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We are possibly booking a cruise aboard the new Kronigsdam on the Norse Legends itinerary. I am looking for things to do in Eidfjord, Alesund, Geranger and Bergen that have something to do with Norse Mythology or something other than looking at the Fjords. Any suggestions?

If you go to the Ports > Europe > Northern Europe and Baltic Board, you can get lots of information.

One Cruise Critic member, I-Cruiser is especially helpful.

Lots of information at the thread (link) below:

Can help with Ålesund & Norwegian Fjords:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1969271

We will be sailing on the brand new ms. Koningsdam in about 8 weeks.

Koningsdam • July 31, 2016 • 14-day Viking Sagas and Norse Legends

I started a roll call for our sailing, but unfortunately it hasn't been very active.

I found this wonderful review with spectacular photos taken by another Cruise Critic member, Miaminice.

They have a travel website that is really well done.

Here is the link:

http://www.travelandcruise.net/trave...ay/norway.html

Here are some links to some short videos I enjoyed looking at:

Rick Steves short video (5 minutes) on Bergen:

Oslo:

Hope that is helpful. Enjoy doing some research.

My favorite river cruise line... well, to be fair, it's the only one we've traveled with. :)

But, we are so happy with AMAWaterways, there is no need to try the others!

I-Cruiser, the photos are so pretty. Thanks for sharing!

I have plantar fasciitis, so I cannot wear flat shoes. I *need* a heel. I also need closed-toe shoes, or at least nothing larger than a peep-toe.

 

My favorite brand is Earthies. They are very supportive, have a strong sole and the models that have a heel are perfect.

 

I have a great pair of Bernie Mev wedges with heels, but I'm concerned that they're stretching and will make me twist my ankle.

 

Anyone else with plantar faciitis can recommend their fave shoe (not sandal)?

I like Earth and Earthies shoes, too. I have several pairs, they're so comfortable.

I personally do not suffer from plantar fasciitis, but my daughter and 2 of my co-workers do. They all wear Dansko shoes. Here is a link to their website: https://www.dansko.com

There are lots of styles to choose from in all categories: clogs, sandals, sneakers, sport, etc.

My daughter's podiatrist highly recommended Dansko, and also suggested that she apply Topricin Pain Relief Cream several times a day.

I know you're not looking for sandals, but my daughter can wear Fit Flops, and showed her sandals to her podiatrist, and he agreed that they're very good, too.

Fit Flops also has lots of styles to choose from, not just sandals.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.fitflop.com

Hope that is helpful.

We have a river cruise of the Douro in Northern Portugal in a couple of weeks then an Alaskan cruise/Canadian Rockies trip in August/September. Life is good.

We're planning a Douro River cruise for 2017. Have fun! Sure hope you'll write a review.

Safe travels!

 

I also just ran across this a couple of days ago, which may be helpful in your planning: http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/the-amalfi-coast-capri-and-naples/experiences/news/5-hidden-gems-on-the-amalfi-coast-11755

Nice article on 5 Hidden Gems on the Amalfi Coast. Thanks for the link!

I don't have a lot to offer. I've driven the coast road several times, and spent some time in Amalfi, Positano, and Vietri Sul Mare, but not in any of the other towns.

 

I did wind up walking from Minori to Amalfi a couple of years ago (it's less than three miles) after we'd started the hike up from Minori to Ravello only to encounter a "frana" (a landslide, but I had to look it up when I got back to the apartment to be sure) that completely blocked the hiking trail. So I did walk through several of the small towns but we didn't really look around.

I also can't help you much. The Amalfi Coast isn't a big draw for me. (Not as much ancient history/ruins as I like....)

 

I know Hank has talked before about staying in Praiano.

 

I also just ran across this a couple of days ago, which may be helpful in your planning: http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/the-amalfi-coast-capri-and-naples/experiences/news/5-hidden-gems-on-the-amalfi-coast-11755

Thanks, as always, for your input. On both occasions when I was in the Amalfi Coast area, it was only port days, so we crammed in as much as we could to see the most possible. I think it would be fun to spend some extended time there.

There are so many places to discover in Italy!

Bobbie

Hi 4774Papa,

Lucky you! Your trip sounds amazing.

My husband and I did a road trip in Scotland and England. It was so fun and I am so glad we took the time to see parts of the country that you can't see from a cruise ship.

I don't know if this is helpful for you, but I thought I would give you the information for the B&B's that we stayed.

Crayke (Near York)

The Durham Ox was great. Really nice cottage, excellent restaurant and lovely staff. We would definitely stay here again. Here is a link to their website: http://www.thedurhamox.com

Buford (The Cotswalds)

The Lambs Inn was great, too. Wonderful staff, very good restaurant, the garden was so pretty and such a nice place to enjoy a drink.

We would stay here again, as well. Here is a link to their website: https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-lamb-inn/

Touring the quaint towns in the Cotswolds was very enjoyable.

We picked up our rental car in Edinburgh. Driving on the left side was very challenging!

My one piece of advice (I learned the hard way.)

Get a small rental car and get the best auto insurance that includes tire damage.

The short version: I rented a beautiful Mercedes sedan, had a blow-out after I hit the median divider curb (still adjusting to driving on the left side :o) and had to have the tire replaced. Tow truck, tire replacement, lost time, etc. Very expensive lesson!

Enjoy your visit.

Transport yourself to this beautiful part of the world through this New York Times article: 36 Hours on the Amalfi Coast

 

Enjoy...

 

So John Steinbeck is to blame, not Rick Steves!

Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed reading the article and hope to visit the Amalfi Coast again. I loved that area and would like to explore more of the lesser known towns.

I am wondering if euro cruiser and cruisemom42 have visited some of the towns mentioned in the article, and what their experience was like.

I name them because I have learned so much from their good advice regarding Italy. However, I always appreciate hearing from all the seasoned travelers on CC.

Just back from my Rome/Tuscany trip. I flew in and out of FCO airport. FCO already has a different terminal (T5) for flights bound for the US and Israel with increased security. There was only one thing I noticed on this trip that was different -- we were all given a clear plastic bag upon check-in and asked to put ALL of our electronic gear (camera, tablet, e-reader, cell phone, etc.) plus any chargers into the bag for security screening. This was for items in your carry-on luggage only. Laptops still went in a separate bin.

 

I did not notice any additional security presence -- but then again, they may have been there and perhaps the point is that you don't notice them.

 

I never felt unsafe either flying or on my trip. I was in Rome on the weekend of their marathon, no one seemed unusually anxious about it.

Thanks for taking the time to share this update, cruisemom42. Lucky you, traveling to Rome and Tuscany!

We're going forward with our travel plans to Amsterdam, 14-day Norwegian Fjords Cruise, 2 days in Brugge and 3 days in London.

I won't mind having to go through any added security measures at the airports or train stations. Sadly, it's a sign of the times.

Safe travels, everyone!

I agree with cruisemom42, "The best shoes are the ones that are comfortable and supportive for your particular feet -- that's why it's difficult to name a brand."

A firm sole is very important.

I can tell you that I like to shop at The Walking Company. They have lots to choose from (sandals, clogs, athletic, etc.) and one of the best features in their store is the simulated cobblestone floor. You can try on shoes and walk on the cobblestone surface to get an idea of how it feels. Maybe there is a location near you.

I have tried many name brands; Mephisto, Clark, Ecco, Cobb Hill, Pikolinos, Merrell, etc.

I am a huge fan of Fit Flops, too. My feet get really hot walking around Rome, Pompeii, Ephesus, etc. (I can easily manage walking on uneven surfaces with my Fit Flops, but not everyone can.) You have to wear what is most comfortable and supportive for you.

Another helpful tip: I typically change shoes in the middle of the day (when I can, if the hotel is convenient) and that really helps with tired feet.

Have fun and enjoy walking around Italy and Spain!

Terry, you did it again!

Your photos and descriptions of your vacation are simply amazing.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with the Cruise Critic community.

Appreciate these super kind comments from our friend in California. Glad that my visuals have been inspiring!! As detailed below in my most recent live/blog, you need to have Africa on your future "to-do" list. Plus, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil/Amazon River, etc.

 

Keep doing your good research and planning. That really makes a difference for when you are in Norway.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 12,323 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Delta area.

Oh, my word. Thanks for sharing the link to your Africa photos. As always, the photos are amazing.

I love all the details, from the wild life to the foods you photographed.

You truly have a gift for taking great photos of your vacations, and your descriptions are wonderful.

Okay, now I have to put Africa on my Travel Bucket List.

You are costing my husband a lot of money, I will have you know. ;):eek:

Bobbie and Jim

One of my favourites in your list is Eidfjord - just beautiful with a lovely sail in. You will love it - lots of walks, a little land bus and views to die for.

Good to know! I haven't researched that port yet. We'll be there on a Friday, from 11am - 8pm, so we'll have a good chunk of time to explore.

Hello

We used the Lonely Planet Norway guide. I think all the ports we went to were in there, and it gives pointers towards the main sights. And for the larger towns there are small maps which were much better than those provided by the ship.

Thanks so much. I like Lonely Planet guides, so I will look at this one on Amazon.

I would also vote for the trip to the base of pulpit rock in Stavanger. Stavanger, is a nice little place, but if you want scenic, you will need to move on from there. Make sure you still have a good half day to see the town though.

 

Make sure you do not miss the sail out of the fjiords in Flam, Gieranger and Eidfjiord, where the sail outs can take a couple of hours or so. Missing a main meal time is worth it in our opinion. The sails in and out of the other ports will be much shorter.

Thanks for your insights about Stavanger and the fjords.

I do love the sail-in and sail-out of ports. We've experienced some unique ones in Venice and Malta.

River cruising has some lovely sail ins/outs, as well. Sailing out of Budapest is beautiful, especially at night.

Thanks, again, for taking the time to share your experience.

I am glad! We will be doing this excursion in July and I will report back with photos. When are going?

I will look forward to reading your posts/review.

We will board the new ship, ms. Koningsdam, on July 31 in Amsterdam. It is a 14-day cruise, Viking Sagas and Norse Legends.

Have a wonderful cruise!

I bought a guide book which I used along with this forum and Google to work out the best things to see!

Hi there,

Which guide book did you find most helpful?

Thanks!

I have booked a Fjord cruise for our stop in Stavenger in July.

http://www.rodne.no/news/lysefjord-sightseeing/

It looks lovely.

 

There is this option from Flåm.

https://www.visitflam.com/en/se-og-gjore/aktiviteter/fjord-cruise-naroyfjord-rundtur/

We will be going in July as well but have opted to do the train ride.

 

I have visited both Alesund and Bergen on a previous cruise and would opt to explore these very charming towns on foot. I love both of them.

 

Such a beautiful part of the world ! Enjoy!

Thanks so much for your reply and the info/link you provided. It looks like Stavanger may be the best option for us to do a fjord tour.

We are really looking forward to this cruise as it will be more relaxing and scenic than some of the other European cruises we've done.

I appreciate Cruise Critic members for sharing their knowledge and experiences!

You'll be visiting lots of wonderful locations in Norway. Good question for doing an "up close", waterside tour!! BUT, here are a few added factors to consider. We have done five of these wonderful locations, Oslo, Flam, Bergen, Geiranger and Alesund.

 

Thanks, so much, Terry. I always appreciate your helpful and detailed responses.

 

As always, your photos are stunning. I know that your photos have piqued my interest, not just for this cruise, but for many other destinations that you have shared.

 

Thank you!

We are going to be on Holland America's new ship, ms. Koningsdam, for a Norwegian Fjords cruise in August 2016.

I expect we'll see beautiful fjords from our ship. However, I am trying to figure out which port to do a small boat tour of the fjords.

While onboard the ms. Koningsdam, we'll have some "scenic cruising" in Oslo Fjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, and Hardangerfjord.

These are the ports we'll be visiting:

Kristiansand, Stavanger, Flam, Bergen, Geiranger, Alesund, Eidfjord.

Which of the ports listed above would be best for an "up close" tour of the fjords.

Thanks!

I have visited both the Anne Frank House and other Holocaust Museums around the world.

 

The objectives are different...the museums are very informative and provide a lot more as far as an overview of the Holocaust. The Holocaust Museum in DC was one of the most sobering and impactful experiences I have ever had. I think ever human being should have to visit to see what hatred and intolerance results in...

 

I found the Anne Frank to be very well done...in a different way. Much more personal - forcused on a single story, giving a very authentic slice of the reality they faced in the Annex. Perhaps because I read her diary and knew her story so well, it touched me very deeply to actually be in the rooms that she stayed..the rooms that the story took place.

Perhaps for those who did not read her story it would not have the same effect.

 

I certainly wouldn't wait in a huge line as it would take away from so much to be seen in lovely Amsterdam. I was lucky that I got online tickets and our visit was very easy to manage. A memory I will treasure.

Excellent post and good explanation.

I agree with your thoughts on the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. I have been to several Holocaust museums around the world, as well.

I will be visiting Amsterdam this summer and will visit the Anne Frank House.

Thanks!

There are a few websites that give information for ships in port.

The link below is mentioned often on Cruise Critic:

http://ports.cruisett.com

Find the country, then the port, and date. It's fairly easy to navigate the website.

Hope that helps!

We recently stayed at Albergo del Senato. It is directly across from the Pantheon, making it close walking distance to most of the major sites. We only took a taxi to the Vatican.

Check them out on Trip Advisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html

A few years ago, we stayed at Hotel Artemide. It was a great place, too. In terms of location, we preferred Albergo del Senato.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html

Both hotels had good breakfasts included, helpful staff, clean and quiet.

Sounds like we had a similar plan to yours, only in reverse.

We were in Athens for a couple of days this summer before our 14-day cruise. On our last day, we were picked up at our Athens hotel then did the half-day trip to Corinth and the Canal, then were dropped off at the cruise ship.

Our land and cruise excursions included many ruins: Athens, Corinth, Akrotiri, Palace of Knossos, Lindos, Ephesus, Pompeii, Rome... to name a few. There are so many amazing places to visit ruins on a Mediterranean cruise.

Since Corinth would be at the end of your trip, your kids might be "ruined" out.

I am glad I went to Corinth, even though I've been to many historical ruins. It was worth it to me, because of it's biblical significance. To visit locations where New Testament events took place is pretty cool.

Enjoy your trip, the Mediterranean region is amazing!