Cruise the Norwegian Fjords In the Path of the Vikings

En Route from U.S.

Arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands – Embarkation

Upon arriving to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hospitality room. Once the full group has gathered, continue to the Rijksmuseum—the national museum of the Netherlands—before transferring to the ship by canal boat, an iconic experience that captures the essence of Amsterdam.

As embarkation begins take time to settle into your stateroom and become acquainted with the state-of-the-art SH Diana—your home away from home during this thrilling expedition. Elegant, well-appointed staterooms and beautifully designed public spaces offer inviting options to relax, socialize and enjoy the journey.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a special welcome reception and captain’s gala dinner to celebrate the exciting adventures ahead.

Heligoland, Germany

Step ashore onto this remote and rugged archipelago in the North Sea about 40 miles off the German coastline. Once a strategic naval base, Heligoland was heavily bombed during World War II. Today the island is a protected nature reserve and a haven for seabirds. During a guided walking tour learn of the area’s complex past and witness extraordinary bird colonies within close proximity—as gannets, guillemots and razorbills nest on and soar around the towering sandstone cliffs.

Mandal, Norway

Become acquainted with past and present life in Norway’s southernmost town. Set out on a guided walking tour through Mandal’s picturesque Old Town where narrow, winding streets are lined with white-painted wooden houses—a hallmark of the region. The town’s rich history as a maritime hub and its vibrant artistic community are evident. See one of the largest timber churches in Norway, stroll along the riverbank and boardwalk, and ascend the charming staircase path to reach the Uranienborg Viewpoint.

Stavanger

This morning disembark in Stavanger, a dynamic city known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Take a motor coach ride through Ullandhaug—an area recognized for its reconstructions of Iron Age farms. From here enjoy breathtaking views over Hafrsfjord, the site of a pivotal late-9th-century battle in which Viking king Harald Fairhair defeated rival princes, uniting Norway’s numerous kingdoms into a single realm—the Kingdom of Norway.

Continue to the outskirts of Stavanger to admire the Sverd i fjell (“Swords in Rock”), a fascinating memorial by the sculptor Fritz Røed.

Your guide will escort you on a walking tour of Old Stavanger before visiting the iconic Stavanger Cathedral, one of Norway’s oldest churches.

Back on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure to take advantage of the ship’s amenities while cruising towards Olden.

Olden

Today visit Olden, a picturesque village nestled at the head of the Nordfjord. Journey to the summit of Mount Hoven aboard the Loen Skylift. One of the steepest in the world, this cable car provides an exhilarating ascent from the base station in Loen to the mountain peak, reaching an altitude of more than 3,280 feet in just a few minutes. The spacious gondola’s large windows offer stunning panoramic views. At the summit step out onto the viewing platform for 360º views over rugged peaks and pristine valleys. Before returning to the ship see Olden Church dating back to the 18th century.

Optional Excursions:
Briksdal Glacier Troll Car †: Embark on a troll car excursion to view Briksdal Glacier, part of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier and one of Norway’s most spectacular natural wonders. While not a traditional hiking trail, the walk out to the glacier is relatively easy.

Hike at Leisure: For those seeking a moderately challenging hike, try Oldeskaret—a trail through lush forests and past serene lakes, delivering hikers to a mountain pass that offers spectacular views of the Olden Valley and surrounding vistas. For more experienced hikers, the path along Skaala Ridge offers unparalleled views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. This hike is demanding and involves some scrambling, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

Visit Olden at Leisure: Stroll Olden independently, indulging in the surrounding natural beauty and serene ambiance.

Geiranger

After lunch board a motor coach to discover one of the most scenic routes in Europe—The Eagle Road—a remarkable feat of engineering winding through steep mountain terrain with a series of hairpin bends.

Stop for photography opportunities at Eagles Bend nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. Continue to Nibbevegen, the road leading to Dalsnibba, considered to be one of the most ambitious road projects in Norwegian history. Arriving at Dalsnibba Skywalk take in the crisp mountaintop air and 360º views of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Western Fjords.

Afterward return to the ship to relax and unwind before dinner.

Optional Excursions:
Fjord Safari †: Embark on a guided tour aboard an agile rigid inflatable boat. Hear stories from your guide about the area while admiring the stunning waterways.

Hike at Leisure: For an easy hike try Fossevandring (aka Waterfall Hike)—which is also the starting point to reach longer, more demanding hikes. From there visit the Fjord Center and continue up to the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint. Alternatively from the Fjord Center, set off on the Løsta Trail—a more challenging route with beautiful views over the fjord.

Nordfjordeid

Discover the rich cultural heritage and typical daily life in the Norwegian Fjords. A guided walking tour takes you past the classic architecture of the church of Eid, the cultural Opera House and traditional wooden houses. Continue to the Sagastad Viking Center to learn about Norway’s Viking history. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing archaeological finds from the region and view the full-scale reconstruction of the largest Viking longship ever discovered—the Myklebust Ship.

Later return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon cruising the fjords towards Stavanger.

This evening indulge in another culinary masterpiece inspired by the flavors of Norway crafted with locally sourced ingredients. After dinner stop by the theater for live entertainment—perhaps a dance performance, live concert or a film on the big screen.

Optional Excursions:
Kvalen and Nos Viewpoints †: Board a motor coach for a scenic drive towards the viewpoints situated 1,600 feet above sea level. This panoramic tour continues by Lake Hornidal with additional photography stops of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Visit Nordfjordeid at Leisure: Explore Nordfjordeid independently.

Flåm

After breakfast transfer to the Flåm Railway for the 60-minute ascent to the mountainous town of Myrdal. Along the route admire the panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and cascading waterfalls, including the famous Kjosfossen waterfall. Transfer to the Bergen railway towards the village of Voss. Enjoy cake and coffee at the historical Fleischer’s Hotel followed by a scenic ride by bus back to Flåm. There will be additional time to explore Flåm independently before returning to the ship.

Later cruise through UNESCO-listed Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Along the route pass quaint farms perched high on the hillsides, charming hamlets nestled at the water’s edge and idyllic meadows that have been shaped by generations of life along the fjord.

Optional Excursion:
Fjord Safari †: Cruise through the Aurlandsfjord to the entrance of the spectacular Nærøyfjord—a branch of the Sognefjord, continuing to the beautiful Sagfossen waterfall. Your guide will maneuver the rigid inflatable boat to provide up-close views of the shoreline and potential wildlife along the way.

Bergen

After breakfast depart for Bergen by motor coach for a guided tour. Continue to Bryggen, a historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates the rich maritime heritage and Hanseatic trading history of the city dating back to the 14th century. Bryggen’s colorful wooden buildings, with their distinctive gabled façades and sloping roofs, once served as the headquarters and warehouses of the Hanseatic League merchants who dominated the city’s trade during the Middle Ages.

The final evening on board, gather for a lively farewell reception followed by a convivial gala dinner to commemorate this epic journey.

Optional Excursion:
Bergen Touring †: Join a guide to see some of the city’s premier highlights. Then ascend Mount Fløyen on the famous funicular, rising 984 feet above sea level for spectacular views of the seaside, fjords and mountains. Finally stop at Fantoft Stave Church. This church gained notoriety in 1992 when it was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. The structure was painstakingly reconstructed using traditional methods and materials, ensuring that its historical and architectural integrity were preserved.

Bergen – Disembarkation | Depart for U.S.

After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home.