For those who have visited Amsterdam before or just prefer to do their own thing, this tour is perfect.

Although we appreciate that many guests will choose to explore the city alone, this tour is for those of us who enjoy seeing the sights from the comfort of a coach, and who value the services of a fully qualified, English speaking guide to enlighten us.

Our canal cruise will be followed by a visit to Haarlem – capital of the province of North Holland, and known as the home of well known Dutch painter Frans Hals.

We travel by coach to the windmill village Zaanse Schans – a name deriving from the defending wall (schans) which was erected at the end of the 16th century for the war against the Spaniards.

Although we appreciate that many guests will choose to explore the city alone, this tour is for those of us who enjoy seeing the sights from the comfort of a coach, and who value the services of a fully qualified, English speaking guide to enlighten us. We shall also visit the famous Van Gogh Museum.

In 1942 the Frank family went into hiding in Amsterdam. The younger daughter, Anne, kept a diary which was published in 1947 and the secret annex the family hid in can be viewed on a visit to their former home.

Our excursion starts in Leknes, from where we cross underneath the narrow sound between Lilleeid and Napp to Flakstadøy. We proceed to the idyllic fishing village of Nusfjord – protected by UNESCO – where we can study the architecture of the colourful fishermen’s dwellings.

The Lofoten Islands appear to be a wall of mountains, dramatically rising from the ocean. Yet within the valleys, and even the fishing ports, there is lush, green vegetation.

Departing from the landing stage in Leknes, we pass through this administrative centre of Vestvågøy Island -– skirting its little airport. All the while we have the Himmeltindan Mountains in our view, the tallest on the island at approximately 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) above sea level.

The Tromsø Wilderness Centre is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city. Here we will have a chance to meet some of the 130 huskies. We will enter a ‘lavvo’ (Sami tent), where a slideshow of the expeditions of our hosts, Tove and Tore, will be shown.

This tour takes us to the environment centre, Polaria. The exterior alone is fascinating – the building resembles huge blocks of ice thrown together.

The Mack Brewery is the northernmost brewery in the world! We will have a guided tour and a tasting in the beer hall.

Leaving the pier, our tour of this interesting area starts in the centre – a charming blend of old and new, with modest wooden houses set next to contemporary architecture. We pass Tromsø Church, one of the largest wooden churches in the north, before we head off around the island.

From Honningsvåg we shall have a short coach ride to a lavvo camp at Sarnes. A lavvo is a native Sami tent, similar to the Native American teepee. We will be welcomed by the hosts, and then have a short walk down to the pier.

We leave our ship and drive for approximately 45 minutes to reach the small community of Gjesvær. Here we board a 20 metre (65 foot) vessel for a once-in-a-lifetime look at the nature of the remote island of Magerøy.

This tour may appeal to those of us who have travelled to the North Cape before, or to passengers who would prefer a short panoramic drive with little walking involved.

If you have travelled to the North Cape before, or fancy sampling what the natural elements can offer here at Europe’s most northernmost point, then this tour will appeal to you.

By coach we will travel through a wild, apparently desolate landscape. In actual fact, 200 different plants have been found growing here by botanists, and around 4,000 reindeer graze in summer (with luck we may spot one).

This excursion takes us along the shores of the Trondheimsfjord – at 126 kilometres (80 miles), the third longest in Norway. Travelling through the suburbs, we later reach Gaulosen, a branch of the main fjord, before following the Orkdalsfjord to the village of Orkanger. Driving through we pass Bårdshaug Mansion, rich in traditions, which is today run as a hotel.

We depart from the pier by coach to St Olav’s Street in the city centre, where we board the Graakaalbanen Trolley Line. Started in 1944, the trolley has been a familiar part of everyday life in Trondheim for years, running to and from the city centre to Lian in “Bymarka” – the popular summer and winter recreation area.

On your cruise to Trondheim from the UK we travel from your cruise ship through the busy city centre, past the market square with the statue of the Viking King who founded the city, to the impressive, Gothic style Nidaros Cathedral. The Cathedral, dating from the 12th century, is one of the finest and largest in Gothic style in Scandinavia.

Opposite the cruise port of Trondheim is the small island of Munkholmen. We shall travel to the island by boat, and learn about its history as we have a guided tour.

Ålesund is the largest town on the northwest coast of Norway. It has a spectacular setting - built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. The town centre was destroyed by fire in 1904, but rebuilt shortly after in the characteristic architecture of the period – Art Nouveau style.

From your cruise ship this tour shows us parts of the splendid town and takes us to the breathtaking viewpoint on Mount Aksla, for the best panoramic view of this spectacular scenery. On this Norway cruise we will also enjoy a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the suburbs, to the bustling old trading centre of Borgund – site of the Sunnmøre Museum.

This full day tour will highlight the best of the Geirangerfjord area, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed West Norwegian Fjords.

The community of Giske consists of four islands that are connected to the mainland by bridges and a long sub-sea tunnel. We shall explore two of the islands today – the ‘Saga Island’ of Giske, and picturesque Godøy.

Today we will be able to enjoy one of Norway's hidden treasures - the wild and dramatic Hjørundfjord. It is off the beaten track but situated close to Ålesund.

The legendary composer Edvard Grieg lived and worked in Bergen’s Hop district during the summertime. His lakeside home, ‘Troldhaugen’ (meaning ‘Troll Hill’), is now a museum, and is located next to the concert hall where we will enjoy a short performance.

On this cruise from the UK we will visit Hardangerfjord – one of Norway’s most popular fjords, with beautiful fruit orchards lining the sides and reflections of the magnificent mountains on the crystal clear water – begins at your cruise ship in Bergen, where we board our coach.  

In Bergen, we board the train for our journey up towards Voss and Myrdal. The landscape changes as we approach Myrdal – on top of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau – and here we will change trains for a spectacular ride on the “Flams-Banen” railway line.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR WILL ONLY OPERATE FOR SELECTED CALLS TO BERGEN

Surrounded by seven mountains, a short distance from the country’s wildest and scenic fjords – encapsulating the best that Mother Nature has to offer – Bergen is Fjord Norway’s capital.  

Descending we reach the Lysefjord where, on the 175 acre Lysøen Island (the ‘Island of Light’), the violin virtuoso Ole Bull lived. We will visit his home which was built in 1873 and is a blend of architectural styles. 

Upon our arrival at the base of the mountain we will board our cable car for an approximate five minute journey up the precipitous cliff to the top of the mountain – make sure cameras are at the ready as the ride offers some amazing views. We will also be able to enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee and an Ulrike bun – a speciality of the Sky:Skraper restaurant!