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Norway

Voyage to the Top of Europe: Norway's Storied Coast

Program No. 25670RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
38 meals ( 13B, 12L, 13D )
5 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel we’ll have some time to relax and settle in before our Orientation meeting at 6:00 p.m. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will enjoy an expert-led field trip in and around Bergen by motorcoach. We’ll ride through town to Mount Fløyen to take a funicular to the top for beautiful views of the city and harbor.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will transfer by motorcoach to the ship for embarkation. A safety drill will take place prior to boarding the ship. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy shipboard activities. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and/or miss ports if it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
Dinner:
In the main dining room aboard ship, we will enjoy a 3-course meal, with a choice of starter, regional favorites for a main course, dessert, with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship has lounges, a bar, and a gift shop. There may be music, other entertainment, or a guest speaker on one or more evenings. There are observation decks inside for viewing the scenery and landscape of the Norwegian coast. The ship will leave Bergen at 8:30 p.m. on our journey from Floro to Molde with a stop in Alesund.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 1- 1 1/2 hours continuously with little places to sit. Wear comfortable shoes and warm, windproof clothing.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Alesund at 9:45 a.m. We will disembark to experience the Art Nouveau beauty of this town’s architecture, sitting on seven islands. We’ll walk the town and learn from a local expert, passing through the fishing port of Brosundet and Apotekertorget Square where a bronze statue of a fisher boy stands proudly. We’ll also visit Jugendstilsenteret, the National Center for Art Nouveau, offering multimedia presentations, original interiors, and more. We’ll then return to the ship on foot.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will have free time in port or to enjoy the amenities & activities onboard. We will also be able to attend occasional lectures during free time aboard the ship to expand upon Norwegian history. The ship is scheduled to depart Alesund at 8:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Floro: 2:45 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. - 15 minutes Maloy: 5:15 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. - 15 minutes Torvik: 8:20 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - 10 minutes Alesund: 9:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - 10 hours, 15 minutes Molde: 10:35 p.m. - 11:05 p.m. - 30 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking approximately 3 miles (5 km),wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduld to arrive in Trondheim at 9:45 a.m. We’ll step ashore to explore Trondheim, Norway’s original capital founded around 997 by King Olav Tryggvason. It is today a modern city with charming remnants of its small town past. We’ll learn about the city and its many features by a local expert as the motorcoach takes us through streets and boroughs, including a short stop at Utsikten (The View) to admire the city from a high elevation. We’ll then proceed to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial place of St. Olav, where we’ll consider the gothic architecture of its exterior as we walk through the grounds. We’ll return to the ship at the conclusion of our outing. The ship is scheduled to depart Trondheim at 12:45 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture. Later in the afternoon, free time to enjoy the amenities & activities onboard.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Kristiansund: 2:45 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. -15 minutes Trondheim: 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - 3 hours Rorvik: 9:40 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - 20 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip and warm windproof clothing.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today is the day we pass into the Arctic Circle, celebrating with our cruise’s traditional Arctic Circle “baptism” on deck. We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
After crossing the Arctic Circle, the ship will continue to the modern town of Bodø, we will board our coach and head out to discover the world of the nomadic Sámi people as we visit a family at their Saltfjellet camp near Bodø. Learn about their lifestyle, culture, history and traditions. Taste reindeer meat and sip chaga tea, as well as listen to joik- an ancient form of Sámi music and song. Chaga tea, which is made from a fungus that grows on birch trees, is revered by the Sámi as having almost magical properties when drunk around the fire in the lavvu, their traditional tents. The ship will continue on passing through the Vestfjord, we will be amidst the Lofoten Islands and the capital of Svolvaer.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Bronnoysund:1:35 a.m. - 1:45 a.m. - 10 minutes Sandnessjoen: 4:35 a.m. - 4:50 a.m. - 15 minutes Nesna: 6:00 a.m. - 6:10 a.m. - 10 minutes Ornes: 10 a.m.-10:10 a.m.-10 minutes Bodø: 1:05 p.m.-3:20 p.m.- 2 hours, 15 minutes Stamsund: 7:15 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. - 25 minutes Svolvaer: 9:20 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. - 55 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down.Wear warm windproof clothing and comfortable shoes. NOTE: Due to the renovation and rebuilding of Fjellheisen (the cable car in Tromsø), Fjellheisen is not suitable for wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility at all. There are 75 steps which are unavoidable at the top of Fjellheisen and no passenger lift available at the moment.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture. Later in the morning, free time to enjoy the amenities & activities onboard.
Lunch:
Aboard ship
Afternoon:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Tromsø at 2:15 p.m. Tromsø has been the starting point of many polar expeditions, lending it the epithet "Gateway to the Arctic." We'll board our coach and ride to Mount Storsteinen, where we will ride up Tromsø's famous cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen (420m or 1.377 ft. above sea level). Get your bearings as you take in spectacular views across the city and the fjords, mountains, and islands that surround it. Explore the plateau or have a snack while you admire the view from Fjellstua restaurant. NOTE: Due to the renovation and rebuilding of Fjellheisen (the cable car in Tromsø), Fjellheisen is not suitable for wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility at all. There are 75 steps which are unavoidable at the top of Fjellheisen and no passenger lift available at the moment. Next we'll travel by coach to the Arctic Cathedral , dominated by glass mosaic windows, the building was inspired by Arctic nature and today stands as an icon of the Tromsø skyline. Our final stop is Full Steam, the world's northernmost coastal museum, where we'll take a deep dive in the region's maritime heritage. Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Sea Sámi and their deep connection to the ocean and Arctic environment. Return to the ship in Tromsø where it is scheduled to depart at 6:15 p.m.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Stokmarknes: 1:30 a.m. - 1:40 a.m. - 10 minutes Sortland:2:55 a.m. - 3:10 a.m. - 15 minutes Risoyhamn: 4:35 a.m. - 4:50 a.m. - 15 minutes Harstad: 7:10 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. - 35 minutes Finnsnes: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - 30 minutes Tromsø: 2:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - 4 hours Skjervoy: 10:10 p.m. - 10:25 p.m. - 15 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down.Today’s exploration is approximately 3 hours. Wear warm, windproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Minimal walking.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll have an early call at Hammerfest at 5:05 a.m, one of the northernmost towns in the world. The ship will then proceed to Honningsvåg, scheduled to arrive at 10:55 a.m., gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape. Upon arrival We’ll set out on an expert-led field trip by motorcoach from Honningsvåg to the North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent, passing through vast frozen plains, shores, and mountains. The North Cape plateau rises more than 1,000 feet in a steep cliff from the Arctic Ocean. A sculpture of the globe has become a symbol of the North Cape and a popular site for pictures. We will also visit the North Cape Hall, a modern visitor center, and watch a panoramic film about the area and its seasonal changes. We will return to the ship. The ship is scheduled to depart Honningsvåg at 2:30 p.m.
Lunch:
Early lunch aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities & activities onboard.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Oksfjord:1:50 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. - 10 minutes Hammerfest: 5:05 a.m. - 5:45 a.m. - 40 minutes Havoysund: 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - 15 minutes Honningsvåg:10:55 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - 3 hours, 30 minutes Kjollefjord:4:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 20 minutes Mehamn: 6:55 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. - 20 minutes Berlevag: 10:00 p.m. - 10:10 p.m. - 10 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down.Today’s adventure by motorcoach is approximately 3 hours. Wear warm windproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Kirkenes at 9:00 a.m. Upon arrival in port, we’ll venture by motorcoach from Kirkenes to the nearby Norwegian-Russian Border at Storskog. Along the way, learn about the eventful history shared by both countries. Flanked by the scenery of the Siberian Taiga, a vast forest that extends across eastern Europe for thousands of square miles, our motorcoach drives across the calm Pasvik River and through the beautiful Pasvikdalen Valley. Rich with flora and fauna, the valley is home to Norway’s biggest population of brown bears. Stopping at Storskog, stand at one of the most guarded crossings in Europe. Although not permitted to cross over the boundary, we are allowed to take pictures. From here, we travel to Andersgrotta, Kirkenes’ largest WWII bomb shelter. Watch a fascinating film about the experiences of locals during that tumultuous period. Before boarding our ship back in Kirkenes, ascend the Prestfjellet Mountain for a wonderful view of the town and surrounding landscape. The ship is scheduled to depart Kirkenes at 12:30 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Later in the afternoon, free time to enjoy the amenities & activities onboard.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Batsfjord: 12:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. - 30 minutes Vardo: 3:30 a.m. - 3:45 a.m. - 15 minutes Vadso: 6:55 a.m. - 7:10 a.m. - 15 minutes Kirkenes: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - 3 hours, 30 minutes Vardo: 4:05 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 55 minutes Batsfjord: 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - 30 minutes Berlevag: 10:25 p.m. - 10:35 p.m. - 10 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Wear warm and windproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship will make several stops before reaching Hammerfest at 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival in Hammerfest, we will spend the rest of the morning on an exploration of one of the world’s northernmost towns and find out about the historical events that have shaped it. The motorcoach will take us to the Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms. Here, come to appreciate the massive efforts that were made to rebuild the region of Northern Norway after WWII. We’ll then head over to the Meridian Column, Hammerfest’s UNESCO World Heritage site. This monument marks the northernmost measuring point of the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of survey triangulations that established the exact size and shape of the Earth. Stop at Mount Salen, on the way up the mountain, we will get a chance to learn more about Hammerfest’s unique history from our local expert. From the top, enjoy gorgeous views of the town below. Return to Hammerfest, the ship is scheduled to depart at 12:45 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities & activities on board.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Tromsø at 11:45 p.m. Upon arrival, we will walk to the Tromsø Cathedral for a Midnight Concert. Built in 1861, this impressive structure embraces neo-Gothic style and showcases the finest wood from Målselv. The cathedral’s long, cruciform structure echoes with soft acoustics that lend themselves perfectly to a night of musical enchantment. As we arrive, we'll receive the evening playlist, prepare to be enchanted by a talented trio of muscians who will take us on a journey through Norways's musical heritage. NOTE: The performances vary by season, they will include a blend of Nordic classical masterpieces, familiar melodies, and folk tunes. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Mehamn: 1:20 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. - 10 minutes Kjollefjord: 3:25 a.m. - 3:35 a.m. - 10 minutes Honningsvåg: 5:45 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - 15 minutes Havoysund: 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. - 15 minutes Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - 1 hour, 45 minutes Oksfjord: 3:50 p.m. - 4:05 p.m. - 15 minutes Skjervoy: 7:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. - 15 minutes Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. - 1 hour, 45 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Wear warm and windproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will explore the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesteralen, the main towns include Sortland and Stockmarknes, along with the smaller villages of Bleik and Nyksund. Vesteralen is situated on four main islands, and around 1,330 smaller ones, it’s a place where rugged mountains rise straight from the sea. In Old Norse, Vesteralen means "the western straits," discover a quiet archipelago of dramatic coastlines and scattered islands.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities & activities on board.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Finnsnes: 4:20 a.m. - 4:40 a.m. - 20 minutes Harstad: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - 30 minutes Risoyhamn: 10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - 15 minutes Sortland: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - 30 minutes Stokmarknes: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - 1 hour Svolvaer: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - 2 hours Stamsund: 10:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - 15 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Full day on board.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters overlooking the shipping channel as we enter a world of legends and folklore. We’ll gather with one of our experts for a lecture on the History of the Vikings.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities & activities on board.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Bodø:2:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. - 1 hour Ornes: 6:25 a.m. - 6:35 a.m. - 10 minutes Nesna: 10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. - 10 minutes Sandnessjoen: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - 30 minutes Bronnoysund: 3:00 p.m. - 5:25 p.m. - 2 hours, 25 minutes Rorvik: 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - 30 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Getting on/off a local raft. Wear warm windproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Trondheim at 6:30 a.m. and depart at 9:30 a.m. Free time to stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Later in the morning, we’ll gather for another lecture on Norwegian History & the History of the Vikings.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities & activities on board. Our Field Trip this afternoon will begin in Kristiansund and we will get back on the ship in Molde. Later in the afternoon when the ship is scheduled to arrive in Kristiansund at 4:30 p.m., we will board our coach and head to the Bergtatt Marble Mine. Upon arrival at the Marble Mine, our guides will supply us with the necessary gear and give us a safety demonstration. Then we'll go on an unforgettable journey into the enchanting marble caves. Mining operations have been taking place here since 1938 and are still going on in other parts of the mountain. We’ll head to the heart of the mountain and board rafts on the illuminated crystal-clear lake.
Dinner:
In the Grand Hall for a unique subterranean dining experience. Seated at candlelit tables, feast on a warming meat and vegetable stew made from local ingredients. In this magical atmosphere, we’ll watch a fascinating film about the marble mine. Main course will be served back onboard the ship around 9:00 p.m.
Evening:
After emerging from our underground adventure, we’ll board the coach and enjoy a short discovery of Molde before getting back on the ship. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Trondheim: 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - 3 hours Kristiansund: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - 1 hour Molde: 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. - 30 minutes Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Activity Note
Minimal walking.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship will make its final leg of the journey back to Bergen where our study cruise originated.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Bergen at 2:45 p.m. Upon arrival, we’ll complete disembarkation procedures and transfer to our hotel by motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Below is the ship's schedule for the day: TIME IN PORT Alesund: 12:30 a.m. - 1:20 a.m. - 50 minutes Torvik: 2:35 a.m. - 2:45 a.m. - 10 minutes Maloy: 5:45 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.-15 minutes Floro: 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - 15 minutes Bergen: 2:45 p.m. - Disembark Itinerary is subject to change as weather, sea, and ice conditions may affect the itinerary. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!