Experience the Northern Lights

Arrive Oslo and make your own way to your central hotel in the heart of Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller. If you arrive early, we can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle & the Harbour area. Check in will be between 10am - 3pm. Close to the hotel, climb the new Opera House for a chance to orient yourself to this small capital. If you have a few hours, we suggest heading to close by beautiful peninsula of Bygdøy by ferry to visit the Fram Museum this afternoon.

Your Tour Leader will meet you this evening in the hotel lobby and then enjoy a welcome dinner.

The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller, and you have a full day to discover the city. After breakfast, you will meet a specialist Oslo guide for a four hour city tour by minibus.

Afterwards, you can walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, the Harbour area and the new Opera House.

Catch an early morning train from Oslo to Myrdal. The train journey over Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau is spectacular. In the comfort of your train, watch fjord scenery with beautiful waterfalls, flowing rivers, deep valleys and mountains.

Arrive in Flåm and have the afternoon to explore this small fjord side village. Optional walks and activities available.

The day starts with a spectacular 2-hour fjord cruise from Flåm to the tiny fjord village of Gudvangen. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Aurlandsfjord & the Næroyfjord-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat docks in Gudvangen, and from there the journey continues by a private transfer along the scenic route to Bergen.

On arrival into Bergen, settle into your hotel and perhaps head down to the fish market or fish restaurants by the wharf for dinner.

After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen, including the famous Bryggen, the old Hanseatic Quarter.

The afternoon is free in Bergen - be sure to enjoy the indoor & outdoor fish markets with their platters, sushi & paella options. Ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Keep an eye out for your coastal voyage vessel that arrives into Bergen during the afternoon.

In the mid afternoon you will transfer to the cruise terminal for check-in. Settle into your cabin & then meet your escort for your first meal on-board the ship.

Please note, you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to check in/cabin.

An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and included details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The cruise tour leader on board will assist with general information and optional excursions available.

A winter voyage along Norway’s coast is a truly magical experience. The landscape is blanketed in pristine snow, the air is crisp and invigorating, and clusters of warm, glowing houses dot the shoreline like flickering embers.

As your ship sails north, weaving past skerries and scattered islands, you’ll arrive in Ålesund, a town known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll through the charming pedestrian streets of Apotekergata and Kongensgate, where the buildings tell stories of a beautifully rebuilt city. For a panoramic view, climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla, where the winter landscape stretches out in all directions. Don’t miss the Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken) — one of Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, offering a fascinating glimpse into marine life along the Norwegian coast.

Next, you’ll visit Molde, often called the “Town of Roses,” even in winter. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking Molde Panorama, a sweeping view of 222 snow-capped mountain peaks that line the horizon.

Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. Overnight on board the ship.

A visit to the historic royal city of Trondheim in winter is like stepping into a snowy fairytale. For a perfect view of the city, head to the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybrua). Built in 1861, this neo-Gothic wooden bridge was once the only way into the town centre and still offers one of the most picturesque views of the city, especially when dusted with snow.

Nearby stands the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s largest Gothic church, built between 1070 and 1300. Just next door, in the Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are safely housed. As you explore Trondheim, you’ll also see the charming Hanseatic-style storehouses along the river, perched on wooden stilts, and the grand Stiftsgården, the largest wooden palace in Norway and the royal residence when the monarchy visits the city.

As your ship departs Trondheim, it sets course for the scenic Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, standing proudly among a maze of tiny islands and rocky outcrops. The journey continues through the narrow and dramatic Stokksund strait, before arriving in the welcoming coastal town of Rørvik, known for its maritime charm and winter tranquility.

This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, your ship will pass a small islet marked by a globe — signaling your crossing of the Arctic Circle. This invisible line marks the gateway to the Arctic region. In summer, it brings the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets. But in autumn and winter, it offers something even more magical: some of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

To mark the occasion, first-time Arctic travellers are invited to take part in a light-hearted tradition: the Arctic Circle Baptism, hosted by Njord, the mythical ruler of the Seven Seas. It involves a brisk ice cube down your back or front — completely optional, but always entertaining to watch!

As the journey continues toward Bodø, the ship sails along the stunning Helgeland coast. One of the highlights is Torghatten, a mountain famous for the massive hole that runs straight through its center—30 meters high, 25 meters wide, and 160 meters deep.

During the night, your ship navigates the narrow and dramatic Raftsund strait, a passage made even more magical under the winter sky. After a brief stop in Harstad, located on Hinnøya — Norway’s largest island — you continue sailing via Finnsnes toward Tromsø, where you’ll enjoy an extended stay.

Tromsø has long been a gateway to Arctic exploration. Legendary expeditions, including those led by Roald Amundsen, began here, with the city providing both crew and supplies. Today, Tromsø remains a hub of polar research, home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, and proudly holds the title of Norway’s Polar Capital.

Be sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), a modern architectural icon that glows beautifully in the winter light. For panoramic views of the snow-covered city and surrounding fjords, take the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen, a mountain ledge offering breathtaking vistas. And if you're in the mood to warm up, why not enjoy a drink from the world’s northernmost brewery?

After your time in Tromsø, the journey continues north into one of the best regions for spotting the Northern Lights. As night falls, gather on deck or beneath the ship’s glass roof and keep your eyes on the sky—this is one of the most awe-inspiring natural displays on Earth, and winter offers the perfect stage.

Today, your ship sails through the icy waters of Magerøysund, making an early stop in Hammerfest before continuing to Honningsvåg, the gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the Arctic: the North Cape. Towering 300 metres above the ocean at 71° 10′ 21″ N, this dramatic cliff places you just 2,000 kilometres from the Geographic North Pole. Standing on the North Cape Plateau in winter, with snow swirling and the sea stretching endlessly below, truly feels like standing at the edge of the world.

This remote region is also a haven for Arctic birdlife. Nearby lies Gjesværstappan, a protected bird sanctuary that hosts up to 250,000 seabirds, including puffins and other species rarely seen elsewhere on the Norwegian mainland.

In the summer, you might spot reindeer herds and Sámi campsites, but in winter and spring, the experience is more intimate. Sometimes, local fishermen from Kjøllefjord come aboard to share their fresh catch—cod and king crab, straight from the icy Barents Sea.

As you approach Kjøllefjord, keep an eye out for Finnkirka, a striking rock formation that rises like a cathedral from the sea. This sacred site holds deep spiritual significance for the indigenous Sámi people, adding a layer of cultural depth to the dramatic Arctic landscape.

You will arrive in Vadsø early in the morning. Located in the Varanger region this is one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic due to it being directly in the path of the birds migrating from east to west.

The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. The well policed Russian border and the Koala peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.

Disembark the ship and get ready for a totally unforgettable experience on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to catch, learn how to cook, and most importantly eat the Arctic King Crab. If you enjoy eating crab, be sure to arrive HUNGRY!

The Arctic King Crab is one of the most sought-after meals in top restaurants, and yet here, you get to eat the best and the freshest, pulled from the fjord in front of your eyes. You all take part in helping to saw the hole in the ice and bring up the catch. You will see how the crab is prepared by your master guide, and you will be taken by snowmobile sled (an experience in itself) to a beautiful farmhouse by the lake.

It is here by a cosy log fire that your King Crab meal awaits. Although presentation is simple, the superb, white leg meat and claws with their particularly juicy and naturally sweet taste puts this meal in a league of its own.

Warm clothing and a helmet is provided. Please note: This tour is done by snowmobile (the fisherman drives the snowmobile with you in a sled behind the snowmobile), and not by divers or in a boat.

Today you will visit and see the snow rooms at the Snow Resort. Explore this hand-built snow hotel and perhaps enjoy a drink at the icebar (extra cost) before heading to your Gamme pine cabin, a short walk away in the same resort.

Your evening will then progress to a delicious 3 course dinner. The food served is charmingly traditional and locally sourced. Your guide will be available to help you prepare for the evening ahead, making sure you are as comfortable as possible. After dinner you will have the opportunity to walk around the snow resort and say hello to the resident reindeers, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

After breakfast, take a drive through wild forests and around pristine lakes to Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders).

In Inari, we will enjoy lunch and a guided tour at a cultural site dedicated to Sámi heritage. The guide will provide insights into the exhibitions, offering a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of the Sámi people.

From Inari we will continue to the Aurora Village, our home for the next 3 nights.

Check in to your glass roofed Aurora Cabin where you will be spending three nights. You will also get your Winter clothing set (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf).

Dinner is included at the restaurant. On one of the evening's during your stay at the Aurora Village Ivalo, an 'Aurora Hunting by Car' tour is included - the night it is done depends on the weather as it is planned to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

After breakfast, meet the reindeers. In the old days people used reindeer for transportation. Today you will meet the local reindeers at work, Manu, Pelokas and Papu. Papu will take you for a short reindeer sleigh ride. In a traditional Kota-tent you will have tea, coffee and a small snack by the open fire while our Sámi-reindeer herder tells you stories about reindeer. You can also try your skills at throwing lasso!

In the afternoon, join an exciting snowmobile safari. You will be kitted out in warm clothing before leaving. Two persons share one snowmobile and there will be an opportunity to change drivers during the safari.

Afterwards, if the skies are clear, head out for a walk to look for the northern lights! Dinner at the restaurant.

After breakfast, get ready for today's husky safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.

On arrival at the husky farm, dressed in your warm outer thermal suit, gloves and hat, you will be presented with your very own husky team. You will be given a lesson on how to drive the sledge and how to observe important hand signals given by your leader.

Each team consists of about six dogs, you, the driver, and your passenger who is comfortably seated in the wooden sledge. The driver and the passenger can change places during the safari.

In the evening we will enjoy a special farewell dinner. Toast your trip with your fellow group members!

After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo Airport. You can add an extra few days in Helsinki and a day tour to Tallinn as an extended package.