Experience Norway’s Midnight Sun and meet Adam Frost

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Bergen

   Bergen, Norway

   Catch your flight from London to Bergen, and transfer to your hotel for your pre-tour stay, which includes breakfast.

2. Day

   2

   Bergen

   Bergen, Norway

   Today your adventure begins in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. The majestic peaks that surround the city have earned Bergen the nickname, 'The City of Seven Mountains'.

   Once you've boarded MS Trollfjord you'll meet your ship's Coastal Experience Team, who will be your hosts and guides as you travel Svalbard and the Norwegian coastline. Get to know some of your fellow shipmates and take some time to get comfortable in your new home-from-home.

   This evening you'll tuck into your first meal aboard the ship as you sail into the Norwegian Sea.

3. Day

   3

   Åndalsnes

   Åndalsnes, Norway

   Today you'll sail into Åndalsnes, a picturesque coastal town located along the Isfjord, home to about 2,000 people.

   Here, you'll experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv - a love of the outdoors - through a variety of activities, such as hiking to Rampestreken viewpoint.

   For an easier way to take in the sights, sit back for a relaxing ride on the Romsdal Gondola or travel the winding Trollstigen Pass by bus. Whichever activities you choose, this day will bring you the best views of the Isfjord, Romsdalsfjord, and surrounding peaks.

4. Day

   4

   Træna

   Trana, Norway

   Today's port is Træna, an archipelago that sits along the Helgeland coast at the edge of the Arctic Circle and made up of around 500 islands, islets, and skerries.

   You'll spend the afternoon in one of Norway's oldest fishing communities. If weather permits, you might be able to enjoy such activities as hiking and biking, or even island hopping.

   With a large population of Sea Eagles, birdwatching is another activity you won't want to miss. For a truly authentic experience, step into the age-old shoes of a Norwegian fisherman, and cast a line under the summer sun.

   You'll have some time to relax and unwind on board tonight as the ship crosses the Arctic Circle and heads north. You'll commemorate the moment the ship crosses the Arctic Circle with a little Norwegian ceremony.

5. Day

   5

   Lofoten, Reine

   Lofoten Islands, Norway

   Today, you'll explore the famous Lofoten Islands. You'll see the steep mountains rising from the sea as you approach from the south in the morning.

   You'll dock in Reine, an important, historic fishing village. This is one of the most-photographed landscapes in all of Norway, where red-painted fishermen's cabins cling to a string of islands beneath sharp mountain ranges reflected in the waters below.

   Not far to the south of Reine, at the western tip of the Lofoten archipelago, you'll find Å, one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway, which you can visit on an optional excursion.

   At the heart of this tiny village is the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, where you can learn all about the development of fishing in Lofoten over the last 250 years.

6. Day

   6

   Tromsø

   Tromsø, Norway

   Tromsø is northern Norway's urban Arctic hotspot, boasting interesting architecture, hip restaurants, and the world's northernmost university. You'll arrive in this impressive Arctic city today, docking in the morning so that you'll have a whole day to explore.

   Calling into Tromsø on the way to or from Svalbard follows in the footsteps of history. Most explorers and sailors on Arctic expeditions would embark from or return to the city.

   Take your pick from a number of optional excursions. Learn more about the culture and polar history of Tromsø on a city walk, or take a scenic bus tour.

   You can also visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, which has an impressively large multi-coloured stained-glass window. Or ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car up Storsteinen Mountain for exceptionally beautiful views of the city, mountains, and fjords.

7. Day

   7

   Honningsvåg

   Honningsvåg, Norway

   Around mid-morning today you'll arrive at Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway.

   There'll be several optional excursions to pick from while here. These could include taking a bus or riding a quad to the North Cape, a hike with your Coastal Experience Team, or an introduction to what life is like at 71°N.

   Honningsvåg is also the gateway to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. The plateau stands 307 metres above the sea, and is just over 1,000 miles south of the geographical North Pole. Take a moment to gaze out across the sea from the top of the soaring cliffs, watching the waves crash against the rocks below.

   Sailing away from Honningsvåg, we'll enjoy dramatic views of the plateau from the sea. The ship will head further into the Barents Sea, leaving mainland Norway's coast far behind us.

8. Day

   8

   Bjørnøya

   Bjørnøya, Norway

   The southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago, Bjørnøya sits just past the halfway point between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen.

   You'll be seeing this inaccessible land from the ship in the afternoon, as the opening chapter of your Svalbard adventure.

   Upon seeing the island, you'll notice how barren it appears. Very little grows here, with the land partly being covered only by a layer of moss and lichen.

   Whatever does grow here is fertilised by the abundant birdlife that nests on the sea cliffs. Get your camera ready to capture Little Auks, Puffins, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Northern Fulmars flying over dramatic cliff tops and steep slopes, alongside many other seabird species.

   Although its name means 'Bear Island', the only native mammals here are Arctic foxes.

9. Day

   9

   Longyearbyen

   Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

   Today, you'll arrive at the Svalbard archipelago and make your way up to Spitsbergen, the largest of the three main islands, at a latitude more than 78°N and under 820 miles from the North Pole itself.

   In the early afternoon, you'll travel to Longyearbyen, nestled on the banks of Isfjord. A former coal mining colony, this town is the biggest settlement in Svalbard and a hub for adventure travellers, as well as scientists and engineers working on local research projects.

   Spend some time strolling around the town, perhaps popping into some of its galleries, pubs, restaurants, its brewery, or the notable North Pole Expedition Museum.

   You'll also have several optional excursions to enjoy in the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Longyearbyen. If you've ever wanted to try dog sledding, this is your chance!

10. Day

    10

    Ny-Ålesund

    Ny-, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

    This morning MS Trollfjord sails into Ny-Ålesund, another former coal-mining town which later became a centre of scientific research.

    Wander around what is one of the northernmost settlements in the world, drop in at the local museum and souvenir shop, or send a far-flung postcard back to friends and family from the small post office.

    If you weren't up in time to enjoy the impressive views of Kongsfjord on the way to Ny-Ålesund, make sure you're on deck as you sail away. It's one of the largest fjords in the area, with an entrance guarded by two colossal glaciers.

    This stretch is also a good place to look out for walrus basking on the shores. Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land while the white beluga whale has been known to surface in the waters here too. If you're very lucky, we might even see a polar bear prowling the coast!

11. Day

    11

    Leaving Svalbard

    Ny-, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

    It's time to say farewell to Svalbard and Spitsbergen and sail south back to mainland Norway.

    Use today's sailing time as an opportunity to relax and make the most of the ship's facilities. If skies are clear, enjoy some summer sun out on deck and keep on the lookout for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

    For some fascinating insights into local history and wildlife, attend an onboard lecture from the Coastal Experience Team.

    You can also curl up with a good book in the lounge or chat with new-found friends in the bar, kick back in the panoramic sauna, work up a sweat in the fitness room, and enjoy some delicious Norwegian cuisine with culinary demonstrations and tastings.

12. Day

    12

    Senja

    Senja, Norway

    After your relaxing day at sea, you'll arrive back to mainland Norway today.

    Your first stop of the day is Tromsø, before continuing south to Senja, one of Norway's largest islands. It's an increasingly popular tourist destination and has been ranked among the top ten most beautiful islands in the world.

    Often proudly described by locals as a 'mini Norway', Senja boasts diverse landscapes that mirror different parts of the Norwegian coast, from the sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lofty mountains of its northern coast to the rocky coastline and pine forests of southern Senja and Ånderdalen National Park.

    You'll disembark in the charming fishing village of Torsken, where you'll have time to explore by bus, e-bike, on foot, or take to the fjords on a wildlife safari on one of the optional excursions.

13. Day

    13

    Lofoten

    Lofoten Islands, Norway

    Today begins with a few hours in Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. It's a fitting location for the Hurtigruten Museum, where you can take a step back in time on the retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken..

    The rest of the day is all about exploring the breathtaking archipelago of Lofoten. This region is known as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway, and you'll soon see why as you marvel at its jagged green cliffs that rise dramatically out of the ocean, towering above the islands..

    The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær where MS Trollfjord will be based and where you can spend some time exploring independently.

    To experience the mountains, islands, and villages around Svolvær, choose from a variety of handpicked optional excursions. You can go fishing, kayaking, or sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery on a bus tour.

14. Day

    14

    The Helgeland Coast

    Helleland, Norway

    MS Trollfjord will continue south today until it reaches the midpoint of the Norwegian coast. This is the spectacular Helgeland Coast, a well-known stretch full of distinctive mountains home to ancient myths and local folklore.

    The ship will dock in the town of Brønnøysund, which features a lovely marina and a Neo-Gothic stone church from 1870. Here, you can spend your time exploring the town independently or join optional excursions like a RIB cruise.

    Further along from Brønnøysund is the unique Torghatten Mountain. The first thing you'll notice about Torghatten is the hole that pierces right through its centre. At an easy pace, it takes about an hour to reach the hole in Torghatten on an optional excursion. The panoramic view of the islands stretching out before you is well worth it.

15. Day

    15

    Ålesund, The Hjørundfjord

    Ålesund, Norway

    Today the ship will make a brief stop in the town of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and views of Mount Aksla.

    Near to Ålesund, cutting through the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, some 1,700 metres high, is the magnificent Hjørundfjord, where you'll find the idyllic village of Sæbø along one of its branches.

    Step ashore here and join an optional bus tour or hike excursion to explore Sæbo's charming streets and mountain scenery, nearby villages, and local culture.

    Tonight, you'll celebrate the unforgettable moments of the past two weeks during a special farewell dinner on board MS Trollfjord.

16. Day

    16

    Bergen

    Bergen, Norway

    You'll arrive back in Bergen this morning, where it's time to disembark the ship, saying a fond farewell to your fellow passengers and the crew of MS Trollfjord before heading home.