Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
This coastal voyage is an alternative to a traditional cruise for the independent, seasoned traveler, and ranks as one of the world’s unique trips by sea. Taking part in century-long tradition, these ships bring supplies to small towns that otherwise would have to find another way to move goods and people along Norway’s rugged coastline. Since the ships have been outfitted for cruising as well, this voyage offers guests the chance to explore the villages and towns of the Norwegian coast, and to do so in comfort amid remarkable scenery.
During a typical day, your ship might make as many as seven stops, including the chance to see workers unloading pallets of goods from the ship’s cargo bays and locals embarking and disembarking the sea vessel. Your tour director will help you to make the most of your time during these stops and introduce you to local life. At any time you can seat yourself in the panoramic lounge to enjoy the views. You might want to bring a selection of reading material from home since the ship’s choices in English are limited.
Priced from $4,695 including air
Odysseys Unlimited
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
• Small group size limited to 24 guests
• Round-trip trans-Atlantic air transportation
• 14 nights’ accommodations in listed properties
• 29 meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 10 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described in day-by-day itinerary, including all entrance fees
• Services of a dedicated Odysseys Unlimited tour director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout the trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides (if applicable), dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart the U.S.
This evening you’ll depart New York’s JFK Airport on your Finnair flight bound for Oslo, Norway, via Helsinki.
Day 2
Arrive Oslo, Norway
After arriving in Oslo mid-day and transferring to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight join your Odysseys Unlimited tour director and fellow travelers at a short briefing, followed by dinner together. [D]
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
Day 3
Oslo
This morning we set off for a city tour of Oslo. Founded in 1050, Oslo is the world’s largest capital in terms of area, and the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, though it was completely rebuilt in 1684 after a devastating fire destroyed much of the city. We pass all the major highlights, and also stop to visit Frogner Park, with its 650 bronze sculptures by Gustav Vigeland; and the Viking Ship Museum which houses three of the best preserved Viking ships in existence. The three ships were found in large burial mounds in the Oslo fjord area and contained well-preserved grave gifts of wood and textiles dating from the 9th Century. We return to the hotel in time for lunch on your own; the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. [B]
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
Day 4
Oslo/Geilo
This morning we travel by motorcoach to Geilo through the lovely Norwegian countryside. We drive along the shores of the Tyrifjord to Hadeland for a visit to the glassworks, Norway's oldest. We continue into the fertile Halling Valley, with farms scattered on the hillsides and drive via Gol to Torpo, to view the old wooden stave church. Finally we continue to Geilo, a famous ski resort where dinner awaits us. [B, D]
Accommodations: Vestlia Resort
Day 5
Geilo/Flåm Railway/Bergen
No doubt this will be one of the most breathtaking days of the journey as we travel by train, ferry, and motorcoach through some of Norway’s magnificent mountain landscape. This morning we board a train for the journey from Geilo to Myrdal, where we board the renowned Flåm Railway for the onward journey to Flåm. The 12-mile trip between the mountain station of Myrdal (altitude 2,840 feet) and Flåm (altitude 6 feet) takes approximately one hour. Along the way you’ll marvel at the truly stunning views as the train descends through the steep mountainside through 21 hairpin bends. At Flåm we embark on a two-hour voyage through the Aurland and Naeroy fjords, both arms of the majestic Sognefjord. We disembark in Gudvangen, where our coach is waiting to take us via the spectacular Stalheim Road to Bergen. [B]
Accommodations: Radisson SAS Norge
Please note: You will need to bring a daypack for today’s journey. Your luggage will remain on board the bus today as you make your way by train, ferry and bus to Bergen.
Day 6
Bergen
Today we enjoy a morning tour of Bergen. Colorful wooden homes and shops line the narrow streets of this delightful town, once both Norway’s largest city and capital, now the country’s second largest city. Highlights include a visit to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer of classical music; the Bergen Fish Market, with its abundance of fish, flowers, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and the old wharf (Bryggen) – a UNESCO World Heritage List site. The afternoon and evening are at leisure; perhaps take an optional ride on the funicular railway (Fløybanen) to Mount Floyen for one of the best views of the city and surrounding islands. [B]
Accommodations: Radisson SAS Norge
Day 7
Bergen/Embark Ship
The morning and early afternoon are at leisure today to explore Bergen on your own. You can visit the Bergen Aquarium, historic Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall, or the old stave church at Fantoft situated outside the city center – options abound. Late this afternoon we transfer to the pier for embarkation on the Norwegian Coastal Ship, which departs Bergen at 8 p.m. We enjoy our first dinner onboard and prepare for the spectacular scenery ahead. On this journey, early summer travelers will witness the wondrous light of the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon where the sun is continuously visible for 24 hours. [B, D]
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 8
Coastal Voyage – Maloy/Torvik/Alesund/Molde/Kristiansund
As you awake this morning, your coastal ship will be crossing the open Stadthavet Sea and heading for Torvik. We stop in the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Alesund (in the summer months, the ship also will sail into magnificent Geirangerfjord). After a brief stop at the jazz festival town of Molde, with its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps, you’ll cross Hustadvika before docking at Kristiansund. There is an optional shore excursion available: “Geiranger–Molde.” [B, L, D]
Please note: Between April 15 and September 11, all ships call at Geiranger in the Geirangerfjord, giving you an opportunity to see the Brudesloret, Friaren, and the Seven Sisters waterfalls.
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 9
Coastal Voyage – Trondheim/Rorvik
We arrive in Trondheim early this morning, where you’ll have time to explore a town that is the jewel in the region’s crown. Stroll the charming streets, sit by the peaceful harbor or cross the old city bridge to see the restored wooden buildings in Bakklandet and the Nidaros Cathedral. From Trondheim, the ship will sail past many islands and skerries before arriving in Rorvik, where the southbound and northbound coastal ships meet. There is an optional shore excursion available, “Ringve Museum of Musical History.” [B, L, D]
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 10
Coastal Voyage – Ornes/Bodo/Stamsund/Svolvaer
Early today we cross the Arctic Circle and pass the mighty Borvass Mountains. Now in the land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, the ship sails into Bodo before heading out to sea, crossing Vestfjord in the direction of the Lofoten Islands before calling at the villages of Stamsund and Svolvaer. This evening the ship continues north through the beautiful, narrow Raftsund Strait, passing the majestic Trollfjord. Optional shore excursions will include “Svartisen Glacier” and “Sea Safari to Saltstraumen.” [B, L, D]
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 11
Coastal Voyage – Harstad/Finnsnes/Tromso/Skjervoy
The ship sails north today past a magnificent archipelago and past the ancient Trondenes church, calling at Harstad in time for breakfast. It then passes through Vagsfjord and Malangen before starting its approach to Tromso, known as the “Paris of the North.” You’ll have time for shopping in the capital of Arctic Norway before we leave to cross Lopphavet. This evening we sail to Hammerfest. In Tromso, you can choose an optional shore excursion: “Tromso City Sightseeing Including Polaria.” [B, L, D]
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 12
Coastal Voyage – Havoysund/Honningsvag/Kjollefjord/Mehamn/Berlevag
Today we’re in the Finnmark region, where nature has created an austere landscape. Here we see both isolated fishing villages from days gone by as well as fishing ports bustling with activity. The ship will head for Havoysund and Honningsvag before turning east across Austhavet toward the fishing villages of Kjollefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevag. An optional shore excursion, “North Cape,” is available. [B, L, D]
Accommodations: Norwegian Coastal Ship
Day 13
Coastal Voyage – Kirkenes/Disembark Ship/Ivalo
We arrive this morning in Kirkenes, where we disembark our coastal ship, board a motorcoach, and drive across the border into Finnish Lapland. Here we visit the Siida Lapp Museum, whose displays document the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sámi, Finland’s indigenous people. After some free time here for lunch on your own we continue on to Ivalo, Finland’s northernmost point accessible by air. This evening we take a short drive to visit a working reindeer farm owned by a Sámi family. Our hosts serve us dinner in a traditional teepee-style shelter while we learn more about reindeer herding and the Sámi people and their rugged lifestyle. [B, D]
Accommodations: Hotel Ivalo
Day 14
Ivalo/Helsinki
After a morning at leisure, we transfer to the airport for the brief flight to Helsinki. On arrival we embark on a panoramic city tour featuring the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki: the historical center and Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall, and the Opera House. We also stop to see the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church. Early this evening we check in to our hotel; this evening is at leisure for dinner on your own. [B]
Accommodations: Radisson SAS Plaza
Day 15
Helsinki
Today is free for independent exploration of the Finnish capital, with its many interesting museums and the old fortress of Suomenlinna. Your tour director will be on hand today to offer suggestions and assistance. Tonight we gather for a festive farewell dinner at our hotel. [B, D]
Accommodations: Radisson SAS Plaza
Day 16
Depart Helsinki for U.S.
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we transfer around noon to the airport for our homebound flight. [B]
