Nordic Splendor: A Coastal Adventure in Norway - 2023

Your Nordic adventure begins with an overnight flight to Bergen. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension to Oslo!

After arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of Bergen. Enjoy the remainder of your day in this historic port city at leisure. Later, join your fellow travelers at the hotel for a Welcome Drink and an informative briefing about the days ahead. A light buffet dinner will wrap up our first day in Scandinavia.

Our day begins at the hotel next to Bryggen Wharf, the city’s historic waterfront area. We’ll set out to discover the colorful city of Bergen on a tour by coach. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, these traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site.

We’ll then learn about Norway’s musical legacy with a visit to Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s summer home. As one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, his work helped launch the country into international musical prominence. During a tour of Grieg’s home — now a fascinating museum — we’ll delve further into his cultural contributions.

After the museum, we'll embark on your Hurtigruten cruise ship and set sail. Because your ship is both a working and passenger vessel, your Nordic adventure will include a mix of Norwegian and international travelers as shipmates. Take the opportunity to connect with Scandinavians and learn about local life.

Included Feature:

• Panoramic city tour, including Old Town Bryggen

• Hurtigruten offers a Hiking Pass for more active travelers. Revel in fjordland’s unspoiled natural landscapes with a series of guided hikes

Rise early to make the most of Nordfjord’s majestic nature this morning before breakfast. As we cruise past the West Cape on our way to Ålesund, we’ll experience a rare venture into the open sea. Depending on the departure date, we’ll either sail past the spectacular cliffs and falls of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord or explore Hjørundfjord, settled amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps.

Depending on the season, we’ll enjoy an extended visit in the art nouveau town of Ålesund. Here, we’ll explore the cobblestoned streets and colorful architecture during a guided walking tour.

Later, we'll visit the town of Molde, a previous trading port dating to the Middle Ages. Learn about King Arthur, an icon from the Middle Ages, during a fascinating onboard lecture. We’ll be further informed about Dollsteinhola, which is rumored to be the site of the Holy Grail.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Ålesund*

• Join a guided hike through the secluded Sunnmøre Alps for vistas of majestic peaks and soaring skies

After an early arrival in Trondheim, we’ll spend the day exploring this small city on a bus tour. As one of Norway’s historic and religious cities, Trondheim has been considered the Nordic’s most important pilgrimage site since the 11th century. Witness St. Olav Ways, which comprise over 3,000 kilometers, all ending at St. Olav’s shrine (St. Olav was a Norwegian king and Catholic martyr).

On our city walk, we’ll follow the city’s old veitene, or narrow alleys, past its markets and historic warehouses. The stroll concludes with a tour inside the legendary Nidaros Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we’ll board our ship to cruise northwest. Perched among charming islets and rocky outcrops, we’ll glide past the Kjeungskjær lighthouse. An onboard lecture will cover Trondheimfjord’s geography and life during the Viking era. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship will stop at charming Rørvik. This busy fishing community lies at the center of 6,000 islands.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Trondheim, Norway's historic and religious capital

• Visit the interior of Nidaros Cathedral

• Lose yourself in Trondheim’s surrounding nature on an easy, guided mountain hike with the Expedition Team

Today, we’ll cruise past the soaring Borvass Mountains and across the Arctic Circle, where the sun can remain above or below the horizon for 24 hours. If the season is right, this is where our hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. We’ll sail along Helgeland’s beautiful coast until we reach Bodø. Here, we’ll stop for a walking tour of this developing city, which is also home to Norway's largest air force base.

Crossing Vestfjord this afternoon, we’ll spot the half-mile high Lofoten Wall on the horizon. The small, picturesque fishing villages of Stamsund and Svolvær reveal the bohemian allure of Lofoten Islands.

After sailing through the stunning Raftsund Strait this evening, we’ll pass Trollfjord’s entrance. Weather permitting, it is here that you’ll learn the enthralling story of the 1890’s Battle of Trollfjord.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Bodø

Striking views await as we cruise through the scenic Vagsfjord this morning. Our cruise ship will pause in the peaceful town of Finnsnes for a quick orientation walk.

We’ll continue to Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic." Amidst other things, this lively city is known for its distinctive architecture and endless supply of cultural events. With more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway, Tromsø also hosts the hallowed Mack Brewery, especially famous for its Arctic Ale.

Setting off on a walking tour, we’ll pass key city sites and visit the Polar Museum. Learn the fascinating science behind the Aurora Borealis phenomenon and the history of Norwegian trapping in two separate lectures. After returning to the ship this evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and a movie night. Depending on the season, we may gather on the deck afterward to watch for the Northern Lights.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic”

• Learn how the Aurora Borealis has influenced regional culture

• Hike through Tromsø’s surrounding mountains with the Expedition Team

Witness magnificent subarctic landscapes as we cruise Norway’s northernmost region this morning. In summer months, you might see herds of grazing reindeer and houses belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. We’ll make brief stops in the tranquil fishing towns of Hammerfest and Havøysund. Our destination today is Honningsvåg, gateway to the spectacular North Cape.

Once docked in Honningsvåg, we’ll travel by coach to the North Cape Plateau. Here, we’ll explore North Cape Hall, a traveler center perched on the edge of a cliff. After perusing the exhibits, we’ll end our visit with a sumptuous treat: cheesecake served with coffee or tea.

Later, our ship will continue east, sailing through the heartland of the Sámi people and their ancient sacred site. We’ll pass the rock formation of Finnkirka and briefly visit the fishing village of Kjøllefjord.

Included Feature:

• Excursion to North Cape, featuring the famous North Cape Hall

• Taste the region’s cheesecake, paired with coffee or tea

• Explore Honningsvåg’s rolling hills and tranquil vistas with a guided hike

Rise early to savor the views of Vardø’s colorful town this morning. We’ll head to Kirkenes, land of the Sámi people and reindeer. Located just eight miles from Russia, this remote town was unsurprisingly tense during the Cold War. After traveling along Storskog, the only official border between Norway and Russia, we’ll enjoy a short panoramic tour of Kirkenes.

Later, we’ll step into the past with a visit to Andersgrotta, a civilian bomb shelter from World War II. Here, a local will illuminate us with compelling historical anecdotes. Depending on the season, we may visit the Snowhotel instead.

After Kirkenes, we’ll stop in Vardø for a short walking tour. As our ship heads northwest, a completely different side of Norway will unfold. We’ll now have the chance to make daylight calls at ports we previously passed in the night.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Vardø, and Kirkenes. Kirkenes includes Snowhotel (from December 20 to April 20) or Andersgrotta (from April 21 to December 19)

• Hear a local’s retelling of history at Andersgrotta (from April 21 to December 19)

After early calls at Honningsvåg and Havøysund, our Norwegian cruise ship will stop in Hammerfest. We’ll take a short walking tour of this town, Europe’s first to have electric streetlights.

Heading south this evening, we’ll arrive at the small village of Skjervøy.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Hammerfest

As we travel through the Vesterålen Islands via Stokmarknes, today’s cruise arguably promises the trip’s most stunning Nordic scenery. We’ll cross the Raftsund Strait, which connects Vesterålen with Lofoten.

Our destination is Harstad, a friendly town situated on the island of Hinnøya. Upon arrival, embark on a "Discovering Vesterålen" bus tour, including a visit to Trondnes Church. Get a feel for local Nordic life as we cross Refsnes and Flesnes to spend time with the owner of Rokenes Trading Post. We’ll enjoy a refreshment as we learn about this family-run establishment, which has been in business for 250 years.

After returning to the ship, we’ll enjoy lunch while cruising toward Stokmarknes. Weather permitting, the ship will make an evening stop in Svolvær, a fishing town surrounding by striking mountains.

Included Feature:

• "Discovering Vesterålen" bus tour, including Trondes Church

• Meet with the owner of Rokenes Trading Post for a refreshment and Nordic slice of life

After leaving Ornes early this morning, our ship will sail through narrow straits bordered by farm fields. Crossing southward over the Arctic Circle, we’ll call at Sandnessjøen. This island port connects to mainland Norway with an impressive new cable bridge.

As we cruise, we’ll witness exceptional views (weather permitting) of the Seven Sisters, a chain of seven breathtaking peaks. Often referred to as "The Centre of Norway," our next stop is Brønnøysund. Join our Adventure Leader on a walking tour to learn more about this beautiful town.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Brønnøysund

Today, we’ll disembark in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city. This lively university town is known for its wide streets and colorful buildings. You’ll have a full day at leisure to explore its cobblestone streets, architectural masterpieces, and famous attractions for yourself.

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Set out on a scenic drive along the Atlantic Road and savor an authentic Norwegian dining experience. Learn more

Sail through one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Norway today, enjoying lunch on board. As we return to Bergen, the cruise portion of your Norway adventure comes to an end.

We’ll disembark and transfer to the hotel for our journey’s final night. Enjoy a leisurely evening, taking advantage of the hotel’s light buffet dinner, or exploring more of this lively city.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you’re joining the post-trip extension to Helsinki, Finland, your adventure begins today.