Coastal highlights from Trondheim to Tromso
Starting in its historical capital Trondheim, enjoy a spectacular introduction to Norway's dramatic west coast on one of the newest and most environmentally friendly ships in Europe, as you head towards the country's far north. Your highlights will include passing through abundant archipelagos, navigating narrow fjords and marvelling at the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. With regular stops, you'll enjoy a plenty of opportunities to explore the small towns and villages along the coast including the chance to husky sled in Tromso.
Price Includes:
The quoted price includes all flights, accommodation, transport, tours and meals as specified.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Trondheim
Founded as a Viking trading post back in the 10th century, the erstwhile capital Trondheim quickly became one of Norway’s most important cities, something remembered today by its colourful old town, timber mansions and Gothic cathedral – a pilgrimage site for nearly a thousand years. However, the region’s rich heritage isn’t confined to the city. Monastery ruins crouch in rolling hills, 500-year-old castles stand on stern islands and life goes on in fishing villages seemingly as it has done for the past hundred years. There are even Viking burial sites and Sami reindeer herders. However, much of the surrounding region's charm is natural. There’s everything from mighty fjords and sky-scraping mountains to dramatic coastlines and old-growth forests. It’s all animated by musk ox, lynx, eagles and bears. Indeed, the region is a true outdoorsman’s paradise. Whether it’s coastal bike rides and island-hopping boat trips or river kayaking and pilgrim hikes, there’s an outdoors adventure for everyone.
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Day 2 Cruise Trondheim to Tromso
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding the all-modern Havila ship for the start of your voyage north. Settle into your stylish cabin as you weave in and out of small coastal islands towards Rorvik, continuing out into the fjord. Sleepy fishing villages and small island inlets will set the scene as you sit down for a sumptuous dinner in the ship's main restaurant - Havrand. You'll have the choice of a number of set dishes in addition to food from the four different coastal regions through which we sail.
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Day 3 Cruising Coast of Norway
Today, as the voyage north continues, you cross the Arctic Circle - a milestone moment marked by a small ceremony - where you'll be treated to some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery, passing the small villages of Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen and Nesna on your way to Bodø, the gateway to the Lofoten islands. Here, besides enjoying the striking scenery, you'll have a choice of optional excursions from gentle hikes along the sandy coast to visiting Saltstraumen, the location of the world's strongest tidal current. The sea forces itself through the narrow strait and into the fjord, and the height difference between the water on both sides of the strait is up to one metre. The strong currents can create whirlpools that are ten metres wide and four to five metres deep. As the evening draws in, turn your attention to the dark polar skies for the chance to spot the Northern Lights.
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Day 4 Cruising Coast of Norway
Today, you continue along the coast , past narrow fjords and wild snow-topped mountains to the "Paris of the north", Tromso. A city more traditionally characterised by hunting and fishing, it is now better known for its spectacular winter adventures as well as being the country's Northern Lights capital.
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Day 5 Return to UK
Lost among Norway’s stunning fjordland, 400km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the world’s more isolated city-break destinations. Yet, against all the odds, it’s a place that revels in a richness of cultural delights, from a vibrant arts and music scene to a roaring pub route and cutting-edge restaurants. The surrounding stage set of stunning snow-capped peaks and regular aurora spectaculars adds a seriously exciting edge to this stylish Scandinavian city. But there’s far more to Tromsø than just long weekends spent hunting the Northern Lights. A short hop from downtown, you’ll find plunging fjords and islands home to a dazzling array of wildlife, as well as the new Tromsø Ice Domes, open for overnight stays for the first time this winter. And, in the Lyngen Alps, there’s everything from snowmobiling and husky sledding to guided tasting sessions at the world’s northernmost brewery.