About the cruise
Wonder at the towering snow-covered peaks and shimmering blue water of some of the world’s most dramatic and breathtaking fjords on this Arcadia cruise. A former ‘European City of Culture’ with a string of fascinating art galleries, you start your holiday in Bergen, a city that nestles amongst the magnificent mountains strung along Norway’s western coastline. The best views can be enjoyed when you take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, for a breathtaking panorama over both the city and surrounding region. From the idyllic village of Flaam, at the head of Aurlandsfjord, you can take a train trip on one of the most spectacular train rides in Norway.[/p]
Enjoy an evening cruise through the steep lofty walls and waterfalls of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, before arriving in Olden. A peaceful village it is the perfect Fjordland. Giant waterfalls cascade making the views even more spectacular as you travel through the valley to the foot of the Briksdal Glacier. The scenery continues to mesmerise as you sail serenely through Nordfjord on your way to Trondheim. Take a photo of Stiftsgarden, the King of Norway''s official residence, which also happens to be the oldest wooden building in northern Europe, and visit the Archbishop''s Palace, which is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia.[/p]
On a clifftop more than 900 feet above the sea, Honningsvaag is Europe''s most northerly point before the North Cape, and the final frontier before the Arctic Ocean. Many thousands of photographs have been taken of visitors beside the globe sculpture on the clifftop, usually lit by the Midnight Sun. Tromsø is delightfully situated on the forest-covered island of Troms. This spirited city is home to many period buildings, a prominent wooden cathedral and the Polaria. Turrets and spires dot the skyline as you sail into Alesund and you can trace the town''s trend setting style development at the Art Nouveau Centre, one of several fascinating museums in the town. Arcadia docks right next to Gamle Stavanger, Stavanger’s old quarter, with its collection of 200-year-old white wooden houses and a 12th century cathedral modelled on Winchester Cathedral as well as markets, craft stores and art galleries. From here, alas it is time to head home, arriving in Southampton on 3 August.[/p]