Here is a chance to take advantage of the long daylight hours of midsummer with this cruise to the ‘Top of the World’ taking you deep inside the Arctic Circle and visiting the northernmost point of Europe and the Land of the Midnight Sun. En route you will enjoy some splendid fjord scenery, follow in the footsteps of proud Vikings; and the spectacular glaciers may well leave you in awe of the sheer forces of Nature.
An early evening sailing from Tilbury allows you a relaxing full day at sea to anticipate the marvellous sights that await you. Beautiful Rosendal at the entrance of the Hardangerfjord makes a perfect start. Then, a call at the village of Nordfjordeid allows those passengers taking the overland tour to disembark before heading to Olden, in the Nordfjord, with the opportunity to view the Briksdal Glacier. Next are the Lofoten Islands, a beautiful but rugged outpost steeped in Viking history, where we call at remote Gravdal, for some excellent tour opportunities, and the main town Svolvaer. Stretch your legs in Hammerfest and spend the evening, weather conditions permitting, viewing the Midnight Sun at the North Cape from Honningsvaag. Steaming south, there are visits to the Arctic city of Tromso and the art nouveau town of Ålesund but in between you will make a special navigation into the Holandsfjord to view the famous Svartisen Glacier. Bid farewell to Norway in Bergen, the old Hanseatic port where cobbled streets, medieval houses, fish markets and enticing shops and cafes make an intriguing contrast with the other towns and villages visited in this Land of the Vikings. After a final day at sea, you sail back into Tilbury
Day 1: London Tilbury
Transfer on your own (optional coach transfer available) from London to Tilbury where you will board your ship for an 1800hr departure.
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Floro
Florø is Norway’s westernmost city, located near the world's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. In 1998 Florø was named the ‘Environmental City’ by the Norwegian Minister of the Environment for its extensive efforts regarding the environment. Enjoy the small-town atmosphere with its charming main street and good selection of shops, or participate in one of the various excursions to some of the most beautiful sights in Norway.
Day 4: At sea.
Day 5: Leknes
The typically small Norwegian town of Leknes is the principal settlement on Vestvågøy Island, the second largest in the Lofoten Island chain which boasts some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. Visit the Lofoten Viking Museum, a living museum housed in a reconstruction of the biggest Viking longhouse ever found, and The Vestvågøy Museum in the old schoolhouse which displays items from many areas of daily life in Lofoten's past.
Day 6: Honningsvaag
Visiting the North Cape, virtually Europe’s northernmost point, and standing in broad daylight at midnight looking out over the Arctic Ocean is one of the world’s memorable experiences. If you are lucky enough to see the Midnight Sun, it could be unforgettable.
Day 7: Alta
Alta lies on the northern Arctic coast of Finnmark, in the heart of Norwegian Lapland. The world's first Northern Light observatory was built here at the end of the nineteenth century and has earned Alta the name The Town of the Northern Lights. In winter, try dog sledging or go on a snow mobile safari, and see the protected rock carvings at Hjemmeluft which date back 2,000 to 6,200 years.
Day 8: Tromso, Norway
Standing on an island in a narrow sound, hemmed in by soaring mountains, Tromso offers a majestic setting for the Northern Lights Observatory, Polaria, a fascinating polar adventure and exhibition centre, and also museums dedicated to geology, zoology and Lapland life.
Day 9: Svartisen Glacier, Norway
A special navigation into the Holandsfjord to view the famous Svartisen Glacier.
Day 10: Molde and Alesund, Norway
Facing south along the Romdalsfjord, in the northern part of Norway’s Fjordland, the colourful and modern town of Molde is affectionately known as the ‘Town of Roses”. Discover the market place with its impressive city hall and visit Molde Church, high above the city, richly decorated by some of Norway's leading artists.
Built across three islands and the largest town on Norway’s north-west coast, Alesund is unique. As a result of a great fire in 1904 the town was rebuilt in a bizarre Art Nouveau style that retains a distinctive atmosphere and character valued by the inhabitants and visitors alike.
Day 11: Bergen, Norway
The second city of Norway and this delightful old Hanseatic port, with its beautifully restored wooden warehouses, colourful fish and flower market, makes a perfect contrast to the high peaks, waterfalls and small village communities of the fjords.
Day 12: At Sea
Day 13: London Tilbury
London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury in Essex - disembark after breakfast onboard.
