Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND
Welcome to Helsinki!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Perfection on the Peninsula
This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Helsinki’s main highlights, including the City Hall, Presidential Palace, Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and open-air market. After some free time for browsing, head to the airport for your flight to Oulu. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Finland has often been voted the happiest country in the world, due to its affinity with nature and a strong social support system. The capital city, Helsinki is situated in the south of the country poised on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Though it is the coldest capital in the Nordic region, its striking architecture and Nordic cuisine don’t fail to give visitors a warm welcome.
The Creative Edge
After an orientation tour to introduce you to Oulu, the rest of the day is yours to explore the 2026 European Capital of Culture. Enjoy time to browse the Market Square, taste some local specialties at the Market Hall, take a selfie with the famous Policeman statue, or head over to Piksaari Island to stroll around the wooden district, once a center of local industry and now home to a thriving artists’ community. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE of Finland with an optional excursion to Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay. From its rise from the sea approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to do so. Eventually the island will adjoin mainland as the rising shoreline is constantly changing to form a living conservation area. The manmade environment in Hailuoto, characterized by well-preserved traditional buildings, together with its unique natural features, has earned Hailuoto the designation as one of Finland’s national landscapes—and the only national landscape covering the entire municipality.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Today, get into the festive spirit as you drive to Rovaniemi to visit Santa Claus’s village. Keep an eye out for the elves and Santa Claus, himself. This enchanting village sits directly on the Arctic Circle. Step across the latitudinal line and [LF] receive your Arctic Circle Certificate. (B,D) 127 mi / 205 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE Some 100 years ago, a passerby started spreading the word about the true location of Santa’s real home. Since then, Santa has traveled to the Arctic Circle to meet with kids from 1 to 92 to hear Christmas wishes in his remote Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi. Enjoy a visit with Old St. Nick and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate documenting your crossing this hemispheric line.
North to the Cape
Dash away from Santa’s village with a drive to Luosto where more treats await. [LF] Enjoy a guided visit to a local husky farm to meet the sled dogs. Later, enjoy some Sámi culture with traditional snacks before continuing to Ivalo. (B,D) 199mi/ 320kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Learn about the special relationship between musher and dog with a visit to a local husky farm. Hear about arctic survival gear, sleds, racing equipment, and working with sled dogs. Visit the puppy yard and linger with the friendly adult racing dogs. Whether or not you’re a passionate dog lover, you’ll gain respect and admiration for these hard-working dogs and their remarkable fortitude under the care of expert mushers.
IVALO–KARASJOK, NORWAY–HONNINGSVAG
Norwegian Good
Today, cross the border into Norway and stop at Karasjok to visit the Sámi Cultural Park, to learn about the traditions and lifestyle of this semi-nomadic people. Later, reach Honningsvag, the most northerly town in Norway. (B,D) 242mi/ 390kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Explore the fascinating Sámi culture, history, and traditions with a visit to the Sámi Cultural Park in Karasjok. Browse exhibitions that feature Sámi art, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and artifacts to understand the history of the Sámi people, their way of life, and their struggles for cultural preservation and recognition.
HONNINGSVAG–EXCURSION TO THE NORTH CAPE–ALTA
The Old Men & The Sea
Today, stand in the northernmost point of Europe with a visit to the North Cape Hall and Visitor Center, located on a cliff 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean. Capture this incredible moment with a photo opportunity at the Globe Monument, the symbol of the North Cape. Later, arrive in Alta. (B) 168mi/ 270kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The North Cape cliff plateau has long been an important navigation mark for shipping traffic in the north. In 1553, an English expedition set sail under the command of commander Richard Chancellor in search of the North-East passage to China. Though unsuccessful, the expedition’s sea charts were the first to mention the name, North Cape. Today, the cape offers an outstanding vantage point beneath the midnight sun with spectacular views of the Barents Sea.
Written in Stone
This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Rock Art Museum in Alta, Northern Europe's largest and richest rock-carving site. Arrive in Tromsø late afternoon with free time to stroll the city. (B) 186mi/ 300kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT TREASURES Experience the Rock Carvings Museum and walk along the pathways amid the fascinating ancient rock carvings created 2,000 to 6,200 years ago to illustrate the lives and livelihoods of hunter-gatherers and fishermen beside stunning views of the Alta Fjord.
Shining Lights
Today, join an orientation walk, featuring a visit to the Arctic Cathedral. Discover more of Tromsø during your free time and this evening enjoy dinner with your travel companions. Later tonight, board your ship for your coastal adventure. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the eleven lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.
High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
See Norway from a different perspective as you sail along the coast towards the Lofoten Islands, a natural wonder where the mountains meet the sea, and home to thriving communities in quaint villages. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Onboard the cruise ship pass by the Lofoten Wall, a giant granite cliff shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of bright fishing villages hug the shoreline where a majority of the inhabitants make their livelihood in the winter cod season.
Mountain Maidens
A busy day with lots to see! Sail south as your ship calls at Bodo in the small hours of the morning and then Ornes at 7am. Make a short call at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. On arrival at Bronnoysund, disembark and walk along Havnegata to explore the bustling marina and see Brønnøy Church—a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. Reach Rorvik for a stop in the cozy fishing port in the picturesque Vikna archipelago. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL LEGENDS While admiring the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, hear the story about seven beautiful troll princesses who, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, were turned to stone at sunrise to become the seven beautiful mountains of today.
CRUISING: TRONDHEIM–ALESUND
Capital of the Viking Age
Three important ports of call today! First on the agenda is Trondheim, arrive early morning and disembark to take a stroll around the city to see the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Continue to Kristiansund where you can take a walk along the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. Reach Molde to catch a view of the peaks of the Romsdal Alps. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The city of Kristiansund sits on four islands and is founded on bacalao (dried salted cod) known locally as "klippfisk." Discover its distinctive architecture, decorated in shades of red, yellow, and green, giving it the nickname ‘the polychrome city.’ Head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Fjord Every Scene
Catch a glimpse of Nordfjord from the ship, under the giant Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier. Stop at Floro to browse the harbor and marina. As the ship departs Floro, take advantage of a perfect photo opportunity and capture a picture of the Stabben Lighthouse. Enjoy stunning views as your ship crosses the mouth of the Sognefjord. Reaching your final port this afternoon, you’ll navigate through the last islands and skerries of the Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive at Bergen for disembarkation and a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Bergen. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Beautiful Bergen paints the shoreline with different hues of its wooden houses along the old wharf on Norway’s southwestern coast. Often called the “Fjord Capital of Norway,” Bergen will charm you with its quaint charisma and the breathtaking natural wonder between the seven mountains.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)