Majestic Fjords & Vibrant Cities

Embark your ship in Copenhagen, the colorful Danish capital awash in charm and history. Settle in and explore your ship, perhaps enjoying lunch or a snack at the World Café or stretching your legs after your journey along the ship's promenade.

Originally a Viking fishing village founded in the 10th century, the Danish capital boasts over 850 years of history. With an entire day to explore, pass the brightly colored houses of Nyhavn, or New Harbor, once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Discover the sumptuously rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. You may also want to consider a trip to the ornate Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the inspirational setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This fairy-tale city provides plenty to explore, including delights for your palate at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can indulge in a decadent lunch or an early dinner.

From port, take the included transfer through the scenic countryside of the Mecklenburg region to Germany's historic capital, Berlin—just a few hours away—where you will have the day to explore. Here you can discover at your own pace the major sights of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz square and Checkpoint Charlie. Alternatively, on an optional tour take lunch in the Käfer restaurant, which perches atop the magnificent Reichstag.

Founded by the Vikings in the late 900s, this historic city straddles both sides of the Limfjord Sound. Spend the morning strolling along to Nytorv (New Square) to see the Renaissance-style Jens Bang's House, the baroque-style Town Hall, and the charming 14th-century Budolfi Church. Take in the lively Jomfru Ane Gade, a street lined with trendy cafés and restaurants. Or, opt for a tour led by a local chef to taste traditional aquavit, an herb-infused spirit distilled here since the 15th century.

Witness the legacy of Gothenburg's maritime past during a visit to Sweden's second largest city. Built upon the prosperity of the Swedish East India Company, the city is home to historic stone merchant houses and grand squares. A panoramic tour introduces you to its highlights, including the impressive Masthugg Church with its 200-foot tower, the cultural center of Götaplatsen with its towering Poseidon sculpture and many fine cultural institutions, and Gustav Adolfs Square, named for the city's founder. A visit to the thriving fish market helps you take in Gothenburg at its most authentic. Alternately, visit the archipelago of Öckerö and take in its scenic charms.

Discover the cultural riches of Norway's sophisticated capital today. Oslo enjoys a stunning setting at the northern tip of the Oslofjord and boasts a rich history and cosmopolitan flair. See the once-mighty fortress of Akershus, the splendid Royal Palace and more before enjoying a leisurely stroll through the city's famous Vigeland Park, a breathtaking collection of 212 stone and bronze sculptures. With an overnight stay here, you can learn the secrets of aquavit during a distillery visit or enjoy a Privileged Access excursion to the Munch Museum after hours.

Discover the cultural riches of Norway's compact capital. Oslo enjoys a stunning setting at the head of the Oslofjord and boasts a rich history and a museum and arts scene that rivals that of much larger cities. See the once-mighty Akershus Fortress, the splendid Royal Palace, and more before strolling through Vigeland Park. With ample time here, you can learn the secrets of aquavit during a distillery visit, marvel at the best preserved Viking ships in the world, or enjoy an excursion to the Munch Museum.

Call on Kristiansand today, a charming small city near the tip of Sørlandet, Norway's southland. Its strategic location on the Skagerrak strait long made it both a military stronghold and the royal residence of Harald Fairhair, the first King of Norway. Discover this remarkable city during a panoramic drive, featuring the impressive 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress, the fish market at Fiskebrygga wharf, the Old Town with its picturesque wooden houses and the splendid neo-Gothic cathedral. Alternately, you can visit its fascinating Kristiansand Cannon Museum, a remarkable collection of coastal artillery.

From the heart of the Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start here in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe's highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway's most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy, and the award-winning Norwegian Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced in extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don't forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams with a steaming cup of hot tea.

Cruise through breathtaking fjords into the village of Eidfjord, nestled in the heart of one of Norway's most scenic regions. Ascend Europe's largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, for sweeping views of epic Nordic landscapes. Here, in Norway's largest national park, visit the informative Nature Center and perhaps view the Hardangerjøkulen glacier in the distance. You can also marvel at the stupendous 550-foot drop of the Vøringsfossen waterfall into the cavernous Måbødalen canyon. Alternately, you can opt to visit the expansive fruit orchards of Lofthus or tour Europe's largest hydroelectric power plant at Simadal.

When you arrive in Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, you will quickly understand how its setting inspired the Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can easily stroll along its waterfront. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.

Awake in Bergen, where you will be departing your ship. If you wish, you may explore more with Viking: Stay on in this fascinating old mercantile city, visit Norway's cosmopolitan capital of Oslo or journey to Iceland.