Do not be put off by the tour’s early departure time: mornings at North Cape are very special, 1,000 feet above the churning Arctic Ocean, with dazzling sunlight dancing across the horizon.

At North Cape – the very tip of the European continent – enjoy a hearty breakfast and view a spectacular panorama film about North Cape and the region showing the scenery all four seasons.

Continuing on, make a short stop to visit a Sami family for an opportunity to meet reindeer. When you return to Honningsvåg, drive through an underwater tunnel connecting the town with the mainland.

The bus then heads south along the majestic Porsangerfjord. From there, you turn toward the coast and Hammerfest, which has undergone a dramatic change since it became the host municipality of the high-tech offshore Snøhvit gas field project. It is here in Hammerfest – the world’s northernmost town – where you rejoin the Hurtigruten.

This is an all-encompassing excursion that combines wildlife, culture, spectacular and unusual scenery and a visit to the top of the world.