Norwegian Coast, Lofoten & Tromsø

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Bergen offers many attractions and sights - many within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).

After a leisurely breakfast on the harbour, it is time to explore the historical centre of Bergen where you'll be transported back to a time when Bergen was the centre of political power and trade for the entire North Atlantic. It was the Capital of the Kingdom of Norway for a short period, before the capital was moved to Oslo in 1299, and the town grew to become the largest in Scandinavia. The Hanseatic League established itself here in 1350 and had a trade monopoly that lasted 200 years.

An option today can be to add a day fjord tour.

After breakfast, why not do a walking tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled pack-houses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter.

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 arrive at the cruise terminal for check-in. Settle into your cabin & then meet the crew 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.

Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.

Your ship navigates the skerries and islands further north before reaching Ålesund. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct, perfect examples of the Art Nouveau style. Don’t miss out on the view from Mount Aksla but beware, there are 418 steps to the top! In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNE SCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord you pass sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls.

In autumn, you will explore the Hjørundfjord, amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character.

Note: Geirangerfjord is not able to be entered during winter. This fjord is substituted for Hjørundfjord.

Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.

When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to get a good view from the Gamle Bybrua (“Old Town Bridge”). Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between1070 and 1300, is Norway’s largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept. In Trondheim itself, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as the Rococo-style Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim. New optional activities will have you kayaking on the river Nid and into the city's smaller channels or during winter time, you have the opportunity to try typical Norwegian winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and sledding.

You then set a course for the northwest, past the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. In autumn, you will learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Norwegian coast during the Captain's talk. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship will arrive at charming Rørvik.

Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.

This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, you pass a globe on a small islet, which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle marks the border of the the Arctic reiong. In summer this means 24-hour daylight - often referred to as the 'Midnight Sun'. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.

Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down your front or back, but is entirely optional. This ceremony is tremendous fun to watch on the deck.

In the afternoon, your ship gradually closes in on the 3,280 feet high Lofoten Wall towering above the tiny and colourful fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. This is an extraordinary place to disembark and take a stroll.

These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences. The Lofoten Islands are a truly extraordinary experience.

Depart ship and meet your private transfer to your traditional self-catering fishing cabin over the water. Between Sept - Dec, cast your eyes skywards in the evening for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

NOTE: The Hurtigruten/Havila ferry arrives into Svolvær, at 21:00. You will however, need to check-out from your cabin at 12:00. You may be able to keep the cabin for an extra cost, but this cannot be pre-booked, and will depend on the availability. Luggage storage at reception.

Enjoy three full days centrally located within the stunningly beautiful Lofoten Archipelago. The Lofoten Islands offer some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with towering, pointed mountain peaks rising majestically from the sea to a height of almost 1000 metres. Many of the island interiors are swathed in emerald greens, and the shorelines are fringed with white sandy beaches.

The only included activity (only summer) is a 'not to be missed' spectacular Trollfjord RIB Safari. You will get a good understanding of the marine life in the near surroundings of Svolvær.

We have also included 2 days of car hire which allows you to explore the islands at your own pace. GPS is not included (but roads are pretty straightforward, mostly following the coastline).

Our recommended excursions are;

• Rent a bike and pedal your way through the Archipelago (summer)
• Visit to the impressive Lofotr Viking Museum (all year)
• Kayaks provide a fantastic opportunity to explore all of Lofotens small and large islands, islets and reefs (all year)
• Join an Ocean rafting trip in a rib boat (all year)
• Diving or Snorkelling in the region (all year)
• Join a traditional fishing boat and try your luck (all year, but best February to April)
• Just laze around your Rorbu and enjoy the exotic smell of dried cod (all year)
• Northern Lights viewing between September - March. The Aurora Jäger tour is a good option.

Trekking along some of the well marked paths (all year, except when too much snow)

With your car hire continuing today, you can dive deeper into the archipelago — visit fishing villages, beaches or viewpoints, or simply return to something you loved from Day 1.

All activity options remain available today, giving you total flexibility to plan your time exactly as you wish.

Options available again today include:

• Kayaking
• Biking (summer)
• Museum visit
• Hiking
• Ocean rafting
• Diving/snorkelling
• Fishing trips
• Relaxing locally

If you’re travelling between September and March, tonight is also ideal for Northern Lights viewing. The Aurora Jäger tour is a great choice.

This morning, you will drive to Harstad and drop off your car. Taxi down to the port and catch the morning ferry to Tromsø. The ferry is 3 hours and weaves through islands and around the picturesque coastline.

Tromsø is a city packed with culture, polar history and fresh locally sourced food in its numerous restaurants. Tromsø is often called "Paris of the North" and "City of Lights", and it is rare to have such a lively town located so far past the Arctic Circle. Mountains, fjords and islands surround it, making it a great base for exploring the landscape.

Ask us for information about guided walking tours including a visit to the Polar Museum, dog sledding through the beautiful winter landscape, guided northern light tours and other possible activities.

Our services end after breakfast.