Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle Cruise Itinerary
DAY1 – SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND
Southampton, England- Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history, as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants, and superb pubs. Located on England’s southern coast, the area has a deep connection with WWII, having been used as a staging area for the attack on D-Day. It’s also well-known to be the home port of the Queen Mary 2. Today, the city is largely defined by its universities and retail shopping. The real sightseeing, however, happens when you use this port as a jumping off point for attractions found outside, yet relatively close to the city. For instance, London is but a little over an hour away by train. You can also take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, an English holiday favorite with 25 miles of coastline, sand dunes and dramatic white cliffs. While on your Southampton cruise you can also visit the nearby, quaint town of Windsor where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.
DAY2 – DAY AT SEA
DAY3 – LERWICK, SCOTLAND
Almost 100 islands make up the Shetland Islands, which sit on the northernmost part of the British Isles. Lerwick is Shetland’s only town and is a cosmopolitan seaport that offers warm hospitality to its visitors. The old waterfront is filled with pleasure boats, visiting yachts, and more. Travelers can experience everything from lively “theme” bars and clubs to a Town Hall that boasts breathtaking stained glassed glass windows, each with its own story.
DAY4 – ALESUND, NORWAY
Alesund’s turrets, spires, and other whimsical art nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive, fairytale-like character. On your cruise to Alesund, don’t forget to visit scenic Geiranger Fjord. One of Norway’s best-known attractions is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town. Ages of glacial erosion have given way to sculpted, towering mountainsides upon which flow numerous, dramatic waterfalls. There is no shortage of nature to stand in awe of at this favorite Norway attraction. To fully capture the depth of beauty in this seaside town, a jaunt up Mount Aksla is in order. From there, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of this colorful, magical place. Drive the famous Path of Trolls, a roadway that was literally blasted out of the mountainside. Travel back to Viking days and discover exotic marine life on this exploration of the Saga Islands. Begin on Giske, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Viking legends then continue to the island of Godoy to visit the Atlantic Sea Park. Built directly into the rugged landscape, it features massive aquariums teeming with colorful fish and sea life.
DAY5 – TRONDHEIM, NORWAY
Tucked away on the quiet shores of the Trondheim Fjord, you’ll find the perfect combination of modern and medieval in Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. Discover the Nidaros Cathedral, located at the heart of the city, and its striking Gothic architecture. Be immersed in Trondheim’s old-world charm as you wander through its cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings and experience the vibrant cultural scene marked by many galleries, museums, and festivals. Past the city center, the surrounding landscapes, fjords, and rolling hills are a playground for your outdoor adventures, including hiking and sailing. A captivating city, Trondheim is a unique destination that offers you an unforgettable experience.
DAY6 – ARCTIC CRUISE (CRUISING), NORWAY
Crossing the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle as you cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast is a thrilling rite of passage to many travelers. Jagged, tooth-like mountains, their peaks dusted in snow even in summer, extend along the coast as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age, are scattered across the sea.
DAY7 – TROMSO, NORWAY
Often referred to as the Arctic’s capital, this colorful northern Norwegian city is located above the Article Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. As a major cultural hub—previously called the “Paris of the North”—Tromsø will offer you a young and vibrant city center to explore, a buzzy harbor, and an exciting international dining scene filled with cozy cafes, pubs, and vibrant restaurants. You can also stop for a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries. Tromsø’s striking surrounding landscape also offers a playground for hiking, dog sledding, and skiing during your Norway cruise. Other must-see points include the Arctic Cathedral—a true icon of Northern Norway, built in 1965, with beautiful, stained-glass windows—the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums; and cable car rides for stunning city views.
DAY8 – HONNINGSVAG, NORWAY
Located on the island of Magerøya, Honningsvåg is the northmost city in mainland Europe and the gateway port for cruise passengers heading up to the Arctic Circle. This rugged yet charming town features brightly painted wooden buildings with a surrounding landscape characterized by expansive stretches of tundra, breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and dense forests. The tiny fishing town was completely rebuilt after World War II and is one of the best places to experience the “midnight sun,” a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set in the summer and offers continuous light.
DAY9 – ARCTIC CIRCLE (CRUISING), NORWAY
Crossing the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle as you cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast is a thrilling rite of passage to many travelers. Jagged, tooth-like mountains, their peaks dusted in snow even in summer, extend along the coast as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age, are scattered across the sea.
DAY10 – MOLDE, NORWAY
Discover Molde, a charming city in Norway known among locals as “the town of roses.” In Molde, you’ll find yourself surrounded by spectacular landscapes, blooming gardens, and the sound of jazz music, Hike up to the Varden Viewpoint and take in the magnificent scenery of the Molde Panorama, where 222 snow-capped mountains and the sparkling fjord in the distance are sure to take your breath away. Explore some of the nearby islands and natural wonders, such as the ridge of Romsdalseggen and the winding road of Trollstigen, an impressive roadway that is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route.
DAY11 – OLDEN, NORWAY
Much of this picturesque town, located at the tip of the Nordfjord, looks as though it is straight out of the 17th century. Its many historic sites include Olden Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of the original stave church dating back to the 14th century, and the Singer Home, former residence of American painter William Singer. Nature lover? Explore the lush, verdant scenery of Lake Olden and experience its tranquility on a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Want something more adventurous? On your Europe cruise, trek through the Norwegian wild to Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the largest glacier in continental Europe. You’ll hike along river paths and see gentle waterfalls created by the melting ice.
DAY12 – FLAM, NORWAY
The town of Flam, Norway is nestled in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with nature on your Flam cruise. This quaint Norway town is a place of extremes. The epic majesty of Flam’s dense green mountains dwarfs even the grandest of cruise ships, and the glass-calm water that surrounds the town woos adventurers from near and far. This is place where you can’t help but feel closer to nature for no other reason that it overwhelms at every turn. Climb aboard the Flam Railway for the world’s steepest train ride and rumble 2,800 feet up the wilds of Norway. Kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord for breathtaking views of mountain farms with grazing goats or sheep perched at the fjord’s edge. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering local Norwegian fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. And you can sample the famous brown and white goat cheese in nearby Undredal. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking a dizzying train ride into the mountains, Flam is a Norwegian wonderland that’s meant to be explored.
DAY13 – DAY AT SEA
DAY14 – BRUGES, (ZEEBRUGGE)
Gracefully combining past and present, as well as Flemish and French, Bruges offers a little something for everyone. Linked by the Baudouin Canal, this medieval town is the stuff of fairytale and storybooks. Cobblestone streets, old, historic churches and a dreamy landscape make this a very sought after destination — especially during the summer months. Stroll through the Markt, a bustling plaza where the rhythmic beat of horse-drawn carriages echoes off a soaring belfry tower. Immerse yourself in a rich art history, best reflected in the paintings of Bruges’ own Jan Van Eyck, one of the most significant Renaissance artists of the 15th century. Spend a delightful day on the medieval streets of this city with a seemingly endless supply of charm, culture, and beauty.Foodies will revel in the eclectic dining options at local bistros. Dig into sweet Belgian waffles and stop by the renowned chocolate boutiques on your cruise to Bruges. If sampling the fresh fish of this country is on your agenda, the fish market located here is one of the biggest in Europe. Or, take a scenic cruise through the medieval city of Ghent, Belgium and discover important landmarks, including Chinese Teahouses, 13th-century monasteries and castles of the Counts.
DAY15 – SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND
Arrive at 6:30 am. Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area. If you’re flying out, please keep your departure flight time in mind and plan accordingly.
