Oceania Exclusive Tour
For those travelers who prefer an added measure of intimacy and flexibility, we are pleased to offer our new Oceania Exclusive tours. With a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum capacity of just 16 guests, each tour benefits from a higher level of personal attention and the added flexibility and agility that come from traveling in a small group.
Oceania Exclusive tours are available for a specially selected number of tours in almost every port we visit, in every corner of the world.
Alesund, the largest town on the North-West coast of Norway has a spectacular setting, built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain-peaks. The town center was destroyed by fire in 1904, but rebuilt shortly after in the characteristic architecture of the period - Jugend-style. In fact, it was the German emperor Wilhelm II, a great friend of Norway, who sent masons up to help rebuild the town.
Today, Alesund has a population of 40,000 residents; however, the town center is relatively small and easy to cover on foot. Your guided walking tour of the town which begins pier-side will emphasize the importance of the fisheries in Norway's biggest fish-export harbor and you will be shown various examples of the picturesque Art Noveau-style which has made Alesund famous as one of the three last Art Nouveau-cities in Europe.
During your walk, you will also travel uphill to a small park at the foot of Mount Aksla to enjoy the vantage point. Here, you will find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the emperor Wilhelm II, who also has had the main street in town named after him. Also found here is the statue of the Viking Gange-Rolf who sailed from Alesund to what is today Normandie, France, which is named after the Norwegian settlers.
Those who feel fit can walk up a few bends towards Mount Aksla and will then be able to enjoy a spectacular view, take time to stroll around in the park or rest before you return to the ship.
Please note: Those taking part in this tour should be in good physical condition. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those guests with mobility concerns. Guests are encouraged to wear a windbreaker as well as comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. The tour does at times travel over uneven surfaces and includes gentle inclines and declines.