Treasures of Scandinavia

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.

Step into the streets of Fredericia – a town built from scratch in the 17th century, with no earlier settlement beneath its foundations. 

This planned fortress town was designed to impress and protect – built with ramparts, once guarding against invading enemies from Jutland. Fredericia also encouraged religious freedom by offering tax cuts to persecuted groups such as Jews and Catholics. Board your tour vehicle at the cruise pier to begin a guided introduction to Fredericia. 

Your first stop is Fredericia Miniature Town – a detailed 1:10 scale replica of the town as it stood in 1849. Almost entirely built by dedicated volunteers, this model continues to grow, with new buildings added each year. Continue with a scenic drive through the town whilst hearing about the unique military and cultural history of Fredericia. 

Marvel at the massive ramparts, which still encircle the old town, the Prince’s Gate and the old Guard House from 1735, along with the landmark statue of the Brave Soldier, commemorating the Danish victory at the battle of Fredericia in 1849. After a short drive from the town, you will spot the bridges connecting mainland Jutland to the island of Funen – The New Little Belt Bridge and Old Little Belt Bridge.

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. A 30-minute stop will be made at Miniature Town where walking is at your discretion. Expect to walk up to 500 yards for a good exploration over a mixture of flat, gravel and grassy terrain.

Founded in 1650 by King Frederik III as a fortified stronghold, Fredericia is a blend of town and fortress. 

Its streets are laid out in an organised grid pattern, all encircled by one of the most extensive rampart systems in Northern Europe. Meet your local guide at the pier and set off on a walking tour to discover the town’s most significant military and religious landmarks. 

Stroll along the ramparts surrounding the old town, pass through the Prince’s Gate, and spot the statue of the Brave Foot Soldier, which commemorates Denmark’s victory in the First Schleswig War in 1849. Your tour includes a short visit to the Old Guard House which holds the Telegraph Regiment’s Historical Collection. 

Fredericia’s long-standing reputation for tolerance has drawn many different faiths to the town over the centuries – reflected in its rich variety of religious landmarks. These include French and German Protestant churches, the 18th-century Catholic Church of St Knud, and Denmark’s second largest Jewish cemetery. 

Finally, pass through the historic city centre and view the Town Hall, rebuilt in 1965. Then, stroll back to the ship with your guide or, if time allows, continue exploring Fredericia independently.

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. All sightseeing is on foot, and you should expect to cover about three miles, over level paved streets, cobblestones and loose gravel, with some slopes up to the ramparts and a few steps. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in this excursion.

This excursion reveals some of the key sights of this ancient capital city, starting with a drive through the streets of Riga. See the city’s medieval, Art Nouveau and modern architecture, together with landmarks such as the National Theatre, St Jacob’s Church and Riga Castle Park. 

As you pass the old town with its distinctive church spires, admire the 14th-century Powder Tower, the only remaining tower from the former city walls. Cross the River Daugava for a panoramic view of the old town before returning to the centre, where you stop for photographs at the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935. 

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

Additional Information

Please Note: 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. If you choose to see the Opera House you will need to walk approximately 400 yards in total. Due to coach parking restrictions, this excursion will pass but not stop at the old town and square.

Enjoy an introduction to the old town of Riga through a guided stroll. Begin with a coach transfer from the pier, along the central boulevards. Passing Art Nouveau architecture, spot the symbolic Freedom Monument, crowned by a woman holding three stars representing the three regions of Latvia. 

Then, leave your coach behind and set off on a walking tour of the Old Town. Begin at the House of the Blackheads in Town Hall Square. Originally built in the 14th century for foreign merchants, it became a powerful symbol of Riga’s wealth and thriving trade. 

Opposite, you will see Riga Town Hall, another of the square’s historic landmarks. From here, continue to St Peter’s Church, renowned for its spire that rises above the Old Town skyline. Dating back to the 13th century, the church has long played a central role in Riga’s religious and social life. Continuing toward the city canal, spot the elegant Latvian National Opera, built in the 19th century. 

This grand building reflects Riga’s cultural importance and its long love for music and the arts. The tour continues to Dome Cathedral and the square. Founded in 1211, it is the largest medieval church in the Baltic States – made up of a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture – reflecting centuries of restoration. 

Your tour concludes at Riga Castle, also known as Riga Palace. Built in the 14th century along the banks of the Daugava River, it now serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s history and independence. After the tour, enjoy a short coach transfer back to the port.

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

Begin your introduction to Klaipeda with a scenic drive, passing the former residence of the Prussian queen Louise and the military barracks, from where the 3rd Soviet Coastal Division left Klaipeda under tense circumstances in 1993. 

Pass the Park of Sculptures, an open air gallery of modern Lithuanian works of art. A popular place to stroll among the locals, the park features more than 100 sculptures and a Russian orthodox church. 

As your drive continues towards the south of the city, your local guide will provide an insight into life during the Soviet era and how that compares to today. The second half of your tour heads to the delightful Old Town of Klaipeda. 

Begin your guided tour with a short walk to the Theatre Square, where you will see the sculpture of Ann from Thara, A symbol of love, and the neoclassic theatre. Enjoy some free time in the Old Town, perhaps shop for Lithuanian souvenirs or stroll around the narrow streets, where once craftsmen used to live and ply their trades. 

Finally, a short coach transfer will bring you back to the ship or if time allows, continue your independent exploration and return to the ship via the shuttle bus service at your convenience.

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. This excursion involves approximately 200 yards of walking which will involve some uneven, cobblestone surfaces and seven steps. You will have approximately 30 minutes to explore at leisure in the Old Town where walking is at your discretion.

The Old Town of Klaipeda is best explored on foot. Head off in the company of your local guide who will bring its history to life. 

The city is famous for its half-timbered architecture and the rectangular layout of its streets. Stroll from your ship along the promenade, lined with cafes and yachts. As you cross a distinctive 19th-century metal swing bridge, still manually operated to allow pedestrians and boats to pass, you will be greeted by the “Ghost of Klaipėda,” a quirky symbol of the city’s maritime heritage. 

On arrival at the Old Town, stop in Theatre Square and see the statue of Annchen from Tharau – another symbol of the city. Wander through the narrow streets once home to skilled craftsmen who practiced their trades here for generations. Enjoy some free time in Theatre Square to explore at your leisure, perhaps browsing the local crafts market, before making your way 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. Expect to walk approximately two miles in total during this excursion, with some cobbled, uneven ground throughout. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic concert hall. From here you can take in views of Gdansk Old Town. The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. 

Although the Old Town of Gdansk is not as old as it might seem, since over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its’ previous glory. 

Continue to Solidarity Square where you will pause to see the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers. The monument provides a memento to the dramatic events from December 16th and 17th 1970, when 44 people died on the streets of Gdansk and Gdynia during the workers riots against the Communist regime. 

The three crosses symbolize three shipyard workers who died outside the shipyard’s gate. Finally, arrive at Oliwa Cathedral – Located on the grounds of an old Cistercian monastery, the Oliwa Cathedral dates back to the 13th century. 

When the Gothic interior was extremely damaged in a 1577 fire it was replaced with the Baroque fixtures that we admire today for their beauty and intensity. The façade is a striking composition of two slim octagonal Gothic towers with a central Baroque portion wedged between them.

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. Due to traffic restrictions the coach is unable to drive through the Old Town. There will be a total of approximately 400 yards of walking during this excursion. You will be able to use the wc facilities at Oliwa Cathedral, but not spend time inside the cathedral.

Gdansk is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Lech Walesa’s Solidarity movement, with its iconic shipyards remaining one of the city’s most defining landmarks. Beyond its role as a working port, Gdansk is known for its cobbled streets and elegant architecture reminiscent of Amsterdam. 

A walk through its historic district feels like stepping back into the 16th century, where colourful merchant houses and grand facades reflect the city’s prosperous past. This sightseeing tour starts with a short drive to the Old Town, where most of the attractions lie and where history has left its mark. 

Pass through the Green Gate, a grand ornamental arch that leads to the Royal Way – lined with intricately designed buildings. Admire the towering Gothic town hall, the Neptune Fountain and Artus Court – a great 14th century hall that was used as a meeting place for the city’s merchants. 

Wander along picturesque St Mary’s Street, which is lined with 17th-century houses and quaint shops. Take some time to further explore at leisure before returning to the port by coach.

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. This excursion will involve approximately one-and-a-half miles of essential walking, with extended periods of standing. Cobbled and uneven terrain will be encountered, and a good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

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.

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.

Enjoy a scenic introduction to Kristiansand and the region of Sørlandet, which stretches along the southern coast of Norway. Step aboard your tour vehicle and, in the company of your local guide, you will wind your way past typical Norwegian wooden houses and small boat harbours. 

Along the way, learn about the region and its people and gain an understanding of why Kristiansand is a popular summer destination for Norwegians. Enjoy a short stop to take in a view of Christiansholm Fortress, built in the 17th century to defend the city from attack. 

You also pass the pretty Oddernes Church Kirke, constructed in stone and wood, and dedicated to the patron saint of the land, Olaf. Your excursion concludes back at the port where you can choose to return to the ship, or if time allows, continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

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

Discover Kristiansand on foot, with its colourful houses and interesting history. Depart with your guide from the pier along a series of boardwalks to the pretty marina with its little boats and peaceful atmosphere. 

The marina is surrounded by small bridges, restaurants, shops and wooden maritime inspired buildings painted in red and yellow. You’ll stop at the popular Fish Market, where traders are selling the local catch, before strolling along the seafront to Otterdalsparken, a unique recreational area decorated with fountains and created by the artist and sculptor, Kjell Nupen.

Continue to the northeast part of town where the historic Posebyen area is situated. After a devasting town fire in 1892, this was the only area to survive. Posebyen is dominated by its large collection of original, white wooden houses which give the area its character. 

Finally, you’ll visit the town centre with its colourful square surrounded by green lawns and flower beds, overlooked by the charming Kristiansand Cathedral. You’ll then take a leisurely stroll back to the pier to rejoin 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. This excursion will involve approximately two miles of walking, mostly on paved paths but with some cobblestone surfaces and slight gradients to negotiate. A good level of physical f itness is required to participate and suitable outdoor footwear and clothing.

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.

Discover Egeskov Castle – one of Europe's best-preserved, moated Renaissance castles. Leaving the port, your drive takes you across the New Little Belt Suspension Bridge built in 1970, and through the countryside of Funen Island, known as the Garden of Denmark. 

Built in 1554 for Count Frands Brockenhuus, Egeskov Castle was designed with many defences, including a double line of fortifications, a surrounding moat, drawbridge, machicolations, arrow slits, and artillery ports. Legend has it that it took an entire forest of oak trees to build the foundation, reflected in the name Egeskov, meaning “oak forest.” 

The Bille family have owned the castle since 1784 and in the late 1960's it was opened to the public. You can explore the castle’s interior with a guide before enjoying a cup of coffee at the castle cafe. Afterwards, you are free to explore on your own. Apart from the historical castle itself, the grounds include a vintage car and motorcycle museum, a museum devoted to the Danish Fire and Rescue Services, an agricultural museum, a historic grocer’s shop, and an old smithy. 

The grounds cover 49 acres and include a Renaissance-style garden with topiary and fountains, as well as one of the largest fuchsia gardens in Europe, featuring 104 different species. There is also an English garden, a water garden, herb and vegetable gardens, a vegetable garden, and a newly planted dahlia garden. Following your exploration, return to your tour vehicle for the scenic drive back to Fredericia.

Additional Information

Please Note: You should expect to walk at least three-quarters of a mile during the one-and a-half hour guided tour, much of which is across uneven ground, with some cobblestones and occasional steps. Further walking during your free time is at your discretion. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately one hour in each direction.

Humlemagasinet is a complex of themed gardens, historical exhibitions, and museums located just a short drive from Fredericia on the Island of Funen. The Humlemagasinet complex offers a rich "bouquet of cultural experiences" including history and horticulture.

Its roots can be traced back to late 19th century, when it served as a vital storage facility for locally grown hops – a key ingredient in regional beer brewing. This heritage lives on in the name Humlemagasinet, which translates to "The Hop Warehouse." The site was later transformed by two passionate locals, starting as a small gallery in the farmhouse before expanding to include 20 unique themed gardens – among them an English Rose Garden and a dedicated Hop Garden. Inside, you can explore several museums, most notably the Historical Doll Museum showcasing the Danish royal lineage, alongside the Sigfred Pedersen Museum and changing historical exhibitions.

During your visit, your local host will give a short introduction to the complex before strolling through the maintained themed gardens and museum highlights. Conclude with some coffee and cake in the cafe, housed within the former private living rooms of the original building.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk up to one mile during this excursion, but participants can choose to opt-out of sections of the guided tour. You will encounter uneven terrain outside and some steps. Refreshments are served during this excursion but not a full meal.

This excursion provides an opportunity to climb one of Denmark’s famous bridges, providing rewarding views from the top. Completed in 1935, the Old Belt Bridge is a steel truss structure that provides the only rail connection between Jutland and Zealand. Stretching roughly three-quarters of a mile, the bridge measures 67 feet in width and features a main span of 722 feet. Its top girders rise nearly 200 feet above the water below. Originally designed for trains, motor vehicles and pedestrians, it has functioned exclusively as a railway bridge since the New Little Belt Suspension Bridge was opened in 1970.

After a full safety briefing, climb the steps and step out onto the bridge’s upper framework. From this unique vantage point, you will experience its true height and take in sweeping views across the sea, Jutland, and the island of Funen. Your bridge-walking guide will share the history of the bridge and capture a photo of you and the surrounding area as you walk across and along it. Once you have returned to the ship, you can visit the website of the bridge and retrieve your favourite photos from the heights.

Additional Information

Please note: The actual bridge climb takes about two hours, with a coach providing transfers between your ship and the bridge. Safety is of the utmost importance. Participants should be in good physical condition and must wear rubber-soled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. A special climbing suit will be provided. You will be required to sign a medical declaration to satisfy the bridge climb conditions. Cameras and other loose items are not permitted on the bridge. You will be connected to a safety harness by wires and hooks.

Hop across to the island of Funen and discover Odense, the birthplace of Denmark’s celebrated storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen. Leave the port and enjoy a scenic coach ride across the New Little Belt Bridge, built in 1970 to reach Odense. 

Nestled in the old city, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum opened in 1908, making it one of the first museums in the world dedicated to a writer. The museum was updated recently, now providing exhibitions that chronicle Andersen’s life and times, highlighting his childhood as the son of a poor shoemaker and the challenges he faced in pursuing his dreams in Copenhagen. 

Learn about his education, his career as an author, and the later years of his life until his death. After your visit, follow in the footsteps of the writer with a scenic tour of his hometown, where you will f ind out more about the city and its famous native before stopping at a local inn. 

Enjoy a light lunch here consisting of a traditional Danish open sandwich and a drink. Afterwards, visit Funen Village – an open-air museum that re-creates life in a local village as it would have been in Andersen’s lifetime. 

The museum has approximately 30 buildings dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, all of which were moved here from various sites on Funen Island. See in half-timbered houses, flower and herb gardens, livestock, wooden windmills, and a village street – all surrounded by cultivated fields. 

During the summer months, museum staff and volunteers dress in period costume to bring history to life with demonstrations of traditional agricultural and household chores, creating a living time capsule of rural life from the era of Hans Christian Andersen. From the museum, return by coach to Fredericia.

Additional Information

Please Note: Expect to walk up to a mile over a variety of surfaces, including grass and cobblestones. There are also a few flights of stairs to negotiate. This excursion will involve a scenic coach drive of approximately one hour in each direction. Dietary requests must be made to the Explore Ashore desk on board ship at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

After your drive through peaceful Pardaugava, return to the ship.

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve walking approximately one mile over cobblestones and uneven ground. There are up to 15 steps to negotiate at each venue. This excursion may operate in reverse, visiting Riga Black Magic bar first. The venues visited during this excursion are not exclusive and may be busy with other visitors.

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

Lithuania’s turbulent past, littered with several tyrannical occupiers has ensured a constant change over the last 100 years – whether economical, architectural or societal. The troubled history of such a beautiful country (having been granted independence twice) is evidenced in the very people that call Lithuania home, living in small communities of USSR-built homes. 

Visit the home of Emas and his family. Discover the inspiring story of how this modern young family, led by Emas, a lecturer at the International University and father of five, chose to transform their lives, returning to their roots and embracing a harmonious existence with nature. 

In 1997, amidst the trend of urban migration, Emas made a bold decision to purchase an old house on the forest's edge and relocate his young family. Initially unaware of the challenges village life would present, Emas now finds joy in activities like milking goats and tending to free-roaming chickens in their yard. 

Beyond being a home, Emas's house has evolved into a summer camp for teenagers seeking a closer connection to nature. Engage in a relaxed conversation with Emas and his family, whilst enjoying a cup of tea or coffee along with light Lithuanian homemade snacks. All to soon it’s time to board your coach and return to Klaipeda and your ship.

Additional Information

Please Note: This excursion will involve walking of approximately half a mile with some uneven surfaces at the farm.

Having been formed between 30 and 90 million years ago, amber acts as a translucent window into the world’s ancient past: long before the USSR, the foundation of the city in 1252 and even the first recognisable humans. However, the fossilised plant resin is valuable not only for its pre-historic properties: its beauty is universal, hence its popularity as the centrepiece for fine jewellery. On this tour, discover Klaipeda’s connection to amber and see the many workshops still used to create amber-encrusted jewellery today.

Begin with a drive through central Klaipeda, past the ‘Clocks and Watches Museum’, the Gothic Revival post office and the Park of Sculptures. Your guide may point out the abundance of Soviet residential architecture, explaining its ideological importance and why certain materials were used in the building process. Amongst these buildings is one of the biggest amber workshops, staffed by a team of skilled, passionate jewellers who will demonstrate the remarkable process of cutting, polishing and baking the amber.

After your visit to the workshops, head to Klaipeda Old Town where the history of the landscape will be told using amber antiques: taste amber tea and Lithuanian cake while learning about the amber trading route which once stretched as far as Rome. Continue past Theatre Square and stroll through the area’s narrow streets before an opportunity to shop for Lithuanian souvenirs – which are not only beautifully made, but also of high value.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately half-a-mile of walking on this tour and you should expect to climb at least ten steps. This excursion follows a similar route to the Easy Klaipeda excursion and Klaipeda Old Town on Foot excursion and therefore we recommend that you do not book both.

It was a war unlike any other – one without direct conflict but fuelled by ideology and filled with dramatic, apocalyptic tension. 

In 1960, as the Americans and USSR competed in the space race, a secret nuclear missile facility was built by hand, deep in the natural, oak-filled landscape of what is now Zemaitija National Park. 

Today, take a guided tour of the silos for yourself and walk through the military corridors to the control room: perhaps you will understand the intense stress experienced by those that worked here. Leaving the port, travel through wonderful Lithuanian countryside to the clear waters of Lake Plateliai: its clear water provides a fine subject for a photo or two. 

Continue to the former Nuclear Weapon Site, fully restored to bring back to life the realities of the Cold War Period. You will also be shown the propaganda from both sides which fuelled the tensions. 

Your guide may tell the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis, in which missiles from this site were transported towards Cuba in a moment often described as the closest point to war that the world came during this period. After your “top-secret” exploration, travel to a local restaurant to enjoy a selection of traditional Lithuanian dishes accompanied by a local beer or soft drink. Finally, relax as your coach brings you back to Klaipeda.

Additional Information

Please Note: There will be at least one mile of walking across surfaces which may at times be uneven. You should also expect at least 50 steps. Dietary requests must be made to the Explore Ashore desk on board ship at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

The principality of Neringa, sheltered by a 60-mile stretch of sand dunes, is said in to have been created by a giantess of the same name. According to mythology, when a fierce storm threatened to submerge the castle, Neringa waded into the raging sea and gathered vast amounts of sand in her apron, building a protective barrier against the waves. 

With each journey she made, the wall grew larger, until the great spit was formed – rising to heights of up to 170 feet. Begin with a ferry journey across the lagoon to the Curonian Spit – one mile in width and stretching to the horizon. Continue along this narrow UNESCO World Heritage Site before passing through Juodkrante – a small fishing village stretched along the lagoon’s shore. 

Arrive in the main settlement of Nida, where pine forests and wind-sculpted dunes shape the landscape. Admire the traditional fishermen’s cottages and their colourful, intricately carved weathervanes, then enjoy time at leisure to browse for souvenirs or relax with refreshments in a local restaurant. 

A visit will be made to the summer house of Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann, which now serves as an exhibition to his achievements and offers a view of the Curonian Lagoon. Before returning to the ship, visit the 170-foot Great Dune and admire the panoramic view over the dunes and the town.

Additional Information

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately two miles in total during this excursion, with some uneven ground and steps throughout and a steep gradient on an asphalt path at the sand dune. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate.

Your tour of Gdansk begins with a visit to the Gothic St Mary's Church, the pride of the city and the largest brick church in the world. With its 30 decorated chapels, ancient tombs and 15th-century astronomical clock, this medieval church can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. From St Mary’s, continue on a guided tour of the old town with its gabled buildings and quaint shops.

During the walk, pass the Town Hall, Long Market and the 15th-century Palace of Artus Court, before pausing at the Neptune Fountain, a symbol of the town’s Hanseatic past. From here, continue to the European Solidarity Centre. In the 1980s Gdansk’s shipyard workers, led by Lech Walesa, created the Solidarity movement that led to the first cracks in the Communist regime. Learn about the history of Solidarity through the exhibits, including a Soviet-era prison cell and a typical Polish family living-room, shops of the period as well as original documents and posters.

Following your visit, view the Solidarity Square Monument, dedicated to the events of December 1970.

Additional Information

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately two miles, with occasional steps in the Old Town. Upper levels of the European Solidarity Centre can be reached by a lift. Access to the church interior may be restricted in the unlikely event of our visit clashing with a religious service. The order of sites visited may vary. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

This poignant excursion heads into the Polish countryside to the site of Stutthof Concentration Camp. Stutthof was opened on the second day of World War Two as the first concentration camp outside Germany. The camp initially consisted of eight barrack blocks for the inmates and a huge building for the SS. In 1942, the SS began to build a new camp: 30 further barrack blocks were constructed, and in 1943 the Nazis added a crematorium and a gas chamber. The gas chamber had a maximum capacity of 150 people at one time. The camp was not liberated until May 9, 1945.

Following your visit, return to the city of Gdansk for lunch in a local restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the Old Town. See the Golden Gate, a grand ornamental archway that once allowed access through the medieval city's defensive walls. Pass the Town Hall, the Long Market and the beautiful 14th-century Artus Court. Stop to visit St Mary's Church, the pride of Gdansk. Situated in the centre of the Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build and its deceptively plain brick exterior hides a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves walking approximately two-and-a-half miles, with about 15 steps and some cobblestones. Access to the interior of St Mary’s Church may be restricted if a service is in progress. Your lunch will consist of three courses and will include one glass of beer, wine or a soft drink. Dietary requests must be made to the shore excursion manager on board ship at least 72 hours prior to arrival. This excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

See the highlights of Gdansk from the deck of a replica 17th-century Galleon and discover the Old Town on foot. Begin with a drive to Gdansk Old Town where you will take a walking tour of the colourful streets- accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Although the Old Town of Gdansk is not as old as it may seem, since over eighty percent of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War Two, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its previous glory. To get a flavour of this ancient city, enjoy a guided walk through the old town at a leisurely pace.

On arrival at the Neptune Fountain, the symbol of Gdansk, you will have some free time to explore further at your leisure. Finally, to see the city from a different perspective, take to the water on board a replica seventeenth century galleon. From your grand vessel, your informative guide will highlight such sights as the shipyard and Wistoujscie Fortress – a sixteenth century fortification. On arrival at Westerplatte you will disembark and return to your ship by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: You will be required to walk just under one mile during this excursion, much of which will be on cobbled streets. Further walking during your free time is at your discretion. Access to the Galleon is via a sloped gangway and there are multiple steps on board. The cruise aboard the Galleon is not exclusive to Saga guests. This excursion may operate in reverse with the Galleon cruise first, followed by the old town walk.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

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