Savour the Northern Lights - Southbound

• Learn all about the history, culture and day-to-day life of Alta, also known as The Northern Lights City

• Enjoy an exhilarating ride through a winter wonderland on a dog sled

• Eat and drink around a roaring wood fire in a Sami herdsman’s tent, known as a laavo

• Get to know the sled dogs that live and work on the husky farm

• Disembarking/embarking port: Alta

• Available: 15 December – 30 March

• Included: Drink and snack

As we travel by bus to the husky farm, our local guide will tell us all about life in Alta. It’s home to Europe’s longest dog sled race so there are plenty of people here who really know their stuff when it comes to dog sledding.  

When we get there, we have a safety briefing then, in small groups of two or three, whizz along on a dog sled driven by a trained guide. The ride through the winter wonderland will last 20-30 minutes.  

Back at the husky farm, share hot drinks, cookies and tales of our recent adventure around a crackling wood fire in a laavo, a Sami herdsman’s tent. Our hosts will tell us about their extensive experience raising and racing sled dogs and answer all our questions.  

There’s be plenty of time to meet the sled dogs. Don’t forget to take a picture with them – they’re incredibly photogenic, and friendly too!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Tour the huge Igloo Hotel. All 21,530 sq ft (2,000 sqm) of it are crafted from snow and ice

• Admire the exquisite ice and snow sculptures that decorate the hotel

• Sip your free drink served in an ice glass at the unforgettable ice bar

• Before you visit the Igloo Hotel, find out all about Alta, known as The Northern Lights City

• Included: Drink

Every winter, a crew of local artists build the Igloo Hotel on the banks of the Alta River, 12.5 miles (20km) from Alta town centre. After our local guide tells us all about day-to-day life in Alta, we’ll take a bus up the Alta Valley to Sorrisniva, home to a remarkable feat of icy architecture. 

The Igloo Hotel is enormous, approximately 21,530 sq ft (2,000 sqm), and every part is made from snow and ice – even the beds! There are 30 bedrooms, plus suites, a bar, and several lounges. 

Local artists decorate the hotel with exquisite ice sculptures, and the theme changes every year. The hotel’s history and the skill that goes into crafting it are just as fascinating as the hotel itself. 

Before you leave, stop by the small souvenir shop and sip your free drink at the ice bar – served in a glass of ice, of course!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Take in the exhibition at Alta Museum about nearby discoveries of prehistoric rock art – the largest collection in Northern Europe

• Get to know more about the history of Alta and enjoy views of Altafjord

• Visit the landmark new Alta Cathedral, also known as the Northern Lights Cathedral

• Understand the history and science of the Northern Lights through a fun and immersive exhibition and a unique presentation

We’ll meet our local guide and bus and begin a short tour of Alta city centre, covering day-to-day life in the city considered the northernmost in the world.

Our first stop is Alta Museum which chronicles the discovery of Northern Europe’s largest concentration of prehistoric rock art at the head of nearby Altafjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is located next to the excavation site at Hjemmeluft and features some of the rock art on display, including ‘Pippi’, the first rock carving found in Alta. You can also walk through other exhibits about the Sámi, Kven history, the local slate industry, Alta River, and UNESCO.

Next up is the remarkable Alta Cathedral. The spiral of its titanium-clad spire symbolises the extraordinary phenomena of the Northern Lights. During the long Arctic nights, the striking façade even reflects the Northern Lights as they flicker all around. Downstairs, the interactive Borealis Alta exhibition tells us everything there is to know about the science and the Sámi myths behind the Northern Lights.

• See Norway’s apex predators such as bears, wolves, wolverine and lynx 

• Enjoy a guided tour with an expert on Arctic wildlife 

• Learn about the delicate web of life in this region, and watch the animals roam in their natural surroundings 

• Witness other animals such as reindeer, moose, musk ox, red deer and Arctic foxes 

• Tour offered in English and Norwegian 

• Warm clothing 

• Sensible footwear. Park can be slippery in winter – spikes recommended 

• Walk around the park is 3km and takes approx. 1.5 hours on average 

• Not wheelchair accessible  

• Toilets available in the park café 

• Available: 15 Feb – early May

• Transportation: Bus

Come on a fascinating journey to Polar Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park. This carefully curated experience brings you closer to some of Norway’s most iconic creatures, including bears, lynx and wolverines as they roam freely within large natural enclosures. 

 Your journey begins with a scenic transfer from Narvik, offering breathtaking views of the Norwegian wilderness. At Polar Park, an expert guide will take you on an informative tour, providing fascinating stories and explaining the behaviours of the majestic animals you’ll see. Capture the wildlife on your camera, all set against the stunning backdrop of Norway’s untamed beauty. 

 The experience at Polar Park is both educational and enchanting, allowing you to connect with nature and understand the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitats. 

• Meet a Sámi family and learn about how their ancient culture has adapted to the modern world 

• Learn about spiritual beliefs from a shaman, and witness a traditional ceremony 

• Listen to unique Sámi joik songs and stories in a cosy lavvo setting 

• Discover the central importance of living with nature to these semi-nomadic people 

• Tour is provided in English and Norwegian  

• Bring warm clothing and boots for walking on snow  

• Short walk between bus and lavvo 

• Not wheelchair accessible  

• Available: September - May 

• Meals: Tea/coffee and snacks 

Welcome to Husky Isogaisa, where the spirit of the Sámi people comes to life. 

Learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Sámi people from a shaman. He will share captivating stories about the Sámi way of life, including their unique joik songs, their language, and their time-honoured practice of reindeer herding (though note there are no reindeers on site). Discover how the these traditionally nomadic people have adapted to modern society while preserving their way of life. 

In the cosy warmth of the lavvo tent, watch in an atmosphere of quiet reverence as the shaman connects with the Sámi spirits that dwell there and in the surrounding nature. He'll explain the significance of the Northern Lights in their beliefs – and with luck the experience may be accompanied by the magical glow of the aurora borealis. 

As you listen, enjoy a warm drink and snacks, or try a cup of chaga tea, a traditional Sámi beverage known for its healing properties. The Northern Lights have always held a special place in the Sámi understanding of the universe, and the shaman's stories will illuminate their importance in a way you've never experienced before. 

• Enjoy a memorable experience as you traverse snowy landscapes 

• Benefit from an expert local guide who’ll take you to the best spots 

• Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and the awe-inspiring beauty of the fjords and mountains surrounding Narvik 

• Ride on a cable car far up above sea level 

• Tour offered in English and Norwegian 

• Cable car ticket is included 

• Snowshoes provided 

• Wear warm winter clothing 

• Photo stop at Narvik Mountain Lodge 

• Toilets at Narvik Mountain Lodge 

• Not suitable for wheelchair users 

• All hiking on flat or downhill 

• If the cable car is closed an alternative route will be chosen depending on the conditions 

• Available: Dec 15 – April 30 depending on snow conditions

• Meals: Warm drink

Experience the winter beauty of Narvik on this guided snowshoeing tour. You’ll be led by local, experienced guides who will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip that brings you closer to nature. Your adventure starts at the Narvikfjellet cable car, ascending to 656 metres above sea level where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the fjords and town nestled below.  

With snowshoes strapped on, traverse the snowy trails enjoying the peaceful surroundings and stopping at scenic viewpoints for photo opportunities. Continue your walk to Narvik Mountain Lodge, where you'll experience a cozy retreat amidst the wilderness. Here, you’ll be able to savour a warm drink while marvelling at a panoramic vista of Narvik framed by snowy peaks and ice-blue fjords.  

Finally, our snow walk ends at Base Camp Narvik, where a waiting bus will bring us back down. 

• Breathe pure air and feel deep peace in the wintry Gratangen forest 

• Learn how to handle a team of huskies as you glide across the snow 

• Meet the happy and well-looked-after family dogs 

• Enjoy true Sámi hospitality in a traditional heated lavvo tent 

• Tour is provided in English and Norwegian 

• Bring plenty of warm clothing 

• Short walk between bus, lavvo and dogs 

• Not wheelchair accessible 

• Available: December 15 – April 30

• Transportation: Bus (bus shared with Sámi Cultural Experience) 

The polar winter is truly special. The air is often quiet and crisp, and the trees are draped in shimmering ice crystals, and nature is in a peaceful, dormant state. This serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for your dog sledding adventure, but make sure to wrap up warm and wear several layers.  

After a transfer from Narvik to Husky Isogaisa, the fun begins with getting to know the dogs and equipment. You'll learn how to mush a dog sled, guided by an experienced tour leader with her own team of dogs. Once you're familiar with the basics, you'll pair up and drive your own team of 4-6 dogs through the stunning, magical terrain. The dogs love running and will enjoy the ride just as much as you will! 

After your journey through this winter paradise, which lasts up to an hour,  you'll be welcomed into a heated Sámi lavvo. Here, you can keep warm with hot drinks and snacks, sharing stories together. This is more than just a tour, it's an encounter with nature that you'll never forget. 

• Enjoy a walking tour of this quaint town, with a visit to the world’s only Train Chapel 

• Ride to 2,320ft (708 metres) above sea level in Norway’s first gondola built on sustainable principles 

• Soak up the breathtaking panoramic views across the majestic peaks of the Romsdal Mountains 

• Explore the top of the mountain on a guided walk and visit the mountaintop restaurant 

• Languages: English and Norwegian  

• Wheelchair accessible: Yes, but note that the accessible route is slightly shorter on the mountain. 

Our tour starts as soon as you step on to the pier, where we’ll meet our local guide and begin our journey through the town’s key landmarks. One of the highlights is the remarkable Train Chapel, a decommissioned state railway carriage that was converted into a small chapel in 2003. This is the first of its kind Norway, if not the world.  

After our walking tour, we’ll head to the Romsdal Gondola – Norway's longest and most sustainable cable car. It takes only 5 minutes for the gondola to cover the 5,510ft (1,679 metres) from fjord to the peaks of the Romsdal Mountains, but it’ll feel like we’re journeying into another world. The views along the way and from the top are spectacular.  

On the mountaintop, at 2,320ft (708 metres) above sea level, we’ll scan the 360-degree views to see the unforgettable outline of Romsdalshorn (one of Norway’s most famous peaks), the pinnacle of Vengetindene, Åndalsnes town centre, and the surrounding lush valleys. It’s obvious why Åndalsnes is Norway’s mountaineering capital!  

Then, we’ll explore the mountaintop on a 30-minute/1,640-ft (500-metre) guided walk and find out how the tough climate shapes the day-to-day lives of those who live here.  

Before we catch the gondola back down, it’s time for a locally brewed coffee and sweet treat at Eggen Restaurant, on the mountain next to the Romsdalen Gondola station.  

Combine with the Trollstigen bustour for more spectacular views. 

• Enjoy a walking tour of this quaint town, with a visit to the world’s only Train Chapel 

• Ride to 2,320ft (708 metres) above sea level in Norway’s first gondola built on sustainable principles 

• Soak up the breathtaking panoramic views across the majestic peaks of the Romsdal Mountains 

• Explore the top of the mountain on a guided walk and visit the mountaintop restaurant 

• Languages: English and Norwegian  

• Wheelchair accessible: Yes, but note that the accessible route is slightly shorter on the mountain. 

Our tour starts as soon as you step on to the pier, where we’ll meet our local guide and begin our journey through the town’s key landmarks. One of the highlights is the remarkable Train Chapel, a decommissioned state railway carriage that was converted into a small chapel in 2003. This is the first of its kind Norway, if not the world.  

After our walking tour, we’ll head to the Romsdal Gondola – Norway's longest and most sustainable cable car. It takes only 5 minutes for the gondola to cover the 5,510ft (1,679 metres) from fjord to the peaks of the Romsdal Mountains, but it’ll feel like we’re journeying into another world. The views along the way and from the top are spectacular.  

On the mountaintop, at 2,320ft (708 metres) above sea level, we’ll scan the 360-degree views to see the unforgettable outline of Romsdalshorn (one of Norway’s most famous peaks), the pinnacle of Vengetindene, Åndalsnes town centre, and the surrounding lush valleys. It’s obvious why Åndalsnes is Norway’s mountaineering capital!  

Then, we’ll explore the mountaintop on a 30-minute/1,640-ft (500-metre) guided walk and find out how the tough climate shapes the day-to-day lives of those who live here.  

Before we catch the gondola back down, it’s time for a locally brewed coffee and sweet treat at Eggen Restaurant, on the mountain next to the Romsdalen Gondola station.  

Combine with the Trollstigen bustour for more spectacular views. 

• Entrance to the Hanseatic Assembly House, Schøtstuene. 

• Includes the Hanseatic Wharf. 

• Old wooden house area .

• Language: English and German.

• Included: Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms.

• Walking information: Approx. 5km walk.

• Wheelchair accessible: No.

This tour offers an initial overview of the history and structure of the city. It takes you through the charming streets of Bergen, focusing on the downtown area surrounding the bustling harbour, the town square, the theatre, the beautiful city park with adjoining art museums, not forgetting the historic areas of Bergenhus Fortress and Bryggen. We will take a closer look at the old Hanseatic Wharf which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, we will visit the old Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms. To take a walk in Bergen is the best way to take the Bergen ambience in completely. The city centre is compact and full of attractions, and the city’s highlights and colourful history are presented to you as we walk at a leisurely pace.

• Gain insight into life and work at Batterie Vara during wartime

• See the world’s second largest land-mounted cannon

• Visit the “House of Horror”, and find out what happened there

• The terrain is uneven in places and there is a 50-metre incline up to the cannon

We first take a short sightseeing tour of Kristiansand before heading over to the Kristiansand Cannon Museum. Originally built as a German fort in WWII, Batterie Vara features the world’s second largest cannon ever to be mounted on land. 

In addition to the impressive cannon itself, the bunker beneath the cannon displays interesting artefacts from the time. The nearby communication bunker focuses on the human toll of the war, telling stories of people connected to Batterie Vara during WWII.  

The tour continues to The Arkivet Peace and Human Rights Centre. This building served as a Gestapo regional HQ during WWII, the basement functioning as a detention and interrogation centre. The prison cells and torture chambers from 1942-1945 have been reconstructed, and installations illustrate the grim events that took place in the basement. During the guided tour, you’ll learn about the lives of both the prisoners and prison guards of the place that came to be known as The House of Horror.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Admire scenes of forests and farmsteads on a coach ride

• Experience Norwegian Christmas traditions with the locals

• Taste authentic traditional Norwegian Christmas dishes

• Disembarking/embarking port: Kristiansand

• Available: 1 November – 30 December

• Clothes: Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for that day’s weather.

Leaving the pier, we’ll board a coach for a short sightseeing tour of Kristiansand’s city centre. We’ll continue on through popular residential areas and along the river Otra, making our way up Torridalen valley. Take in the sights of inland woods, farmsteads, and scenic river dwellings as we go. 

We’ll soon arrive at the Skraastad Farm for a traditional Christmas get-together. At this time of year, the farm will be decorated in traditional Yuletide fashion. Established in 1773, Skraastad Farm has many stories embedded in its walls.  

After a warm welcome, we’ll gather together in the cosy farmhouse to learn about Norwegian Christmas traditions. Indulge yourself in storytelling, traditional music, and tastings of traditional, homemade Christmas food and drinks such as pinnekjøtt lamb ribs, salmon, and Norwegian sausage. On the way back to the pier, enjoy more of the Christmas spirit of Kristiansand’s decorations in the city centre before arriving back at the ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Discover the sustainable sights of Kristiansund by foot

• Learn about renewal energy, urban beekeeping and other sustainable initiatives

• Pick up a unique souvenir at a locally run creative collective

• Language: English 

• Wheelchair accessible: No

Situated on the southern coast of Norway, the port city of Kristiansand is working towards becoming one of the most environmentally friendly in Europe. Your tour starts at the pier, where you’ll be introduced to renewable energy and learn more about the clean-up projects at the harbour. From here, you’ll cross the bridge to discover historic Odderøya Island, where former military barracks have been transformed into creative artist studios that run a variety of sustainable initiatives. 

As you stroll around, look out for the ceramic birdhouses nested high in the trees and the incredible Giant Crab sculpture, crafted from collected waste materials, perched atop the smart-food entrepreneur centre. We’ll also explore some of the town’s green spaces: Nupen Fountain Park, home to a number of striking granite fountains erected by a local artist, and the city garden, where you’ll gain an insight into urban beekeeping at the Insect Hotel. 

The final stop is Kollektivet, a creative collective run by a community of 21 local designers. Guided by a zero-waste mantra, the shop is filled with everything from chic second-hand items to genuinely unique artisan crafts and design pieces.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.