In Search of the Northern Lights

Fly in to London and take a ride to the historic town of Oxford, about an hour away. Check in to your centrally located hotel and relax this evening. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Oxford so you can make the most of your visit.

After a morning at your leisure, journey through the rolling Hampshire countryside to Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey,” for a Privileged Access visit. Built in the Victorian Gothic style by Sir Charles Barry, who also built the Houses of Parliament, this is the country seat of the distinguished Earls of Carnarvon, renowned for their influence abroad as well as in Britain. You will be welcomed with a cup of tea before being given a tour of the castle’s public rooms. (B)

Enjoy a walking tour of the colleges of the oldest university in the English-speaking world—Oxford University. One of the world’s most prestigious establishments, it has educated Nobel Prize winners, monarchs and world leaders, authors, and actors. Afterward, visit Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, for a tour of its grand State Rooms. On your return to Oxford, drive through the enchanting stone villages of the Cotswolds. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship. (B)

Disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Bergen. After check-in, you may explore on your own or join an optional excursion; visit the Rosenkratz Tower and the famed Bryggen Museum, or take a cruise along Bergen’s beautiful fjords. This evening, you may choose to attend an evening performnce by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Bergen so you make the most of your visit.

Explore the historic port city of Bergen at your leisure or you may choose to join an optional shore excursion. Perhaps ride the picturesque Bergen railway to Voss, try your hand at crab fishing with a local fisherman or explore the Hardanger Fjord and sample its regional cider. This evening, you may dine at your hotel or head out to one of the city’s eateries. (B)

This morning, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Disembark your ship and depart Bergen with a short flight to Oslo. Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, you may choose to relax or begin your discovery of Oslo. Take a walk through Vigeland Park, named for the sculptor whose stone and bronze works adorn this expansive green space. You might also stroll along the revitalized waterfront, lined with modern architecture. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Oslo so you can make the most of your visit.

Immerse yourself in the history and artistic legacy of Oslo at your own leisurely pace today. Visit the 700-year-old Akershus Fortress, a fascinating blend of medieval and Renaissance styles at which the history of Oslo unfolded. Or spend time browsing the treasures of the Munch Museum, a priceless repository of the paintings, drawings, sculptures and personal items of Norway’s most famous artist. (B)

On your final day, you will transfer to the airport for your return flight home.