contemporary glass Music Hall, and the renowned ARoS contemporary art museum, featuring its iconic rainbow panorama walkway on the rooftop.

Your tour ends with a coastal drive along the Frederiksbjerg district to the summer residence of the Danish Royal Family, Marselisborg Palace. Make a short stop here to admire the palace before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing will be from your tour vehicle with walking during short stops at your discretion. If the Royal Family is in residence, it may not be possible to stop outside Marselisborg Palace.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Start your journey from the quayside, where a local guide will greet you for a walking tour of Aarhus. Near the port, you can't miss the DOKK1 building, a recent addition to the city that's part of the transformation of Aarhus' inner harbor from an industrial area to an urban space.

Continue along the harbour front to the 12th-century Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark's tallest and longest church. From here, stroll through the Latin Quarter, filled with historic houses, bars, and restaurants, until you reach Aarhus' oldest street, Møllestien, a lane lined with small, colourful houses.

Lastly, you will be guided on a leisurely walk through the city centre and along the Aarhus River, before arriving back at your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately two miles during your walk, over mainly flat and paved terrain, but with some cobbled ground. There are no inside visits during this excursion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Experience Aarhus from the water side and enjoy a sailing on MS Helene. Your local host will meet you on the pier and lead you on a short walk to the boat. Your captain and friendly staff will welcome you on board the modern wheel steamer before you depart on a guided cruise of Aarhus harbour. Listen to the interesting stories about the city's history and development as you sail through the inner harbour, pass Toldboden and continue through the new district to the old marina, home to beautiful wooden ships. On board you can help yourself to a cup of coffee and slice of cake, while observing the city’s new architectural landmarks from the water. Look out for marine wildlife along the way, before arriving back at the pier. A short walk will bring you back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be a walk of approximately 300 yards between your ship and the boat and the same again at the end of your excursion. Embarkation is via a sloped gangway and the boat has indoor seating areas on both the Main and Upper Decks. There are two steps to access to Main Deck and 10 steep steps to access to Upper Deck.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Discover the beauty of Bornholm on this panoramic introduction to the island.

Your tour begins with a drive through the capital of Rønne, perched on the shore of the Baltic Sea. This danish city is renowned for its yellow buildings of the Old Quarter, interesting squares and impressive nature. This route takes you northeast along the coast road where you’ll see how the coastline slowly changes from a flat sandy landscape in the south to the more rugged, rocky hills and cliffs in the north of the island.

There will be a short photo stop at Hammershus Castle ruins, which date back to 1255 and are among the largest in Northern Europe. This medieval fortification was abandoned in 1743 and the oldest part was built to consolidate the power over the island held by the Archbishop of Lund – obtained through an agreement with the Danish King, Svend Grathe.

Then continue along the east coast road, to the pretty fishing village of Gudhjem where you will make a short stop. Your return journey to Rønne takes you across the island to enjoy the farmland and the scenic drive through Almindingen, one of the largest forests in Denmark. It covers approximately 23 square miles, making it the third-largest forest area in Denmark with several marsh areas with rich plant and birdlife.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. Walking during your photo stops is at your discretion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Set off from your ship on foot to explore Rønne, passing through the industrial and new area of the harbour as your guide explains its importance. Continue along the narrow streets and hear about the city’s liberation after World War Two.

A highlight of your tour will be Erichsens Gård, a well-preserved timber-framed building from the 19th century. It was once an old merchant house that was home to Thomas Erichsen, his wife Michelle, and their 12 children, and the house often appears in Danish art and literature as one of Erichsen’s daughters became the muse for poet Holger Drachman and painter Kristian Zahrtman.

Enjoy a visit to the house and explore the garden before heading to the city centre where you can choose to take the coach back to the ship or explore independently.

Additional Information

Please note: Your walk will cover approximately two-and-a-half miles and will involve some cobbled surfaces and steps. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

This easy excursion offers a glimpse of the region’s main attractions from the comfort of your coach.

You begin by leaving the port behind and driving into the countryside, stopping at medieval Bad Doberan Cathedral. Then your drive continues to Rostock, a powerhouse of Soviet manufacturing. During your time driving through the city, you will see plenty of traditional red brick architecture and pass the beautiful city hall. Hard to miss is St Mary’s Church, one of Rostock’s major landmarks, and the remains of the old city walls.

Your guide may also highlight the former STASI prison, where more than 4,900 prisoners were held before sentencing for crimes such as attempting to escape East Germany and defamation of the Communist Party.

Finally, a short drive will bring you back to Warnemünde and your ship.

Additional Information

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

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Often unfairly overlooked by visitors, who flock to nearby Rostock, Warnemünde is a quaint fisherman’s town and a seaside retreat for locals. Despite extensive destruction during World War Two, it continues to bustle with Baltic Sea-going charm. We hope that during your walking tour you will discover a little of this charm for yourself.

Begin by passing along the promenade lined with one-storey gabled houses towards the heart of Warnemünde. Your guide may direct your attention towards the church that has stood in the centre of town for over 100 years. Capture its red-brick architecture – typical of northern Germany – on your camera before glimpsing the white-sandy beaches that instantly enamour Warnemünde’s summer sunseekers.

It is here that you will hear the history of the ‘Strandkorb’: in 1882, local basketmaker Wilhelm Bartelmann was tasked with creating a wicker seat that would protect the occupier from excessive sun and wind. The resulting seats can be seen up and down the Baltic coast!

Gaze up at the 102-foot-tall lighthouse, built in 1897, before stopping in a local pub or restaurant to quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of traditional German beer. Return to the ship, perhaps ready to tell your friends all about the subtle charm of Warnemünde.

Additional Information

Please note: The total walking distance on this excursion will be a little over one mile on mostly flat and even terrain. The order of sites may change.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Discover the city of Rostock independently and at your own pace.

Your escorted transfer will take you from Warnemünde cruise pier into the centre of Rostock. Before setting off, a local escort will be on hand to answer any questions so that you can get your bearings before exploring the city. You will also be provided with a map and then you can start by enjoying a stroll through the streets of this historic Hanseatic city, characterised by its deep red brick buildings.

Discover the medieval Market Square with its gabled buildings, shopping and refreshment opportunities. St Mary’s Church is the largest of three churches found here and contains a 15th-century astronomical clock – still working today with its original clockwork.

Enjoy approximately two-and-a-half hours of free time to explore before returning to your coach for the drive to your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The drive to and from Rostock will take approximately 30 minutes in each direction. The amount of walking is at your discretion, but this excursion has been graded based on a thorough exploration of Rostock. This is not a fully guided excursion; you will be accompanied by an escort who can provide advice but will not give a commentary during your coach journeys or in the city itself.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

This is an ideal introduction to the Danish capital, Copenhagen, as you will explore 850 years of history in a compact timeframe on a panoramic drive.

Begin with a stop at one of the most famous sights in Copenhagen: The Little Mermaid statue. This creation was completed in 1913 and was erected to express gratitude to Hans Christian Andersen for his well-known fairytales. Continue past Amalienborg Palace, home to his Majesty King Frederik the 10th of Denmark. Your guide will tell you about the palace and surrounding area, which has played a significant role in Danish history. You will also see the idyllic Christianshavn district. Finally, stop at the King's Garden which is set beside the Rosenborg Palace.

Enjoy a short stroll in this delightful green area which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Return to your awaiting ship after your city exploration.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. You will spend approximately 30 minutes at the King's Garden. Walking of approximately 400 yards is required for a good exploration but this is entirely at your discretion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Explore Copenhagen from the water on this one-hour private canal cruise. Embark your canal boat together with your fellow travellers, just a short walk away from your ship. After safety instructions, set off on your cruise through the inner harbours and canals of Christianshavn with its picturesque old buildings. During your cruise, you will see some of the city’s major sights such as Holmen’s Church, the old naval base at Holmen and some of the interesting new experimental architecture along the harbour front, such as the new Royal Library.

Also sail by Nyhavn, the colourful and lively waterfront district which was once the favourite haunt for sailors dating back to the seventeenth century. Today the canal district is lined with gabled houses, pavement cafes and bars and the fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen lived at three different addresses along the Nyhavn canal. Try to spot the most cherished landmark of Copenhagen, the famous Little Mermaid statue, watching over the port of Copenhagen.

End your cruise back at your starting point and walk back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The distance to walk between your ship and the sightseeing vessel will depend on the mooring locations on the day. We estimate this to be approximately 300 yards in each direction with 14 steps to negotiate and you will need to embark and disembark the canal boat independently. Your sightseeing vessel has a covered top but with open sides.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

The city of Copenhagen is filled with wonder: from enchanting tales to military symmetry and historical architecture. Begin your walking tour with a photo stop at the Little Mermaid – Copenhagen’s cherished landmark, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story. Hear how her sacrifice to become a human cost her almost everything. Despite the story’s sadness, the city’s mermaid continues to welcome visitors to Copenhagen.

Continue along the waterfront to Gefion Fountain – a tiered water feature portraying the story of Gefion, the fabled creator of Zealand. Continue to Nyhaven, a colourful district full of Renaissance architecture. Your walk then brings you to Amalienborg Palace, the home to his Majesty King Frederick the 10th of Denmark. Your guide will tell you the story of the palace and the surrounding area that has played a significant role in the Danish history.

Finally, take a leisurely walk back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: As this is a walking tour there will be extensive periods of standing and walking. You should expect to walk at least three miles on this tour. No inside visits are included during this excursion. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

Enjoy a sightseeing drive through Oslo city centre to reach the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Created by Gustav Vigeland, this park is home to 121 sculpted figures, together with a famous landmark Monolith, fountain and bridge. The artist never explained his works, leaving the interpretation to the beholder. Take a leisurely walk through the park to appreciate these works of art along with your knowledgeable guide.

Next your tour heads outside of Oslo and continues south to the small, picturesque town of Drøbak. Supported by the timber industry and shipping in the 1700s, Drøbak was later granted Trading Charter rights in 1842, allowing it to act as the winter harbour for Oslo, when the fjord froze and vessels couldn't reach the capital. Today the town pays well-preserved homage to the past by boasting tiny wooden houses and charming narrow streets. Strict local laws mean that many original buildings from the town’s heyday still exist, and much of the city centre looks as it did more than a century ago.

Oslo, situated along the Oslo Fjord, boasts a rich seafaring tradition, reflected in the museums visited on this tour.

Begin with a scenic drive through the city's highlights. A short stop will be made at Vigeland Sculpture Park where more than 200 figures have been created by Gustav Vigeland, using materials such as bronze, granite and iron. Continue to Holmenkollen, offering sweeping city views on clear days.

A short drive takes you to the Kon-Tiki Museum, housing artifacts from Thor Heyerdahl's Pacific expeditions, including the original Kon Tiki raft. The museum also features items brought back from Easter Island, the papyrus boat RA II, and archaeological finds from Peru, Polynesia, and Easter Island. Next, you’ll head to the nearby Fram Museum, home to the 1892 polar ship Fram, used by explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Discover the ships well-preserved, original interior and learn about the history of polar explorers.

After time to explore the museum, return to your ship by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three quarters of a mile with further walking at your discretion. Exploring onboard the Fram ship involves negotiating numerous steps, narrow corridors and low ceilings and door frames. Both museums are fully accessible with the exception of exploring inside the Fram ship. You will spend approximately one hour in each museum.

Experience Norway's capital city in a unique way on a horse and carriage ride through the city.

Your coachman guide and transport will meet you at the ship, and after a brief introduction your tour will begin. Listen to the sound of hooves on the cobblestone streets as you see Oslo's attractions from a different perspective. Discover the bustling green centre and journey past the City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony every year.

Continue along Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main boulevard, and pass the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Norwegian monarch.

Finally, head back towards the port and your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The horse and carriage ride duration is approximately 45 minutes with no stops. Entry to the carriage is via three steep steps and therefore a good level of mobility is required to participate. The ride may be bumpy at times so please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. There are bench-style seats for up to eight passengers which face sideways. The carriage is uncovered, therefore please dress according to the weather. This excursion passes many of the same sights as the An Overview of Oslo and Oslo City Walk excursions and therefore, we do not recommend booking both tours.

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.

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.

In May 1950 the 2,000-year-old body of the ‘Tollund Man’ was discovered in Bjeldskovdal’s marshland. Today, you can see this piece of history in Silkeborg Museum, an institution whose primary goal is to ‘investigate and convey the role of man throughout history’. Here, you can also explore a collection of artefacts from the stone, bronze and iron ages, as well as those that belong to the Viking era.

Then continue to ‘Himmelbjerget’, which translated into English as ‘Sky Mountain’. It climbs to 482 feet above sea level and is dubbed a ‘false hill’ by scientists, due to being carved out of the landscape by glacial streams during the last ice age. Nonetheless, the views from its summit are undeniably impressive, ready to be captured before returning to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile. Walking at Himmelbjerget is on a steady gradient with some uneven ground. Layered clothing is recommended along with flat footwear. This excursion will involve a coach drive of approximately one hour in each direction.

Take in the many highlights of Aarhus and step back in time with a visit to Den Gamle By, the Old Town Museum.

Departing the bustling harbour, you will first head to the town centre. Here you can see the city hall, a unique building designed by famous architect Arne Jacobsen, and the University of Aarhus. You will pass the picturesque Botanical Gardens, which boast an abundance of exotic flowers and trees, before arriving at the charming open-air Old Town Museum. This collection of historical buildings has been gathered from towns around the country and is one of the highlights of your tour.

After an introduction from your guide, enjoy free time to discover the museum at leisure. Walk through 400 years of Danish history, from the turn of the 17th century through to modern times. After your visit to the Old Town, you will rejoin your local guide and board the coach for a scenic return drive to the pier. En route, there will be a short stop at Marselisborg Palace, one of the official residences of the Danish Royal Family.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 750 yards' walking on this excursion, some of which is over gravel and cobblestones, and you will need to walk up and down steep slopes at the open-air museum. There are also around 30 steps to negotiate, the majority of which are in the old town. Any additional walking is at your discretion. The stop at Marselisborg Palace will not take place if the royal family is in residence.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to step back in time by taking a trip on a vintage train through some delightful Danish countryside. Furthermore, that vintage journey is enhanced by its exclusivity: Saga has privately chartered the train for its guests.

Leaving the quayside, you drive approximately one hour towards the lake highlands of central Jutland, arriving at Bryrup. It is then all aboard your vintage train which will take you through a series of beautiful landscapes, passing the three lakes: ‘Kvindso’, ‘Kulso’ and ‘Snabe Igelso’. It is an authentic piece of Danish history, running on a stretch of the former Horsens-Silkeborg line that was closed in 1968 and lovingly restored by passionate rail enthusiasts. The 15-minute rail journey is described as ‘the shortest, but most beautiful train ride in all of Denmark’.

Arrive at ‘Vrad’s Station’, a carefully-restored restaurant, for a pastry accompanied by coffee. For those not seated in the restaurant (due to capacity restrictions), you may be seated in a dining carriage which acts as an extended area of the restaurant.

Re-board your train for a journey back to your coach. On your way back to the port, your guide will point out some of the city’s architectural splendour: see city hall, the country’s second-oldest university and modern music hall before arriving back at the port.

Additional Information

Please note: Essential walking is limited to approximately 200 yards. There will be several large steps to climb when entering and exiting the train. The train is diesel driven, not steam-powered.

The island of Bornholm has a thriving culinary scene, and this excursion introduces you to some of its produce. Begin with a scenic drive to reach Svaneke. This town, named after a swan, is said to be the culinary capital of the island, and among others is home to chocolate, ice-cream and caramel makers. Enjoy a stroll as your guide points out the many shops in the city square before you enter the local brew house. Sample some beer and learn more about the local production process. 

Return to your coach for a short drive along the coast to your next stop, at Denmark’s first organic sea buckhorn plantation. The venue is called HØSTET, which translates as harvested, and the owners Camilla and Mads pride themselves on clean ingredients and great taste. The delicious items produced here include a sea buckthorn marmalade, which pairs well with cheese or bread, a juice drink and a sea buckthorn gin. See the plantation that has grown to approximately 3500 plants, sample some of the sea buckthorn products, and hear about how the couple moved from a town north of Copenhagen to start a new life on Bornholm. 

After this personal tour and tasting experience it's time to head back to Rønne.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile during this excursion, with some uneven surfaces, especially in the natural environment of the plantation.

Your excursion begins with a drive to the northwest tip of the Island. Here you will find the ruins of Hammerhus Castle, dating from the 13th century. Pause for a short stop and take in the fine view over the Baltic Sea before you continue to your next stop, the quarry of Vang. Granite has been quarried in Vang for more than 100 years and has supplied stone for German rivers, the Great Belt bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, and the large expansion of Copenhagen in 1900. Today, the quarry has been transformed into a habitat, where birds are thriving, and visitors can enjoy the unique nature while learning more about the former industry of the island. Continue to Kultippen, a man-made landscape unlike any other on the island. Here, learn about how this area was formed as a result of coal mining nearby, almost a century ago.

After a short walk, continue to the middle of the island, where you will find Kræmmerhuset, a property with a unique history and delightful gardens. The building dates back to 1886 and once served as a school. It is surrounded by a unique old garden consisting of several sections. Today, the school functions as a place of craft and design, and the works are displayed throughout the garden. You have a chance to meet the owner and ceramicist Anina Kofod, who has created a beautiful little gem here. Browse the shop which is filled with local produce, before you reboard your coach for the journey back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately one mile of walking on this excursion, with some uneven surfaces at each location and some steps and gradients in the garden. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

Join an in-depth exploration through the farmlands of the tiny Baltic Island of Bornholm. Travelling by coach, enjoy the coastal scenery on route to Gudhjem – a charming old fishing village. On arrival here take a short stroll through the narrow winding streets. Continue across the island through one of the largest forest areas in Denmark, Almindingen, before making a short stop at Østerlars Roundchurch – one of the four round churches to be found on Bornholm. 

Next, make a stop at Hammershus, an old fortress ruin on the northern tip of Bornholm and the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power over the island held by the Archbishop of Lund-obtained through an agreement with the Danish King, Svend Grathe. Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded on several occasions. In 1743 the castle was finally abandoned as a stronghold. 

Finally, a drive along the western coast of Bornholm will bring you back to Rønne and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half a mile during this excursion, some of which will be on uneven terrain. There are two flights of steps to negotiate at Hammershus. The order of visits of this excursion may vary.

Explore the Heanseatic city of Rostock from land and water.

Leaving the port behind, a short coach transfer brings you to the tramway departure point: trams being a popular mode of transport in Rostock. Step on board a vintage tram, which has been reserved exclusively for Saga guests for a ride into the heart of the city. Your first impression of the city might be one of architectural diversity: modern housing blocks and 19th-century villas fill the suburbs, and in the centre you will find both medieval and 1950s Stalinist constructions.

On arrival into the centre, step back in time on an orientation walk through Mecklenburg Vorpommern’s largest city. Your guide will introduce you to Rostock University: founded in 1419 it is the oldest in northern Europe. Stroll along the ‘Kroepeliner Strasse’ and ‘Am Neuen Markt’ to explore quaint shopping streets that have flourished since the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. Despite being extensively damaged during the Second World War, you will still find Rostock’s centre filled with plenty of historical buildings.

Following your walking tour, you will be given some free time to perhaps step inside St Mary’s Church and marvel at its 15th-century astronomical clock. The final leg of your journey is made by boat along the Warnow River. As you sail back to Warnemünde, you will be invited to taste some traditional German beer or sparkling wine.

Additional Information

Please note: The walking distance for this excursion will be approximately one mile. Additional walking during your free time is at your discretion. There will be between 10 and 15 steps to negotiate at the jetty. The tram offers an authentic vintage transport experience, and is accessed by two steep steps.

Puffing along the tram tracks of Bad Doberan is the narrow-gauge steam train known as ‘Molli’, in operation since 1886. It is perhaps a little surreal to see this impressive piece of industrial history running along the town’s cobbled streets. On this excursion, you have an opportunity to ride the train for yourself and visit one of Germany’s finest red-brick Gothic churches. 

You begin with a short coach drive through Warnemünde and the surrounding countryside to the Minster of Bad Doberman. Built like an impenetrable castle, this church dates back to the 14th century. Step inside to view the high altar, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, and the 700-year-old oak choir stalls. Re-boarding your tour coach, it is then a short transfer to the ‘Molli’ train station where you will board the oldest narrow-gauge railway on the Baltic coast. Take your seats and steam past the area’s forests, villages and through the centre of Bad Doberan. 

Arriving in Heiligendamm, Germany’s oldest seaside resort dating back to 1793, you re-board your coach and head for a scenic drive to Kuehlungsborn. It is beloved for its fine beaches and known as the crown jewel of the German Riviera. After a brief guided orientation of the centre, discover the secret of the German ‘Strandkorb’ – a roofed wicker beach chair – during leisure time and perhaps dip your toes in the water for a genuine beach feeling. Why not enjoy some souvenir shopping during your free time here or find a local café and relax over a cup of coffee, accompanied by traditional German cake, before returning to the pier in Warnemünde.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be two steep steps to board and disembark the train. Walking in Kuhlungsborn during time at leisure is at your discretion but there will likely be some cobblestone paths to negotiate. Refreshments are not included. This excursion may operate in reverse.

Steeped in history and tradition, Lübeck was once a chief city in the illustrious Hanseatic League. Despite being decimated by a 14th-century plague and its architecture being subjected to World War Two bombing, the medieval centre is beautiful, filled with Gothic patrician houses and redbrick churches. Following the drive from the port, you will arrive at the historic inner centre, outlined by waterways and parklands: once defensive moats and ramparts that shielded the trading city from attack. As much of Lübeck is pedestrianized, you are invited to explore the medieval attractions on foot. A particular highlight is Holsten Gate: a fortress symbolising Lübeck as a free imperial city. You will also spot the Gothic city hall, followed by St Mary’s Church, the third-largest church in Germany. 

Continue your walking tour past ‘Buddenbrooks House’ – the home of the famous writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann – and gaze down one of the 82 quaint ‘Wohngaenge’ (alleyways). After your guided introduction, enjoy some free time to explore further at leisure. You may choose to visit the famous Niederegger Café to sample their marzipan cake, before returning to Warnemünde and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Surfaces in Lübeck are likely to be cobbled and uneven. The total walking distance will be approximately two miles and therefore this excursion is suited to active explorers. The coach journey will take approximately one-and-a-half hours in each direction. Refreshments are not included, therefore you may wish to request a packed lunch from the ship.

Travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the Øresund Strait, which forms the border between the two countries. Leaving the quayside, you will soon arrive at the bridge, making a short stop to capture photos of this impressive construction before making the crossing. It is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. Apart from the main cable-stayed bridge, which is about six miles long, the crossing also includes a two-and-a-half-mile tunnel and an artificial island called Peberholm, which has an area of 325 acres.

After a drive of approximately one hour, you reach Malmö. The city has a wonderful contrast of old and new and your visit here will introduce both sides. Stop to take in the view of the towering Twisted Torso skyscraper, which stands beside the waterfront, and then enjoy a short city tour on your coach. Afterwards, you have some free time to visit Malmö’s main square, Stortorget, and the picturesque, cobbled Lilla Torg or Little Square. Finally, return across the Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves minimal essential walking, as most of the sightseeing will be from the coach. Walking during your free time in Malmö is at your discretion. You should note that there are some cobbled streets in Malmö.

This scenic tour takes you to Dragoer, one of Denmark’s oldest and quaintest fishing villages. Set on Amager Island and lapped by the blue waters of the Øresund, Dragoer is well preserved and has retained its historic character due to the fact that conservation work was started as long ago as 1934.

In 1968, parking was prohibited in the entire old district, and in 1978 Dragoer became Denmark’s first ‘pedestrian town’, which is now protected by a local preservation plan. Historically, Dragoer was once an international trading post for Hanseatic merchants, and it became a thriving fishing port during the 16th and 17th centuries.

After the herring industry dwindled, the town survived as a major centre for shipping, and is now a friendly place with a fascinating history. Your guide will take you on a leisurely stroll through the cobbled back streets to the bustling harbour.

Then you have free time to explore: look around the village, browse for souvenirs in some of the small handicraft shops that line the main street or admire views of Øresund Bridge, which has connected Copenhagen with the Swedish town of Malmö since the year 2000.

Refreshments will be served at a hotel by the harbour before you travel back to Copenhagen and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile on this excursion, partly along cobbled streets. There are six steps to access the refreshment venue.

Denmark is the Land of the Vikings, and no visit here would be complete without seeing the site of early Danish culture where the fierce Vikings lived. A drive across the island of Zealand brings you to the ancient town of Roskilde, former capital of Denmark and home of the Viking Ship Museum. Here, you'll encounter five Viking longboats, recovered in the 1960’s. The museum also showcases various Viking artefacts and exhibitions.

Just outside the museum lies Museum Island, featuring an archaeology workshop and a working Viking boatyard. Here, skilled craftsmen create replicas of Viking-era wooden boats and longboats, using the same materials and techniques as the ancient Vikings.

Also included in this tour is a visit to Roskilde Cathedral, which has been the traditional burial place of Danish Kings and Queens for more than 500 years. There has been a church resting on this site for more than 1,000 years, and since 1995 the present building has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the earliest examples of French-inspired, Gothic brick architecture.

After visiting this historic building, your journey concludes with a coach ride back to Copenhagen.

Additional Information

Please Note: Expect to walk at least three quarters of a mile, with occasional steps and some cobblestones in Roskilde. There are two flights of stairs to the upper floor of the museum.