Head north to Norway, a land experiencing the long Arctic night, giving the best opportunity to witness the spectacular aurora borealis, nature's magical light show.
Explore the heart of Stavanger's Old Town with its high concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries then cruise the Norwegian Sea to the lovely city of Bodo. See the Customs House and Gothic cathedral on an included city tour, or take an optional excursion to see the magnificent Saltstraumen Maelstrom. An overnight stop in Tromso gives ample time to explore the city's historic centre, or perhaps discover the spectacular surroundings on a husky or reindeer sleigh ride.
Alta is surrounded by magnificent natural beauty and is home to fascinating ancient rock carvings. There is the option to enjoy an overnight husky trip or a stay at the unique Igloo Hotel. In Narvik you can learn about the town's industrial heritage, enjoy an encounter with wolves or go in search of the Northern Lights. Admire the colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen Wharf and perhaps travel to the top of Mt Ulriken by cable car for magnificent views.
RV327 Operated by Viking Ocean Cruises
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In Search of the Northern Lights Itinerary
Day 1 - London Tilbury (UK)
Embark your ship in London Tilbury.
Day 2 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 3 - Stavanger (Norway)
Your ship berths in the heart of old town. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Stavanger with a visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. There are several optional excursions, including a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous "Pulpit Rock", a visit to a local home for tea and waffles, and a thrilling helicopter tour.
Day 4 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 5 - Bodo
The lovely city of Bodo lies just north of the Arctic circle and is home to a magnificent cathedral, which is visited on an included tour. Perhaps see the impressive Saltstraumen Maelstrom, try your hand at deep sea fishing or learn more about Scandinavia's military and aviation history on a visit to the Norwegian Aviation Museum.
Days 6-7 - Tromso
Known as the Capital of the Arctic, Tromso is home to the world's northernmost university, cathedral and brewery. See the city's traditional wooden buildings, neoclassical architecture and the stunning Arctic Cathedral on a guided tour. Optional excursions include a visit to the Polar Museum and the Cathedral followed by a cable car trip to the summit of Mount Storsteinen, a husky trek through the Arctic hills and a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside.
Day 8-9 - Alta
The town of Alta is situated on the Alta River, one of Norway's best rivers for salmon fishing. In winter, the northern lights often dance across the sky. A scenic tour of the city includes a visit to the Alta Museum to see the ancient rock carvings. Optional excursions include an overnight husky trip, a snowmobile ride or an overnight stay at the unique Igloo Hotel.
Day 10 - Narvik
Narvik is a beautiful modern town in the Arctic Circle which has a strong industrial heritage. Learn about the town's history and enjoy the surrounding scenery on a panoramic tour. There is also the option to experience an up close encounter with wolves at the Polar Park or visit the Narvik War Museum.
Day 11 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 12 - Bergen
Explore Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains and picturesque fjords. Berth next to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf and see the 18th-century wooden houses on your included tour. There is the option to ride to the top of Mt Ulriken, the highest of Bergen's famous "Seven Mountains", visit Lysoen Island and the treasured Fantoft Stave Church, or go shopping at the local market followed by a cookery lesson and meal on board ship.
Day 13 - Bergen - UK
Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.