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Above the Arctic Circle: The Northern Wonders of Norway

Program Number: 21028RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/1/2013 - 7/25/2013;
Duration: 24 nights
Location: England/Norway
Price starting at: $6,488.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 67; 23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 22 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

A wildly beautiful land of intricate fjords and channels, majestic reindeer and polar bears, the coast of northern Norway delivers the one-of-a-kind vistas, stark authenticity and enchanting lore that are at the heart of this educational voyage. Explore islands, seaside towns and inland waterways north of the Arctic Circle in the fascinating Land of the Midnight Sun.




Activity Particulars

Walking and standing up to two hours. Some uneven terrain and stairs without railings. Tenders ashore at some ports.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Southhampton (England), 2 nights; aboard Minerva, 20 nights; London, 1 night.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-4: Arrival London (England) / Southampton / embark Minerva:

Experience historic sites and explore Portsmouth harbor via boat to view modern warships. Lodging: Four-star hotel in 500-year-old building famous for hosting Jane Austen’s 18th birthday party.



Days 5-7: At Sea / Floro (Norway):

Discover the waterfront town of Floro and nearby Island of Kinn, once a center for herring fisheries, and absorb the beauty of Kinn Church on a brilliant-green strip of land juxtaposed high amid steep cliffs.



Days 8-9: At Sea / Bodo:

Cross the Arctic Circle to the port of Bodo, home to the world’s strongest maelstrom (whirlpool). Take in Nyholmen Fort, Ronvikfjellet viewpoint and Bodin Church on a town excursion.



Day 10: Tromso:

Discover the striking urban landmark Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965, set amidst majestic surrounding mountains.



Days 11-15: At Sea / Svalbard Archipelago:

Some 400 miles north of mainland Europe, between mainland Norway and the North Pole, spot polar bears, reindeer and seabirds as you voyage among a group of picturesque islands including the largest, Spitsbergen. On other islands, discover one of the world’s most northerly towns, Longyearbyen, the Russian mining community of Barentsburg, the community of My-Alesund and the rugged Magdalenafijordan.



Days 16-18: At Sea / Leknes:

Enter Trollfjord, a remote fjord only accessible by sea, before calling at Leknes to discover the fascinating Viking Museum at Borg, built on the site of Viking house discovered in 1981.



Day 19: Vega Islands:

Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the low-lying Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about the resident Eider ducks and the harvesting of their precious down.



Days 20-21: At Sea / Bergen:

Discover the bustling port of Bergen and the Hanseatic Museum for an authentic picture of the working life of merchants and their apprentices. Explore the Bryggen’s wooden wharf buildings and enjoy an ascent by funicular to the summit of Mount Floien.



Days 22-25: At Sea / disembark Portsmouth (England) / coach to London / departure:

Enjoy expert lectures and shipboard camaraderie while rewinding your Arctic adventure. Lodging: Four-star airport hotel with spa and fitness center.



MV Minerva

Newly refurbished in 2012, the 350-guest Minerva with her British country elegance style, offers 181 staterooms (44 Balcony Suites) and expansive new public areas such as the spectacular Orpheus Lounge with inviting panoramic vistas. Minerva boasts a congenial ambience and warm hospitality in exquisite surroundings that include a choice of two open seating restaurants, al-fresco dining, several lounges, library, card room, internet lounge, swimming pool, gym and salon center. Swan Hellenic has been refining the art of discovery cruising for almost 60 years and we invite you to experience Minerva’s signature lifestyle.
Meals and Lodgings
   Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel
  Southampton, UK:England 2 nights
   MV Minerva
  At Sea, USA 20 nights
   Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
  London Heathrow Airport, UK:England 1 night
 Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The hotel stands in a Grade II listed 500-year old building, famous for hosting Jane Austen's 18th birthday party.
  Ship Information: N/A.
  Contact info: 34-35 High Street
Southampton,  SO14 2HN UK:England
phone: +44 2380 386460
web: www.mercure.com
  Room amenities: All bedrooms are non-smoking and have WiFi access, flatscreen TV with satellite channels, hair dryer, iron and board, safe, tea and coffee making facilities and direct dial telephone. Air Cooling. 220/240 V AC and 110/120 V AC.
  Facility amenities: Brasserie style Signature Restaurant and Oak Bar. WiFI internet access at a fee. Dry cleaning at a fee.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 MV Minerva
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: A new wrap-around panoramic Observation Lounge, the Orpheus Lounge and Bar, at the forward end of the Promenade Deck.
  Ship Information: Gross Tonnage - 12,449. Length - 437 ft Beam - 66 ft Draft - 19 ft Cruising Speed - 14 knots Passenger Decks - 6 Stabilisers - retractable fin 350 passengers 181 passenger cabin facilities
  Contact info: N/A
N/A,   UK:England
phone: +004723675678
web: www.swanhellenic.com
  Room amenities: All cabins have private facilities, air-conditioning (centrally controlled), TV and radio, vanity table/writing desk and chair, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, binoculars and safe.
  Facility amenities: 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. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged on an open sitting basis and may be taken in the The Swan Restaurant or the Veranda. 44 Balcony cabins 100 Outside cabins (74% outside cabins including 23% balcony cabins) 2 Restaurants Orpheus Lounge Internet Lounge Livingstone Lounge Darwin Lounge Shackleton & Wheeler Bars 5000-volume Library/Card Room Boutique and Gift Shop Swimming Pool Gymnasium, Sauna and Spa Services Complimentary Launderette with Washers and Dryers Beauty Salon Medical Centre Telephone, Fax and E-mail Facilities TV, Hairdryer and Personal Safe in Every Cabin
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Close to Heathrow Airport.
  Contact info: 140 Bath Road.
Hayes, Middlesex.,  UB3 5AW UK:England
phone: +44 20 8759 6311
web: www.radissonedwardian.com
  Room amenities: Air-conditioning. Direct dial telephone with personal number and voicemail, satllite TV and pay movies, in room safe. In room bar, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar. Complimentary wireless internet access, business centre, newsagents, health spa and fitness centre.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after:  For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
A light lunch will be served at 12:30pm in the hotel. The welcome meeting and reception is at 5:00pm. You will be staying at Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast on departure day. Breakfast ends at 10:00am and check out is by 11:00am. You will be staying at Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel. the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Not applicable.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Trains and buses available to Southampton and to central London.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Southampton
  Transportation to site: Trains/coaches available. . The Heathrow Express departs the airport every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes add 6 minutes from T5.) to London Paddington. An Express single costs £16.50 (2010 prices), 1st Class is £26, return is £32. Paddington Station is situated in the west end of central London. It connects to the Bakerloo, District and Circle lines on the London Underground. Trains leave London Waterlooo for Southampton Central every 30 minutes and take 1 hour 14 minutes. A single journey costs approx. GBP24.
  From End of Program
  Location:  London Heathrow Airport
  Transportation from site: Hoppa bus from hotel to Heathrow terminals. Heathrow Express to central London's Paddington Station.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Monday, July 1)
   
 In Transit Overnight: From North America to London Heathrow Airport.

Day 2:
(Tuesday, July 2)
   
 Morning: Transfer by coach and car to Southampton.
 Lunch: A light lunch is served in the hotel.
 Afternoon: Relax before a welcome meeting at 5:00pm in the hotel.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
(Wednesday, July 3)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, to explore Nelson's HMS Victory and the Trafalgar Experience; Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860 and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
 Lunch: Taken in Boathouse No 7.
 Afternoon: The field trip continues with a harbour boatride to view modern warships at dock.
 Afternoon: The field trip continues with a harbour boatride to view modern warships at dock
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: D-Day Museum. Embarkation.
(Thursday, July 4)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to the D-Day Museum and Overlord Tapestry in Portsmouth. Lunchtime embarkation
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Check into your cabins and relax before dinner. Ship safety meeting. Sail at 5:00pm.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: At leisure. Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Welcome cocktail party.
(Friday, July 5)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Wildlife of the North Atlantic. Dea birds, dolphins, minke whales and white tailed sea eagles. Shipboard activities.See a show tonight in the ballroom, or relax and watch a movie in the theatre, or perhaps wander to one of the bars for a beverage and chat. Or wander through the stacks of the library, one of the best shipboard libraries available, find a book and that perfect reading chair. Enjoy the Captain's cocktail party.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lecture. Shipboard activities.
(Saturday, July 6)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Whale Watching-Behaviour and identification. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Floro for Kinn Saga Island.
(Sunday, July 7)

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Dock in Floro at 8:00am. Set amidst striking coastal and fjord landscapes, Florø is a pretty waterfront town. Take a field trip to one of the charming islands that surround the town of Florø with a trip to the Island of Kinn. In its heyday, Florø was an important centre for herring fisheries and some 15,000 people who worked in this industry resided on Kinn Saga Island. Now there are just 11 people who permanently live on the island, but Kinn remains a place of stunning natural beauty. Visit Kinn Church, lying on a green strip of land, amidst the steep cliffs and soaring mountains. The Roman style church is built of stone and is believed to have been used since the 12th century. Your journey by boat to and from the island will take you past many other of the islands scattered around the town and you may even be able to spot some local bird-life.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Minerva departs Floro at 2:30pm.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lecture. Cruise the Norwegian sea.
(Monday, July 8)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. The Arctic Environment and Arctic Plants. Flora and fauna in a harsh environment. Cruise the Norwegian sea.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Bodo Town.
(Tuesday, July 9)

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Minerva docks at 8:00am in Bodo. Field trip: Continue north crossing the Arctic Circle and enter the land of the midnight sun to reach the port of Bodø, home to the Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom. Bodø was granted a township status in 1816, and grew during the rich herring fisheries in the last part of the 19th century. During this town excursion visit the Nyholmen Fort, built in 1810 to protect the grain-stores against British warships during the Napoleonic War. The Fort was never in battle and was not manned after 1835. A stop at the Ronvikfjellet viewpoint, 164m above sea level, will give a good view of the town of Bodø and surrounding areas. Visit the Bodin Church, the oldest building in Bodø, originally built around 1240 and the aisle was added in 1784 – however, in 1894 the medieval part had to be demolished but was rebuilt as a replica of the original. View the renaissance pulpit, dating back to 1650, along with one of the treasures of the church, the original baroque altar piece from 1670.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Birds of the Arctic. Waders, ducks and geese. Loonms, Jaegers and Snow Buntings.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Tromso-Arctic Cathedral, Polar Museum and Gardens.
(Wednesday, July 10)

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps.
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: The ship docks in Tromso at 8:00am. Approach Tromsø through the impressive channels and fjords of north Norway. The capital of the Arctic, Tromsø is home to the Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965 and inspired by the northern landscapes, this is a striking urban landmark set amidst the surrounding mountains. Arctic Cathedral was designed to reflect the nature of the region; the spires, for example, are said to represent crevasses and the whole eastern wall is constructed of glass. Learn the history of daring Arctic explorers at the Polar Museum, housed in a traditional wharfside house dating from 1830. At the Museum a guided visit will introduce you to Arctic life, hunting and the polar explorer Roald Amundsen. Enjoy a sightseeing drive through the city including a photo stop at attractive Lake Prestvannet. To complete your tour of the city’s highlights, you can also enjoy a short independent visit at the world’s most northerly botanic garden.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Minerva departs Tromso at 2:00pm. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lecture. Cruising the Barents Sea.
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Arctic Animals-the Arctic foxes, polar bear and reindeer. Marine Mamals. Beluga and White whales. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Longyearbyen. Scenic cruise Ijsfjord
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship
 Morning: Enjoy four unforgettable independent days in the remote Svalbard Archipelago and Spitsbergen with exceptional Arctic scenery of mountains, fjords, glaciers and tundra. Minerva will call at Longyearbyen, one of the world’s most northerly towns. Its museum highlights the area’s history and wildlife. Another stop will be to Barentsburg on the shores of Ijsfjord, a Russian mining outpost whilst at Ny Ålesund, on the dramatic Kongsfjord, you can step ashore at this remote research community. Head for the rugged Magdalenefjord whose landscapes surpass and whose shores are littered with remnants of former whaling stations. Amidst such beautiful scenery look out for the many sea birds and whales that flock to these rich waters. Independent Longyearbyen. Stroll in the small colourful community of approximately 2000 inhabitants, which has developed from being a typical mining company town, into a modern community. It is one of the world's northernmost towns and the most northerly town with a population of more than 1,000. It houses a large number of northernmost places and objects of interest, the northernmost church, hospital, tourist office, permanent airport with scheduled flights and bus station.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: From Spitsbergen , Norway calls are planned at detailed in the morning. All calls are subject to local conditions. Independent explporation at each site. Scenic cruise in Ijsford, Piramiden and Templefjorden.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Alesund and scenic cruise Kongsfjorden
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: From Spitsbergen , Norway calls are planned as detailed on Day 12. All calls are subject to local contitions. Independent exploration at each site. Enjoy an independent stroll ashore in the area which was once the base for Polar expeditions, Ny Alesund is also the place where one of the most famous explorers of modern times, Roald Amundsen, set off in 1928 to rescue an Italian explorer on a dirigible flight from which he never returned. Today, it is inhabited by a permanent population of approximately 30-35 persons. All of them work for one of the two research stations and in the summer the activity in Ny-Ålesund is greatly increased with up to 120 researchers, technicians, and field assistants. You will be supplied with a local map and are required not to stray off the marked path. The walk is approximately 1km and there are a number of information boards explaining the history and purpose of the various buildings; many are research establishments. There is one shop, a tiny museum and a small post office, the northernmost in the world.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: As above. Scenic cruise of Kongsfjorden.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Magdalenafjorden
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship
 Morning: Arrive Magdalenafjorden. Head for the rugged Magdalenefjord? whose landscapes surpass and whose shores are littered with remnants of former whaling stations. Amidst such beautiful scenery look out for the many sea birds and whales that flock to these rich waters
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: The Arctic Circle.
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Explore independently this Russian mining community where all facilities are owned by Arktikugol, the company who used to operate the coal mine until 2006. In addition to the mining facilities, Arktikugol has opened a hotel and souvenir shop.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Lecture. Cruising the Barents Sea.
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lectures by Geoff Morgan. Whaling past and present. Susatined commercial whaling. This lecture traces its development from early 1600's in Spitzbergen to the presnt day when only Norway, Japan and Iceland continue "scientific" whaling. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Shipboard activities. Cruising the Barents Sea.
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lecture by Geoff Morgan. Arctic Exploration-Discovery, Adventure and Endurance. Key figures-Barnets, Frnaklin, Peary, Nansen and Amundsen. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard actvities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Leknes and Viking Museum.
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Marvel as Minerva enters the incredibly narrow, steep sided Trollfjord, a remote fjord only accessible by sea, before calling at Leknes. Discover the fascinating Viking Museum at Borg, built on the site of an 83m long Viking house discovered in 1981. The museum offers a glimpse of life in Viking times through exhibitions, reconstructions and atmospheric lighting provided by oil lamps and open hearths. Your return journey will be via Einangen viewpoint, offering vistas over both shores of the island.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Sailing back south Minerva arrives at the Lofoten Islands, Norway’s most beautiful and rugged group of islands whose craggy mountains etch the horizon.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Bronnoysund and World Heritage Vega Island.
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Enjoy spectacular scenic cruising before arriving at Brønnøysund, gateway to the low lying Vega Archipelago, realm of the eider duck. The Vega Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a myriad of islands scattered in the sea. Many of the islands used to be inhabited by families that made their living from fishing and the unique practice of eider down harvesting. Today no-one lives here through the whole year, but many come back for the summer to care for the Eider ducks and harvest their precious down. Travel by boat to the island of Nes where you will visit the E-House Museum. Learn about the Eider ducks and life on the islands. Board the boat for a trip to circumnavigate the island of Skjærvær, a vacated fishing and dune settlement, before returning back to Minerva.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Scenic cruising continues.
 Dinner: On board ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Shipboard activities. Cruising the Norwegian Sea.
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Shipboard activities.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar lectur by Geoff Morgan. The Attraction of Islands-Why they appeal to us. Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Bergen-World Heritage Site.
(Sunday, July 21)

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Minerva docks in Bergen at 8:00am. Discover the bustling port of Bergen with its UNESCO-listed medieval, wooden Bryggen on the waterfront. 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. You will also 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 then 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.
 Lunch: On board ship
 Afternoon: Free for independent exploration of Bergen.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Minerva departs Bergen at 7:00pm.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Round up meeting.
(Monday, July 22)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Shipboard activities.
(Tuesday, July 23)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Shipboard activities.
 Lunch: On board ship.
 Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
 Dinner: On board ship.
 Evening: Shipboard activities.
   
Accommodations: MV Minerva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Disembarkation Portsmouth
(Wednesday, July 24)
   
 Breakfast: On board ship.
 Morning: Arrive at Portsmouth and disembark. Transfer to London Heathrow hotel via the Royal Pavilion Brighton.
 Lunch: Taken out in Brighton.
 Afternoon: Continue on to the Heathrow hotel. Check in and relax before a farewell meeting.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25:
(Thursday, July 25)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Take the shuttle "Hoppa" bus to London Heathrow terminals for return flights back to North America.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  London Heathrow Airport Central London
There are endless possibilities for an evening in London: The theater, a walk along the South Bank, guided walks, historic pubs, trend-setting restaurants, a stroll through SoHo. For additional information, visit www.timeout.com/london/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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Norway Eyewitness Guide


Author: Snorre Evensberget


Description: This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.



Norway: The Land of the Fjords


Author: Fabio Bourbon


Description: Fantastic photos of the Fjords in Norway.



Spitsbergen: Svalbard· Franz Josef Land


Author: Jan Mayen


Description: The fourth edition of this critically acclaimed guide introduces travellers to the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the neighbouring Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, and the Russian Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land. Fully updated throughout, it is packed with essential information for cruise passengers, wilderness explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, northern lights watchers and adrenalin junkies coming to participate in the islands' extreme sports, which include climbing, hiking, trekking, skiing, riding and hunting. There's also comprehensive advice on how to prepare for travel in the high Arctic



Wildlife of the North Atlantic: A Cruising Guide - British Isles, Faroes, Norway, Iceland, Southern Greenland, Newfoundland


Author: Tony Soper, Dan Powell


Description: 'Bradt Travel Guides simply have the best wildlife coverage of any of the popular guide books.' BBC Wildlife 'Recommended reading' Wanderlust. Tony Soper has written over a dozen books on birds and other natural history topics, including Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife. Nowadays, he leads expeditions in small ships in search of ocean-going seabirds, whales and the wildlife of remote islands. Dan Powell is a full-time wildlife artist best known for his studies of birds. He is also the illustrator of The Arctic: A Guide to Coastal Wildlife. In 1996, he received the British Birds' award for Bird Illustrator of the Year.





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