Norwegian Fjords Cruise aboard Iona Itinerary
Day 1 – Southampton, UK
The Southampton cruise port offers a city centre full of charm and a mix of old city walls plus a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored when in a cruise from Southampton. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.
Day 2 – At Sea
Day 3 – Stavanger, Norway
Olden is blessed with a beautiful fjordic coastline, towering mountains and the biggest glacier on mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen. There’s easy access to both the Briksdal and Kjenndalen glaciers, plunging dramatically into the valleys below. Crystal-clear Lake Oldevatnet is set among steep mountains and roaring waterfalls. In a nutshell, it’s Norwegian nature at its finest.
Day 4 – Olden, Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord
The peaceful village of Olden has the perfect Fjordland cruise setting – nestling at the southern end of one branch of the beautiful Nordfjord and at the entrance to the gorgeous Oldedalen Valley. Olden is blessed with a beautiful fjordic coastline, towering mountains and the biggest glacier on mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen. There’s easy access to both the Briksdal and Kjenndalen glaciers, plunging dramatically into the valleys below. Crystal-clear Lake Oldevatnet is set among steep mountains and roaring waterfalls. In a nutshell, it’s Norwegian nature at its finest.
You’ll find Innvikfjorden central to all the ‘typical’ highlights of any Norwegian Fjords holiday. This is where people come from all over the world to see the famous sights of Geiranger, Trollstigen and Vestkapp. Around the sleepy ports of Innvikfjorden, it’s hard to imagine a host of action-packed activities going on but there is a fast, exciting side to holidaying here – should you wish to experience it! Your choice of adventures could include guided kayaking, hiking tours, driving up to panoramic viewpoints and seeing the famous Briksdal and Kjenndal glaciers.
Sailing through the Norwegian fjords is one of the great maritime experiences. Formed during the Ice Age when the glaciers retreated, the deep valleys and narrow inlets were flooded with seawater creating these natural wonders. Thanks to the warmth of the Gulf Stream these natural wonders are virtually ice free and easily explored. Nordfjord, located in western Norway, is astonishingly beautiful and diverse. You’ll find peaceful valleys and well-kept farms, as well as gleaming glaciers, foaming waterfalls, and towering, snow-capped mountains.
Day 5 – Alesund, Norway
Everything about Ålesund is pretty. From its location at the entrance of Geirangerfjord to its unique architecture, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve left. Because it was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1904, Alesund looks quite different to other Norwegian towns along the country’s west coast now better known as simply ‘Fjordland’.
Stretching across three islands at the mouth of the magnificent Geirangerfjord, Ålesunds architecture is now an eclectic mixture of mock-Gothic and neo-classical with more than a dash of Art Nouveau. Turrets and spires dot the skyline and you can trace the towns trend setting style development at the Art Nouveau Centre, one of several fascinating museums in the town. The pick is the open-air Sunnmre while the Atlantic Sea-Park is also worth a visit as one of the largest aquariums in northern Europe.
Day 6 – Haugesund, Norway
Haugesund, homeland of the Viking kings and birthplace of Norway, is a place where you can inhale the Viking spirit. Surrounded by beautiful coastline, spectacular waterfalls and majestic fjords it’s no wonder the kings called this extraordinary setting home. Populated for thousands of years, you can walk in the footsteps of the great kings at the Nordvegen History Centre and travel back over 3,500 years. St Olav’s Church, dating from 1250 AD, is a monument to the former days of glory, and next to the church stands one of Norway’s tallest pillars, Virgin Mary’s Sewing Needle. In nearby Rehaugene you can explore the ‘Pyramids of the North’ – six intriguing Bronze Age, earthen burial mounds.
Day 7 – At Sea
Day 8 – Southampton, UK
