Arrive To: London Heathrow Airport.

Morning: Transfers by car and coach to Southampton.

Lunch: A light lunch is served in the hotel.

Afternoon: Check in and relax before a welcome meeting at 5:00pm in the hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard see Nelson's HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1840. Take the Trafalgar Experience and visit theNational Museum of the Royal Navy.

Lunch: In Boathouse No 7.

Afternoon: Take a harbour boatride and see modern warships up close.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to the D-Day Museum and Overlord Tapestry in Portsmouth. Embark Minerva before lunch.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Ship orientation and safety drill. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic Lectures.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan-Whale and Dolphin Watching. The behaviour and identifcation of these fascinating creatures. Shipboard activities.Choose to enjoy your Guest Speakers’ talks in the Darwin Lounge, the Orpheus or Livingstone Lounges or in the comfort of your cabin. You might be tempted to remain in the peaceful surrounds of the Orpheus Lounge at the top of the ship to admire panoramic views of passing wildlife, iconic coastlines or Minerva’s arrival in a new port. Relax in the informal Veranda or the conservatory-style Shackleton Bar with its comfortable cane chairs and potted palms, before taking a leisurely stroll around the expansive promenade deck to enjoy the fresh air. Hide away with a good book in the peaceful surrounds of the Library, where you may also enjoy a game of backgammon or fit the last piece in the jigsaw. Play a spot of Bridge in the Card Room, work out in the Gym or indulge yourself in the Salon Centre or with a relaxing dip in the pool on Promenade Deck.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Shipboard activities.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Wildlife of the North Atlantic. Sea birds and Golden Eagles. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Field trip to Norway's capital city, Oslo. Dock at 8:00am. Half day field trip to Vigeland Park which commemorates the world renowned artist, Gustav Vigeland. Influenced by Rodin, he began work on the park in 1924 and continued until his death in 1943. Pass through its monumental wrought iron gates into a world of frowning, fighting and posing bronze figures, the park also contains many of Vigeland's most famous works. You will visit the Munch Museum, that houses several thousand paintings, prints, drawings, engravings and photographs by the artist, Edvard Munch

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Shipboard activities.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: The ship docks in Aalborg at 12:00pm. Half day field trip to Visit Voergaard Castle, located in Eastern Vendsyssel and boasting the broadest moat in Denmark. This is one of the best-kept Renaissance castles in the country and houses an extensive collection of European art and furniture, including works by Goya, Rubens, Raphael and El Greco, together with personal belongings of Napoleon, Louis XIV, and Marie-Antoinette.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities. The ship depars at 10:00pm.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic Lectures.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Wildlife of the Norweian Fjord. Habitats, species and wildlife in one of the last great wilderness areas of Europe. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Dock at Haugesund at 8:00am. Ayaldsnes half day field trip.Haugesund, a maiden call for Minerva, is a typical Norwegian coastal town. Visit nearby Avaldsnes, an ancient centre of power where the Viking King Harald Fairhair united Norway as a kingdom in AD872 and where you can see St Olav’s, one of Norway’s finest medieval stone churches. The reconstructed Viking farm is situated on scenic Bukkøy Island. Visit the farm and houses which have been reconstructed based on various archeological finds in Rogaland County. Visit St. Olavs Church, a medieval stone church and one of the largest churches along the coast of Norway, visited by many travelers on their pilgrimage to St. Olav's shrine in Trondhiem. Close to the North Wall is a monumental stone called Virgin Mary's Needle. It rises 7.2 meters above the ground and leans toward the Church wall. The legend claim that ‘the day of Judgement will come when the stone comes into contact with the church wall’. Located next to the Church is the Nordvegen History Centre, here you can visit a replica of a 25 metre longhouse and a boathouse.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Ship departs at 2:00pm. Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Norwegian Miscellany. The Raven and Scandinavian mythology, salmon and salmon framing, seals and lemmins, Herring and cod, Norway's trees. Shipboard activities. From the Promenade Deck, or the comfort of the panoramic Orpheus Lounge, watch the landscapes unfold as Minerva explores smaller fjords such as Akrafjord where the Langfossen waterfall cascades down the hillside.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva dock at Ulvik at 8:00am. At the furthest end of the majestic Hardangerfjord lies Ulvik, nestled among steep wooded hills. Discover gentle, verdant orchard farms or admire panoramic views from the rugged mountain plateau. Ulvik, hidden amidst mountains and lakes, is one of Norway’s greenest areas. Renowned for its orchards and known as Norway’s ‘fruit garden’, it lies at the edge of the Hardangervidda mountain – Europe’s largest wilderness territory. Leaving Ulvik your scenic drive will pass orchards and fields en route to the wild, narrow and deep Osafjord. Situated at the end of the fjord lies the tiny village of Osa, which has a mere 30 inhabitants. After a pause for photos, the drive returns via the same road, making a small detour to Hjeltnes for a photostop of Norway’s oldest horticultural college. Continue to Hakestad farm for a short presentation on the tradition of cider production in the area and enjoy a cider tasting. Complete your tour with a folkloric performance, which includes the Hardanger fiddle, in the village hall at Ulvik.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: The ship departs at 2:00pm. During the afternoon Minerva cruises the 111 miles back down the majestic Hardangerfjord en route to Sognefjord, the longest of Norway’s fjords. Conditions permitting, the Captain may sail along the steep, narrow Naeroyfjord before calling at Flåm. Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Whaling Past and Present. The history of Whaling, whale watching industry and "scientific" whaling.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: After a short walk to the station, set off on a memorable ride on the famous Flåm Railway. The route follows the Flåm River before climbing the steep, narrow valley up Myradalsberg Mountain. Along the way you’ll pass spectacular waterfalls, including the 93m Kjosfossen fall; the train will slow down to allow for photos at the best viewpoints. On arrival at Vatnahalsen you’ll leave the train to enjoy refreshments and have time to admire the fine views, or take a short walk, before rejoining the train for the return journey to Flåm.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: At port at Forde at 8:00am. Visit the Sunnfjord Museum which has an open air section showing daily life for a farmer family and a tenant family around 1850. All the buildings have their origin from different farms in the Sunnfjord region and show a variety of building traditions from 1500 until 1900. The next stop will be the 90 metre Huldrefossen waterfall, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the many waterfalls in this area.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 2:00pm depart port. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: 8:00am arrival Andalsnes. Åndalsnes, badly bombed during World War II, sits in a spectacular landscape. Åndalsnes is a beautifully situated village on the Romsdalsfjord, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks to all sides. Drive along the well-known Salmon River Rauma, to the left Mount Romsdalshorn and to the right Trolltindane. From the coach view Trollveggen, otherwise known as Troll wall, a 1000 metre vertical wall. Cross the Sogge Bridge to the Isterdal valley, surrounded by impressive mountains including The King, The Queen and The Bishop. Further up the valley you’ll reach the Trollstigroad (Path of the Trolls), which winds its way through 11 narrow hairpin bends, crossing the Stigfoss Waterfall where there will be a short photo stop. At Trollstigheimen enjoy some refreshments while admiring the fabulous views before returning to the quay via the same road

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Ship departs at 2:00pm. Road Scholar lecture The Attraction of Islandss-what appeals to us. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: 8:00am at port at Olden. Cruise south along Nordfjord, amidst towering mountains, to the small town of Olden to explore the glacial tongue of Briksdal, a temperamental glacier. From Olden drive up the valley, along the shore of the small Floen Lake and the narrow Olden Lake, to the Jostedalen Glacier National Park. On arrival join the track on foot, cross the river and walk 2.5km (approximately 45 minutes each way) to the Briksdal Glacier. After viewing the glacier, return on the same path to the Briksdal Inn where a refreshment will be waiting.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Emerging from the fjord, Minerva continues her cruise amongst the islands and islets of the coast towards Bergen.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: 8:00am at port in Bergen. Walking from the quay you’ll pass Bergenhus Fortress, dating from 1261 when Bergen was the capital of Norway, and continue along the Bryggen to admire its wooden wharf buildings (reconstructed in the 18th century after a fire in 1702 reduced the city to ashes). You’ll visit the Assembly Rooms, ‘Schotstuene’, where Hanseats enjoyed their food and social life. Visit the Hanseatic Museum, which provides an authentic picture of the working life of the German merchants and their apprentices. Continue on foot to the lower station of the funicular, and ascend by funicular to the summit of Mount Floien. Despite only being 320m above sea level, on a clear day you will have wonderful views of Bergen and out to the North Sea. Descend by funicular and walk back to the ship. Wander around the bustling fishmarket and UNESCO-listed medieval, wooden Bryggen area before Minerva sets sail for the return cruise to Portsmouth.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Lecture TBC.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Round up lecture.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Dock in Portsmouth at 7:30am. After breakfast disembark in Portsmouuth and transfer to London via Brighton. Field trip to the Royal Pavilion. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today.

Lunch: Taken out in Brighton.

Afternoon: The transfer continues to London near Heathrow Airport.

Dinner: Farewell dinner in the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Transfer by public Hoppa bus to Heathrow terminals.

Lunch: Taken out in Brighton.

Afternoon: The transfer continues to London near Heathrow Airport.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner