Norwegian Coastal Express & European Gems

On arrival in Norway’s capital Oslo, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, centrally located in the Sentrum district.

A morning sightseeing tour will take you to Oslo’s most famous sights, including Vigeland Sculpture Park. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you will choose to visit the Munch Museum to admire Edward Munch’s collection of artworks.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your flight to the small town of Kirkenes in northern Norway. On arrival, visit Norway’s coolest hotel, the beautifully decorated Snowhotel. Each of the hotel’s suites are made entirely of snow and ice, and feature sculptures, wall carvings and furniture crafted by artists from all around the world. Here, you’ll enjoy a light lunch of local delicacies and a tour of the property. This evening come together for dinner at your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed start to your day with the morning at leisure. You may wish to set out on an optional king crab adventure on a local boat. Later, transfer to your Hurtigruten ship and settle into your comfortable cabin as you sail to the port of Vardo, home to the world’s northernmost fortification, Vardohus Fortress. Built in 1737, this star-shaped structure remains a part of the military to this day. Continue your cruise along Norway’s northern coastline, stopping in port in the small, charming town of Batsfjord in the evening before sailing on to Berlevag, one of the largest fishing villages in the north. Both destinations offer amazing landscapes surrounding the towns, notably Mount Tanahorn to the west and the Kjolnes Lighthouse which shines over the Barents Sea.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to Honningsvag, where you’ll disembark your ship for a special Insider Experience. From Honningsvag, drive through an underwater tunnel that connects the town with the mainland. The coach will then take you south along the majestic Porsanger fjord, before heading back towards the coast to beautiful Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost town with more than 10,000 inhabitants. You may choose to visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, purchase souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape atop Mount Salen. Rejoin your ship and continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Oksfjord and then the enchanting island of Skjervoy, home to alpine mountains and breathtaking scenery. As you sail to Tromso, catch glimpses of some of the highest peaks in Norway, the Lyngen Alps. Dock in the lively city of Tromso just before midnight and take advantage of the 24-hour daylight in the summer months by taking a stroll around town.

Insider Experience

The North Cape plateau soars 307 metres above the Arctic Ocean and is Europe’s northernmost point. Traverse this stunning landscape via a coach from Honningsvag all the way to the top. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in the North Cape Hall while looking out over the rugged Barents Sea, before experiencing the four seasons of the North Cape through a panoramic film.

Early in the morning, arrive at Harstad on the island of Hinnoya, the gateway the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesteralen. Take in the best of Harstad, including the white-washed 13th-century medieval Trondenes Church, the northernmost of its kind in the world. Later, wander through a museum, exhibiting objects from the early Stone Age through to Viking times, the Middle Ages, and the present day. Enjoy a scenic drive across Hinnoya Island to meet a ferry at picturesque Gullesfjord. On board, savour a hot drink, freshly made waffles and lefse, a Norwegian soft bread, whist enjoying incredible views. Watch the landscape transform from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains en route to Sortland where you’ll re-embark your ship. Reach Svolvaer in the evening and disembark for an optional tour to one of the Lofoten Island’s fishing villages. Set sail for Stamsund and glide by the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

Your ship will navigate over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Stop briefly at the former trading post of Nesna before sailing through to the spectacular Helgeland Coast. Witness the grandeur of the Seven Sisters peaks, part of Holyoke Range, and take in the awe-inspiring landscape of peaks up to 1,100 metres high. Arrive in Bronnoysund and disembark to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Bronnoy Church in the centre of town, a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. Your final stop of the day is to the charming fishing port of Rorvik in the captivating Vikna archipelago.

This morning, take a bus tour of Trondheim, an ancient city rich in history and culture that also serves as one of Norway’s major academic and research centres. Visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. Construction of the cathedral began in 1070 and is built over the tomb of Saint Olav or Olfa II Haraldsson, king of Norway between 1015 and 1028. Back on board, sail through beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before docking at Kristiansund in the late afternoon. Spread across three islands, Kristiansund is known as Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ for the salted cod that is dried on surrounding cliffsides and called klippfisk in Norwegian. You may like to wander around the old town’s cobblestone streets and stroll through the lively port or make your way up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for picturesque vistas. Finally, arrive in the port of Molde and see the tops of the Romsdal Alps. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

This morning, take the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the stunning landscape of Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier. Near Floro, observe the photogenic Stabben Lighthouse and enjoy beautiful vistas as your ship crosses the mouth of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and widest fjord. Later, arrive in the city of Bergen, known as ‘the city between seven mountains’ and the birthplace of some of Norway’s most famous writers, artists and thinkers. Disembark your ship for the final time. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. Later, embark your river ship and this evening meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some free time to explore this lively city. Later, travel by coach to Utrecht, via Rembrandt’s Windmill. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you prepare for tonight’s special Gala Welcome Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience- Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany.

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Insider Experience - Miltenberg Culinary Tour

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairy-tale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg. Take a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit

Tour Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.

After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine. 

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace

Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.

Enhance Your Journey – Bratislava City Tour

Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Tour

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.