Coastal Norway

Group members gather in Toronto for the flights to Oslo

Upon arrival we are met by a local representative and transferred to our hotel.

Clarion Hotel The Hub (2 nights)

Our Norwegian adventure begins at the Fram Museum, where we learn about the legendary wooden vessel that survived the crushing ice of both poles. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, we witness the original balsa raft used by Thor Heyerdahl during his daring 1947 expedition. A tour of the capital brings us to the Royal Palace, the elegant National Theatre, and the Stortinget (Parliament). After admiring the sleek, marble slopes of the Opera House, we end at the 13th-century Akershus Fortress. This medieval sentinel remains a powerful symbol of national resilience

Leaving Oslo by train, we traverse the rugged mountain plateau to witness Norway’s breathtaking highlands. In Myrdal, we transfer to the world-famous Flåm Railway for a magnificent descent through dramatic valley landscapes to the village below. Our travel continues by water as we cruise the Sognefjord, the nation's deepest fjord, before arriving in Bergen. 

Hotel Bryggen Bergen (1 night) 

Enjoy a morning city tour to explore Bergen, the nation's second-largest city and the historic gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, this vibrant port showcases a unique architectural heritage shaped by the Hanseatic League, a 14th-century German trading organization. Once aboard, we savour the first of many meals featuring fresh coastal produce as we depart, tracing the ancient Viking route along the scenic Hjeltefjord. 

MS Nordnorge (11 nights)

We spend some time in the serene Nordfjord before sailing past the West Cape toward Ålesund. This city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and the Atlanterhavsparken, a saltwater aquarium. Our day continues in Hjørundfjord, hidden within the jagged Sunnmøre Alps. We pause at the picturesque village of Urke to admire thousand-year-old farms nestled against the mountainside. Our final call is Molde, where we hope to witness the spectacular "Molde Panorama," a view of 222 snow-capped peaks.  

Traversing the rolling farmsteads of the Trøndelag region we reach Trondheim, the historic capital founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD. Today, Norway’s third-largest city serves as a vibrant university hub. Our included excursion features the Ringve Museum, showcasing a unique collection of historical musical instruments, and the Nidaros Cathedral, an ornate Gothic masterpiece. Back on board, we sail northwest past the ochre Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, until we reach the port of Rørvik.               

As we cross the Arctic Circle, we mark our entry into the Arctic with a traditional ceremony. Next, we dock in Ørnes near the Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. We then sail to Bodø, a city framed by the jagged Børvass peaks. Here, you may explore its street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen. In the afternoon, we navigate the Lofoten Archipelago, where the massive Lofoten Wall rises over 3,200 feet from the sea. We end the day in Svolvær, known for its picturesque harbour. 

After a peaceful morning stroll in Harstad, we sail toward Finnsnes, gateway to Senja Island via the Gisund Bridge. We keep a lookout for local puffin colonies before reaching Tromsø, the "Paris of the North." Our included excursion features a stop by the Arctic Cathedral and a cable car ascent for panoramic fjord views. We depart north past the Lyngen Alps toward the trading post of Skjervøy. 

We sail past Kvaløya Island and the wind turbines of Havøygavlen farm on our way to Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape. Our excursion takes us to the iconic globe monument at the top of continental Europe, followed by a visit to the North Cape Hall for immersive nature exhibits and a stop at a traditional Sami Camp. Later, we reach Mehamn, our northernmost port, then sail toward Berlevåg, passing the Slettnes Lighthouse, the most northerly mainland lighthouse on the planet.

We dock in Vadsø today, a premier Arctic birdwatching hub situated directly beneath a major migration path. We watch for sea eagles and hooded crows before continuing toward Kirkenes. Visit the Borderland Museum to learn about the frontier history of this remote region before the ship turns south. In Vardø, we visit the moving Witches’ Monument and the 1737 star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, the northernmost military fortification of this kind. We return to the small port of Båtsfjord and then head for Berlevåg tonight.

After early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund, we spend the afternoon in Hammerfest, one of the world's northernmost major settlements. You may choose to visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs, or hike Mount Salen for panoramic views. Our journey continues south to Øksfjord and the vital fishing port of Skjervøy. As we sail toward Tromsø, keep a watch for the Lyngen Alps, featuring the highest peaks in Norway.

Spend the day exploring the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, undisputed highlights of our scenic route. Following a morning call at Finnsnes, we reach Harstad to see the Trondenes Church, the northernmost medieval stone church. We continue to Risøyhamn, our smallest port, where we disembark for an excursion to Melbu. Here, we learn about Vesterålen’s local culture and enjoy a unique concert at the Royal Neptun Hall. A spectacular coastal tour through the Lofoten Islands takes us from Svolvær to Stamsund to close the evening.

Today, we cross back over the Arctic Circle and pause at Nesna before reaching Sandnessjøen, the heart of the Helgeland Coast. Admire the dramatic Seven Sisters mountain range, whose highest peak rises more than 3,500 feet above the sea. According to local legend, the jagged summits are petrified troll princesses, turned to stone as they fled the rising sun. Nearby, we pass by the legendary Torghatten Mountain. At Brønnøysund we discover the Neo-Gothic Brønnøy Church and the lively marina. Our last stop is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik.