Scandinavian Capitals

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.

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 will 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.

Next, return to the centre of Visby and alight your coach for a short stroll with your guide. 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.

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.

For a laid-back way to take in medieval highlights in the centre of Visby, step onboard the Visby Train for a short sightseeing drive. The road train will pick you up from the ship and take you on a relaxed tour through Visby, where you will spot both the city wall and the winding cobblestone streets.

Along the way, pass several of the town’s most notable sights and get a sense of Visby’s unique history and atmosphere. The route takes you through the idyllic quarters inside the wall and offers panoramic views over the Baltic Sea. During the tour, listen to a running commentary, with tales of Visby’s golden age as a Hanseatic town and everyday life within the walls, both past and present. If you wish to continue exploring Visby on your own, there is an option to alight at Visby Guest Harbour.

Alternatively, remain onboard as the road train then returns and concludes the tour at the cruise quay.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion is recommended for our less-active guests. There are no scheduled stops during the forty-minute tour, except for a short stop at the Guest Harbour where you can choose to alight. The tourist train has a covered roof but open sides. A recorded commentary will be played during the tour via speakers in each carriage.

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.

A short coach transfer will bring you to the eastern areas of the walled city of Visby. From here, 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 will hear about Visby’s history as a trade city. From here you will 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.

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.

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 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.

Join a walking 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. Begin with a short coach transfer from your ship to Gamla Stan. 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 and extended periods of standing. 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.

The charm and style of the ‘White City of the North’ awaits you on this panoramic tour of Helsinki. Begin with a visit to one of the city’s most celebrated locations; Carl Ludvig Engel's neo-classical Senate Square, which is surrounded by public buildings built in the old centre in the mid-19th century.

After you’ve made a short stop at this political and historical hub, you will continue your drive through the city- passing several of Helsinki's sights such as the Uspenski Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Swedish Theatre on the Mannerheim street. After passing the Parliament Building, one of the last large buildings in Finland to be built entirely by hand, your guide will point out the Museum of new Contemporary Art, Kiasma; its architectural design is credited to the American architect Steven Holl.

After, see a glimpse of the Finlandia Hall (designed by architect Alvar Aalto) which celebrates nature and light through his use of unique architectural skills. Then make a short stop at Sibelius Park to admire the abstract monument built to honour Finland’s most celebrated composer, symbolising the spirit of his music, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. At Sibelius Park, there is an optional walk of approximately 200 yards to view the monument.

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.

Home to beautiful boulevards and distinctive architecture, Helsinki is famed for its stylish, functional design. No site showcases that concept better than ‘Temppeliaukio’ Church, known simply as ‘Rock Church’. After parking nearby, you walk to the church that was completed in 1969 and is excavated directly into solid rock.

Its domed ceiling provides excellent acoustics for concerts and recitals. During time here your guide may outline some of the challenges that faced the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church’s architects, before beginning your small-group walking tour past a selection of the city’s other architectural highlights.

See the dramatic Parliament House, the curving Museum of Contemporary Art and the Central Railway Station – a wonderful example of art nouveau design with plenty of art deco features. You will also pass along ‘Mannerheimintie’, Helsinki’s main street, along which trams regularly run, to Senate Square overlooked by Helsinki’s grand cathedral.

Your walking tour finishes in Market Square, the centre of trade for hundreds of years, before re-boarding your shuttle bus back to the port. If time permits, you may stay longer in the city for independent exploration.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately two-and-a-half miles on this excursion. You will encounter some uneven, cobbled terrain and gradients along the way.

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.

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 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 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.

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 will introduce you to the highlights of Ystad, with a panoramic drive through this coastal town, followed by a short walk in the medieval centre. Depart from the cruise port by coach alongside your local guide, who will bring the city to life through stories of daily life from the past to present.

Hear about Ystad’s rich history and its fame as the home of Henning Mankell’s fictional detective, Kurt Wallander. Admire views of the coastline, residential neighbourhoods and green surroundings that reflect the relaxed atmosphere of the Skåne region of Sweden. Arriving in the centre of Ystad, step off the coach and join your guide on a stroll through the town’s historic heart. Admire its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares, and pass the 13th century St Mary’s Church.

Return to your coach for the short drive back to your ship, or if time allows, remain in Ystad and continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve a leisurely guided stroll through Ystad, covering a distance of approximately 500 yards. This will involve walking on cobblestone terrain which may be uneven. This part of Ystad is not accessible by coach and therefore it is necessary to join the walk in order to see the historic centre. Guests can choose to opt out of the walk and remain on the tour vehicle. Ystad is a relatively new cruise destination and many of the guides here are new to the profession. Your guide will be local to the area and with plenty of knowledge to share, but you may find that the standard of guiding is not to the same level as you would receive in major tourist destinations.

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.

Join a guided exploration on foot through the historical town of Ystad, with more than 300 half-timbered houses dating to medieval times. Begin with a short coach drive from the cruise pier into the city, with an introduction from your local guide. Ystad is renowned for both its medieval charm and for its scenery providing the setting for the Wallander detective novels and TV series. Step off the coach into the heart of Ystad and walk through the Main Square towards the Gråbrödraklostret Monastery. Built by Italian monks between 1267 to 1400, this site is one of the best-preserved monastery complexes in Sweden.

Nearby, you will head to the medieval Lutheran church of St Mary’s – built in the 13th century and now the town's oldest building. Step inside to view the interior, whilst your guide introduces you to the church’s unique tradition which began in the 17th century and continues today. After, you will travel along Lilla Västergatan, lined with more historical buildings and regarded as one of Sweden’s most beautiful streets. Towards the end of your exploration, pass by the Ystad Theatre as you stroll back to your coach for the short drive back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one and a half miles during this excursion, much of which will be over cobblestone paths. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate. Ystad is a relatively new cruise destination and many of the guides here are new to the profession. Your guide will be local to the area and with plenty of knowledge to share, but you may find that the standard of guiding is not to the same level as you would receive in major tourist destinations.

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: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. 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.

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: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. 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.

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: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. 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.

This scenic tour of Skagen offers 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 at Denmark's northern tip and the meeting place of two seas. Although your coach cannot reach the point to see the two seas collide, you will enjoy a short stop at Grenen, which provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Skagen’s natural beauty. 

Perhaps take a stroll through the sand dunes and admire the coastal view or pick up a souvenir or refreshment from the small shop, before the tour continues. Next drive to Old Skagen and along the coast, passing fashionable seaside hotels and the characteristic yellow Skagen houses along the way. 

The tour concludes with a drive through Skagen town and along the marina before ending back at the pier. After the excursion, if time allows, you may choose to remain in Skagen town and return to the ship later using the complimentary shuttle service.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. At Grenen, there will be a stop of approximately 45 minutes. Walking here is at your discretion 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. The rest of the sightseeing on this excursion is from your tour vehicle.

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: 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 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.

Enjoy a vintage narrow-gauge train ride through Gotland Island and discover the medeival highlights of Visby.

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 the train and take your seat in one of the old carriages. The train ride takes you past pastoral scenery, travelling through the rural heart of the island 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 byGerman 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.

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 will 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 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.

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.

Stockholm is built across 14 islands as well as the mainland and a cruise along its waterways is the perfect way to experience the city.

A short stroll from your ship will bring you to your sightseeing vessel. As much of Stockholm’s finest architecture faces the water, you can admire sights such as the cathedral and royal palace in the Old Town before gliding past the islands of Skeppsholmen, Kastellholmen and Djurgarden, home to the Vasa Museum and Grona Lund – a popular amusement park. This attractive area forms part of the city’s ‘Eco Park’, the world’s first Royal National City Park.

Before returning to your ship, see the residential area of Hammarby Sjostad, providing a modern contrast to the historic Old Town.

Additional Information

Please note: Depending on the berth locations on the day, there may be a walk of up to 150 yards between your ship and the sightseeing boat, and the same on the return. Most of the seating on the boat is inside, but there are also a small number of seats in an open-sided section at the rear of the vessel. The boat has basic WC facilities and is not wheelchair accessible.

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.

It is often said that the Stockholm Metro is the longest art gallery in the world. Replica statues and colourful walls flank long corridors connecting the 68 miles, featuring pieces created by 150 artists. During the 1950s, the everyday, mundane commute was transformed into a world of wonder. 

Today, explore this subterranean world for yourself, stopping at several stations along the way. Your guide will accompany you during your shuttle bus ride into the city, where your first destination can be found – Kungstradgarden. Here you will take the escalator down to the station hall and begin your underground exploration. 

After making several stops, arrive at Ostermalmstorg where, above ground, you will find the Östermalmshallen market hall – a gourmet treasure trove. Enjoy some time in the market before walking with your guide through the charming Östermalm and the bay at Nybroviken. You will then hop back onto the shuttle bus back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk over a mile on this tour, across terrain which may at times be uneven. There will also be several steps to negotiate. The metro stations that you visit will be confirmed on the day of your tour. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. As this excursion involves using the shuttle bus service, there may be a short wait to return to the ship at the end of the tour.

Leaving the cruise pier, drive through Helsinki, taking in the most famous sights of the city before a 45-minute drive through Finnish countryside takes you to Finland’s second oldest city, Porvoo. Old Porvoo is a treasure-house of historic Finnish architecture, and the town plan remains as it was during the Middle Ages. The red riverside storehouses of the old harbour are said to be the most photographed attraction in Finland. 

A guided walking tour takes you to the heart of Old Porvoo. The cathedral is situated on top of a hill, dominating the town and its houses. This great church was originally built in wood but was rebuilt soon afterwards in stone and is today the main landmark in the city. The southern district of Porvoo, built in the Empire style, is a reminder of the period of Tsar Nicholas I, who reigned from 1825 to 1855. He wanted to demolish the overcrowded and highly flammable old town built under Swedish rule, and replace it with a modern, spacious Russian-style town built to a regular grid plan. Luckily, Old Porvoo was not touched, but the new Russian district grew to the south of it. Architect Carl Ludwig Engel, who also designed the Senate Square in Helsinki, was responsible for the new town. 

After your walking tour, travel by coach to the beautiful Kiala Manor, which has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 16th-century. Enjoy tea and a sweet treat in this elegant building before returning to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in Porvoo, which will involve some uneven ground and cobbled streets, with occasional steps. At Kiala Manor, there is a flight of steps with a handrail which must be negotiated to access the room where refreshments are served.

Experience the architecture and landmarks of Helsinki during this sightseeing tour of the city, combined with a live classical music recital. Board the tour vehicle at the pier for a short drive into Helsinki, the daughter of the Baltic Sea. En route, pass the Finlandia hall and Finnish National Opera before stopping at the church of Temppeliaukio, more commonly known as the Rock Church due to its structure being built into the solid rock. 

Continue to Sibelius Park to admire the abstract monument built to honour Finland’s most celebrated composer, symbolising the spirit of his music. A short drive will take you to Balder Hall for an authentic musical experience. The live recital will feature the works of Jean Sibelius, such as Finlandia, Spruce, Romance, and Valse Triste. After the performance, enjoy a refreshing drink and an opportunity to meet the musicians. 

Finally, make a short stop at the Neo-Classical-style Senate Square in the heart of the city. It features important monuments that include the University of Helsinki, the Government Palace and the magnificent Lutheran Cathedral. Completed in 1852, the cathedral dominates the square and can be seen from far out at sea.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk just under one mile during this excursion with some uneven surfaces at Sibelius Park and cobblestones at Senate Square. There are 51 steps to negotiate at Balder Hall, with a landing between each flight. Unfortunately, this venue does not have a lift.

Enjoy a tour with a difference as you step on board a ‘RIB’ (Rigid Inflatable Boat) in Helsinki Harbour for an exciting mini-cruise around the city and its beautiful archipelago. Your boat will travel at a speed of over 40 knots, passing under bridges and close to delightful islands with pretty Finnish summer cottages. A highlight of your trip is a ride past the city’s shipyards: you will be amazed at the huge size of the vessels under construction, and at how close they are to the city centre.

After your fast water journey, reach Suomenlinna. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna is a superb example of military architecture. Spanning six small islands, the fortress was originally built in 1748 to defend Sweden against Russia. In 1809 it was taken over by the Russians, and during the Crimean War a combined Anglo-French force failed to take it. Since Finnish independence in 1917, Suomenlinna has been used as a prison, a naval base, a centre for the arts and a popular picnic spot.

Enjoy a guided tour of the old buildings and fortifications before taking your RIB boat back to Helsinki, where you may explore the bustling Market Square or head straight back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is suited to the more active traveller: a certain amount of agility is required when getting in and out of the RIB boat. The boat ride will be bumpy, therefore please consider its suitability if you have pre-existing medical conditions. The guided walk around Suomenlinna covers several hundred yards, partly over uneven ground, cobblestones, grass and gravel. However, if you prefer not to join the guided tour, you may explore by yourself, or sit and relax until it is time to re-join the RIB boat. This tour may be cancelled at short notice in the event of adverse weather or sea conditions.

For a unique way to explore Helsinki, step on board a 4-seater electric Tuk-Tuk, taking you on a guided tour of the city. As you drive past some of the local sights with your driver guide, you can enjoy a live commentary with your audio headset provided. Begin by following the coastal road, past Embassy Park and towards the white-domed cathedral which plays a role in Warren Beatty’s film ‘Reds’ where Helsinki acted as a stand-in for St Petersburg.

You then continue along the chic Esplanadi, flanked by designer shops, which leads to Helsinki’s main route – Mannerheim Street. On this road, your guide may point out the imposing parliament building, Finlandia Concert Hall and the stadium that hosted the 1952 Olympics. Continue to the unusual Rock Church, an underground place of worship blasted out of the original laying rock itself. Visit inside the church and take some time to appreciate its architectural splendour. Pause for sweet buns and tea or coffee at a local café before your sightseeing adventure concludes with a visit to Sibelius Park to see the abstract monument honouring Finland’s most celebrated composer.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 700 yards on this excursion with some uneven surfaces along the way. There is a steep step to board the Tuk-Tuk. This excursion visits many of the same locations as the Scenic Helsinki and Helsinki on Foot excursions and therefore it is not recommended that you book both. The order of visits may vary.

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.

Visit Gunnarshögs Gård, a family-owned farm that has been lovingly cared for by the Nilsson family since 1897. Set in the heart of Österlen’s picturesque countryside, the farm is surrounded by rolling landscapes and, in season, vast fields of golden rapeseed in full bloom. Departing from Ystad by coach, pass through the countryside and rural landscapes that the Österlen area of Sweden is renowned for.

After a warm greeting from your hosts upon arrival at Gunnarshögs Gård farm, hear how the rapeseed grown in the surrounding fields is carefully processed on-site and transformed into high quality products – sold in the farm shop and supplied to selected retailers throughout Sweden. Here, tradition and craftsmanship go hand in hand. You will have a guided production tour, from seed to bottle, offering insight into sustainable farming and traditional oil-making methods.

Afterwards you will have a hands-on experience, where you will the opportunity to cold press your own rapeseed oil to take away with you – using a mini oil press. Finally, return through the Österlen countryside to Ystad.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve up to half a mile of walking during your tour of the farm, with some uneven ground encountered and periods of standing. Ystad is a relatively new cruise destination and many of the guides here are new to the profession. Your guide will be local to the area and with plenty of knowledge to share, but you may find that the standard of guiding is not to the same level as you would receive in major tourist destinations.

Ystad lies at the heart of one of southern Sweden’s most varied and picturesque regions. Traveling eastward from the town, the scenery gradually unfolds into rolling hills, open farmland and coastal landscapes. This part of Österlen is celebrated for its natural beauty, expansive horizons, and ever-changing light.

Your destination is the fishing village of Kåseberga, situated along the Baltic Sea. Located in the small harbour, you will visit a traditional fish smoking house, where age-old methods are still used to prepare freshly caught fish. Here, you can sample smoked fish, a local delicacy that reflects the region’s strong maritime heritage and long-standing culinary traditions. From Kåseberga, continue on foot to visit Ale’s Stones, one of Sweden’s most impressive ancient monuments.

Positioned on a cliff overlooking the sea, the site consists of 58 gigantic stone blocks arranged more than a thousand years ago. Legends surrounding Ale’s Stones speak of a buried giant or the grave of an unholy bishop; archaeologists, however, believe the stones may have served as a memorial to a Viking chieftain or as an ancient astronomical calendar. Aside from their original purpose, Ale’s Stones offer a powerful connection to Scandinavia’s distant past and stand as a memorable highlight of the Österlen landscape.

After some time to appreciate the monument and sweeping views, stroll back to Kåseberga at your coach for the return drive to Ystad.

Additional Information

Please note: The Ales Stones are accessed via an uphill walk of approximately half a mile, and the same distance downhill on your return. The route takes you over a dirt-track path which is uneven and steep in places, with multiple steps. An excellent level of physical fitness is required to participate. The smoke house is accessed via five steps with no handrail. Ystad is a relatively new cruise destination and many of the guides here are new to the profession. Your guide will be local to the area and with plenty of knowledge to share, but you may find that the standard of guiding is not to the same level as you would receive in major tourist destinations.

Travel through the countryside of Österlen to reach Kiviks Musteri, located on the southeastern coast of Sweden. Your scenic drive takes you north-west from Ystad, passing through rolling hills and open farmland, whilst your local guide introduces you to the region. Arrive at Kiviks Musteri, a family run Apple Farm, founded in 1888 when the first apple trees were planted by Henric Åkesson.

Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Åkesson family continue the tradition, having grown the business into Sweden’s leading producer of apple juice, must, and cider. You will have free time to explore the ‘House of Apples; exhibition which explores the history of apples, their cultivation, varieties, and processing methods. The surrounding orchards grow around 70 different apple varieties and account for approximately one third of Sweden’s total apple harvest. Your visit also includes a guided tour of the farm, where you will learn more about apples, apple cultivation, pollination, and the history of Kiviks Musteri.

Finally, enjoy a tasting of the juices produced here, with an opportunity to purchase some to take home if you choose to. Your return drive to Ystad takes you back through the Österlen countryside.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately 500 yards of walking during this excursion with some uneven ground in outside areas. This excursion will involve a scenic drive of approximately one hour in each direction. Ystad is a relatively new cruise destination and many of the guides here are new to the profession. Your guide will be local to the area and with plenty of knowledge to share, but you may find that the standard of guiding is not to the same level as you would receive in major tourist destinations.

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.

Visit two historic but contrasting attractions during your time in the Danish capital. Begin with a visit to Christianborg Palace and enjoy a guided tour inside. It is the only building in the world to be the seat of all three supreme powers of a nation: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. 

A visit is made to the Royal Reception rooms, used by the Danish Royal Family for entertaining VIP visitors and foreign heads of state. Of special interest are the tapestries, given to the former Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990, to decorate the large banqueting hall. 

Then continue to the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843 as an amusement park and continues to wow visitors today. Take a guided stroll through the park before some free time to further explore at your leisure. See the 1914 wooden rollercoaster – still operated by a ‘brake man’ – or pass along ‘The Alley’, styled on a fantasy Danish market town.

 Alternatively, you may decide to admire the flower gardens or purchase a coffee and traditional Danish pastry. On your drive back to the cruise pier, you will also have the opportunity to see the most cherished landmark of Copenhagen, the famous Little Mermaid statue, watching over the port of Copenhagen.

Additional Information

Please Note: During the visit to Christianborg Palace, you should expect to walk approximately 600 yards and negotiate 80 steps. The palace is not wheelchair accessible. In Tivoli Gardens there will be approximately 200 yards of essential walking with further walking at your discretion. Access to rides and amusements inside Tivoli are not included in the price of this excursion. You will spend approximately one-and-a-half hours at Tivoli Gardens.

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.

Board the ’Sandworm’ tractor bus to see the point where two seas collide and discover the best of Skagen. 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 so please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Further walking at the beach is at your discretion.

Voergaard Manor is 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

Please note: 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. This excursion involves a coach drive of just over one hour in each direction.

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.