Viking Oceans Cruises – Trade Routes of the Middle Ages (Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Portugal, Spain) 15 Days

Bergen, Norway
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Bergen, Norway
Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots, is located in the heart of western Norway, nestled between seven gargantuan mountain peaks. It is also the gateway to the country’s magnificent fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen was Norway’s capital during the 13th century; today, it is the second-largest city in Norway. Not to be missed is a stroll through the picturesque outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, where the fresh catch of the sea awaits—from cod and prawns to local caviar and icy oysters.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bergen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.

Shore Excursions – Bergen on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.

Sail the North Sea
Cross the North Sea, where Vikings sailed as they established colonies on Scottish islands, coastal France and beyond. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go.

Shore Excursions – Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Discover Amsterdam in the most leisurely manner, via one of its famous glass-topped canal boats. This famous Dutch city is home to 165 canals that wind their way through the cityscape, spanning a total of 31 miles; 1,281 different bridges cross over the canals. With a local guide, you will see some of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, from narrow-fronted gabled houses to gilded manses adorned with riches during the height of Holland’s Golden Age. Take in some of the city’s interesting sights as you pass a variety of vessels, including charming houseboats moored canal side. Enjoy views from the Golden Bend to Overhoeks, the city’s newest quarter, and from the Music Building to the replica of the 18th-century ship Amsterdam moored outside the Maritime Museum. You will also pass the wooden double drawbridge known locally as the “Skinny Bridge” before returning to your ship.

Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Zeebrugge is a gateway to the UNESCO city of Bruges, beloved by historians for its splendid old architecture and tranquil canals. One of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in Europe, Bruges’s  lovely houses were built by wealthy merchants, and are a testament to its former prominence as an English wool and Flemish textile trade center. The cobblestone streets and tranquil canals are a pleasure to explore, along with the 14th-century Stadhuis (Town Hall), the Belfry of Bruges and the city’s quaint boutiques, offering handmade lace.

Shore Excursions – A Half Day in Bruges On Your Own
Duration: 4 hours
Discover medieval Bruges as you encounter this quaint, picturesque city, one of Belgium’s jewels. Your local escort will walk you to Walplein, a charming, centrally located cobblestone square, and will be at your disposal for one hour to answer your questions before you set off on your own to explore. Often called “Die Scone,” or “the beautiful,” Bruges’s charm will capture you. Smaller and more contained than other old Flemish cities, Bruges gives the impression that you have stepped back in time. Laced with tree-lined canals, Bruges is a delight to wander, following the narrow, winding cobblestone streets bedecked with picturesque scenes and gabled facades and brimming with quaint lace and chocolate shops. Browse the bustling marketplace, climb the famous belfry tower, or simply relax in a traditional coffee shop or sample Brugse Zot, the city’s delightful local beer.

Paris (Le Havre), France
Le Havre is France’s second-largest port. Its central city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Museum of Modern Art holds one of France’s largest impressionist collections. The waters of the Seine River have flowed from Paris, one of the world’s most celebrated cities, whose cultural and historic significance is impossible to overstate. Priceless artwork adorns palatial museums here, from the Louvre to the Musée D’Orsay. The iconic Eiffel Tower watches over Parisians and visitors as they take romantic strolls along the Seine and linger in bistros over café au lait.

Shore Excursions – Paris On Your Own
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Follow your own interests in Paris, from must-see treasures to lesser-known gems, on this independent excursion. Transfer to the city with your escort, who will provide advice on tailoring your time here to suit your desires. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief panoramic tour to get you acquainted with the city’s layout. You will leave your guide in the city center and have about three hours to explore. Browse the famous bookstore Shakespeare & Company, and stroll along the romantic Seine or the shop-lined Champs-Élysées. You will also have ample options for lunch on your own, perhaps at a sidewalk café that affords you the opportunity to linger over wine and watch Parisians stroll by. At an allotted time, you will meet your escort at a prearranged location for your return to your ship.

Portsmouth, England
Portsmouth has been a naval port for centuries and is home to such historic vessels as Henry VIII’s Mary Rose and Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory. The only island-city in the United Kingdom, Portsmouth has been settled since before the days of the Roman Empire. It grew into a medieval port town; more recently, this was an embarkation port for the D-Day landings and served as headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower. The stunning citadel walls of Napoleonic forts greet ships as they approach through the Solent Strait.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Portsmouth
Duration: 3 hours
Step back in time as you embark on a scenic drive through the historic city of Portsmouth and its nearby villages. Head to Portsdown Hill; weather permitting, you will enjoy one of the best views in Britain before continuing to Fort Nelson, a 19th-century stronghold built between 1860 and 1870 to guard against the threat of French invasion. Pause to enjoy the views across the Solent, then continue to Portsmouth, passing through Portsea, home of the Emirates Spinnaker observation tower—intended to symbolize the town’s maritime heritage, its design is inspired by a spinnaker sail. In the old town, view naval landmarks and glimpse Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII. Enroute back to your ship, hear stories about some famous previous residents: Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and Arthur Conan Doyle penned his first Sherlock Holmes story here.

Falmouth, England
Gateway to the picturesque county of Cornwall, Falmouth is home to one of the world’s most celebrated harbors. The deepest in Western Europe, it aided in the launch of D-Day fleets and has been the starting point for voyages around the world. A popular tourist resort among Britons for its seaside charm, it has been a scenic backdrop of countless films and television series. Distinctive gray granite architecture climbs its hillsides from the harbor, culminating at the hilltop college. Nearby, the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall unfold in rugged coastal splendor.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Cornish Drive
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a delightful scenic journey through the highlights of Cornwall’s rugged landscape. Travel by motor coach through the Cornish countryside and charming towns before arriving at the ancient market town of Marazion, set upon the picturesque shores of Mount’s Bay. From the mainland, you will have an opportunity to view the medieval castle perched atop craggy St. Michael’s Mount, an unbridged tidal island. Located a half-mile out in the bay, the island is separated from the mainland by a manmade causeway covered by the ocean during high tide. After time to photograph this jewel of Cornwall, continue your scenic coastal tour of North Cornwall while learning about its mining heritage. Pass by idyllic country lanes, quiet hamlets and granite cottages that harken back to the age of Poldark and tin mining. You will also see looming Carn Brea hill and its stark Bassett Monument as you make your way back to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Historic Truro by Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Experience the charms of Truro, Cornwall’s only city and a historic gem. Drive by motor coach through the Cornish countryside to Truro, a cathedral city and mainland England’s southernmost city. With roots reaching back to the 12th century, Truro is known for its ancient, cobblestone streets lined with a blend of architectural styles from Gothic to Georgian. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk with your guide to see Truro’s main attractions, including its splendid Victorian-era cathedral. You may choose to step inside to see its impressive interior. At the end of your walk, you will have free time to further explore this quaint locale on your own. You will have an opportunity to admire the architecture or explore the array of independent boutiques, inviting cafés and markets. Afterward, you will meet your guide and transfer back to your ship.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Porto, Portugal
Porto holds a place of great traditional importance. The town lends its name to the port wine produced in the region and throughout the nation. Located along a rocky embankment, the city boasts picturesque neighborhoods, fashionable restaurants and lively markets. Like Lisbon, Porto has a rich past; its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow cobblestone streets brimming with romantic buildings spanning the centuries and a Romanesque cathedral. At the riverside, small barcos rabelos, boats once used to transport casks of wine, paint a charming scene.

Shore Excursions – Porto by Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Get to know the city built on port, the fortified wine for which it is named. Straddling the Douro River, Porto is a vital center of education, religion, trade and industry. You will meet your guide at your ship, then head into the heart of the “City of Granite.” Thanks to the frequent use of this stone in the architectural landscape, the city has a grand appearance. In the Cordoaria district, you will view the masterful exterior of the Clérigos Tower, or Clergyman’s Tower. Once Portugal’s tallest structure, it was designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Continue past the city’s Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, and stop to admire its facade. En route back to your ship, pass through Aliados Avenue and gaze up at the beautiful buildings that line the street.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail legendary waters, where medieval Europeans believed “there be dragons” beyond the ocean’s horizon. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Granada (Málaga), Spain
Granada is a splendid canvas of Moorish architecture, rich Andalusian tradition and remarkable history. It was the last stronghold of the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, whose 250-year reign ended during the 1492 reconquest of Spain by Catholic monarchs. The grand Granada Cathedral is a soaring celebration of that victory; its Royal Chapel holds the tombs of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand, the celebrated pair who oversaw the triumph. Their magnificent fortress-palace, the Alhambra, was long the stronghold of Moors, and so offers a magnificent blend of Islamic and Christian detail.

Shore Excursions – Málaga Overview & Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the seaside Andalusian city of Málaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, by motor coach and on foot. Your informative guide will explain the city’s rich history as you pass grand 19th-century buildings such as City Hall, the Old Justice Court and the Central Post Office. Witness the remnants of the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, a reminder of the legacy of the Moors. You will briefly stop here to take in superb views of the city below. Back in Málaga’s city center, you can take some photos of the birthplace of one of Málaga’s most famous native sons, Pablo Picasso. Continue on your walk past the ruins of a former Roman Theater and to the foot of the beautiful Alcazaba Palace, the best-preserved citadel in Spain. It was built during the 11th century and once served as a residence for Arabian caliphs. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Murcia (Cartagena), Spain
The charms of Murcia lie in its embrace of its rural pleasures. Surrounded by farmland and fertile huertas, Murcianos are never at a loss for produce freshly plucked from “Europe’s orchard.” They, in turn, live by the patient cycle of the harvest, going about their days at a leisurely pace. The Moors founded the city in 825 and introduced a vast irrigation network for crops and for city use. They were expelled by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1243. Murcia province remained a vassal kingdom until 1812 and became an autonomous region of Spain in 1982.

Shore Excursions – Ancient Roman City of Cartagena
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Palos, part of a small peninsula formed by long-ago volcanic activity. At the Mar Menor’s most southerly tip, the picturesque village is centered around a quaint marina, rocky coastline and wonderful array of restaurants and cafés. Stop for a photo, then continue your drive to Cartagena. Enjoy free time to explore the charming coastal city and its abundance of sights as you wander through the Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets. You will visit the fascinating Museum of the Roman Theater. Cartagena’s 6,000-seat Roman Theater, built as an entertainment venue in the 1st century BC, when Rome was at the height of its power, lay undiscovered for more than 2,000 years until its ruins were identified in 1990. The museum is ingeniously designed to take you on a journey through time, as you explore the exhibits and displays. After your guided tour, return to your ship.

Barcelona, Spain
The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Shore Excursions – Iconic Barcelona
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Discover Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks during a relaxing drive and a walk around this impressive city. Begin with a journey by motor coach, which takes you past the Columbus Monument and Port Vell. See the Arc de Triomf, a stately remnant from the 1888 World’s Fair, and take in the views of the Parc de la Ciutadella, once home to the garrison that protected the city. After, head to the Sagrada Família, Antonio Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Gain insight into Gaudí’s work during a guided viewing of its intricate exterior, composed of three facades and soaring spires that have become enduring symbols of the city. After a short drive, continue on foot to the Gothic Quarter, built upon the remains of Barcino, a Roman colony established in 15 BC. Explore on foot—sections of Barcino’s walls and towers are still visible here, as well as the remains of an aqueduct and a necropolis.

Barcelona, Spain
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.