The village of Olden is situated at the end of the innermost arm of lovely Nordfjord, which cuts its way inland to the mighty ice fields of the Jostedals Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. Briksdal Glacier, your destination on this tour, is one of its arms.Leaving Olden’s center by coach with your guide, you will pass two picturesque churches and the beautiful lakes Floren and Olden. At the end of the valley lies Rustøen, around which numerous waterfalls tumble from the ice field. The road ascends through woodlands to the Briksdalen Inn, where you will leave the coach.  The powerful Briksdal Glacier is a part of the Jostedal Glacier National Park. The wild glacier swoops down from a height of 3,927 feet to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. When you arrive at Briksdal Fjellstove the “Troll cars” will be waiting to take you safely to where the road ends – at the famous glacier. It’s a fantastic trip on a narrow road that crosses the foaming glacier stream twice.  You will return to Briksdal Fjellstove which has been the meeting place for hill walkers and mountaineers in Briksdalen for several generations. Here you will be served some coffee/tea and cake before your return by bus to Olden and the ship. 

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in warm layers.

 

 

 

Enjoy a scenic 50-minute drive to Kjenndal Glacier, where you can take a leisurely stroll to have a closer look at the lowest glacier arm of the mighty Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Leave the charming village of Olden, at the head of the beautiful Nordfjord, you will drive along its shores toward the popular village of Loen. This small village offers you the pleasure of its fjord, Loen Lake, glaciers, high mountains and luxuriant plant life. Continue to the Kjenndal Valley where you will experience the lovely, troll-like atmosphere in Lodalen, and the jade green, mirror of Loen Lake. You will be surrounded by mountains covered by protruding glacier arms.  Upon arrival at the trailhead you can take a short stroll to the glacier viewpoint where you can view the magnificent Kjenndal Glacier nestled between two high mountain tops with glistening waterfalls. Continuing to Kjenndalstova, situated on the shore of Lake Loen, you will enjoy waffles and coffee in beautiful surroundings.  

Please note:  It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and are prepared for inclement weather.  The optional walk to the viewpoint is on a dirt and gravel path with gradual slopes and is approximately .5 miles round trip.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. 

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. 

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Alesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, has a beautiful setting, built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of Alesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.  Today, it is a bustling town where the fish and fish processing industry are the main sources of income.   You will take a stroll through the many rooms in the listed building known as "The Swan Pharmacy," and be mesmerized by the beautiful and authentic décor. The tour continues through the Jugend (Art Nouveau) quarters of the town center and inner harbor, through the attractive park at the foot of  Mount Aksla and back to the pier and your ship.

Please note: This tour is a walking tour with steps, cobblestones and uneven ground and is not recommended for people with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes. 

After a short walk to the bicycle center your guide will give a brief safety instruction before you begin your adventurous and scenic ride to Hess Island. You will set off bicycling through Ålesund, riding past delightful stone buildings and churches carved with enchanting art nouveau décor.  Riding over Asp Island and around the outer edge of Hess Island you will see beaches, pasturelands, and historic installations from World War ll.  Arriving at Sugar Summit trailhead you will leave your bicycles and begin your 35-minute hike up to some breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, surrounding islands, Sunnmøre Alps and the city of Ålesund.  The view is worth every step, making this the highlight of your tour.  On your return bicycle ride you will get another chance to enjoy the scenic views that Ålesund has to offer.

Please note:  Participants must be 10 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult.  It is recommended that guests wear layered clothing and flat shoes.  Take a bottle of water and backpack for your belongings.

The community of Giske consists of four islands. Two of them will be visited on this tour - the Giske and Godøy Islands, which lie further to the west. The tour to the islands will take you via bridges and underwater tunnels, the longest being 2.6 miles (4.2 km). Giske is known as the Saga Island for the fact that the Viking Chieftain Rollo was born here. This island is fairly flat and fertile. On the island you will visit the old stone church dating back to 1150, originally a chapel belonging to the mighty Giske family. From Giske you will continue over to Godøy Island. On the northwestern side of the island you will drive towards the small but picturesque fishing village of Alnes, situated facing the Atlantic Ocean. Take a closer look at the old lighthouse, climb the stairs to the very top and enjoy refreshments at the visitor center. On the way back to the ship visit the viewpoint Mt. Aksla, with a spectacular view of Ålesund and the islands that have just been visited.

Please note:  Giske church is a working church and due to unforeseen church services, an inside visit to the church cannot be guaranteed. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is uneven in places.

Discover Ålesund’s stunning coastline during an exciting RIB adventure.  A short walk from your ship you will find your captain waiting for you, where he will give you the necessary equipment and a brief safety talk. After boarding the RIB, your adventure beings as your captain takes you to the area’s most scenic spots. Once aboard, prepare to feel the adrenaline rush of the RIB boat’s speed and be awe-inspired by the scenery. You will venture to the island of Runde, with close-up views of Sunmøre’s beautiful coastline en route. Keep an eye out for the Grasøyane and Runde lighthouses, along with natural wonders such as interesting caves and abundant bird life. In fact, Runde is famous for its staggering number of birds, with between 500,000 and 700,000 of the winged creatures inhabiting the isle. Among the species you might  spy are puffins, common guillemot, fulmar and razorbill. 

Please note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, 4-1/2 feet  tall, and children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back or neck problems.  All participants will be given a weatherproof suit which is also a life jacket.  Wear flat shoes, heels are not permitted.  You may get wet!

 

This is the perfect kayak  experience for those interested in a more adventurous introduction of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund.  After a short 10-minute walk to the kayak center you will be outfitted with the proper equipment and given a brief safety talk before you board your 2-person sea kayak.  This leisurely kayak trip will take you along Ålesund’s Jugend-style architecture where your guides will share stories about the area.  You will be given an interpretation of the history and culture of this Art Nouveau city perched on the Atlantic.  You will also paddle through the scenic maze of islands offering views of Ålesund’s coastline that you can only enjoy from the vantage point of a kayak.

Please note:  Participants must be at least 6 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult.  It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear flat shoes.  You may get wet! Two- person (tandem) sea kayaks will be used. Not suitable for disabled people.  Excursion is dependent on weather.

This scenic drive will take you all the way inland towards Valldal, where you will leave the fjords behind and make your way into the high mountains of the Romsdals Alps. You will make a stop at Gudbrandsjuvet, an 82-foot high ravine through which the Valldøla River has formed a complex of deep potholes and intricate formations. You will continue your drive into the high mountains of the Troll Road. At the 2,625-foot-high plateau, you will make a short stop to enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the valley. You will have an amazing view of the snowy peaks and the steep waterfall. Descending into the valley along the famous 11 hairpin turns you will follow the river towards Trollstigen Guesthouse where a delicious lunch is awaiting you. Surrounded by beautiful nature you will have enough time to enjoy your lunch before continuing your journey to the Troll Wall.  The Troll Wall is the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, measuring over 3,281 feet from its base to the summit of its highest point. At its steepest, the summit ridge overhangs the base of the wall by nearly 164 feet. The ridge is and has been a prestigious goal for rock climbers and its summit was only first climbed in 1965. The Troll Wall is also considered a mecca for base jumpers , but has been  made illegal, although some daredevils still attempt the jump after a 5-hour hike from the Trollstigen Plateau. After having admired the steep mountain ridge you will make your way back to Ålesund and the ship following a scenic drive along the Romsdalfjord and through the valleys and villages of the region.

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible and there are many stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a magical visit to the magnificent Bergtatt Marble Caves. After a 45-minute scenic drive north your adventure will begin on board a small, open-air boat taking you deep into the glistening caves, crisscrossing an underground lake. The caves are decorated with beautiful lighting reflecting on the water, giving you a mystical experience. Your knowledgeable guide will inform you of the mining operations which were active from 1938-1987.  You will also see a short film of how this marble mine is still operating in other parts of the mountain.  During your visit you will have time to capture photos of this unique marble cavern. Continuing on by motor coach you will pass the village of Eide before entering one of the masterpieces of Norwegian engineering, the Atlantic Ocean Road. The road workers experienced 12 hurricanes during construction of the road before it was opened in 1989. In a distance of 5 miles, 8 different bridges have been built from islet to islet connecting Averøya Island with the mainland. Your scenic drive will conclude along the Moldefjorden on your way back to Molde and the ship. 

Please note: Walking is very limited, however guests must be able to embark transportation both for the motor coach and the boat independently.

Hike to Northern Europe’s highest and most impressive waterfall, cascading 974 feet. You will board your motor coach for a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Mardals Waterfall trail head.   The Eikesdals Lake sits at the base and is just 85 feet above sea level, while the surrounding mountains tower to heights of 5-6,000 feet straight up from the lake. After an approximate 1.25 mile hike to the waterfall you will have time to enjoy the spectacular view and feel the power of the water plunging down with great force.  Be sure to bring rain gear if you wish to get up-close and personal with the waterfall - you will get wet! On board the bus again you will make a stop in the charming town of Eikesdalen to enjoy lunch before returning to your ship.

Please note:  It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear proper walking shoes.  This hike involves uneven ground and gradual slopes.

Your tour will start with a  brief sightseeing tour of Molde including the Molde Church, the City Hall and the Museum of Romsdalen Valley before you head to the Varden Viewpoint with  its impressive view of Molde, Romsdalsfjorden and the  87 peaks of the Romsdals Alps. Then you will continue your scenic drive passing the village of Eide before entering one of the masterpieces of Norwegian engineering, the Atlantic Road. Opened in 1989, the road covers a distance of 5 miles including 8 bridges from islet to islet connecting Averoya Island to the mainland.  Your tour will continue to the fishing village of Bud, where you will have a photo stop then pass by the Church of Bud, built in 1717, before returning to Molde.

Please note: Places of interest may be visited in a reverse order.  

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-3 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English-speaking guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3-5 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English-speaking guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Nordic walking began as a summer training exercise for serious ”cross-country” skiers. Fitness walkers in Europe adopted Nordic walking as a time-efficient, low- stress, total body workout and popularity is growing worldwide. Today,you will be invited on this invigorating and exciting walking excursion through the beautiful setting of Geiranger.   You will meet the expert guide at the pier where a briefing on Nordic walking will take place, along with specially designed poles to work the upper body while you walk. Like cross-country skiing, the poles are used by the arms to match each step you take. Beginning the walk, proceed at a casual walking speed, but experience a full body workout as the walking poles raise the heart rate and exercise the arms.  You will tour the hills and admire the mountain sides of Geiranger. Proceed uphill and over uneven terrain; however, the strenuous walk allows for wonderful views of the countryside. During the walk, stop at the village of Westerås, to enjoy a break, before continuing to Hole. After a brief stop, you will begin the Nordic walk back to the pier.

Please note: Guests must be in good physical condition to participate on this excursion. Uphill walking, uneven, gravel and paved terrain will be encountered. 

This tour will show you Geiranger and the spectacular Geirangerfjord from the most famous viewpoints in the area.  You will board your motor coach departing from the pier. From the landing stage in Geiranger the drive goes uphill via the Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s Road) to a viewpoint, where you will see a breathtaking view of the fjord and your ship. After a photo stop, you will return to Geiranger and continue through the wild Flydal Valley along numerous hairpin bends to Lake Djupvatn. Afterwards you will continue along the fascinating road to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba (5,000 ft. elev.). From here you will be able to see far beyond the Geirangerfjord on a clear day. On the way back to Geiranger and to your waiting yacht, there will be a photo stop at Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.

Please note: There are steps to access the motor coach, no wheelchair elevator and wheelchairs must be collapsible.  The ride along Eagle’s Road contains several hairpin turns. 

Experience the magnificent Geirangerfjord in a safe and comfortable open RIB (rigid inflatable boat). You will be met at your ship to walk to the RIB launch.  You will receive an introduction to the RIB and how to use the waterproof safety suits. In high speed with sea spray in your face you will enjoy a trip through the Geirangerfjord accompanied by your expert guide. You will make photo stops at the famous waterfalls Seven Sisters, the Suitor and the Bridal Veil, and get very close to the falls.  You will view the abandoned farms along the Geirangefjord such as Skageflå, Knivsflå, Blomberg, and Matvik, all of which reveal the life along the fjord many years back.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for children under 14 and written consent must be provided by parent/guardian to participate. For safety reasons, this adventure is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Experience the tranquil beauty of Geirangerfjord from the water as you skim along its pristine surface by kayak. You will take a short bus ride to meet your guide who will give you a safety briefing and paddling instruction.  Don your required life jacket and embark your double sea kayak to begin your adventure. You will pass several small homes along the coastline while you head toward the magnificent Seven Sisters Waterfall. Of its seven cascades, the tallest has a free fall of about 820 feet. Throughout, your guides will share stories and interesting facts about life in the fjord, the high mountains that form its walls and the incredible waterfalls. 

Please note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back or neck problems. All participants will be given a life jacket. Dress in warm, layered clothing and bring rain gear. Wear flat shoes, heels are not permitted.  Although you will kayak toward Seven Sisters Waterfall the distance you cover will depend on the group you are traveling with. You may get wet!  

En route to the farm, enjoy a stop at the viewpoint at Ørnesvingen, or Eagle’s Bend, for panoramic views of the fjord and your ship. Åshild Dale and Jostein Sande have, since 1983, been the owners and farmers of a family-farm at Dale Fjord Farm, as well as 1/6 of Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm. This part of the big old Viking Age Farm has been in the Dale family since 1790. The fjord and mountain farms are operated as one unit – still travelling like “nomads” – using the resources where “the grass is greenest.” It is only possible to stay in the mountains from June to September. The rest of the year both animals and people live in the valley Norddal where you will be visiting. Refreshments will be served, highlighted by a special treat of homemade goat caramel – a taste not to be missed!
 
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces at the farm, which can also be muddy when wet. There are also a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. It is recommended to dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat comfortable walking shoes. This tour involves gravel and stone pathways, uneven ground, steps and gradual slopes. Comfort stop available at the farm.
 

 

 

 

This is a wonderful tour for exploring the South Isles of Orkney and sampling some local produce. You will leave Orkney’s biggest island and follow the coast of Scapa Flow on a 30-minute drive to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers, built during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow. You will visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war who were interned on this small island during World War Two. The chapel stands as a lasting memorial to peace.  You will then continue south across two further Churchill Barriers to the island of Burray and stop for delicious refreshments in the lovely small fishing town of Burray Village for a taster plate of some local produce including Bere Bannocks (local bread) and local farmhouse cheese, and Orkney Fudge Cheesecake.  The tour will also include a glass of wine or beer. You will then continue to the Fossil and Heritage Centre.  Here you will learn more about the heritage of Orkney and the building of the Churchill Barriers in addition to an opportunity to learn more about Orkney’s geological history before returning to the ship.

Please note: Dress in warm, comfortable clothes and bring along waterproof things like an umbrella or rain poncho. This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology.  Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness you will stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.  You then continue on to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor center.  See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.  From here it is only a 656-foot walk to visit Skaill House, Orkney’s finest manor.  Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.  In its 400 year history all 12 of its Lairds have been related and all have contributed to the history and collection in the house. Return to your coach and continue this circular route following the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars.

Please note: The ground around the Ring of Brodgar is very soft and not suitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing.

The Reykjanes Peninsula holds many geological wonders – one of the country’s deepest lakes, bubbling and steaming earth and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  Your journey will start with a pleasant drive through Reykjavík city center with a short photo stop by one of the city’s main attractions, Hallgrímskirkja church. We will continue our tour by driving through the lively port town of Hafnarfjörður, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow. Continue on along the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland where you will have a photo opportunity and enjoy the rugged scenic landscape.  Then on to Krýsuvík where in the geothermal field, powerful jets of steam escape from deep below the earth’s crust and the multicolored pools of boiling mud bubble and pop continuously. You will head on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes, driving through the bustling fishing village of Grindavík before arriving at the Blue Lagoon, located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. The Lagoon’s aquamarine-colored water, the steam and the lava landscape surrounding it succeed in creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. You will have a unique bathing experience here.   Homeward bound you will drive through the Reykjanes lava fields and through Reykjavik city before arriving at the Windstar hotel. 

 

Please note:  This itinerary may operate in a different order if necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes. . At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavík.  Your journey will begin with a drive through Laugardalur (“Warm Water Valley”) where you will pass one of the most popular outdoor geothermal swimming pools. From there the road will lead you to drive past the open-air museum at Árbær.  You will, then cross the Ellidaá River, one of the world’s cleanest salmon rivers. Eventually you will reach Álftanes Peninsula where the President’s residence, is located.  Returning to the city  you will drive to Perlan, The Pearl with its viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik. You will head towards Hallgrímskirkja, the church that dominates the city skyline with its imposing tower, then drive through the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets , past the University of Iceland complex and along the city pond, Tjörnin. Then you’ll reach the old harbor where you’ll make a quick stop. Finally you will follow the coastline and make one short stop at Höfdi House where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Drive directly to the Viking World Museum to enjoy the delicious Icelandic meat soup before exploring the museum. Then you will be drive to the airport or your waiting hotel.

 

Please note:  The order of the itinerary might be reversed if necessary. At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.