Day 1: Arrive Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in Helsinki and make your own way from the airport to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring this vibrant Nordic capital.
In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour guide at a welcome dinner held at the hotel restaurant.
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Day 2: Helsinki ~ Rovaniemi
After breakfast, enjoy a short walk to Helsinki Railway Station for your scenic train journey north to Rovaniemi. Sit back and relax as you travel through Finland’s picturesque landscapes towards the magical region of Lapland, home of Santa Claus.
Upon arrival in Rovaniemi, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. The evening is at leisure to explore the town or join one of the many optional excursions available. This is also your first opportunity to witness the incredible Northern Lights, with evening safaris available.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi
Day 3: Rovaniemi
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before departing for one of today’s highlights, an unforgettable husky safari experience.
Embark on the “Born to Run” husky safari, where you will enjoy a 4 kilometre husky cart or sleigh ride through the stunning Arctic landscape. Visit the kennel and learn how these incredible dogs are trained and prepared to become elite athletes. Afterwards, spend time interacting with the friendly huskies.
For animal welfare reasons, husky cart tours operate when temperatures are 10 degrees Celsius or colder. When sufficient snow is available, the experience will be upgraded to a husky sled safari.
The tour concludes in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or join optional excursions.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi
Day 4: Rovaniemi ~ Saariselkä
After breakfast, check out and depart Rovaniemi, travelling a short distance to Santa Claus Village. Enjoy free time to explore this iconic attraction before continuing your journey north towards Saariselkä, a charming Arctic village.
En route, stop in the small town of Sodankylä for a brief outside visit to the historic Sodankylä Old Church before continuing onwards. Lunch is at your own arrangements during the journey.
Upon arrival at the Northern Lights Village, experience the Reindeer Express. Meet a local reindeer herder and learn about the traditions and culture of Lapland before enjoying a memorable reindeer sleigh ride.
Later, settle into your Aurora Cabin for a truly unique overnight stay. Located away from light pollution, this is the perfect setting to witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, weather permitting.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Northern Lights Village, Saariselkä
Day 5: Saariselkä ~ Inari ~ Kirkenes, Norway
After breakfast, depart Saariselkä and continue north through the stunning landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Arrive in the small township of Inari, where you will visit the SIIDA Museum, the national museum of the Sámi people. Here, gain insight into the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and way of life of the Sámi community. A lunch is included during your visit.
Continue your journey north, crossing the border into Norway before arriving in Kirkenes. Upon arrival at the Snowhotel, enjoy a guided introduction to the property, including visits to the resident reindeer and husky farm. A drink at the Snow Resort is also included.
Experience the highlight King Crab Safari, beginning with a live presentation of the impressive king crab. Learn fascinating insights about this Arctic delicacy before enjoying a freshly prepared king crab meal in the restaurant, showcasing the finest local seafood.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the unique farmhouse restaurant, Låven. Tonight, stay in a traditional Gamme Cabin, inspired by historic hunting and fishing huts, offering a cosy and authentic Arctic experience.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Snowhotel Kirkenes
Day 6: Kirkenes ~ Embark Ship
After breakfast, embark your Hurtigruten Coastal Express voyage in Kirkenes, the gateway to the Arctic. Set sail along Norway’s dramatic coastline, beginning an unforgettable journey south.
Your first port of call is Vardø, home to the historic star shaped Vardøhus Fortress, dating back to 1737 and still in use today. Weather permitting, there may even be an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the Arctic Ocean.
Continue cruising to the remote fishing villages of Båtsfjord and Berlevåg. Along the way, look out for Mount Tanahorn and the Kjølnes Lighthouse perched above the Barents Sea. These coastal communities are also known for Norway’s famous fishermen’s choir.
TIME IN PORT:
Depart Kirkenes: 12:30
Vardø: 16:05 to 17:00
Båtsfjord: 20:00 to 20:30
Berlevåg: 22:25 to 22:35
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hurtigruten Coastal Vessel
Day 7: Mehamn ~ Tromsø
In the early hours, the ship calls at Mehamn, where you have the option to join an exciting snowmobile excursion through the Arctic wilderness. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience snow covered plains and valleys beneath the Northern Lights.
During the day, continue sailing along Norway’s rugged coastline, stopping at ports including Honningsvåg and Hammerfest. In Hammerfest, you can visit the UNESCO listed Meridian Column, built in 1854 to commemorate the first accurate measurement of the Earth.
Late in the evening, arrive in Tromsø, often referred to as the gateway to the Arctic. Here, you may choose to attend a magical Northern Lights concert at the iconic Arctic Cathedral (optional).
TIME IN PORT:
Mehamn: 01:20 to 01:30
Kjøllefjord: 03:25 to 03:35
Honningsvåg: 05:45 to 06:00
Havøysund: 08:00 to 08:15
Hammerfest: 11:00 to 12:45
Øksfjord: 15:50 to 16:05
Skjervøy: 19:30 to 19:45
Tromsø: 23:45 to 01:30
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hurtigruten Coastal Vessel
Day 8: Finnsnes ~ Stamsund
Begin the day with a stop in Harstad, where you may choose to join an optional excursion, A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover the region’s rich history, stunning scenery and cultural heritage. Guests remaining onboard will sail through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel specially constructed for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.
Continue through the spectacular islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen, renowned for dramatic mountains, untouched wilderness and charming fishing villages. After a brief stop in Risøyhamn, arrive in Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten.
As the journey continues south, sail through the narrow Raftsund, surrounded by towering peaks rising from the sea. If conditions allow, experience the breathtaking Trollfjord, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side, creating an unforgettable highlight of the voyage.
TIME IN PORT:
Tromsø: 23:45 to 01:30
Finnsnes: 04:20 to 04:40
Harstad: 08:00 to 08:30
Risøyhamn: 10:45 to 11:00
Sortland: 12:30 to 13:00
Stokmarknes: 14:15 to 15:15
Svolvær: 18:30 to 20:30
Stamsund: 22:15 to 22:30
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hurtigruten Coastal Vessel
Day 9: Bodø ~ Rørvik
This morning, cross the Arctic Circle, marking a special moment on your journey. Celebrate with a traditional taste of cod liver oil as you sail further south along Norway’s stunning coastline.
Continue along the scenic Helgeland coast, passing the famous Torghatten mountain, known for its distinctive hole through the centre. Local legends tell fascinating stories about how this unique formation came to be.
Another highlight today is the Seven Sisters mountain range, where seven dramatic peaks rise from the landscape. According to legend, these peaks were once troll sisters turned to stone at sunrise.
Although you are now south of the Arctic Circle, there may still be opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, depending on conditions.
TIME IN PORT:
Bodø: 02:30 to 03:30
Ørnes: 06:25 to 06:35
Nesna: 10:25 to 10:35
Sandnessjøen: 11:45 to 12:15
Brønnøysund: 15:00 to 17:25
Rørvik: 21:00 to 21:30
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hurtigruten Coastal Vessel
Day 10: Trondheim ~ Ålesund
Today you have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Trondheim. Visit the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II, and take time to wander through the charming Bakklandet district, known for its colourful wooden houses and cosy cafés. For panoramic views, consider a walk up to Kristiansten Fortress overlooking the city.
As you continue sailing along the Norwegian coastline, gain insight into the importance of fishing to local communities. Stop in Kristiansund, often referred to as Norway’s dried cod capital, renowned for its long tradition of producing salted fish.
An optional excursion is available to the Bergtatt marble mine, where you can journey deep inside a mountain, cross a beautifully illuminated underground lake, and enjoy a unique dining experience in the mine’s Grand Hall.
TIME IN PORT:
Trondheim: 06:30 to 09:30
Kristiansund: 16:30 to 17:30
Molde: 21:15 to 21:45
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hurtigruten Coastal Vessel
Day 11: Ålesund ~ Bergen ~ Disembark Ship
During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy as your coastal voyage draws to a close. This morning, enjoy breathtaking scenery including views of Nordfjord beneath the impressive Jostedal Glacier. As you continue south, cross the mouth of the Sognefjord and take in the stunning island dotted coastline.
Arrive in the historic Hanseatic city of Bergen in the afternoon and disembark the ship. Meet your local guide and transfer by private coach for a sightseeing tour of the city. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary’s Church and Håkon’s Hall, before continuing to Troldhaugen, the former home of composer Edvard Grieg.
Enjoy a return journey on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, where panoramic views over Bergen and the surrounding mountains await.
Your tour concludes at your hotel, with the remainder of the evening at leisure. Dinner is at your own arrangements.
TIME IN PORT:
Ålesund: 00:30 to 01:20
Torvik: 02:35 to 02:45
Måløy: 05:45 to 06:00
Florø: 08:15 to 08:30
Arrive Bergen: 14:45
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Clarion Admiral Hotel, Bergen
Day 12: Bergen ~ Flåm
After breakfast, check out and transfer by private coach to Bergen Railway Station to begin one of Norway’s most scenic journeys. Travel by train from Bergen to Voss, before continuing by coach through spectacular valley landscapes towards Gudvangen, with waterfalls cascading along the route.
In Gudvangen, board your fjord cruise and sail through the breathtaking Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO protected fjord known for its narrow passages and dramatic scenery. Arrive in the charming village of Flåm and enjoy a short walk to your hotel for check in.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Fretheim Hotel, Flåm
Day 13: Flåm ~ Oslo
After breakfast, board the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Travel through dramatic mountain landscapes as you ascend to Myrdal, where you will change trains and continue your journey to Oslo.
Arrive in Oslo in the afternoon and make your way to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with lunch at your own arrangements.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant, the perfect way to conclude your unforgettable journey.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo
Day 14: Depart Oslo
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Your tour concludes today, with onward travel arrangements to the airport at your own leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
