01582 349 480
Back to Holidays

The Coastal Express - 7 day Northbound

Overview

Departing all year round, the 7-day Classic Voyage North, is perfect for that taste of the Arctic. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights then the winter voyage is for you. If summer is more your thing, then why not take advantage of the around the clock daylight under the Midnight Sun.

Your journey of discovery starts in the historic city of Bergen with a 7-day exploration of Norway’s major coastal cities and remote villages. From Bergen, we head far beyond the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes, meandering through breathtakingly beautiful fjords and natural valleys. You’ll also get the chance to take part in some exhilarating activities, as you discover the best of what Norway has to offer.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Bergen. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf or take the Fløibanen funicular for stunning views before departure.

  2. Day 2

    Alesund. Sail through stunning fjords to reach Alesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Optionally, visit the Atlantic Sea Park or hike up Mount Aksla for panoramic views. In the summer, you can continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord, which has steep mountainsides and dramatic waterfalls.

  3. Day 3

    Trondheim. It is morning when we dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of the city; it is Norway's national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After our visit here, the voyage continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads for northern Norway.

  4. Day 4

    Arctic Circle & Bodo. On this stretch, we mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia's largest glacier, the world's strongest tidal current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening, Lofoten's fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.

  5. Day 5

    Tromso. The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the Sami, Norway's indigenous people.

  6. Day 6

    North Cape & Honningsvåg. As far north as you can get - by land and sea. For many, the visit to the North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling on and reap nature's bounty.

  7. Day 7

    Kirkenes. You are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with Russia is only a few kilometres away, and the road signs in Kirkenes are in Norwegian and Russian. Disembark the ship for an extended stay or return to UK.