Reiseverlauf

Welcome to Norway. Your journey begins in Oslo, a capital shaped by sea, forest and forward-thinking design.

Before boarding, take time to explore the city’s compact and walkable centre. Stroll along Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace, visit the striking waterfront Opera House where you can walk on the roof for sweeping fjord views, or browse contemporary Nordic art at the National Museum. Along the harbour at Aker Brygge, cafés and restaurants offer a lively introduction to modern Oslo, while the medieval Akershus Fortress looks out across the fjord.

Later, step aboard your ship and settle into the calm rhythm of life at sea. Meet the Expedition Team, whose talks and activities will bring the coastline’s history, nature and culture to life. As evening falls, gather in the panoramic lounge and watch the sparkling city lights slip quietly into the distance.

Today is a chance to settle into the rhythm of life on board. Take time to explore the ship and enjoy the flavours of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, served across the restaurants and bar, where ingredients from along the coast shape each menu.

Outside, the southern shoreline unfolds in a quiet procession of skerries, sheltered harbours and low-slung islands.

Watch the scenery drift pass from the deck, sink into a seat in the two-storey lounge and bar, or unwind in the panoramic sauna as sea and sky blend on the horizon.

Beyond the views, this coastline carries centuries of stories. Join the Expedition Team for lectures and presentations that offer insight into the history, nature and communities awaiting along the voyage ahead.

Today, you’ll wake to views of beautiful Lysefjord. The 42km-long fjord is home to one of Norway’s most famous sights: Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), which towers above the fjord’s shimmering waters.

Kjerag mountain, at the end of the fjord, reaches even higher. Along the way, watch for mountain goats, waterfalls, and the famous Kjeragbolten, a glacial boulder wedged high up in a crevasse.

You’ll spend the rest of the day in Stavanger, a colourful waterside city with an international ambience and a lively cultural scene. Discover the architectural relics of Gamle (Old) Stavanger, which includes Northern Europe’s best-preserved collection of wooden houses, and Norway’s oldest cathedral, dating from the 12th century.

You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, browse the local boutique shops, or simply enjoy a drink on the waterfront

After breakfast on the ship, we’ll dock at Ålesund, a town on a small peninsula surrounded by beautiful mountains and islands. Many of the buildings here, from the bright colours to the rounded spires, were inspired by the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in the early 1900s. You can get impressive photos of the archipelago from the nearby Mount Aksla viewpoint.

You can also visit the Atlantic Sea Park, Norway’s first marine science centre. This is one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, providing a home to seals, otters, and crabs, as well as many other kinds of marine life. You can even see Humboldt Penguins here, a species otherwise absent north of the equator.

Join an optional excursion to explore Ålesund on foot or by bus as your guide reveals the town’s surprising secrets to you.

The cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago may look small but it has a huge history that is told through both the landscape and the town’s collection of museums.

Here, you can join an optional excursion to three of Rørvik’s excellent museums. Time travel through the last 10,000 years in Ice Age-carved landscapes, carefully preserved 19th-century living rooms, and the ingenuity of Norwegian salmon production.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue sailing north through the Vikna archipelago made up of 6,000 islands, islets, and reefs. The local gardens bloom with plum and apple blossoms in the spring, even at 65°N, thanks to the maritime climate.

As we sail through the night, we’ll leave the Helgeland coast behind us as we cross the Arctic Circle.

Today, we explore Lofoten. As soon as you see the towering peaks, you’ll understand why this island chain is regarded as one of Norway’s most stunning locations.  

We’ll dock in the town of Svolvær mid-morning. Located on the island of Austvågøya in the heart of Lofoten, Svolvær is the biggest town of the archipelago, and has plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and cafés to enjoy. You can also admire views of the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain named for resembling a goat and its horns.  

A variety of optional excursions are available from Svolvær, including winter fishing, paddling along the coastline in a kayak, or embarking on a bus tour to learn more about Lofoten’s history.

We can’t visit the area without spending a couple of hours in Stokmarknes. It was here that the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With. On the waterfront, you’ll find our 1956 ship MS Finnmarken, encased in the Hurtigruten Museum’s glass building like a ship in a bottle.

Tromsø, known as the Arctic Capital, marks the true threshold of the north. Located well above the Arctic Circle, this lively city is renowned for its winter adventures and as one of the best places in Norway to witness the Northern Lights. Snow-covered peaks rise behind colourful wooden houses, and the atmosphere carries a sense of frontier energy.

After arrival and disembarkation, meet your tour manager and fellow travellers before setting out by private coach. The journey east begins immediately in dramatic fashion, weaving through the striking Lyngen Alps* with fjord crossings on local ferries. One of Norway’s most scenic routes unfolds along the shores of Lyngenfjord, where mountains plunge directly into the sea.

In Skibotn, the landscape opens toward Finland. Crossing the border, the route leads to the peaceful resort village of Kilpisjärvi, surrounded by vast Arctic wilderness just a short distance from Norway. This evening there will be a welcome dinner at your hotel.

*Driving via the Lyngen Alps is subject to weather and road conditions.

Today’s Arctic experience depends on the season.

October and November departures

On 14/10/27, 28/10/27, 11/11/27 and 25/11/27 During early winter, deep snow makes access to the three-country border challenging. Instead, visit a traditional Sámi reindeer farm in Kilpisjärvi. The Tornensis family, among the region’s oldest reindeer herding families, welcome guests to learn about their centuries-old way of life.

Meet the reindeer in their corral, including young animals in training and experienced sled reindeer. Feed them their favourite lichen and capture memorable photos before gathering inside a cosy log cabin. Around the open fire, enjoy homemade biscuits and warm berry juice while listening to stories about Sámi culture and Arctic life. The experience also includes a tasting of grilled reindeer meat.

December to April departures

09/12/27, 11/01/28, 08/02/28, 07/03/28 and 04/04/28 From true winter onwards, we instead set out on the popular Border of Three Countries ‘safari’. Travel by snowmobile or sleigh across a frozen lake and through snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma, where the distinctive yellow border cairn marks the meeting point of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Covering approximately 30km in around three hours, this guided adventure allows you to stand in three countries within moments. Thermal clothing, guiding, photos and a warm drink with pastry are included.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the surrounding Arctic landscape. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel before heading out with the tour manager in search of the Northern Lights, weather permitting.

After breakfast, continue southeast by private coach, following the Swedish-Finnish border through remote Arctic landscapes to Muonio and onward to Levi. Here, you’ll spend two magical nights in a private Aurora Cabin, also known as a glass igloo. Set just outside the small ski resort village and far from light pollution, your accommodation offers the rare chance to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed, weather permitting of course.

After check-in, enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant before heading out on an Aurora Hunting safari by bus. Travelling north toward Jerisjärvi or the Ounasjoki River, your route is chosen according to where conditions are most favourable for aurora activity that night. Stops are made along the way for photographs before continuing to the shores of Lake Äkäslompolo, where you’ll experience the Arctic night in serene surroundings. On especially calm evenings, you may even hear the faint whisper of the Aurora.

Please note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Today is a day you’ve probably been anticipating for a while, and it’s dedicated to the region’s most enthusiastic residents – the huskies.

October – mid November departures 14/10/27, 28/10/27 and 11/11/27

In autumn and early winter, visit a local husky farm for a wagon ride through the forest. A professional musher guides the eager dogs on a 4km journey lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with up to four guests seated per wagon. After the ride, gather inside a traditional kota hut to enjoy warm berry juice while listening to stories about life with huskies in the Arctic. Please note: The wagon ride is weather dependent. On warmer days above approximately 7°C, the dogs cannot run and the experience becomes a farm visit only. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Optional reindeer or snowmobile safaris may be available, depending on the conditions. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

Late November – April departures 25/11/27, 09/12/27, 11/01/28, 08/02/28, 07/03/28 and 04/04/28

In true winter until early spring, we’ll set out on a traditional 5km husky sleigh safari through Levi’s snow-filled forests. Each two-person sled is driven by one guest, offering a hands-on Arctic experience as your team glides across frozen trails. The dogs run eagerly, the sled skims over snow, and the forest stretches silent and white around you – it’s an unforgettable way to experience Lapland’s winter landscape. The remainder of the day is free to relax or join optional Arctic activities such as reindeer or snowmobile safaris, weather permitting. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

This morning, we’ll travel south by private coach from Levi toward Bothnian Bay and the coastal town of Kemi, passing through Arctic landscapes along the way. A short stop in Rovaniemi may be made if time allows.  Tonight, you’ll stay at the remarkable Seaside Glass Villas at Experience 365, set on the frozen coastline. With glass walls and ceilings, these unique villas offer sweeping views of the winter landscape and, weather permitting, the Northern Lights.

October – November departures 14/10/27, 28/10/27, 11/11/27 and 25/11/27  

On autumn and early winter departures, enjoy a private guided visit to the historic Icebreaker Sampo. Built in 1960, the vessel once assisted merchant ships and carried out rescue missions in harsh Arctic conditions before being transformed into one of Finland’s most iconic winter attractions.  Following the guided tour, experience sea floating in the icy waters of the Bothnian Bay while wearing a full-body survival dry suit designed to keep you warm and buoyant.*  Dinner is served at the resort.

December – March departures 09/12/27, 11/01/28, 08/02/28, 07/03/28 and 04/04/28** 

In true winter and early spring, we’ll embark on a three-hour Arktis Icebreaker cruise, weather permitting. Watch as the powerful vessel ploughs through thick sea ice, creating a dramatic spectacle.  You’ll also have the rare opportunity to float in the icy sea wearing a waterproof survival suit; an unforgettable experience!*  After this adventure, return to the Seaside Glass Villas for dinner and an overnight stay on the Arctic coast.  Please note: The minimum height for sea floating is 120cm.  

*The icebreaker schedule for 04/04/28 is subject to confirmation. If sailing is not possible, the October-November programme will operate with a price adjustment.

It’s time to say goodbye to the wilderness as we head towards the bright lights of Helsinki. Transfer by private coach to Kemi railway station in good time for your southbound train journey.

We depart mid-morning and leave the landscapes of Finnish Lapland behind and travel south through forests, lakes and open countryside. Lunch can be purchased on board the train.

Arrive in the Finnish capital in the late afternoon, where a private coach transfer will take you to your 5-star hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a three-hour sightseeing tour of Finland’s elegant capital.

Often called the “Daughter of the Baltic Sea” or the “White City of the North”, Helsinki is known for its harmonious blend of neoclassical architecture, modern design and coastal beauty. During the tour, you’ll gain a deeper insight into Finland’s history, culture and traditions.

Pass Helsinki City Hall and the lively Market Square before arriving at Senate Square, home to the striking Helsinki Cathedral. A highlight of the morning is a visit to the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved directly into solid granite. Entrance is included. Weather and time permitting, you will also see the iconic Sibelius Monument.

The tour concludes at the hotel at around 13:00, and the afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace.

Sadly, today marks the end of your journey with us. After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers.

From the far south of Norway up along its coast, then down through Finnish Lapland, you’ve been on quite the journey! You’ve travelled across a large section of Scandinavia, with the Northern Lights hopefully making a pleasant appearance not just one but a few times.

Thank you for coming with us on this Signature tour. We hope to see you again soon for another adventure.