Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – with Smithsonian Journeys

Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries and has preserved much of its past. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its artist colony of painters, potters, and jewelers.

Day 1 – Bergen, Norway

Arrive at Bergen’s Flesland Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Norge by Scandic. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 2 – Bergen | Embarkation

After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning excursion that includes a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have some free time to browse the shops before transferring to the pier to embark your ship in late afternoon. 

Your hotel:

Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the center of the city, it is within walking distance of the Festplassen and several nearby restaurants. It has a modern, informal, and international atmosphere. The hotel has 415 rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows, and it features a lobby bar, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant. 

Your program includes:

·        1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on Day 1

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1

·        Breakfast and lunch on Day 2

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides 

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program 

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Hotel Norge by Scandic

Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4

5012 Bergen

Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00

Email: hotelnorge@scandichotels.com

 

Oslo is a city that combines a reverence for its history with a commitment to cutting-edge innovation in architecture, culture, and everyday life. This carefully curated program offers a glimpse into Norway's unique blending of past, present, and future as it creates an identity both forward-looking and steeped in the heritage of the past.

Day 1 – Oslo | Disembark

After breakfast aboard, disembark for a tour of Oslo’s landmarks and trace the city's architectural transformation over time. Begin with the stately City Hall, site of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, and the 19th-century National Theater, where many of Ibsen's plays were first performed. Visit the imposing neo-classical Royal Palace, and stroll along Karl Johan Gate, the city's main shopping street, to reach the harbor and Oslo's stunningly modern Opera House. At the National Museum, admire Edvard Munch’s world-famous The Scream, a masterpiece that captures profound emotion and has become a symbol of Norwegian artistic innovation. The museum’s diverse collection spans centuries, blending historical works with bold contemporary pieces that echo the forward-thinking spirit of Oslo itself.

Exploration of the museum is followed by a Nordic-inspired gourmet lunch at Ankerbrygge, a premier waterfront restaurant, where the freshest local ingredients are crafted into exquisite dishes that showcase the best of Norway’s cuisine. With panoramic views of Oslo’s harbor as backdrop, this meal highlights the city’s close connection to nature and its maritime heritage. After lunch, transfer to the renowned Amerikalinjen Hotel in the center of the city, your home for the night. Relax and unwind at the hotel or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Day 2 – Oslo | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Oslo Gardermoen Airport for flights home.

Your hotel:

Once the headquarters of Norwegian American Lines, the Amerikalinjen has now been converted to a vibrant boutique hotel located within walking distance of the Opera, the Kvadraturen shopping district, and the nightlife of Youngstorget. Its rooms and suites are furnished with all of the amenities you would expect from a luxury property. It houses several restaurants and bars, as well as a popular Jazz Club. A fully equipped exercise room is available 24 hours a day.

Your program includes:

·        1 night at the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo (or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Breakfast on Day 2

·        Lunch on Day 1

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        This program includes a significant amount of walking, may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

·        The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodation, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Amerikalinjen

Jerbanetorget 2

0154 Oslo

Norway

+47 21 40 59 00