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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Optional Tours |
| Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage |
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LEARN more… EXPLORE more… DREAM more…
Enrich your vacation with Vantage’s collection of deluxe optional tours,
designed exclusively for our guests
Add a unique dimension to your trip with Vantage’s optional tours. You’ll discover a world beyond the landmarks and gain immeasurable insight into the culture and people of your destination. Here’s why our guests love our optional tours:
- It’s easy! Just reserve online. And during your trip, enjoy convenient door-to-door service and the expert, local knowledge of an English-speaking guide.
- An invaluable experience at an unmatched value. With unique features and competitive pricing, you could never duplicate Vantage’s exclusive optional tours on your own.
- Excellence is our #1 priority. Our local travel planners constantly monitor the quality and pace of our tours. From coaches to guides, we always have your interests and comfort in mind.
Best of all, we take care of all the details for you. Once you’ve reserved your vacation, just visit My Account to purchase your optional tour, lock in your price, and receive immediate confirmation. Then rest easy knowing that your trip is fully planned!
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Geiranger—Alesund (cbg08)
April 15-May 30
National Geographic has deemed the Norwegian fjords the world's most untouched holiday destination. It's easy to see why when you're in the village of Geiranger. You'll enjoy a dizzying view of long silvery waterfalls cascading into the deep emerald waters of the fjord. From there you'll take a heart-in-the-mouth ride down switchback roads to gentler terrain. A ferry from Eidsdal will take you to the surprisingly urbane town of Alesund. From there travel up to the top of Aksla Mountain for a panoramic view of Alesund, the surrounding archipelago, and the magnificent Sunnmore Alps.
Approximate Time: 4 1/2 hours
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Geiranger—Molde(cbg08)
May 31-September 14
Travel up the Eagle's Way, passing through the valley of Valldal. St. Olav also trekked through this long, beautiful valley, so you are in good company. You'll then drive down the hairpin bends of the Trollstigen road to the lush valley of Romsdal, which lies in gentle contrast to the surrounding grey peaks. Conclude with a short sightseeing tour of Molde.
Approximate Time: 7 1/2 hours
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Walking Tour of Alesund
September 15-December 31
After the fire of 1904, Alesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. This guided walking tour provides a good insight into the city's history and cultural life.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
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Trondheim City Sightseeing (Day 6) (cbg08)
April 15-September 30
Founded by a Viking king in 997, Trondheim was for many centuries Norway's capital. New kings still come to Nidaros Cathedral for a blessing ceremony. Its many elegant wood buildings imbue the city with a rare intimacy and charm. Visit the Royal Residence, one of the largest wooden buildings in all of Scandinavia, and the brilliant white Kristiansten Fortress, which towers over the town. You might also want to walk along the wharves by the River Nid, some of which date back to the 18th century. Note: Can be purchased on board only.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
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Trondheim City Sightseeing (Day 6)
October 1-December 31
Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine, and the Ringve Museum, a series of well-preserved timber buildings, which house a unique collection of historical musical instruments.
Approximate Time: 2 1/2 hours
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Svartisen Glacier (cbg08)
April 1-September 30
On this excursion you'll visit Svartisen, Norway's second largest glacier. Just south of Ornes, you'll go on board a small boat to take you through narrow straits to the Glacier Visitor Center, where you'll learn how the melted glacier water is collected and used for hydropower. As you travel towards Bodo, you'll pass gorgeous pastoral landscapes and stunning views of the ocean and fjords.
Approximate Time: 6 1/2 hours
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Sea Safari to Saltstraumen
April 7-October 28
Travel by inflatable boat out to this wild, majestic seascape for a chance to glimpse some white tailed eagles hovering in the sky as they hunt their prey. These sea eagles are Europe's largest predatory bird with wingspans of over six feet. This fully guided tour should not be confused with extreme sea rafting. The objective is to bring passengers as close as possible to the eagles and the sea. You will be provided with the necessary clothing.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
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Tromso City Sightseeing, Including Polaria
All year
Called the "Paris of the North," Tromso is stunningly situated on an island set amidst mountains and fjords. Learn about arctic flora and fauna at Polaria, a museum and aquarium built to resemble huge blocks of ice thrown ashore by the mighty ocean. Next, visit one of the city's icons, the Arctic Cathedral, which rises some 120 feet into the air like a mountain of ice. Its façade is a huge stained-glass window with a grid work of clear glass strips though which daylight filters to mystical effect. It's an experience not to be missed.
Approximate Time: 2 1/2 hours
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Tromso Dogsledding Safari (cbg08)
January 1-April 26
After a short drive to Kvaloya Island near Tromso, you'll change into warmer clothes and meet your sled dogs. They're eager to carry you over a bleak, beautiful landscape of sea and open plains. In winter, you'll be equipped with head lamps, which create a magical atmosphere as the dogs run almost silently through the snow. At the end of the trip, you'll visit a cozy lavvo—a traditional Sami tent—where you will enjoy refreshments around the open fire.
Approximate Time: 3 hours
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Tromso Wilderness Center (cbg08)
May 28-August 27
The Tromso Wilderness Center offers views of the sea, mountains, and plains. Here you may join a guided nature hike, and then relax with coffee and cake.
Approximate Time: 3 hours
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The North Cape (cbg08)
All year
Travel by bus from Honningsvag, the northernmost community in Finnmark, towards the 71st parallel and North Cape. In summer, you may glimpse reindeer grazing by the roadside, or perhaps you'll catch sight of a red fox. The region's flora and fauna are rare and exceptional. Look out for the Chamorchis alpina, a dwarf orchid, and the brilliant yellow globe flower. Maybe you'll be in season to sample the delicious cloudberry. By the sea, the cliffs and skerries abound with puffins, gannets, and cormorants. Your trip ends at North Cape, a fabled cliff formation rising a sheer 920 feet out of the icy ocean. This is Europe's most northerly point.
Approximate Time: 3 1/2 hours
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Bird-Watching Safari (cbg08)
April 26-August 26
Set out by motorcoach from Honningsvag for the fishing hamlet of Gjesvaer. Continue by boat to the nature reserve with its teeming bird life. Conditions permitting, you will see the red-beaked puffin, razor-billed auk, and flocks of kittiwake. And perhaps you will spot a mighty sea eagle.
Approximate Time: 3 1/2
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Russian Border Trip (cbg08)
All year
At Kirkenes, the only Norwegian town where East meets West, the ship turns around and starts its southward journey. If you like, you may travel to Storskog, the Norwegian border station on the Russian frontier. On the way back, you'll stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to look out over Kirkenes and the fjord.
Approximate Time: 1 1/2 hours
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Riverboat Safari to the Russian Border (cbg08)
May 26-September 4
As you journey a few miles up the Pasvik River in a local river boat, your guide will tell you stories about the eastern Sami people, the saintly princes Boris and Gleb, and the holy monk Trifon of Pechenga. You'll also pass the Trifon Cave and Kjerringstupet Cliff.
Approximate Time: 2 1/2 hours
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Kirkenes Barents Safari
December 9-December 31
What do you do when the plains are buried in snow? Ride snowmobiles! Or maybe try chair-sledding. You'll be dressed in good, warm clothes and plied with piping hot coffee, dried reindeer meat and Russian sweets in the warmth of a lavvo.
Approximate Time: 2 1/2 hours
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Honningsvag—The North Cape—Hammerfest (cbg08)
May 1-September 30
There is something very special about experiencing the North Cape early in the morning. After enjoying breakfast and spending some time on the plateau, board the motorcoach to head southwards along the mighty Porsangerfjord. This part of Finnmark is characterized by fishing and agriculture. In the summer, reindeer graze the plains. Rejoin the ship in Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town.
Approximate Time: 6 hours
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Midnight Sun Concert (cbg08)
April 22-September 30
In Tromso, enjoy a nighttime concert at the Arctic Cathedral. If you're lucky, as the church resounds with Norwegian folk melodies, psalms, and classical song, the midnight sun will come streaming in. A truly memorable experience.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
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Mikkelgammen, Hammerfest (cbg08)
June 12-August 8
Immerse yourself in Sami culture. Compare gamme, the turf huts Sami live in today, with goahti, the traditional versions. Listen to Sami folk stories and the singing known as joik, while you sample Sami delicacies. You'll also learn about duodji, Sami handicrafts, and will have the chance to purchase some souvenirs if you like.
Approximate Time: 1 1/2 hours
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Harstad—Sortland
All year
This excursion takes you on a journey from Viking times, through the Middle Ages, and up to our own age. First, you'll visit Trondenes Church, the northernmost medieval church, then on to the local historical center, where a millennium's worth of history is presented in original objects, smells, and sounds. Feast your eyes on the ever-changing landscape on the drive across Hinnoya from Harstad to Sortland. Hidden between the peaks of Vesteralen lie rich, fertile pockets of farmland. While idyllic in summer, they are just as pretty in snow.
Approximate Time: 4 1/2 hours
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Sea Eagle Safari (cbg08)
April 1-September 15
After exploring the spectacular Trollfjord on board the ms Orca, your sea eagle safari begins. Fish is brought on board to feed these magnificent birds. Keep your camera ready for this up-close and personal experience. The eagle safari lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, and if you’re lucky, five or six majestic birds circle the boat at the same time. Then we set our course for Svolvaer, arriving at the quay about five minutes ahead of your Hurtigruten ship. This excursion you will remember for the rest of your life!
Approximate Time: 2 hours
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Svolvaer—Henningsvaer—Stamsund (cbg08)
April 1-September 8
Take a motorcoach journey from Svolvaer through the lovely Lofoten Islands. You will stop at an art gallery in Henningsvaer, perhaps the most charming fishing village in this archipelago, where you can see the works of Norwegian artists who have depicted what life at sea was like in the old days. You'll also have the chance to view a fascinating display of photographs of this island chain in all its atmospheric beauty. But don't content yourself with photos, look around and enjoy the stunning vistas that surround you. The trip continues through Lofoten's famous mountain landscapes. Enjoy the views!
Approximate Time: 3 hours
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Trondheim City Sightseeing
All year (Day 14)
Tour this historic city, once a Viking settlement and the original capital of Norway. One of the tour's highlights is a visit to the twelfth-century Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of Saint Olav, Norway's patron saint, and home to the country's crown jewels.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Please note that all of the optional excursions lised above are through Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Pricing for 2008 is not yet available. These tours can be booked directly onboard.
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Bergen, Norway
HARDANGER & VOSS
Full Day Tour, Including Lunch
You’ll begin by heading out of Bergen, towards the beautiful Hardanger Fjord. This is the country’s second largest Fjord. You will travel via Norheimsund, located on the northern side of Hardangerfjord where you will stop for a short break. You will then continue along the coastal road via Kvanndal and end in the mountain resort town of Voss.
Voss is situated between Norway’s most famous fjords, the majestic and breathtaking Hardanger and the Sogn fjords, and is a natural starting point for exploring Fjord Norway. People from all over the world come to visit Voss looking to challenge mother nature by taking in some of the extreme activities that Voss has to offer. During your panoramic tour of Voss, you will view it’s historical sights including the Vangs Church. This church was built between 1271-1277 and is still in use today.
After your journey around Voss, you will be taken for lunch at the Fleischers Hotel. The stunning Fleischers hotel is set on a superb location, overlooking the lake. The façade, with its towers and pointed dormer windows, is reminiscent of Switzerland. The hotel was built in 1889 in the pseudo-Swiss style with towers, spires, large dormers and balconies. The hotel has been discreetly modernized without losing its original charm. There is a warm ambience in the foyer with its convivial and elegant salons. The hotel today is still operated by the Fleischers. Your return to Bergen will be more of a direct route down the mountain passing snow-covered mountains with a spectacular backdrop of deep blue fjords.
Approximate Time: 6 hours
Cost: $145 USD per person
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Note: Please be aware that not all optional
tours may operate on each departure and space may be limited. We
recommend that you purchase tours prior to your departure. Prices are
per person and subject to change. The deadline to sign up is 30 days
prior to departure. If pricing is not listed for a particular tour, it
is not yet available. Booked passengers will be notified when pricing
is available. In some cases, a minimum number of passengers will be
required for the tour to operate. Tour information is subject to change.
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