Joining the ship in Bergen, we embark on the classic journey that will take us from the lush green south to the wild and remote north. The coastal voyage spends six nights travelling north and calls at a total of 34 ports from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north. This allows plenty of time to sit back and absorb the stunning scenes that surround us, and join an outstanding range of excellent excursions along the way.
Every day offers a new highlight, and the first few days alone take us to the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, medieval Trondheim with its Gothic Cathedral, final resting place of the founder of the city, St. Olav, and the visually awesome UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord (summer departures only), where waterfalls cascade around us from way up high. As we travel further north we cross the Arctic Circle, visit Tromsø and have the opportunity to experience mainland Europe’s most northerly point – North Cape, before reaching Kirkenes, remote outpost of northern Europe and the end point of our voyage.
Embark your ship in Bergen. Depart in the evening, enjoy the relaxed ambience of life on board and an opportunity to meet fellow passengers as you take in the spectacular landscapes.
Day 2Alesund
An early arrival at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund affords an opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town, renowned for its art nouveau architecture. Departures in the summer months will sail into the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, where tumbling waterfalls, rugged cliffs and majestic mountains are mirrored in the deep still water. In the autumn, the ship will explore Hjorundfjord located amidst the Sunnmore Alps.
Day 3Trondheim
Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture. Excursions include the medieval Nidaros Cathedral, the enthralling Ringve Music Museum and kayaking (Spring and Summer departures). This afternoon, cruise past the Kjeungskjaer lighthouse and the narrow Stokksund.
Day 4Bodo
Your ship crosses the Arctic Circle. In the summer, this means 24-hour daylight. Continue to the modern town of Bodo from where you can join our Saltstraumen Safari and witness the world's strongest maelstrom. This afternoon, the impressive Lofoten Wall appears on the horizon and the Lofoten Islands are revealed. Perhaps take a stroll around the fisherman's huts, before continuing to Stamsund, where there is the option to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. Between Stamsund and Svolvaer there is the opportunity to visit a herb and cheese farm and Lofoten's only craft brewery.
Day 5Tromso
A relaxing morning at sea precedes our arrival in Tromso, the capital of the Arctic. Modern shops and cafes provide a vibrant contrast to the stunning stained glass of the Arctic Cathedral, whilst the Polar Museum and Polaria centre explore Arctic life over the centuries. Choose from a superb range of optional excursions during your time here.
Day 6Hammerfest
Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape. Optional excursions include a bird-watching safari to see Finnmark's largest flock of puffins and a tour of a fishing village. Later, the ship continues north into the heartland of the Sami, passing the sacred rock formation of Finnkirka.
Day 7Kirkenes
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Sami communities of Northern Finland. Here you bid farewell to your fellow passengers, the ship and crew.
Voyage North ItineraryItinerary is subject to change.
