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Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark - Arrivals Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. On your arrival at the Copenhagen Airport in Denmark (CPH), you will be met by our chauffeur for a private transfer to our luxury ship, the Silver Dawn to refresh and relax after a long flight. After some time to settle in your state-of-the-art luxury suites, we'll meet in the evening at one of the exclusive restaurants on board the Silver Dawn and toast the upcoming Nordic adventures that await us as we set sail for our ultimate Norwegian journey. Day 2: Copenhagen to Vik Today, we'll spend the day at sea sailing to our next destination, Vik in Norway. A day at sea on a Silversea luxury cruise ship in Norway is a dreamy escape filled with relaxation and indulgence. As the ship glides through the tranquil waters of the North Sea, we'll immerse ourselves in serenity and unwind in the lap of luxury aboard the Silver Dawn. We can lounge by the pool, basking in the Midnight Sun, and enjoying refreshing drinks served by attentive staff. As the ship sails along the coast, we can take advantage of the panoramic views from the deck, capturing breathtaking vistas of the vast sea and the cinematographic fjords. Throughout the day, we'll be able to indulge in gourmet dining experiences, as we savor delectable cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and paired with exquisite wines. Day 3: Vik, Norway Make no bones about it, this is Fjordland at its finest. Named by the National Geographic Traveler magazine as "the world's most iconic destination", legend has it that Vikings and Trolls battled on these very waters and the pretty stave churches, of which Vik has two, are built on sacred Norse land. Vik is a place that could have been written about by Tolkein; a mysterious land where mists roll off the mountains, the air is crisp and the silent, glassy fjords are definitely the ruler of the kingdom. Shrouded in enchantment, the landscape of Vik is steeped in Viking heritage, Scandinavian myth and human enchantment. Day 4: Olden, Norway Quaint wooden farmhouses sit below jagged mountain peaks, in this land of superlative natural features. Today, we'll witness nature at its most spectacular, as we visit tiny Olden, a village of just 500 people, which is swallowed whole by its colossal surroundings. The village nestles at the mouth of the Oldeelva River, on the southern banks of Norway’s sixth-longest fjord, Nordfjord. We'll embark on dreamy lake cruises to confront cascading glaciers and ascend to staggering viewpoints to survey the majesty from above. Olden is surrounded by valleys, carved by the slow grind of mighty glaciers, peeling off from immense ice caps. We will enjoy a wonderful excursion winding our way through the gorgeous scenery through quaint villages and rugged mountains, making photo shops along the way as we journey along this stunning fjord. As we approach the end of Nordfjord, turn inland via Nordfjordeid towards Lake Hornidal. As well as Europe's deepest lake (1,686 ft), this vast body of water is Europe's clearest lake, as is contains no glacial runoff. Finally, with lake panoramas framed by snow-capped mountains, we'll make our way back to the pier to gather for dinner with our companions to discuss the adventures of the day. Day 5: Andalsnes Åndalsnes is located at the mouth of the river Rauma, at the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, one of the fjords protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous in the 19th century for salmon fishing, the Rauma flows through the Romsdalen Valley widely considered to be some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Norway. Although the river’s salmon stocks are now being replenished, today Andalsnes is better known as a center of excellence for Norwegian alpine sports. We will enjoy a visit to the historic Rødven Stave Church, a characteristic achievement of medieval Norwegian architecture, before continuing on with views of the majestic Trolltindane, whose towering peaks reach a height of approximately 6,168 feet, and Trollveggen, or 'Troll Wall', whose vertical, overhanging wall is over 3,281 feet in height and popular among mountain-climbers. After driving close to the Troll Wall, we head further up the valley to the Trollstigen Road (Troll's Road), which winds its way around 11 narrow, hairpin bends blasted out of the mountainside. Halfway up, the Trollstigen Road crosses the Stigfoss Waterfall, which features a fall of approximately 590 feet. Your last stop is at the Trollstigen Viewpoint, located at the top of Trollstigen Road. Upon arrival, we may opt to ascend the 81 steps to the viewing area for spectacular panoramic views of our surrounds. Day 6: Trondheim In the morning, we'll arrive at the colorful, historic capital of Norway, Trondheim, whose history dates back to 997 AD, when it was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason. We'll join our local guide for a walking tour of Norway's oldest city, as we savor the town's atmosphere and blend of ancient and modern architecture. We'll get the chance to tour Nidaros Cathedral, the 12th-century Gothic structure which is Scandinavia's largest medieval building, known for its magnificent stained-glass windows. The construction of the cathedral started in 1070 AD over the grave of St. Olav, and it is still an important destination for Christian pilgrims. We'll stop by Market Square, cross the charming Old Bridge, and visit the old town of Bakklandet, with many picturesque wooden houses are painted in vivid colors. Day 7: Alesund Decorative turrets, pastel-colored paint, and elegant buildings reflect in the glass-smooth harbor waters of Ålesund, welcoming us to one of the world’s finest havens of Art Nouveau architecture. A perfect complement of natural and man-made beauty, the city’s distinctive Jugendstil style is enhanced by a thrilling location amid colossal fjord scenery. Today, we will drive through the city center and marvel at the colourful facades, hearing stories of this vibrant coastal city, before arriving at Borgund, which was the largest trading center during the Viking Era. We will visit the Sunnmore Open Air Museum to view the traditional houses and the museum's boat collection, before returning to the city center for a walk along the pedestrian Kongensgata street and returning to our ship. In the evening, we will toast and celebrate our Norwegian expedition and share memories of our journey during our farewell dinner in one of the ship's elegant restaurants. Day 8: Bergen Today, we'll arrive in the city of Bergen. Founded more than 900 years ago, Bergen has its roots in the Viking Era. As one of the ports of the Hanseatic League, for several hundred years Bergen was the center of prosperous trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. Bryggen, or the Hanseatic Wharf, with its colorful wooden houses, is the most obvious remnant from that time, and this is where many of the city’s restaurants, pubs, craft shops and historical museums are located. Fløyen mountain watches over the city, and you can take a short but steep hike up to the panoramic viewpoints, or jump on the funicular, which trundles visitors up and down the incline. At the top, spectacular views of Bergen jutting out into the dark seas below unfold before your eyes. Yet, sadly, this is our last day in Norway and on the Silver Dawn Luxury Ship. We hope that you are taking home great memories of sights, experiences, and new travel friends. Your airport transfer will be arranged in accordance with your scheduled return flight.
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