14-night Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords Cruise

Cologne historic city centre

Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
 
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.

The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
 
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
 
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
 
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
 
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
 
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• Cathedral licensing fee
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions
• Tipping at your discretion

Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours

Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Tour Anne Frank's house

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours

Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace.  Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.

After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Visit Anne Frank's House
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours

You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.

From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.

Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.

After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).

On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)


Highlights:

• Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
• Delve into Delft's artistic heritage

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Oslo City Tour - 4 hours

Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
 
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
 
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
 
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
 

Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours

On Rodeløkka in Oslo is the Freia chocolate factory, here they produce chocolate since 1889. We take a look at the chocolate production. We will see modern technology that, in combination with tradition and skilled workers, produces "Norway's best chocolate".
The tour to the includes a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own milk chocolate, a visit to the factory canteen which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities. 

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     Freialand chocolate Factory
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

 

Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours

Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.

During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.

Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.

And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach. 

Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours

We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.

Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.

On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores. 

During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station. 

A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.

Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020. 

Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours

Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
 
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle:        1^st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours

Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle:        01^st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals:         None.
Difficulty:    Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stavanger Viking Tour– 2,5 hours

In Stavanger they have embraced the recent popularity of many Viking series, and they are now proud to present the story of the Vikings – historically correct, with a touch of Hollywood. The Viking Tour will give you the complete picture of the Scandinavian ancestors. Warriors yes, but they were also traders, explorers, and great artists.
Your Viking guide, who wears typical clothing from the Viking age, will be leading you to some specific stops. One of the stops is The Swords in Rock, where many brutal battles took place as well as several other historical locations of great importance. Explore the longhouses at the Iron Age Farm and hear about the daily chores and traditions from 1500 years ago.
At Sola we stop at the stone circle “Domsteinene” – an ancient, mysterious monument standing in a stone circle formation. Archeologist have not yet managed to explain its purpose, but it could have been a sacrificial site used by the Vikings.
The tour ends back in Stavanger city where you will have the possibility to have an interactive experience of the Vikings from the region, recreated with Virtual Reality at the Viking House.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      2,5 hours.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        Sedan.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     Viking House
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
 

Stavanger Food Tour – 3 hours

Indulge in 200 years of Norwegian food culture with tastings throughout Stavanger. We will discover the old town and its cobblestone streets, winding along the many well-preserved 18th- to early 20th-century buildings.
 
Your guide will mix tales of the city’s rich history with explanations of how Norwegians’ eating habits have evolved over the centuries. You will make stops along the way to savor the aromas and taste several different food items that have played a significant role in the development of Stavanger.
 
Start the tour passing by the Cathedral and market square before getting to the Norwegian Canning Museum where you will get a taste of canning smoked sardines and “flatbrød” bread. This culinary walk continues with a visit to one of the most popular eateries in the very heart of the city center - famous for their local specialties and unique house. Here you will taste a selection of Norwegian waffles and homemade specialties, a” must eat” if you are a foodie visiting Norway. The last stop will be to a local chocolatier in a narrow charming street. Here you will learn and see how chocolate is made while you enjoy a confectionary and a cup of warm chocolate topped with chili and whipped cream.
 
Many of Stavanger’s chefs are ranked among the best in Europe, and Stavanger is considered a premier culinary destination. If you want to combine sightseeing with a gastronomical experience, this is the right tour for you!
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      Approx. 3 hours
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     Norwegian Canning Museum.
Meals: Tastings.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Veggie option may be possible upon request. The tour is not offered on public holidays.
 

Stavanger Private Cruise in the Lysefjord with views to Pulpit Rock - 5 hours

On this popular fjord cruise, you’re going to see everything from flat landscape in the west, to the breath-taking natural beauty of the magical fjords in the east. The most famous mountain formation in Lysefjord is Preikestolen, internationally called “the Pulpit Rock”. It is also one of the most iconic rock formations in Norway, easily accessible from the city of Stavanger. You will see the Pulpit Rock rising 604 meters above you, with an impressive supporting cast of waterfalls, idyllic islands and magnificent scenery of cliffs and canyons. This fjordcruise is the perfect adventure to experience the beauty of the Lysefjord and Preikestolen / Pulpit Rock and beyond on a short timeframe.
On this tour we are cruising in slow speed, allowing you to enjoy the calming sea breeze and enchanting view from top - deck as we silently glide through the waters. Our yachts are adapted to explore the most hidden waters, to see the most spectacular places and beautiful historic sites from the Viking éra en-route to the ice polished walls of Lysefjorden. The yachts are fast and comfortable, and you can enjoy the company of your family or friends while taking photos or just enjoying the breathtaking views.
 
Basis: Private.
Duration:      Approx.5 hours.
Start / End:   Pier/ City.
Vehicle:        Yacht
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     5 hours cruise.
Meals: Fruits and soft drink.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
 

Stavanger City Walk– 2 hours

In this 2 our walking tour you will discover Stavanger´s old town, with its cobblestone streets and small wooden houses.
 
Our guide will introduce you to some of the city’s main icons and personalities and their influence on today’s living standards. You will pass by the market square, the Cathedral of the 12th century and the harbor bay and statue of Alexander Kielland, former mayor of Stavanger and well-known writer.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      2 hours.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Bergen Walking Tour - 3 hours

Bergen may perhaps be a relatively small city (population of 260,000) however it is overflowing with history (the first settlement here were over 900 years ago), culture, incredible nature, gourmet restaurants and cosy cafe’s
Bryggen, the ancient Hanseatic Wharf, which is one of the best known European dwelling places from the Middle Ages, comprises a maze of characteristic wooden buildings with pointed gables facing the harbour.

This unique architectural gem is now listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant examples of the history and culture of a medieval settlement. Bryggen thrives today as a honeycomb of painter’s and craftsmen’s workshops, plus access to the interior of some of the buildings themselves where history has been preserved as it was originally. 
The Fløibanen funicular in Bergen is one of Norway's best-known attractions. Fløibanen can be found in the heart of Bergen. Fløibanen is a funicular cable car that takes you 320 metres above sea level. In just a few minutes you find yourself on top of a mountain with a perfect view of the city and its surroundings. You have not seen Bergen before you have taken Fløibanen.
 

Bergen and its outskirts tour – 5 Hours

Experience the picturesque beauty and historical sights of Bergen during this leisurely 5 hour sightseeing excursion. 
We drive out of the city centre to Troldhaugen, the home of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The home, an unassuming wooden house stands amongst the trees at the Hill of the Trolls (Troldhaugen). 
Then it is a short drive to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in Fortun Sogn in 1150, it was relocated to Fantoft in 1883 where it was rebuilt after it was destroyed in a fire in 1992. In the Middle Ages there were approximately 800 stave churches throughout Norway, today only 30 are left standing. 
On return back to the city centre of Bergen, explore by foot the famous Bryggen harbour front - the colorful old Hanseatic merchant buildings from the middle Ages. Destroyed by a large fire that wreaked havoc, the area was rebuilt in 1702. Now a protected area and listed on the Unesco World Heritage List, the narrow alleyways that run between the rows of houses made for an enchanting stroll that will take you back in time.

Your next stop is the Mt. Fløien Funicular station. The Fløibanen funicular takes you up to a height of 320 meters above sea level. It is a short journey up, on exit of the funicular a magnificent panorama over the city of Bergen, the surrounding mountains and sea awaits you. Return back to the harbor front district by funicular. Some free time has been set aside for you to peruse the Fish and Flower market at the Marbour front.
 

Bergen -Hike to Mount Fløien and lunch at Bergen´s Fish Market – 5 hours

You start this journey by meeting our guide and taking Bergen´s funicular, one of the trademarks of the city.
The funicular railway is one of Norway's most famous attractions. The trip starts in the heart of the city and takes you 320 meters above sea level. In just 6 minutes, you will find yourself on top of Mount Fløyen. After enjoying a panoramic view of Bergen we will start our hike!
Our guide will take you through the beautiful surroundings, enjoying the views of the city, the fjords and mountains while discovering the local nature. You will do this hiking at your own pace.
You may walk down to the city center or take the funicular. The tour ends at Bergen´s Fish Market, a place that has a long history that dates to the 1200s. Since then, the market has been one of the most important places for trade between fishermen, farmers, and the inhabitants of the city. Here you will say goodbye to our guide and enjoy a delicious and traditional Norwegian lunch. You will be served a traditional fish platter that includes local delicacies such as king crab, lobster, langoustines, oysters, and creamy mussels.
 
Basis:  Private hiking/walking tour.
Duration:       5 hours (incl 4 hours for funicular and hike, plus time for lunch on your own).
Start / End:   City/Fish Market.
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Other languages on request, Entrance to  Funicular, Lunch at the Fish Market (Luxury platter: King crab, lobster and langoustines in garlic butter, oysters and creamy mussels. Served with salad, bread, aioli and tarragon dip, tap water). Vegetarian option available (Filled spicy portobello mushroom covered in melted local cheese, served on a bed of vegetables and sweet potato purée.)
Not included: Vehicle
Physical Activity Level:      Grade Moderate. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Tour can operate: afternoon/evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes.
 

Bergen Art & Design Walking Tour visiting KODE Art Museum and Arven silver factory – 4 hours

You start this walking tour with our guide, visiting two of the main attractions in Bergen for art and design lovers.
 
We will pay a visit to KODE 3 Museum, which The Rasmus Meyers Collection and a great compilation of works by Edvard Munch, one of the most renowned Norwegian painters.
Among the highlights of the collection are paintings from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, as well as historical interiors from the Bergen area. The presentation includes highlights from the careers of other famous Norwegian artists such as J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, Erik Werenskiold and Gerhard Munthe.
 
We continue our tour by visiting Arven´s workshops. In 1868 Theodor Olsen brought international expertise when he established his own sterling silversmithery and store and quickly became a leader in Bergen’s arts and crafts community. Following his death in 1890, the silver smithery and store continued under the name of Theodore Olsen managed by the Aase family for many generations until 2016 when it became Arven AS. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory which is constantly developing new and exciting products through bold design work in cooperation with contemporary designers but preserving traditional techniques and classic design.
During your private visit you will be greeted by your host offering you a special welcome with a drink and a taste of delicious Norwegian local produce cheese and snacks, all served using their beautiful cheese slices and knives we create.
Your visit continues with a presentation about the story of silversmithing in Bergen, about Arven, our history, our products, and our way of working. Afterwards there will time for your questions and participation to “show and tell” how each visitor can make their own stamped pendant!
You are then guided to our workshop and witness where our silver cutlery and jewelries are crafted. There will be a little “ceremony” in the workshop where each visitor gets their own Arven medal.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      4 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     KODE 3 Museum and Arven Silver Factory.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon. Tour not available on Mondays.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. The tour is not offered on Sunday and Monday.
 

Bergen Food Tour – 3,5 hours

During your private visit you will visit Bryggen, which is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. Your guide will take you through the old part of the city and you will have 5 stops with tastes on your experience. Your also visit the famous Fishmarket including a stop for a sweet surprise.
Bergen is a vibrant port city in the heart of the fjords. The second largest city of the country with 275, 000 inhabitants, it has a long history in international trade in seafood, reflected in its traditional and coastal gastronomy. The city’s food culture originating from sea biodiversity is considered the most sustainable in Europe. Deeply linked to healthy nutrition, gastronomy in Bergen thrives on organic food, the production of which is supported by more than 3,000 farmers and 200 artisan food entrepreneurs. In addition to this, another 6,500 people are employed by the aquaculture industry and fisheries.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3,5 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None
Meals: Tastings of local specialties and 1 beer or soft drink
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. The tour is not offered on Sunday and Monday.