Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the historical and beautiful Norwegian capital.

For the cultural loves, the Bydgdøy peninsula is home to several museums like the outdoor museum, Folkemuseet and the Viking ship museum. Downtown Oslo, is bustling with trendy restaurants, bars, cafes and green open spaces such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Ekeberg Park. At the heart of the city is the Royal Palace, home to the Norwegian Royal family since work began in 1814. 

After breakfast, make your own way to Oslo Central Railway Station to commence your ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ adventure by boarding the train to Myrdal. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past lush green forests and majestic peaks.

At Myrdal join the famous Flåm Railway - a marvel of railway engineering, descending more than 900 metres to the town of Flåm. Take time to explore at your the town and even a visit to the local brewery or the Flåm railway museum.

(Day 1 of the voyage)  
After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we board our Hurtigruten ship. Overnight on board our ship.

(Day 3 of the voyage)  
Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. Join our optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only gothic cathedral and the burial place of St. Olav (Tryggvason). Marvel at the cathedral’s exquisite works of art, architectural details and medieval statues.

Explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle, for something truly unique, be sure to ride the world’s only bicycle lift, near the quaint Bakklandet neighbourhood. You can also join the Hurtigruten Guides for a hike to discover more of the area.

(Day 4 of the voyage)  
As we cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. Prepare for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wilderness and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight route through the region is the voyage highlight for many of our guests.

Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed straight into a mountain, but don’t worry, we are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1000m out of the sea. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs of Trollfjord, that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!

We arrive early into Vadsø before docking in Kirkenes - where we leave behind the ship and continue on our journey towards Finland. The Russian border is a just few kilometres from Kirkenes and you’ll notice local road signs in both Norwegian and Russian. 

As we begin our journey south towards Finnish Lapland. After breakfast, we continue our journey north through Finnish Lapland. Arriving in Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders), hear stories about the local Sami culture alongside a visit to the local Reindeer Safari. We continue to the newly-renovated SIIDA museum including a guided tour of the open-air exhibition. This museum is home to a collection featuring the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sami presented to the public through exhibitions and publications.

On our second day in Sinetta, we pay a visit to the iconic Sant Claus Village. The official hometown of the man himself, get into the festive spirit as you walk around this picture-perfect winter wonderland.  With a range of Christmas spirit activities, from meeting some of the Reindeer and Rudolph to Husky rides or even catching a glimpse of old Saint Nick!

In the evening we spend the night within a glass igloo under the starry Arctic skies. If you are really lucky you might see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.

On our second day in Rovaniemi, you have the opportunity to further explore the town and its surrounding area. For those seeking knowledge, the Arktikum is a science centre and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. Whilst foodies can take experience fresh local produce in one of the many restaurants and cafes dotted throughout the town. 

Before we continue south towards Helsinki, there is one last chance to catch a view of the Northern Lights on an evening safari into the Finnish wilderness. 

It’s an early start on the last full day of our adventure as we head to the medieval city of Tallinn. Jump on the local ferry to the Estonian capital, taking in the spectacular views of both cities.

Our walking tour of the city will take you through the picturesque Kadriorg Park and the seafront district of Pirita. As you meander through the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town, marvel at the impressive Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian parliament.

In the afternoon we take in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church, a reminder of the Russian influence on the city and country. The rest of our time in the city, is yours to explore. With a range of café’s and restaurants dotted around the centre, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the local customs and culture.