Have breakfast on the North Cape in the summer, visit Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic and sail through the beautiful Lofoten and Vesterålen islands where the cliffs are diving dramatically into the ocean and the locals are greeting us as we sail by.

Continue along the coast of Helgeland, frequently called the worlds most beautiful coastline, visit Trondheim, Norway’s first capital and arrive in Bergen – the gateway to the fjords.

After a few hours docked at Kirkenes, the ship will depart upon the southbound half of her voyage, calling during the day at ports passed at night on the trip northward.

Crossing Varangerfjord, Norway's only east-facing fjord and a fabled bird-watching site, you'll arrive in Vardo, the easternmost point of the country. Next the ship will round the Varanger peninsula, where archaeologists excavated a community believed to date from 9000 BC. In the evening, the ship calls at Batsfjord, which also boasts the remains of a Stone Age settlement, and Berlevag. Look out for the Tanahorn mountain, which long ago was a Sami sacrifice site.

The island groups of Lofoten and Vesteralen have some of the most stunning scenery on this journey.

Before your arrival, you'll see the captain skillfully maneuver the ship through the shallow waters of the Risoyrenna Channel, where sand banks are visible through the green water on both sides of the channel. The ship will negotiate the narrow Raftsund Strait leading into the breathtaking Trollfjord, before arriving in Svolvaer and Stamsund. Later, the ship heads east across Vestfjord toward Bodo.

Optional shore excursions.

From Ornes, you'll travel through crystalline waters, filled with spawning cod from January to April, and go by lush agricultural fields.

Nearly every towering peak you'll see is associated with a local legend. Crossing the Arctic Circle once again, you'll pass the idyllic island of Sandnessjoen. On the approach to Bronnoysund, which you reach this afternoon, you'll spy the mythical Seven Sisters Mountains.

Make sure you're on deck when the ship departs Bronnoysund - you'll be impressed by the captain's steady hand! Today's last port of call will be Rorvik.

Arrive in Trondheim early, with time to visit Norway's largest medieval church, Nidaros Cathedral, and the restored Archbishop's Residence. You'll then sail out through the beautiful Trondheimsfjord, past Hitra, island of deer, and lonely Grip.

At day's end, you'll call at Molde, before arriving in Alesund late in the evening in time for a stroll on shore.

Optional shore excursion.