Seabourn, which will be traveling the waters of the North Atlantic, North and Baltic Seas, Kiel Canal and more this summer, is set to debut new shore excursions in places such as Iceland and Estonia. Aboard Seabourn Ovation, guests will have a selection of brand-new shore excursions highlighting local culture, history and nature.
The new shore excursions available include unique partner tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, “flightseeing” via airplane, culinary experiences, waterborne adventures and optional for-charge Ventures by Seabourn expeditions in select destinations. A sneak peek of new excursions:
Lake Myvatn Ultimate Flight (Akureyri, Iceland) – The flightseeing tour heads over Icelandic landscapes where “Game of Thrones” and “Oblivion” were filmed. Look for natural features such as Godafoss waterfall; Vatnajökull Glacier National Park with Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe; and Asbyrgi Canyon, held by legend to been carved by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odinn.
Bremen’s Medieval Old Town & City Hall (Bremerhaven, Germany) – This UNESCO Partner Tour highlights the architectural and historical splendor of Bremen, Germany. Stops include the gothic-style Town Hall, constructed in the 15th century; sculptures of Bremen Town Musicians and Roland, paladin of the first Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne; and the restored Bremen Cathedral.
Vision of the Fjords (Flam, Norway) – Another UNESCO Partner Tour, guests will explore the scenery of the Flåm region of Norway by land and sea. Board the hybrid vessel Vision of the Fjords to cruise Aurlandsfjord into the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord, a 10.5-mile-long fjord nestled between steep mountainsides and waterfalls. Back on land, a picturesque drive takes in the settlement of Gudvangen and panoramic views the fjord and Aurland village from 2,000 feet above.
Royal Jelling (Frederica, Denmark) – On this UNESCO Partner Tour, proceed through the picturesque Danish countryside to the Royal Jelling Museum of Denmark, site of the runic-covered Jelling Stones from the 10th century recounting the victory of Christianity over Nordic gods. Guests will also pass through Vejle, an historic town with relics from the Stone, Bronze, Iron and Viking ages.
Inside Tour: Hamburg & The Beatles (Hamburg, Germany) – Get acquainted with the city through the eyes of the young Beatles, with a walking tour of original scenes from the earliest moments of their incredible career, including the clubs they played and the places they stayed. As John Lennon said, “I was born in Liverpool, but I grew up in Hamburg.”
Ventures by Seabourn: In the Vikings Footsteps: A Walk to Herjolfsdalur (Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland) – This Ventures by Seabourn outing follows the footsteps of Vikings who camped in a natural amphitheater facing the ocean in Herjolfsdalur. They stayed years, and the foundations of several buildings are the earliest known settlement in Iceland.
Fortress Suomenlinna (Helsinki, Finland) – This UNESCO Partner Tour explores Suomenlinna Fortress Island in Helsinki, Finland, a military monument created in the 18th century. A guide will lead guests to Bastion Bistro, housed in a building dating back to 1892, to sample the island’s beer and brewery tradition.
Saaremaa & the Craft of Beer Making (Saaremaa, Estonia) – Start the day at Pöide microbrewery before heading off on a walking tour through Old Town Kuressaare, capital of Saaremaa Island in the Baltic Sea. A panoramic drive reveals more of Kuressaare back to port.
Sand, Art & Local Produce (Skagen, Denmark) – The fishing village of Skagen is the northernmost town in Denmark, with a bustling harbor lined with wooden warehouses that have been converted into seafood restaurants. This culinary tour includes a drive to view the exhibits of Skagen Odde Naturcenter, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon of Sydney Opera House fame. Guests will then visit Pakhuset for marinated herring washed down with Aquavit.
Behind the Scenes at the Marlinsky Theatre & Tea with a Ballerina (St. Petersburg, Russia) – This tour offers a backstage tour of the world-renowned Marlinsky Theatre, part of the St. Petersburg UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the company of a curator. A short transfer arrives at a downtown restaurant where guests will share tea, pastry and conversation with a Russian ballerina.
Berlin: East, West & Canals (Szczecin, Poland/Berlin, Germany) – This “Best Of” tour begins with a guided scenic drive through the North German countryside, with stops at Gendarmenmarkt Square and Brandenburg Gate. A cruise will reveal the sights and sounds of Berlin from the water as it passes through the inner city with views of the Reichstag, the Berlin Cathedral and more. Afterwards, stop at Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall before returning to the port of Szczecin.
Grøtfjord Exploration by RIB and Bus (Tromso, Norway) – Take an adventure deep into nature by rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and bus. Destinations include Kvalsundet, crossing the bridge of Kvaløya Island; the very low “ghost island” of Gåsvær; the fishing village of Vengsøya; the idyllic village of Grøtfjorden with its white beach; and the quintessential Norwegian fishing village of Kaldfjorden, the departure point for a RIB ride down the fjord back to Tromsø.
Dettifoss: Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall (Vopnafjördur, Iceland) – Guests will visit and experience the roar of Dettifoss thundering through the Jökulsárgljúfur canyons and dropping into the Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacial river.
Ventures by Seabourn: Pathway to a Local Treasure - Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall (Grundarfjordur, Iceland) – Guests will join the Ventures by Seabourn team for a walking tour in the surrounding areas of the small, fishing town of Grundarfjörður, including the Kirkjufell Mountain. The trip will also stop at the beautiful waterfalls of Kirkjufellsfoss.
Ventures by Seabourn: Puffins at Papey by Zodiac (Djupivogur, Iceland) – A naturalist will guide guests around Papey Island, home to number of wildlife including eider ducks, arctic terns, puffins, black guillemot and many others. They will circumnavigate the island by Zodiac, exploring the shoreline in search of bird and seal sightings.
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