The Coastal Express, 11 Nights

Visit Norway

HIGHLIGHTS:

All Aboard - Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords - City of Kings and Palaces - Into the Arctic - Capital of the Arctic - Norway - From the Top of Europe - High Peaks and Idyllic Islands - A Landscape of Trolls - Coastal Communities and Klippfisk - Until Next Time

Our 12-day Norwegian coastal cruise travels northbound and then southbound, taking in Norway�s many fjords and mountains along the way. Your ship will call at 34 ports of all sizes and cross the Arctic Circle twice over 2,500 nautical miles. It is the definitive scenic route to see the Norwegian coast.

Day 1 All Aboard

Bergen - gateway to the fjords

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League. If you've time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There's also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city. To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don't forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Day 2 Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Ålesund

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

�lesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums. If you're travelling with us in spring or winter, you'll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord*. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.

Day 3 City of Kings and Palaces

Trondheim - Norway's capital of technology

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Day 4 Into the Arctic

Bodø

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that's sure to wake you up.

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Day 5 Capital of the Arctic

Tromsø - gateway to the Arctic

We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town.

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins.

Day 6 Norway's Northern Frontier

Honningsvåg - gateway to the North Cape

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You'll know we've reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

Day 7 Norway's Eastern Edge

Kirkenes - right on the border

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Day 8 From the Top of Europe

Hammerfest

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

Day 9 High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Svolvær - at the heart of Lofoten

Today, you'll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.

After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world's northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.

Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.

Day 10 A Landscape of Trolls

Brønnøysund - coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol' Norwegian cod liver oil!

We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Day 11 Coastal Communities and Klippfisk

Trondheim - Norway's capital of technology

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway's smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.

Day 12 Until Next Time

Bergen - gateway to the fjords

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we'll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you're up early enough.

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