Northbound shore excursions

1) The Magnificent Scenery of West Norway: Geiranger-Trollstigen-Molde* - (7 hours)
Depart Geiranger by motorcoach up to the Ornesvingen ("the Eagle's View") for a magnificent panorama over the Geirangerfjord. You'll also see Mount Dalsnibba, the spectacular Seven Sisters Waterfall, and the rock formation "Prekestolen." Continue along the Eidsdals Lake to Eidsdal, where the ferry takes you to Linge. From there, continue through "the Strawberry Valley" of Valldal to Trollstigen, which drops steeply down in a series of hairpin turns to Andalsnes and Isfjorden, where you'll take the ferry to Solsnes. The motorcoach meets the ship in Molde, known as "the City of Roses." Dinner will be arranged en route, and you'll be advised prior to the excursion.

*From May 31 to August 31. Please note: During May 1-30 a shorter version (4 1/2 hours) of this excursion from Geiranger to Alesund will be offered. The Trollstigen Road normally opens at the end of May or in early June. In case the road has not yet been opened, the shorter version will be available. The price difference will be refunded.

2) A Cultural Pearl: The Ringve Museum of Musical History in Trondheim - (2 1/2 hours)
A morning excursion visits Trondheim's extraordinary Ringve Museum of Musical History. This 18th-century manor house features an extensive collection of instruments from throughout the world displayed in a series of "composer" rooms, each furnished according to the time period and decor of the famous composer for which it is named. As you go from room to room, the guides not only show you - but also play for you - the museum's treasured instruments, some of which belonged to the composers themselves. Afterward, coffee and waffles are served in the manor's kitchen.

3) Gateway to the Arctic Ocean: City Tour of Tromso - (2 1/2 hours)
This sightseeing tour includes the highlights of Tromso, the largest city in northern Norway and a setting-off point for many of the great Arctic expeditions. You'll begin at the Tromso Historical Museum, housing exhibits of the Sami people and northern Norway, then proceed to the distinctive Arctic Cathedral, also known as "the Ice Cathedral." The huge stained-glass window that dominates the front of the church is the largest in Europe.

4) The Most Northerly Point of the European Continent: The North Cape - (4 hours)
From the port of Honningsvag you'll travel by motorcoach to the North Cape plateau, Europe's northernmost point. At the very tip of the cape, overlooking the Arctic Ocean, is the North Cape Center. Built into the rock, the center features a film and exhibits on the region and offers spectacular panoramic views. Those who wish may purchase a glass of champagne at the world's northernmost champagne bar.

Package of 4 excursions for $275 per person
Valid May 1-August 31, 2004
- Excursion packages can be purchased only prior to your trip.
- Excursion packages are not available for purchase on board ship.
- All excursions are escorted.
- All excursions are conducted in English.
All excursions and prices are subject to change without notice. NCV reserves the right to cancel excursions due to an insufficient number of participants or weather or light conditions. Should any excursion not operate, the cost of the excursion will be refunded provided you receive proper authorization from the ship.

Southbound shore excursions

1) Breakfast on the Roof of Europe: Honningsvag-North Cape-Hammerfest - (6 1/2 hours)
You'll enjoy breakfast on the dramatic North Cape this morning. From Honningsvag you'll travel by motorcoach through northern Finnmark, home of Norway's Sami people. After a breakfast overlooking the Arctic Ocean, you'll tour the North Cape Center, featuring a film and displays on the area. Following the coastal road, you'll pass majestic fjords and the unusual tundralike landscape of the Finnmark region before rejoining the ship in Hammerfest.

Geirangerfjord shore excursion (photo courtesy: Norwegian Coastal Voyage).

2) A Journey Through the History of Northern Norway: Harstad to Sortland - (4 1/2 hours) From Harstad, a charming town in Norway's Vesteralen region, your motorcoach travels along the picture-perfect coast to Trondenes Church, dating from the Middle Ages. You'll pass fields of strawberries and beautiful alpine scenery en route to Refsnes, where a ferry takes you across Andfjord. You'll continue via motorcoach to Sigerfjord and the little fishing village of Sortland, where you'll rejoin the ship.

3) The Wonders of the Lofoten Islands: Svolvaer to Stamsund - (3 hours)
An evening motorcoach excursion from Svolvaer to Stamsund takes in the unforgettable coastal scenery of the Lofoten Islands. You'll visit the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvaer and the gallery of noted artist Karl Erik Harr, whose dynamic paintings feature scenes of the area. You'll return to the ship via the coastal route, enjoying views of the Lofoten Wall, the magnificent chain of mountains that rises directly from the ocean floor.

4) On the Banks of the Nidelv River: City Tour of Trondheim - (2 hours)
A morning sightseeing tour includes the highlights of Trondheim, an old Viking settlement and the original capital of Norway. After a motorcoach tour of the city, you'll visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's largest medieval church. Founded in 1070 on St. Olav's burial mound, the cathedral is the site of the coronation of the kings of Norway and also houses the crown jewels.

Package of 4 excursions for $265 per person
Valid May 1-August 31, 2004
- Excursion packages can be purchased only prior to your trip.
- Excursion packages are not available for purchase on board ship.
- All excursions are escorted.
- All excursions are conducted in English.
All excursions and prices are subject to change without notice. NCV reserves the right to cancel excursions due to an insufficient number of participants or weather or light conditions. Should any excursion not operate, the cost of the excursion will be refunded provided you receive proper authorization from the ship.

We offer the right cruise at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book.

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For 2003 sailing schedules on the brand new millennium ships, visit MS Midnatsol, MS Finnmarken, or MS Trollfjord