A Journey of Sunlit Fjords, Waterfalls & Historic Harbour Towns

Itinerary

1. Day 1 , Southampton, United Kingdom 2028-07-16 Departure 18:00
   Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.
2. Day 2 , Time at Sea 2028-07-17
   With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
3. Day 3 , Mandal, Norway 2028-07-18 Arrival 09:00 Departure 18:00
   The ‘summer city’ of Mandal welcomes us to its sunny beachfront and lovely harbour for an afternoon of history, architecture, and fresh fare from the ocean. Stroll along an 800km stretch of golden Sjøsanden Beach, explore the city's pier, venture into the archipelago, visit museums, or find peace in Norway’s largest wooden church. Established by King Eric of Pomerania as a major salmon trading station, Mandal has morphed into one of the prettiest harbours lined by whitewashed houses. Descend to the Lindesnes lighthouse to find small lakes and coves dotted with isolated islands. Tour the birthplace of Gustav Vigeland, one of Norway's greatest artists, where his quest for spirituality began.
4. Day 4 , Time at Sea 2028-07-19
   With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
5. Day 5 , Geiranger, Norway 2028-07-20 Arrival 08:00 Departure 17:00
   Nestled at the end of a fantasy fjord (one of two in Norway singled out for UNESCO status), Geiranger is a flawless illustration of a small coastal Nordic village. Soak it all in as you stand in the rainbow-mist of the Seven Sisters waterfalls then catch your breath as you walk on air at Geiranger Skywalk for the best views of Geirangerfjord. Hike stone steps to find yourself standing behind a stunning plummet of melted snow; e-bike up mountain ridges and into lush farms; delve into vivid blue waters by fast boat or slow kayak; wherever you weave, you will find inner peace and preservation in this deeply sacred site of Mother Nature’s fertile grounds and snow-capped mountains.
6. Day 6 , Bergen, Norway 2028-07-21 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
   Lovingly known as the ‘heart of the fjords’, this city nestled between seven mountains has plenty to live up to. Burrowed between the mighty Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord fjords – the biggest in Norway – the sensational beauty of Bergen is best appreciated from the top of the funicular, Fløibanen. Flightsee around the peak for a summit advantage to enjoy panoramic views of this city’s beauty. Hike to Fløyen or mountain bike to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Bryggen, before winding down to the sound of calming piano recitals honouring Edvard Grieg Troldhaugen. Raft, crab, kayak or head to a local farm. With lungs full of fresh air and hearts full of love, sink into seafood heaven at the historic fish market to consume mouth-watering Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and customary persetorsk.
7. Day 7 , Flåm, Norway 2028-07-22 Arrival 08:00 Departure 18:00
   Nested deep between towering mountains are narrow valleys, a mile-deep fjord and a little village called Flåm. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, visit the Borgund Stave Church museum or board the astonishing Flåmsbana train, often titled the world's most beautiful rail journey. Climb aboard and witness waterfalls, fjords and farms so remote you wonder how they got there. Fish, cycle or experience a RIB safari through the slender Nærøyfjord - part of the UNESCO world heritage - as you appreciate the surreal landscape. Head into the abyss on the dramatic Stegastein, or - for the less adventurous but no less curious - sip homemade specialties at the local brewery.
8. Day 8 , Haugesund, Norway 2028-07-23 Arrival 09:00 Departure 18:00

   Stories of the sagas carry on the wind in Haugesund, home of Viking chiefs and a gateway to Norway’s southwestern fjords. The horizon narrows in Åkrafjord, a cinematic landscape of heather covered hillsides and dark granite cliffs, crowned by the epic torrent of Langfoss waterfall. Delve into the Viking heritage in Avaldsnes and pay respects at the monolithic Haraldshaugen, monument to King Harald Fairhair, who united the Viking clans 1,000 years ago to form the Kingdom of Norway. 

9. Day 9 , Eidfjord, Norway 2028-07-24 Arrival 08:00 Departure 18:00

   In a land carved by the passage of time, Vøringsfossen waterfall plummets nearly 200 metres into the canyon below, an unrelenting torrent that thunders down the steep gneiss and granite walls of Måbødalen valley. Sip traditional Norwegian cider in a hillside orchard before cruising or kayaking through the glassy waters of Hardangerfjord, and note the contrasts of colour and texture while hiking across the wildflower-covered meadows and mountain lakes of Hardangervidda National Park. 

10. Day 10 , Time at Sea 2028-07-25
    With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
11. Day 11 , Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium 2028-07-26 Arrival 09:00 Departure 18:00
    Fill your senses with wonderful Flemish flavour in UNESCO-praised Bruges. Relax amongst tree-lined canals and cobbled pathways to learn secrets of the city’s world-famous chocolate. Partake in beer tasting, beer blending and beer sinking. Explore the medieval streets of the old town for classic cathedrals, gabled facades and unique Art Deco taverns. Head out to the pretty countryside, ride along canals and shop for comic books, lace and yet more chocolate. And as you slowly savour the taste of Belgian sustainable culture, enjoy a classic waffle that melts in your mouth.
12. Day 12 , Southampton, United Kingdom 2028-07-27 Arrival 07:00
    Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.