Norway is, by anyone’s standards, one of Europe’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring countries. Its unhampered landscape and pristine wilderness promises to delight those with a love for the natural world and its stunning coastline offers the traveller scenery on an epic scale. Join us for our no-fly cruise to Norway as we voyage along the western coast of this remarkable country, punctuated by seemingly endless beaches, bustling coastal towns, fjords of cinematic grandeur and thriving fishing communities.
Our roundtrip voyage sails from the port of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland and after a relaxing day at sea cruising north we catch our first glimpse of Norway. Here our days will be spent on guided excursions with local guides, on walks with our naturalists and on deck of the MS Hebridean Sky as we cruise amongst the fjords. This itinerary uniquely combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area and our visits will include Haugesund to learn of Norway’s Viking heritage, Alesund to marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture and the charming town of Vikoyri on the Sogne Fjord with its rich cultural life and beautiful Hopperstad Stave Church. We will also spend time exploring Hardangerfjord with its magnificent Langfoss waterfall, visiting the small island of Hitra where we hope to spot white-tailed eagles and witnessing the prolific birdlife at Runde, home to more than 240 species of birds..
There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating region than aboard the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky and joining you on board will be an expert team who have been selected for their enthusiasm, professionalism and specialist knowledge of the natural world. With our small ship we are able to access some of the more remote harbours which are just not accessible to the larger cruise ships and ferries and we will be able to get up close to see nature at its rawest, cruise rugged coastlines, witness vibrant colours and admire the prolific birdlife of this wonderful region.
- Visit Norway's Viking heritage in Haugesund and explore charming Skudeneshavn.
- Cruise through stunning fjords, including Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord, with breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers.
- Discover Trondheim's historic Nidaros Cathedral and Alesund's Art Nouveau architecture.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross to Norway.
At breakfast we arrive in Haugesund where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom, and it was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years. The region has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace and Homeland of the Viking Kings. This morning we will visit the 13th century St Olav’s church before learning about the Viking Age at the Nordvegen Heritage Centre. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace or maybe join us as we visit the charming old town of Skudeneshavn which consists of 130 white wooden houses originating from the 1800s, when herring fishing was at its peak. We will stroll through the streets and our guide will share stories about the locals who lived here before we visit the Maelandsgarden Museum which highlights the development of the town.
Dalsfjord lies at the heart of Western Norway with its starkly contrasting fjord scenery, halfway between Bergen and Alesund. This little-known fjord arm has a gentler landscape where powerful and diverse watercourses have left their impression on the scenery and settlements. Today’s tour will take us through this beautiful environment and over to Sunnfjord with its magnificent waterfalls and mountains. We will visit Sunnfjord Museum, which provides an insight into how life was in local settlements in the mid 1800s, before taking a scenic drive to the region known as ‘the waterfall country’. Here we will stop at the Huldefossen and Likholefossen waterfalls before returning via the Hestadfjord where we find the 19th century Hestad Church located in idyllic surroundings.
We will spend a morning at sea before we enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we visit Hitra, one of the smaller islands along the coast. From our berth in Sandstad we will visit Hopsjo, one of the region’s largest trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here we find the old general store, the whaling station and a number of restored wooden boats once used for herring fishing. If conditions permit our onboard team will lead some walks through the landscapes. These islands also have the densest population of white-tailed eagles in the world which we hope to spot whilst ashore.
Founded in AD 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city and we will discover its historical treasures today. We will drive past the old wooden buildings and visit the 11th century Nidaros Cathedral built over the grave of St Olav and richly Trondheim Stavanger Lighthouse, Runde ornamented in stone with stunning stained-glass windows. We continue to Ringve Manor, a typical manor house of the Trondelag district and home to Norway’s only musical instrument museum, before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
In the mid-morning we will cruise by the bird cliffs at Runde, one of the largest nesting cliffs in Norway and home to half a million birds. More than 240 different species have been observed here including puffins, gannets, razorbills and northern fulmar. Continue to Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. It is a great place to spend an afternoon as we explore the streets with their Art Nouveau buildings. Those feeling active can take a walk up Mount Aksla taking the 418 steps for magnificent views of the town, islands and Sunnmore Alps.
Today we leave the charming village of Loen and take a drive to the Kjenndal valley where we board a small boat to experience the lovely Loen Lake, passing through tall mountains covered by protruding glacier arms. We finally end up at the Kjenndalsbre Fjellstove where we enjoy a short break with homemade Norwegian waffles. We continue our visit to the Kjenndalsbre glacier viewpoint, an arm of the mighty Jostedals Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. After lunch on board enjoy some free time in Loen, maybe take a trip on the cable car which rises 1,100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Sail in the early evening to enjoy the scenery of Nordfjord.
Awake this morning at the small village of Vikoyri located in Sognefjord. A local walk will include the richly decorated Hopperstad Stave Church which was built in 1130 and is the oldest stave church in existence. We also see the 12th century Hove stone church and the nearby Mohaugane burial mounds which originate from 200-400 AD. Try the local cheese delicacy of “gamal ost”. The recipe originated from the Vikings and it is still in production at the dairy in Vikoyri. Return to the ship via the picturesque homes and boathouses. We sail in the early afternoon for a scenic sail in the fjords.
Sail this morning into Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world. We will anchor and use our Zodiacs to land at Rosendal from where we drive along the fjord towards the small part of the Hardangerfjord called Maurangerfjord, experiencing the idyllic scenery and farms along the way and viewing the magnificent Langfoss waterfall. When we arrive at the small village of Sunndal we will walk to Bondhus Lake which is surrounded by a fascinating landscape of fjords and mountains. After lunch on board we have free time to explore the town, maybe visit the 12th century Kvinnherad Church, the Stone Park or see the gardens at Barony Rosendal.
Awake today in picturesque Lysefjord which measures 23 miles end to end. Spend the morning cruising past Preikestolen (Priest Rock) and Kjerag Mountain which both tower above the fjord. Afterwards we sail to Stavanger and have the chance to stroll in the small harbour with its multi-coloured traditional wooden buildings. Old Stavanger is a cluster of 173 small white wooden houses built in the 19th century which house craft shops, galleries and museums. We sail late tonight for anyone wishing to enjoy a final evening ashore in Norway.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we return to Scotland.
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hebridean Sky
| Length | 90 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/refurbished | 1992/2016 |
Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.
ONBOARD DINING
Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.
IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:
- Library with Internet access
- Lounge with audiovisual facilities
- Dining room
- Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
- Exercise room
- Medical facilities with available doctor
- Elevator serving all passenger decks
- Swimming/zodiac platform
Please note deck plan may vary.
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