Norway is known for its dramatic fjords, remote islands, charming towns and Viking heritage - and during this week-long cruise, you'll discover it all in the company of Professor Cat Jarman.
Starting in the vibrant capital of Oslo, sail northbound along the stunning Arctic coastline, visiting Stavanger, Art Nouveau Ålesund and the fishing port of Rørvik. As you cross the Arctic Circle, there will be plenty of opportunity to marvel at Norway's northern landscapes. You'll call at Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands before reaching the city of Tromsø, 350km north of the Arctic Circle.
Professor Cat Jarman will deliver a talk on board, as well as join you on a fascinating excursion in Stavanger as you follow in the footsteps of the Vikings. During which, visit the interactive Viking House centre for a virtual reality experience, stand on the site of one of Norway's most significant battlegrounds, the Battle of Hafrsfjord, and visit the mystical stone circle, Domsteinene.
You'll be cruising on board MS Trollfjord, and with a day at sea once you've left Oslo, you'll have time to make yourself comfortable and explore the ship. During the voyage, all your meals and drinks will be included, and you'll have the opportunity to feast upon Norway's coastal kitchen with local and seasonal cuisine served in the ship's three restaurants. You'll be joined by an on board expedition team who will enhance your journey further with a series of lectures.
Fly from London to Oslo (regional flights available at a supplement). If you have time before you board your ship for the voyage ahead, you'll want to explore the many charms this cosmopolitan capital has to offer. Make your way to the city centre, where you can take snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, Royal Palace and Oslo Cathedral. Once you've boarded MS Trollfjord and settled into your cabin or suite, meet your Expedition Team. You'll get to know each member of the team as they give lectures and organise on board activities throughout your voyage. Meet your fellow guests in the ship's two-storey panoramic lounge and watch as the capital's twinkling lights fade into the distance
Spend today relaxing on board and getting a taste of our Norway's Coastal Kitchen cuisine in the ship's three restaurants and bar. You'll have time to simply watch Norway's spectacular southern coast glide by. Take it all in from the expansive Observation Deck, from the comfort of your ship's two-storey lounge and bar, or from the panoramic sauna. As well as the views, this stretch of coast is home to history and stories. Find out more about Norway's coast and the voyage ahead in the lectures, presentations, and on board activities planned for today. Join Dr. Cat Jarman for an exclusive talk on the Vikings during the day.
Wake to views of the beautiful Lysefjord, a 42km long fjord home to one of Norway's most famous sights: Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), which towers 604m above the fjord's shimmering waters. Along the way, watch for mountain goats, waterfalls, and the famous Kjeragbolten, a glacial boulder wedged high up in a crevasse.
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. From Stavanger, enjoy an excursion 'In the Footsteps of the Vikings' accompanied by Professor Cat Jarman.
Visit the ground-breaking Viking House, a Virtual Reality experience that recreates the exciting world of the Vikings and explores their connection with Stavanger. Through a short VR film, you'll learn more about King Harold and the seminal Battle of Hafrsfjord - one of the most dramatic and significant events in Norway's history, and one that resulted in the country's unification. Later, visit the Swords in Rock monument, which commemorates the epic battle. Unveiled in 1983, the three 10-metre-high bronze swords symbolise peace, unity, and freedom. Your final stop will be the mysterious Domsteinene, an ancient stone circle that has baffled archaeologists, historians, and locals for more than 250 years.
Today, 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. 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.
The cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna
archipelago may look small but it has a huge history told through
both the landscape and the town's collection of museums.
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, continue sailing north through the Vikna
archipelago made up of over 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.
Sailing through the night, leave the Helgeland coast behind and
cross the Arctic Circle.
Today, explore Lofoten. As soon as you see the towering peaks
with small villages clustered around them, you'll understand why
this island chain is praised as one of Norway's most stunning
locations.
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, humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and
cafés. Look out for the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain so named
for resembling a horned ruminant. 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.
You 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 the 1956 ship MS Finnmarken encased in the
Hurtigruten Museum's glass building like a ship in a bottle.
Sail into Tromsø mid-morning and disembark. If you have time to explore Tromsø, you'll notice that this urban city 350km north of the Arctic Circle buzzes with life - with everything from trendy restaurants and cafés to boutique shops selling local crafts and produce, and even high fashion. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Founded in 1893, Hurtigruten are the world's leading experts in
cruises along the Norwegian fjords. Hurtigruten is ABTA-bonded and
all trips are ATOL-protected.
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rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips
combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a Polar Inside cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £604. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. On board credit is per person and to the value of 1500NOK, exchange rate may fluctuate. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hurtigruten (ABTA-bonded and all trips are ATOL-protected) and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded). Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.