Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

The Hardanger Fjord is one of the favorites among the many Norwegian fjords. You’ll start by driving by the fortress of Bergenhus, King Håkon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. Pass by the buildings of the Hanseatic period and the fish market of Bergen. Continue to the Bjørnefjord, where you’ll have a short drive along the fjord with lovely views of islands and snowcapped mountains in the distance. Reach Hatvik, and cross the fjord by ferry to Venjaneset on the opposite side. Once at Mundheim, link up with the Hardangerfjord - the queen of the fjords. Near the village of Norheimsund, make a stop for lunch and continue to the Steinsdal waterfall. Here, the water falls away from the cliff enabling you to walk underneath without getting wet! Then, climb up the Tokagjel gorge via several tunnels and reach the mountain plateau Kvamskogen. Descend to the fjord once more before climbing up to Gulbotn, a recreation area with lit up skiing tracks. Lastly, come down to the Sørfjord, where you’ll find Oster Island, the largest island on the west coast. Note: This tour may operate in reverse order. less

Depart the pier and take a short walk across to the train station to board your exclusively chartered standard train for an approximate 3 to 3 1/2 hour journey from Warnemunde to Berlin. While relaxing and watching the German countryside pass by, you’ll be served a light breakfast snack. Upon arrival at one of Berlin’s train stations, your local Berlin tour guide will welcome and assist you to board your coach. Your sightseeing tour begins with an overview of some of the major highlights of Berlin. You’ll pass by remnants of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz Square, Checkpoint Charlie, the Red City Hall, Unter den Linden Boulevard, Gendarmenmarkt Square, Potsdam Square, the Victory Column, Bellevue Palace, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag government building and Bebelplatz with the Empty Library memorial. After passing these world-famous landmarks and attractions, you’ll have the opportunity to spend approximately 3 hours on your own to visit a museum, do some shopping or return to some of the sights for closer inspection. After your time at leisure, you’ll meet your escort at a central point and return by coach to the train station, where you board your private train for the return journey to Warnemunde. Note: Lunch is not included on this tour. The order of the sights may vary. less

Drive in a Super 4 x 4 vehicle over the lava plateau of Hellisheidi onto the southern coastal lowlands, to the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Your journey takes you through some of the prettiest countryside in Iceland, with the green fields, farms and villages so characteristic of the South. Make a short stop at Hvolsvollur before continuing towards the magical land of Thorsmork. The route changes as you leave behind the asphalt of the main road and head inland. You’ll have to cross several brooks and rivers thus experiencing the wilderness at its best. A stop at a glacier fed lagoon makes you realize how close you are to the surrounding glaciers, as their icy tongues appear from the hills above. In this desert of ice and rock, the valley of Thorsmork marks a clear contrast with its vegetation and grass covered Rhyolite Mountains. Leaving the Glacier Lagoon, you'll drive through the beautiful landscape of the valley of Thorsmork before stopping for lunch. Before the barbecue feast, you'll explore a little of the area on foot, hiking along a mountain path. Those who are not able to walk have the option to stay behind and enjoy the scenery. After this exhilarating experience, you’ll head back to Reykjavik, making one last stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall itself. Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems. less

Discover the ultimate dolphin adventure by spending an exciting day (approximately 6 hours) working beside the trainers. You’ll gain an insight and understanding of the basic skills needed to care for and train dolphins and sea lions through practical hands-on experience, while being an active member of the team of marine mammal experts. You’ll be in close contact with the dolphins and sea lions throughout the day – both in the pool and poolside - while assisting trainers in every aspect of their work. This is a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A light lunch from the snack bar is included. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Please bring your swimsuit and a towel. less

Depart the pier for a short walk across to the train station to board your exclusively chartered train for an approximate 3 to 3 ½ hour journey to Berlin. While relaxing and watching the countryside, you’ll be served a light breakfast snack. Upon arrival in Berlin you'll be welcomed by your local tour guide. During your panoramic tour of colorful Berlin you'll stop at a remnant of the Berlin Wall and the famous former border crossing "Check-Point-Charlie". Continue to the Brandenburg Gate, which symbolizes the German and European reunification. You'll pass the Reichstag government building and the newly erected Holocaust Memorial. Drive along the Kurfurstendamm, Berlin's version of the Champs Elysees and bypass the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church before you circle the Gendarmenmarkt, home to the German Dom and the French Dom. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before the drive to Potsdam. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic tour of this capital of the Brandenburg State, with its baroque city center and numerous palaces. Next you'll visit the centerpiece of Potsdam and summer residence of Frederick the Great, the Palace of Sanssouci. Depart this UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and continue to Cecilienhof Palace, built in 1916 in the style of an English country house. This was the site of the Allied Potsdamer Conference when the borders of Europe were redrawn after World War II. A historical conference attended by Churchill, Truman and Stalin was held here to discuss the future of Germany. You'll cross the Glienicke Bridge, where spies were swapped between the American and the Soviet sectors during the Cold War. Then proceed back to the train station in Berlin for your return to Warnemunde. Note: All palaces will be visited from the outside only. The order of sights may vary. less