Fly to Bergen is the bustling capital of Norway's fjord district. If you arrive a few hours before departure, stroll around the old wooden buildings in the Bryggen Wharf, remnants of its Hanseatic past.

In travel's early days, it was easier to get from Bergen to the Continent by sea than it was to get to Oslo - a fact apparent in this city's architecture and culture. Board this wonderful Northern Lights cruise in the evening (D).

During the morning the ship crosses the open Stadthavet and heads for Torvik. En route, you will stop at the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, where you have the option to explore this pretty town on a walking tour.

After a call at Molde, its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps made it a favorite vacation spot of Henrik Ibsen; the ship navigates the Hustadvika, a belt of islets and skerries before docking at Kristiansund (B,D).

Optional shore excursions: Art Nouveau Tour Ålesund

Contining north the ship arrives early at the Medieval city of Trondheim, where you will have time to explore Norway's first capital.

Did you know that the first Viking sale of goods from "the new found land" took place here about 1000 AD? Timber from Leiv Eriksson's Vinland estate was sold to a Bremen merchant. Walk the charming streets, sit by the peaceful harbour, or cross the old city bridge to see the restored wooden buildings in Bakklandet and the great gothic cathedral of Nidaros, where the new kings of old Norway once received their official blessing.

From Trondheim, the ship cruises on to Rørvik, where the southbound and northbound coastal ships meet (B,D). 

Optional shore excursion: Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral 

Crossing the Arctic Circle. On your portside, the globe on the island of Vikingen serves as a marker.

There are spectacular sites ahead: islands and skerries with majestic rock formations, whose origins are the stuff of legend. After Bodø, the ship heads out to open sea for the Lofoten Islands with their picturesque cabins on stilts and weathered wooden racks with drying cod. Here you can visit the stylish town of Svolvær (B,D).

This morning you'll pass the medieval Trondenes church before calling at Harstad for breakfast. Afterwards, you'll cruise across the Vågsfjord past the great island of Senja with its diverse countryside of farmland, pine trees, and plunging peaks.

Later you'll stop at Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. In the 19th century, Russian, British, Dutch, and German ships called here before heading off on Arctic expeditions for hunting whales, walruses and seals. Here modern shops and cafes provide a vibrant contrast to the stunning stained glass window of the Arctic Cathedral, whilst the Polar Museum and Polaria centre explore Arctic life over the centuries (B,D).

Optional shore excursions: The Arctic Capital Tromsø, Dog Sledging, Polar History Walk 

Following an early morning call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the capital of the North Cape. Later the ship heads east toward the pretty fishing villages of Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg.

Optional shore excursions: The North Cape - Honningsvåg , Scooter Trip in Lapland - Kjøllefjord

The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Sami communities of Northern Finland. Here you bid farewell to your fellow passengers, the ship and crew. Return flights to the UK via Oslo (B).

B = Breakfast, D = Dinner

Voyage Extensions: Kirkenes Snow Hotel, Sami Inspiration