
Cruise Description
14 Night Cruise sailing from Leith to Copenhagen aboard Azamara Quest.
Kick off this scenic adventure with two nights in Edinburgh and the option to attend the final day of the British Open at prestigious St. Andrews (tickets optional for added cost). Then set sail to the towering mountains, silvery waterfalls and idyllic villages and towns of the Norwegian Fjords. You’ll cross the Arctic Circle on your way to the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point. Along the way you’ll experience almost 24-hour daylight, the better to appreciate an optional ride on the world’s steepest railway at Flľm, the colorful old wharf at Bergen, and Seven Sisters Waterfall in spectacular Geiranger Fjord. Sailing on a smaller ship has real advantages by letting you see special places like tiny Troll Fjord and Norway’s inside passages. Don’t miss a “troll car” ride and short hike to the face of Briksdal Glacier in Olden, a reminder of how these beautiful mountains and waterways were formed.
Highlights of this cruise:
Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland
To discover Edinburgh begin at its historic heart, with a walk down The Royal Mile. Take it from the top, at Edinburgh Castle perched above the city, for a look at the view, the crown jewels, and the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish monarchs were crowned. At the far end of the mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence when in Scotland. Buildings steeped in history, with fascinating stories to tell, line the route between them. Outside the city are numerous impressive stately homes with beautiful grounds and gardens. And for those itching to get out on the links, there is no better place than this, the land where golf was born.
Bergen, Norway
Your first glimpse of this quaint town will be of the old Hanseatic Wharf, lined with narrow peak-roofed buildings in various colors. Many old wooden houses survive here, making an exploration of the narrow lanes a worthwhile pursuit. A funicular will take you from the city center to the top of Mt. Floyen, for an expansive view of the city below, and the surrounding mountains and fjords. If you are feeling energetic you can walk back down, enjoying the clear air and delights of nature, all the way to the bustle of the fish market, with its large selection of the freshest of seafood.
Flam, Norway
You will find the beautiful small town of Flam nestled deep in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. Its almost 65-year-old Flam Railway is widely known as one of the world’s most fantastic stretches of railroad.
Geiranger, Norway
It is hard to imagine more majestic scenery than this – truly nature at its glorious best. Sail up the fjord all the way to its head and the tiny village of Geiranger, dwarfed by the towering snow-capped peaks that surround it. There will be many magical moments along the way, perhaps the most spectacular being views of the Seven Sisters Waterfall, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water into the fjord from an incredible height of 5,000 feet. Directly opposite is the Suitor Waterfall, so far having no luck in seducing any of the sisters.
Tromso, Norway
Far north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, scattered islands, and fjords, a scene best observed by taking the cable car up Storsteinen Mountain. In town the striking Arctic Cathedral mirrors the setting in glass and concrete, its triangular façade representative of an iceberg pointing to the sky. This part of the country is home to the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people, with their own language, culture, and traditional pursuits of fishing, hunting, and reindeer herding. Stop in at the Wilderness Center to say hello to Tove and Tore, their children, and more than 100 Alaskan huskies.
Olden, Norway
The village of Olden sits peacefully at the edge of the colossal Jostedal Glacier. This is Europe’s largest ice floe, covering 188 square miles, and 2000 feet at its thickest. But it’s not the only glacier in this park. If you are feeling energetic, consider a journey to the frozen cascade of the million-year-old Briksdal Glacier, hiking the last portion across a wooden bridge over a waterfall, through a bewitching mountain valley, right up to the glacier’s face. Alternatively, opt for a relaxing journey by boat on an emerald green lake framed by ancient mountains.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is known as a city of spires: the skyline of its medieval core is punctuated only by the steeples of churches and towers of palaces, though a modern building boom has overtaken other parts of the city. Today’s Copenhagen is known for its excellent quality of life and environmental consciousness – with many parks, it is green both literally and in today’s sense of the word. It is also bicycle-friendly, with bike paths lining almost every major street. After a ride or wander through the old town, stop for a local repast of Smørrebrød, traditional open-face sandwiches, or a mouthwatering Danish pastry.
Cruise Itinerary
Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
---|---|---|---|
18/07 | Leith, Scotland | overnight | |
19/07 | Leith, Scotland | overnight | |
20/07 | Leith, Scotland | 4.45am | |
21/07 | Bergen, Norway | 8.00am | 9.45pm |
22/07 | Flam, Norway | 8.00am | 2.00pm |
22/07 | Gudvangen, Sognefjord, Norway | 4.00pm | 6.00pm |
23/07 | Geiranger, Norway | 1.00pm | 6.00pm |
24/07 | At sea | – | – |
25/07 | Lofoten Islands, Norway | 8.00am | 5.00pm |
26/07 | Tromso, Norway | 12.00pm | 6.00pm |
27/07 | Honningsvag, Norway | 10.00am | 10.00pm |
28/07 | At sea | – | – |
29/07 | At sea | – | – |
30/07 | Olden, Norway | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
31/07 | At sea | – | – |
01/08 | Copenhagen, Denmark | 7.00am |
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.