14 May Dover, England
Embark Quest for Adventure. Depart 1700.
Dover is situated at the mouth of a valley in the chalk uplands that form the famous white cliffs. A pre-Roman settlement existed on the site and, as Dubris, the place was important for Roman traffic with the European mainland.
The town's strategic position on the south coast has been evident throughout its history. Archaeological digs in the area have revealed that the area has always been a focus for people entering and leaving Britain.
Bombed and shelled during World War Two, the shattered seafront was subsequently redeveloped after the war and is now the foremost passenger port in the United Kingdom.
16 May Bergen, Norway
Arrive 0900. Depart 1900.
Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic Wharf, known as the Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade.
As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allow you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the open-air fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as the city's open-air Old Bergen Museum. For a bird’s eye view of the city a ride in the funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen is a must or even more spectacular, try sight-seeing from a seaplane.
Learn about one of Norway’s most famous sons, the composer Edvard Grieg, whose former home, Troldhaugen, has been turned into a museum. Those who have visited the city previously may like to enjoy a taste of the Hardanger region or even venture as far as Flam to experience one of the world’s most exciting train rides.
17 May Flåm, Norway
Arrive 0800 on May 17. Depart 0300 on May 18.
The village of Flåm lies in the heart of western Norway at the innermost part of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord. At almost 130 miles long, the Sognefjord is the longest and some say, the most beautiful of Norway’s fjords.
Flåm itself is surrounded by picturesque scenery of meadows, orchards and imposing mountains. Tourists come from all over the world to ride on the famous Flåm Railway, which runs up to Myrdal to connect with the main Oslo to Bergen line.
The railway is a masterpiece of engineering and offers one of the most dramatic train journeys in Europe passing dramatic cascading waterfalls, steep hillsides and snow-capped mountains. Over a distance of less than 13 miles, the train track climbs from sea level to approximately 2,850 feet, crossing back and forth across rivers and through 20 tunnels.
From this port you can enjoy a choice of several excursions which include a ride on the Flåm Railway as well as scenic drives through picturesque countryside. Flam is also home to Norway's newest microbrewery - the Ægir Brewery located directly on the pier, which offers visitors guided tours and of course the opportunity to sample the produce.
18 May Skjolden, Norway
Arrive 0800. Depart 1400.
Located at the end of the renowned Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord, the traditional village of Skjolden enjoys an isolated setting surrounded by glorious mountain scenery. Best explored by joining an organised excursion, the region is characterised by dramatic rolling hills, verdant valleys, resplendent glacial lakes and crisp mountain air.
During your stay in port you may choose to explore this wonderful landscape, perhaps viewing picturesque glaciers on an unforgettable helicopter flight, or visiting Norway’s oldest Stave church, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
19 May Stavanger, Norway
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the early 19th century as a centre for the fishing trade and while other towns and cities in Norway have suffered with the decline of the industry, Stavanger has managed to keep its economy booming by diversifying, first into ship building and now into oil.
These two contrasting industries have led to Stavanger being a city of two halves – it has a bustling and modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic old centre of warehouses, stock rooms, cobbled streets and clapboard residential buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The city centre has a range of shopping and dining opportunities but is also home to a number of historically significant attractions and was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Its cathedral, dating back to 1125, is an impressive building and the only cathedral in Norway to retain its original features.
From here you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and visit Hafrsfjord where 29 small kingdoms were united to form the Kingdom of Norway in the 9th century. For those interested in learning more about oil excavation from the North Sea, an independent visit to the very informative Petroleum Museum is recommended.
21 May Dover, England
Arrive 0800. Disembark Quest for Adventure after breakfast.
Dover is situated at the mouth of a valley in the chalk uplands that form the famous white cliffs. A pre-Roman settlement existed on the site and, as Dubris, the place was important for Roman traffic with the European mainland.
The town's strategic position on the south coast has been evident throughout its history. Archaeological digs in the area have revealed that the area has always been a focus for people entering and leaving Britain.
Bombed and shelled during World War Two, the shattered seafront was subsequently redeveloped after the war and is now the foremost passenger port in the United Kingdom.
