FLA07 – EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO FLAM FJORD: RIB BOAT TOUR & NORWEGIAN BEER TASTING Duration: approx. 3 hours
Strange as it may seem, beautiful scenery and great beer have a lot in common: both take time in the making, both are best savoured at an unhurried pace and both benefit from adding some convivial company into the mix. This exclusive and leisurely tour will first see you board a RIB – a Rigid Inflatable Boat – to set sail down the magnificent Aurlandsfjord, a 29-km branch of Sognefjord. As you head for Beitelen for splendid views of Nærøyfjord, whose narrow course spans no more than 500 m in some places, you can expect to enjoy frequent breaks to soak up the area’s scenic charms and learn a little about its wildlife as well as its natural and cultural history. Once back in Flåm, you will then continue on foot to the Ægir Microbrewery for a taste of some locally produced speciality beer. The successful microbrewery teams state-of-the-art equipment with a blend of old Norse and local traditions to brew a product so good it won a much-coveted “Beer of the Year” award in 2012. A chance to get some fresh air and stretch your legs then follows on your walk back to the pier and your ship.
Please note: as the tour involves a degree of physical exercise, guests are recommended to be physically fit, be good swimmers and not suffer from any pre-existing back problems. Regardless of whether the cruise ship is berthed or whether tenders are used to transport guests to shore, guests must expect to walk approx. 300 m to reach the RIB landing stage. Guests are also recommended to wear flat shoes, preferably rubber-soled, and be prepared to get wet during the tour. The following equipment is provided: life-vest, goggles, gloves and survival suits.
FLA08 – FAMOUS STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT & ØSTERBØ MOUNTAIN LODGE
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Nature’s architect was never more artistic than when shaping the magnificent mountainscapes and fjords for which Norway is so famous – a landscape you can enjoy to the fullest on this entertaining and leisurely tour to two superb locations. A serpentine route through the rustic countryside will first take you to the lofty viewpoint at Stegastein, where a balustraded wooden walkway – approx. 4.5 m in width – invites visitors to take a deep breath and venture out into “open space” to be wowed by the awe-inspiring view. Do take some photos of the fjord and Aurland village below before you set off through Aurlandsdalen valley to your next stop, the Østerbø Mountain Lodge. Tucked away in pristine mountains next to a lake fed by waterfalls, Østerbø is as remote as they make places of outstanding natural beauty. Until the late ‘20s, Østerbø hosted a secluded mountain farm that was accessible only during the 4 short summer months of the year. Now, the place serves as a comfortable base for nature lovers, hikers and intrepid mountaineers. You’ll be served some refreshments to add to your enjoyment of this unforgettable spot before you take the same scenic route back to Flåm and your ship.
Please note: the tour is considered to be unsuitable for guests suffering from vertigo and/or acrophobia.
FUNCHAL (Portugal)
When describing Funchal, the great Portuguese poet, playwright and author, Júlio Dinis wrote; “The sea on one side, the mountains on the other, and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a child sleeping, safe and warm, between its parents”. We can’t think of a prettier and more inviting introduction to this beautiful Mediterranean haven.
FUN01 - PICO DOS BARCELOS
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Leave the vessel and get ready to fall in love with the lush landscape of Madeira. A coach drive will take you to the town of Pico dos Barcelos from where we can admire breathtaking views over the island of Madeira. Continue to Monte and visit to “Nossa Senora da Monte” church. We will indulge in the fun local past-time of toboggan riding as we take ride in a wicker chariot through the streets ! The pace changes at Livramento point where we will visit an embroidery factory. During the tour you will have the chance to sample some of the local Madeira liqueurs.
Please note: the toboggan station may be crowded and it may be necessary to wait and/or queue before getting in. Comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.
FUN02 - FAIAL
Duration: full day, lunch included
Starting out from the port of Funchal, the capital of the verdant island of Madeira, the tour first takes you to Terreiro de Luta, Poiso and Pico de Areeiro for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The excursion continues with a visit to a local trout farm in Ribeiro Frio – which means cold river in Portuguese – and a scenic drive through sugar cane plantations up to Faial, a pretty village located along Madeira’s northern coastline. The tour then continues on to Machico, a historical fishing village, before heading for Portela in the north of the island near Porto da Cruz. An enjoyable wine-tasting session awaits you here, one of the certain highlights of the tour. There will also be time to relax over a delicious lunch. Your tour comes to an end with your return to the ship.
Please note: comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended. This excursion is unsuitable for guests with heart problems due to the height reached.
FUN03 - EIRA DO SERRADO, MONTE & CABLE CAR
Duration: approx. 4 hours
An approx. 30-minute coach drive brings you to the town of Eira do Serrado for a short stop to look around. Perched at a height of 1,026 metres above sea level, the place offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the village lying in Nun’s Valley below. Next up is the town of Monte, situated high in the hills, to visit the Catholic pilgrimage site of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a church with beautiful gardens full of the typical lush vegetation that thrives in Madeira’s exceptional microclimate. Be prepared for jaw-dropping views as you take the cable car down from Monte back to Funchal. This is a perfect opportunity to take photos and capture these special vistas for your memory book. There will also be time to shop, visit a local embroidery factory and participate in a wine-tasting session.
Please note: comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.
FUN04 - CABO GIRAO & RIBEIRA BRAVA
Duration: approx. 4 hours
After first heading to the Pico da Torre vantage point for the panoramic view, the excursion then continues on up to Cabo Girão, which is the world’s second-highest cliff face. The outlook from the safety railings is out of this world and a great place from which to take photos, but is equally lovely from a little way back. After an opportunity to try the local speciality – a tasty cocktail called poncha – and take in the scenery, the final leg on the tour begins with a 1-hour drive to Ribeira Brava. Situated on the southwest of Madeira, the pretty little town is a hive of street cafés and shops. It is believed the town’s name derived from the wild (Brava) river (Ribeira) that once flowed through the area. Your tour concludes with your return to Funchal and the ship.
Please note: comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended.
FUN05 - DISCOVERING FUNCHAL
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Your discovery tour of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, begins with a drive to the town of Monte and the mid-18th-century church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a popular Catholic pilgrimage site, along with its beautiful gardens. Have your camera poised for the next leg: a ride on Madeira’s new cable car service from Monte to the island’s Botanical Gardens. Though short, the ride promises spectacular views of Funchal bay and the River João Gomes in a laurel-forested area of outstanding natural beauty. The lush vegetation found in the Botanical Gardens, including both indigenous and other varieties, comprises more than 2,000 plants. A chance to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of the local produce market is next, after which the tour draws to a close with a visit to a nearby embroidery factory.
Please note: comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.
FUN09 – EXPLORING FUNCHAL BY 4X4
Duration: approx. 4 hours
The historical city of Funchal has been Madeira’s capital for more than 500 years and its greater municipal area is also home to a panoply of untouched natural beauty that this exciting road trip in a 4x4 will give you a chance to experience at first hand. Once settled in your modern jeep, you will make your way inland through one of Madeira’s most enchanting forest regions, whose abundance of wild fennel also gave Funchal its name. As you travel along a pleasantly meandering and undulating route, you can sit back and savour amazing views of mountain peaks, cascading rivers and verdant valleys – and capture some fabulous vistas for posterity during numerous photo stops. Largely hidden by the mountainous topology of this volcanic island, these secluded areas and protected natural habitats promise to give you an authentic taste of the island in its purest form, “essence of Madeira”, if you will. Your essential exploration of Madeira’s scenic interior and celebration of off-road driving comes to a close with your return to the ship, richer in experiences and memories.
Please note: this tour is considered to be unsuitable for pregnant women as well as for guests with mobility, back or neck problems or who use a wheelchair. Guests must be at least 13 years of age to take part. The driver will provide information in English only.
FUN10 – WILDLIFE EXPLORATION BY BOAT
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Channel your inner Cousteau and set sail for a thoroughly immersive – yet dry – exploration of the thrilling marine wildlife found in the offshore waters of Madeira’s south coast. Once briefed and safely on the boat, you can begin to look forward to the thrilling moment when you spot your first dolphin or whale at close quarters, a memory simply made to be cherished. Your marine biologist guide will keep you ‘infotained’ with fascinating facts about the various species that call this part of the Atlantic Ocean home. The roughly 2-hour turn on the boat will give you plenty of time to take in your surrounding and watch out for pods of whales and dolphins before you begin to head back to the shore and leave the delightful company of these endearing aquatic mammals.
Please note: guests must be in good health and at least 11 years of age to take part. The tour is considered to be unsuitable both for guests suffering from neck or back problems and for pregnant women. Information will be provided in English only during the tour, which will also run in the event of rain, provided the water is calm. While sightings of whales and dolphins cannot be guaranteed, they are very likely (more than 90% success rate).
GDYNIA (Poland)
First mentioned in the 13th century as a fishing village, Gdynia has since flourished to become the bustling major Baltic port it is today. The city prides itself on its beautiful waterfronts, marinas, yacht clubs and sandy beaches. It is also the host of the annual Heineken Open’er Festival, a huge contemporary music festival that regularly draws more than 70,000 music fans.
GDY01 ― GDAŃSK
Duration: approx. 4 hours
After leaving the port, the tour will take you through the suburban and commercial areas of Gdańsk to reach the city’s old quarters. Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk was first recorded as a settlement as early as A.D. 997 and looks back on an ancient and rich maritime tradition. Today Gdańsk is Poland’s main seaport with an economy that is dominated by shipbuilding, the chemicals industry as well as food processing. The town is also known as a local centre for processing amber for use in the creation of beautiful jewellery. The completely rebuilt historical centre, along with its architectural cocktail of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, is well worth exploring on foot. Another must-see in the city’s old quarters is Saint Mary's Church, the pride of Gdańsk. As the world’s largest brick church, the cavernous interior of the building is large enough to accommodate a staggering 25,000 people.
Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.
GDY02 ― GDAŃSK ON YOUR OWN
Duration: approx. 4 hours
After leaving the port, the tour will take you through the suburban and commercial areas of Gdańsk to reach the city’s old quarters. Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk was first recorded as a settlement as early as A.D. 997 and looks back on an ancient and rich maritime tradition. Today Gdańsk is Poland’s main seaport with an economy that is dominated by shipbuilding, the chemicals industry as well as food processing. Your guide will provide you with brief information on the town and specify your meeting place, after which you will have free time to stroll around, explore the town or do some shopping. For instance, the town is known as a local centre for processing amber for use in the creation of beautiful jewellery and the completely rebuilt historical centre, along with its architectural cocktail of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, is well worth a visit on foot. Another must-see in the city’s old quarters is Saint Mary's Church, the pride of Gdańsk and the world’s largest brick church with a capacity for 25,000 people.
GDY03 ― GDAŃSK & OLIWA CATHEDRAL
Duration: approx. 4 hours 45 minutes
After leaving the port, the tour will take you through the suburban and commercial areas of Gdańsk to reach the city’s old quarters. You will pass by the Gdańsk Shipyards, which are also known as the Lenin Shipyards, as well as the famous monument at Solidarity Square which commemorates the deaths of shipyard workers who were shot there in December 1970. You will also have a chance to explore the completely rebuilt historical centre, along with its architectural cocktail of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, on foot. Another must-see in the city’s old quarters is Saint Mary's Church, the pride of Gdańsk and the world's largest brick church with capacity for 25,000 people. The tour will then take you to Oliwa Cathedral, a building that combines Romanesque, Gothic and Rococo styles, dates back to the 13th century and stands on the grounds of an old Cistercian monastery. The cathedral boasts an impressive complex of three organs consisting of 7876 tin and wood pipes that can imitate the sounds of different musical instruments and natural voices.
Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.
GDY04 ― MALBORK CASTLE
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
This tour will take you to see the largest brick fortress in the world, Malbork Castle. This medieval keep was built by the Teutonic Knights, who were a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders, and finished in 1406. In the course of time, the castle was extended several times to accommodate the growing number of knights and with that became the largest Gothic fortification in Europe. The castle complex is made up of three different sections – high, middle and low – which are separated by multiple dry moats and towers. Severely damaged during World War II and again by a fire in 1959, the Castle has been undergoing continuous restoration since 1962. You are recommended to take your camera to capture the beautiful castle situated on the banks of the River Nogat. You will have an opportunity to visit the halls inside the castle and see many displays of sculptures and a fine collection of medieval armour.
Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. A fee is requested to take photos or shoot videos during the visit at Malbork Castle.
GEIRANGER (Norway)
Geiranger is a small tourist town in Sunnmøre, western Norway. The town lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.Geiranger is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and has been named the best travel destination in Scandinavia; any excursion can’t help but include some of Norway’s most spectacular mountain scenery, so be sure to have your cameras at the ready!
GER01 - DALSNIBBA MOUNT
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Thanks to their outstanding beauty, both the village of Geiranger and the valley are among the most popular holiday resorts in Norway. The route to Mount Dalsnibba will take you up the Oplenske Valley, travelling along the beautiful mountain roads and through bucolic farmland to reach Djupvatn. You will then begin your ascent to the top of Mount Dalsnibba, which at 1,500 metres above sea level affords spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Have your camera ready to capture the amazing mountainscapes, glaciers and lakes on film and create memories for posterity. There will be time for a short stop at Djupvatn mountain lodge where you have the possibility to browse the gift shop or buy some refreshments.
Please note: should snow make it necessary to close the road to Mount Dalsnibba for safety reasons, an alternative programme will be provided to suit the prevailing weather conditions on the day of the tour. This tour is not available on May calls.
GER03 - “HERDAL MOUNTAIN FARM”
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Take some time off the ship to discover Norway’s stunning landscape on this enjoyable tour, which begins with an exciting coach ride up the 11 hair-raising hairpin bends of Eagle Road. A stop will be made at the Eagle Bend, which affords a spectacular view of the natural rocky outcrop known as “The Pulpit”, the splendid Seven Sisters waterfall and the fjord below. An enjoyable and very scenic 1-hour coach ride will then take you to one of the many summer mountain farms in the area, where you will stop for a visit and have an opportunity to sample some typical Norwegian produce. The tour ends with your return to Geiranger.
Please note: should snow make it necessary to close the road to the mountain farm, a farm in the valley may be visited instead. Please have the tour itinerary reconfirmed during your cruise.
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