Ultimate Norway

Transfer to the port and embark your ship. Since 1893, Hurtigruten ships have provided vital links between cities, towns and hamlets on Norway’s shores, delivering post, local passengers, freight and today holidaymakers up and down the stunning Norwegian coast. When you sail with Hurtigruten, you are on an expedition with likeminded adventurers who value personal growth and exploration. On board, enjoy a casual and relaxed atmosphere, great food, and all the quality equipment you need to explore new destinations

If you wake up early, you have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordford. The ship then navigates through skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. In the summer months, you’ll set course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerford passing sheer, 800 metre cliffs and impressive waterfalls en route. In autumn, you’ll explore Hjørundford, situated amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps

Few large cities have managed to preserve their intimacy as eff ectively as Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim, which you can also explore from sea level in a kayak along the River Nid×. During spring and summer, you continue to the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where the history of Norway’s music is brought to life. This beautiful manor house is surrounded by a wonderful botanical garden, and provides fantastic views of both the city and the ford. From September to May you can experience Trondheim in a vintage carriage on the world’s northernmost tram for a unique sightseeing tour

Today you’ll cross the Arctic Circle! In summer, this means 24-hour daylight – often referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun’. If you are sailing in Arctic waters for the fi rst time, you can participate in a daytime Arctic Circle ceremony on deck. Later this afternoon, the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall appears on the horizon. Tucked between majestic granite cliff s and white sandy beaches, Lofoten is an experience that is out of the ordinary.

Today, visit Tromsø, ‘Capital of the Arctic’. In spring, you can complete your stay in Tromsø with a thrilling husky dog sledge ride. On this mini polar expedition, the huskies pull you over the frozen landscape while you enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus. In summer, join a kayaking excursion and paddle in the waters off the Tromsø coastline with the mountains as a stunning backdrop. Please note, excursions are available at a supplement. 

Enjoy magnificent sub-Arctic landscapes as you cross the 71st parallel. In summer, you may see herds of grazing reindeer and small camps belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. From Honningsvåg, you can join an optional excursion to the North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent – make sure you get a photo with the iconic globe sculpture. Excursion available at a supplement.

This morning, arrive in Kirkenes, the turning point for the return journey southwards. The ports previously visited by night are now seen by day. The Russian border is a just few miles away and depending on the season, there are many ways to visit the Russian frontier.

At Honningsvåg, you can join an excursion that features breakfast at the North Cape. In spring, you’ll sail through the beautiful Lyngenford, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps, and where you may be visited by a local fisherman who shares a taste of fresh locally-caught prawns. You’ll then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Experience the breathtaking acoustics and hear Norwegian folk songs and hymns performed by professional musicians. Excursions available at a supplement.

The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery you will see during the entire coastal voyage. Later, reach the spectacular Trollford, only 2km long and 100m wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. Steep cliffs hug the ship’s sides and the dramatic landscape conjures fairy tale images of an imaginary land of trolls. Trollford is also the realm of the sea eagle.

Sail along the Helgeland coast, passing hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. On deck, you can see the strange mountain Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole right through the middle. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ influenced ancient myths.

Today, provides another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. In Kristiansund, you can join an excursion to the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations. It is 8.2km long, built on a total of eight bridges and surrounded by picturesque landscapes and open sea. Excursion available at a supplement.

Transfer to the airport for your fl ight to London