From Reykjavik to Copenhagen featuring an overnight in Oslo calling on Isafjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Torshavn, Denmark; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; and Bergen with 1 day at sea from $11,099

Virtuoso Voyager Club Exclusive Experience
Complimentary, exclusive and unique Voyager Club event in Bergen. See Voyager Club Shore Excursion for complete details.

When you reserve this cruise through us, your Virtuoso Travel Specialist, you automatically become a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Voyager Club, entitling you to a wealth of privileges and complimentary amenities - including a unique and exclusive shore event not available to the general cruising public.

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details.

Exclusive Shore Event:  Bergen Highlights with Lunch on Holmen Island

Bergen is one of the oldest cities in Norway, founded in 1070 and has always been an important center for trade and culture. Its site and beauty drew the attention of the royal family and it became one of several royal cities of residence. In 1217, Bergen was declared the capital of Norway. For centuries, it was one of the most important cities in the German Hanseatic League.

Our morning begins with a drive to the smallest and oldest suburb of Bergen, Skuteviken, located just north of the city. This historic part of the city is a private residential area and the houses, dating back to around 1700, are the original famed Bergen houses. Our private expert guide will take us for a short walking tour of this city. Coming into the center of Bergen, we will stop at the ancient wharf "Bryggen" where we will continue our walking tour. "Bryggen" was originally built about 900 years ago, and due to the medieval architecture that has been preserved in this area, it is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. We'll hear the fascinating history of the wharf, including stories about the Hanseatic League who held a German office here for nearly 400 years. The walking tour will conclude and we will drive into the picturesque countryside, leaving the city center behind as we travel south, through the suburbs of Bergen. Reaching the small village of Alvoen after a mere 15 minute drive, a private vessel will be waiting to take us to the nearby island of Holmen. On this secluded and privately owned one acre island resides one of Norway's very best seafood restaurants, Cornelius, the lone structure on the island. Here, we will be welcomed at the docks by the charismatic owner of the restaurant, Mr. Alf Roald Saetre, who will offer us an aperitif on arrival. Then, as we take a leisurely tour around the impressive compound and end up inside the restaurant itself, we will relax as Alf entertains us with the story of his life and how he ended up opening up a restaurant on a small, deserted island. The tasting of a few local specialties, prepared by master chef Odd Einar Tufteland, is not to be missed!

Lunch will then be served accompanied by excellent wine carefully selected by Cornelius' own and one of Norway's most renowned sommeliers, Mr. Fredrik Molin. The menu of the day will only be known on the day itself, as it is a meteorological menu, meaning that the ingredients will be chosen according to the weather and what the sea has to offer that day. There will be alternatives for those who do not eat seafood. After lunch, our private vessel will bring us back to the center of Bergen - a beautiful sail of about 1 hour through the western archipelago. On arrival to the harbor of Bergen, our motor coach will be waiting to take us back to the ship.

Suggested Attire/Walking Notes: Casual with comfortable walking shoes recommended. Moderate walking over cobblestones, steps and inclines.