Day 1 - Sunday - Jul 23, 2023
Your Southern Scandinavian adventure begins. Your summer expedition cruise to southern Scandinavia starts in Dover. If you have time, take a short walk to Dover Castle, a huge fortress with dazzling views of the Channel. Then, it's time to board MS Maud. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and get to know your expedition ship, designed for exploring up close and in comfort. You'll also meet your expert Expedition Team, who'll be your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts, and guides. Relax in the Explorer Lounge and Bar and watch the world go by from the panoramic windows. Your adventure is officially underway.
Day 2 - Monday - Jul 24, 2023
Enjoy the sea air as we head to the German coast. It's time to decompress from daily life, relax, and really get into the mood for your summer expedition cruise. Brush up on Scandinavian life philosophies like Danish hygge, Swedish lagom 'not too little, not too much-just right', or Norwegian passion for nature called friluftsliv. Enjoy lectures hosted by the Expedition Team, who'll happily share their extensive knowledge of southern Scandinavia. Admire the views from MS Maud's expansive Observation Deck, meet fellow guests, take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs, or get some top tips from the professional photographer.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Jul 25, 2023
Enjoy coastal nature in Germany's "Martha's Vineyard". Today, we arrive at the picture-perfect North Frisian island of Sylt. With 25 miles of pristine dunes, beaches, and heathland, it attracts an upmarket crowd seeking sanctuary and solitude. Explore List's rustic charm, perhaps by bike, then sample the island's culinary speciality-Sylter Royal oysters-or enjoy a visit to the local ecological museum, powered by renewable energy. At low tide, a short walk along the mud flats will bring you to the biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea, and the unspoiled Ellenbogen nature reserve-a haven of tranquil, unspoiled nature by the sea.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Jul 26, 2023
| Cruising the Kiel Canal, Germany |
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Enjoy a scenic cruise through the world's busiest canal. We sail from the North Sea to the Baltic via the picturesque 61-mile Kiel Canal, also know as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, built in 1887 to help ships bypass Denmark's stormy Jutland Peninsula. Head out on deck as you pass lush countryside, quaint villages, and magnificent landscapes. You'll see daily life along the canal; grazing cattle, anglers patiently fishing, cyclists and, of course, many ships and boats. We'll traverse the impressive locks or Schleusen at Holtenau, before making a brief stop in Kiel itself. If you're here in the last week of June, you'll also catch Kiel Week, the world's largest sailing regatta.
Day 5 - Thursday - Jul 27, 2023
Rugged Skagen, a haven for artists and nature lovers. Your Scandinavian cruise continues to Denmark, as we arrive in Skagen, a popular beach town where the Baltic meets the North Sea. Inspired by its beauty, Hans Christian Andersen encouraged other artists to move here, and at Skagen Museum, you can see the works of their collective, which became hugely influential in Danish cultural history. After visiting the lively town center, you can explore the wild landscapes along nearby walking trails. At Grenen, Denmark's northernmost point, visit the Sand-Covered Church with only the tower visible, or Rabjerg Mile, the closest thing Denmark has to a desert.
Day 6 - Friday - Jul 28, 2023
Discover Sweden's scenic seaside resorts. Your expedition cruise continues to Sweden. Our first destination is the cozy seaside resort of Lysekil. With its beautiful archipelago setting, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The old town, Gamlestan, is a charming well-preserved neighborhood, perfect for a summer walk. Stop by some of the local cafes and restaurants to enjoy the region's renowned seafood. In the afternoon, we head to Smogen to enjoy the evening. Here, you'll discover rows of fishermen's houses and beautifully restored cottages with lovingly tended gardens. And in the evening, Smogen's busy waterside boardwalk is the ideal place to enjoy the relaxed summer vibes.
Day 7 - Saturday - Jul 29, 2023
Explore scenic views in this pretty summer resort. The tiny town of Fjallbacka, once the summer favorite for the Swedish movie star Ingrid Bergman, is a lively summer resort with brightly colored houses. The area has several nature reserves that are great for coastal walks. While you're here, stroll along the quayside, explore the old part of town, and stop at one of the lovely seaside restaurants. For stunning views of Fjallbacka, climb up the wooden steps to the cliffs of Vetteberget. A short drive away you'll find the Vitlycke Museum, which is located in the Tanum UNESCO World Heritage Centre, where over 600 rock carvings dating back almost 4,000 years are located.
Day 8 - Sunday - Jul 30, 2023
Explore Sweden's remarkable marine biosphere. Over the next two days, we'll explore Bohuslan archipelago, cruising up close along Sweden's beautiful west coast past pretty fishing villages. We stop at the Koster Islands, in the center of Kosterhavet Marine National Park-a haven for sea life. On North Koster, take in the rubble-stone fields at Valnas and magnificent views from Hogen on foot. On South Koster, explore the charming coastal meadows, ancient forests, and sandy beaches on walks or by bike. If conditions allow, the Expedition Team will bring you up close to Kosterhavet's teeming marine life by expedition boat, kayak, or on snorkeling trips.
Day 9 - Monday - Jul 31, 2023
Enjoy the cultural and scenic delights of Oslo. Your expedition cruise arrives in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital. With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating place to explore. You'll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture all within easy reach-including the beautiful Opera House and the new Munch Museum. Take a stroll in the stunning Ekeberg Sculpture Park, visit Akershus Fortress, or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sorenga and enjoy urban beach life. Round it all off with a meal at one of Oslo's many traditional and New Nordic eateries.
Day 10 - Tuesday - Aug 1, 2023
Islets, reefs, and coves set in an idyllic archipelago. Our southern Scandinavian cruise continues as we visit the beautiful coastal town of Kragero. Looking out over islets and reefs, this elegant resort bustles with activity in summer. Kragero has inspired many artists, drawn to its incredible light and scenery. Edvard Munch spent six years here, and you can even enjoy a Munch walk ambling through Kragero's charming narrow lanes, boutiques, and eateries. You can also join the Expedition Team on an optional island-hopping bike tour, a swim, or on nature walks. Or explore the Telemark Canal, one of the world's most beautiful waterways.
Day 11 - Wednesday - Aug 2, 2023
| Cruising Lysefjord / Pulpit Rock, Norway |
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Experience the highs of Preikestolen. You'll be treated to views of Lysefjorden's striking vertical cliffs on your final expedition day in Norway. Sailing deep into this imposing fjord, we reach the world famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock. Enjoy incredible views of the rock from below as we approach. Look out for the equally renowned Kjeragbolten, where a giant boulder seems precariously wedged in a mountain crevasse. If you're feeling adventurous, join the Expedition Team for an optional five-hour guided hike to the Preikestolen viewpoint, a dizzying 1,982 feet above Lysefjorden. After a scenic cruise of the fjord and collecting our tired but exhilarated hikers, we'll continue to Rosendal.
Day 12 - Thursday - Aug 3, 2023
The beautiful orchards and gardens of Rosendal. We sail on to Rosendal, a picturesque village at the heart of Hardangerfjorden, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Its pretty hillside apple orchards supply the fruit for the award-winning local cider. You can spend the day exploring with the Expedition Team, perhaps on optional kayaking and hiking trips, taking in the Bondhus Lake and Folgefonna Glacier. A notable attraction is Rosendal's magnificent 17th-century Baronial manor, its interiors preserved since 1927. A path through the stunning rose garden-blooming in July-leads you to the dramatic Hatteberg Waterfall.
Day 13 - Friday - Aug 4, 2023
Pretty beaches, Americana, and rich birdlife. MS Maud's smaller size allows us to explore Norway's southern coast up close as we cruise towards the fjords. With its sandy beaches, grassy dunes, and wetlands, Farsund offers some of the area's best summer birdwatching. On arrival, look out for the Marina Watchman, welcoming boats and visitors. Then take a scenic beach walk, visit the German-built WWII Nordberg Fort, or climb the Lista Lighthouse for fantastic views. You may also spot a fascination with Americana in Farsund. Learn more from the Expedition Team on how emigration to the US last century created a strong bond, celebrated each June at the American Festival.
Day 14 - Saturday - Aug 5, 2023
Enjoy your last day at sea. It's our last full day as we cruise back to Dover. Be sure to make the most of this day at sea onboard MS Maud. It's a good time to visit the Science Center and sate your curiosity about things you've seen and done. Enjoy the final daily lecture by the Expedition Team and enjoy their recap of the expedition highlights. Relive your wonderful experiences of southern Scandinavia as you share stories with fellow guests over dinner or drinks in the Explorer Bar. Relax in the hot tub or sauna or head out on deck to spot seabirds and dolphins that like to follow the ship.
Day 15 - Sunday - Aug 6, 2023
Your Scandinavian discovery tour comes to a close. After we sail past the white cliffs, there's time to enjoy a final breakfast onboard before you dock. If you have time, why not explore a little more before returning home. Dover is the gateway to English countryside, so before you rush off, why not visit Dover Castle, or the Roman lighthouse that's reputedly the UK's oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle. You'll depart with wonderful memories of your summer in Scandinavia-idyllic islands and archipelagos, picture-perfect fishing villages, wonderful fjords, impressive nature, and of course, all the people you've met along the way.
