Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• $1500 flight credit per person
• 3 nights accommodation in London including breakfast
• Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds Tour
• 14 night Christmas Expedition cruise onboard MS Maud, Dover return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues
• House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water, tea and coffee
• A wide range of activities & entertainment onboard
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Lectures, citizen science programs, photography advice and more
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise
• Private transfers throughout London to Dover, return

***Rate is based on twin share for travel 20 December 2023 to 6 January 2024***

Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds
Discover the resplendent English county of Oxfordshire, an area renowned for its rolling green hills, spectacular stately homes and quintessentially English market towns. See beautiful Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill was born and raised, plus visit some iconic filming locations from the popular BBC TV series 'Downton Abbey'. Downton Abbey Village The first part of our journey sees us head out of the hustle and bustle of London and into the serene expanses of the Cotswolds, England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nestled in the rolling hills here is the quaint village of Bampton. This little traditional English village has most recently been the filming location for the popular period drama television series, Downton Abbey. You'll see the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, the village church, as well as the location for two fictional local pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck. The Cotswolds & Bourton-on-the-Water After a brief journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, we will arrive at our next destination. Straddling the River Windrush is the lovely village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as the 'Venice of the Costwolds'. This quintessentially English village is a must-see for all visitors to the Cotswolds. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience in a riverside café, or take a stroll down the river banks and peruse the eclectic mix of local stores offering everything from homemade ice cream to charming gifts for friends and family back home. Blenheim Palace This awe-inspiring stately home, the current private residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, is perhaps best-known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Admire the stunning details behind the portraits, tapestry and furniture in the lavishly decorated State Rooms, which includes furniture ornate furniture by Boulle, Savonniere carpet and the iconic 'Victories' series of tapestries celebrating the Duke's victory over the French armies of 'The Sun King', Louis XIV, at the Battle of Blenheim. Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped formal gardens designed by Lancelot' Capability' Brown and more than 2,000 acres of parkland, or walk in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit his most cherished outdoor places on the grounds of Blenheim Palace, including the spot where he proposed to Clementine Hozier.

Christmas Expedition Cruise

Day 1: Dover
If you have time, take a walk alongside or atop Dover’s iconic white cliffs before embarking your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud. Once on board, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and attend a mandatory safety drill. When the ship sets sail, your Christmas and New Year’s adventure to the Arctic is officially underway! Later in the evening, we’ll call on the port of Harwich, which is one of the most important ports on the Essex coast. To celebrate the start of our journey, you’ll enjoy a local sea shanty performance before crossing the North Sea.

Day 2-3: At Sea
You’ll have a truly memorable Christmas as we sail to Norway over the next two days. You can relax in the sauna, soak in a hot tub or listen to insightful lectures from the Expedition Team. They’ll share their extensive knowledge about the places, Christmas traditions, history, and natural phenomena you are likely to encounter. On Christmas Day, we’ll sit down to a meal inspired by the Christmas dinner that Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen ate on his expedition to the North Pole in 1893. Washed down with a generous glass (or more) of local akevitt (snaps) and beer, this is one Christmas you’ll remember for years to come!

Day 4: Outside Leon
Today marks the start of Romjulen, the quieter period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many Norwegians head to the slopes to go skiing or sledding. You’ll be admiring the scenic winter landscapes as we sail into Norway’s sixth-longest fjord, Nordfjord. Thanks to the smaller size of our ship, you’ll get closer to the scenery and small communities Norway is famous for. One such place is Loen, a tiny fishing village dating back to pre-Viking times. In the shadow of the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier, at the very heart of Nordfjord, Loen is the perfect place to explore the gorgeous surroundings.

Day 5: At Sea
Relax in the ship’s Explorer Lounge or take in the scenery out on deck as we sail through Helgeland county, home to the Seven Sisters mountain range. The Expedition Team continues its onboard lecture series and there may be a photography workshop, giving you top tips on how to capture the best Northern Lights images. It’s the Polar Night above the Arctic Circle, but it won't be complete darkness. You’ll get to experience the very romantic ‘blue hour’. This is an extended twilight where the winter sun glows just below the horizon, bathing Norway’s fjords and mountains in a dreamy cobalt-blue light.

Day 6: Reine
Welcome to the picture-perfect fishing village of Reine in the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. You’ll immediately recognise the snow-covered fishing huts, or rorbuer, that dot the shoreline. After exploring pretty Reine, you’ll visit Å. It’s one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway and features delightful cultural attractions, including the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Later, we return to Reine where there may be opportunities to go on hikes with the Expedition Team or even try some winter kayaking. The views here will certainly tempt you to sign up for either.

Day 7: Alta
Alta is the turning point of your expedition and one of the northernmost towns in the world. This is a cute town to stroll around, decorated in Christmas lights and snow. Dubbed ‘The Northern Lights City,’ Alta sits directly beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone known for consistent Northern Lights activity. If the heavens aren’t overcast, and the conditions are right, you might be in for a show. You’ll learn more about the aurora at the modern Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, located at the end of the Christmas-decorated pedestrian street. You can also visit a Sámi village on an optional excursion.

Day 8: Tromsø
Scan for humpback whales out on deck or in the Explorer Lounge as we sail to Tromsø, capital of the Arctic. The city is especially pretty around Christmas, adorned with lights and decorations. You’ll spend your day discovering its fascinating history, culture and bold architecture.The Arctic Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø, especially when lit up at night. Check out the Polar Museum to learn about Tromsø’s fabled explorer history and join the friendly locals in the town’s many pubs, including the world’s northernmost brewery.

Day 9: Narvak
Narvik has a spectacular setting on a peninsula surrounded by three fjords and majestic mountains. Browse the town’s galleries, museums and restaurants, which specialise in locally-sourced produce. We aim to find calm waters for our special New Year’s Eve dinner. Expect caviar, king crab, and beef, salmon or nut roast Wellington. Round it off with an aquavit sorbet to kick off more New Year’s Eve celebrations aboard the ship for the rest of the evening. As the party reaches its climax and the clock counts down to midnight, you might be treated to fireworks. Not a bad way to see in 2024!

Day 10-11: At Sea
Over the next two days we’ll go off the beaten track, heading wherever takes our fancy. Activities and any landings will be chosen by the Expedition Team. They’ll draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to bring you to the most exhilarating and scenic locations. There are many islands and fjords to discover in this region, and we’ll get a closer look at some of them. Our expedition boats will take us ashore, giving you the chance to see local wildlife. Weather conditions will also play a part in deciding where to explore – so all we can say is expect the unexpected!

Day 12: Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities and perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm. Your included activity is a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen. Prepare to bask in stunning views over the city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Once back in the centre of Bergen, check out the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with distinctive wooden wharves. Across from Bryggen is Bergen’s famous fish market, full of sights, sounds and scents to savour.

Day 13: Egersund
You’ll go back in time as you stroll around Egersund, admiring the rustic wooden houses and narrow streets. At this time, they’re normally decked out in festive decorations, fairy lights and a Christmas tree in the town square. Peruse the many beautifully decorated shops of the pedestrianised town centre. Check out the local chocolate and ice cream factory. There are small windows inside where you can see tasty treats being prepared. Indulge in gourmet chocolate and pick from a range of ice cream flavours. We recommend the pepperkake-is, gingerbread ice cream!

Day 14: At Sea
Make the most of your day on board MS Maud. You may want to soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, relax in the Explorer Lounge or sit back and edit the photographs from your trip. Likely, you’ll spend your day reflecting on all the wonderful experiences you’ve had. Like the sensation of standing in awe under the Northern Lights or the spectacular scenery of the Lofoten Islands. Don’t miss the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of our memorable expedition cruise to the fjords of Norway. Their enthusiasm might tempt you to return, but perhaps in a different season next time.

Day 15: Dover
Today you’ll say farewell to Ms Maud, taking with you memories of Norway in winter during Christmas time - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities, and – hopefully – the Northern Lights. But before you rush off, Dover has attractions you won’t want to miss. No trip here is complete without walking alongside or atop the iconic White Cliffs that have become a symbol for England. You might also like to visit Dover Castle, tipped to be the largest in England and home to a rare Roman lighthouse. Whatever’s next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!