Norway, Lofoten and Arctic Circle

Norway is brimming with Viking history and untamed landscapes, all of which are yours to behold on this journey by land and sea. Each step along the way, you are engulfed into the Norwegian way of life, from its cuisine to its traditions. Beginning in Oslo, we get our first tastes of Norway at a local restaurant and on a guided tour that presents the intricacies of the city.  In contrast to its varied architecture, Norway's wide-open expanses are the focus as we venture from Oslo to Trondheim aboard the Dovre Railway. This heritage railway boasts over 100 years of history and follows a 7-hour route through the stunning Gudbrandsdalen Valley en route to our next destination. In addition to having free time to explore Trondheim independently, we also use this Viking city as the commencement point for our arctic cruise. We board an elegant Havila cruise ship and begin sailing north toward the Arctic Circle and the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. Majestic fjordlands and charming fishing villages make for a picturesque journey. We anchor in several of these coastal destinations and enjoy sightseeing and optional excursions that offer a greater understanding of the local way of life. Between ports, keep watch for whales, orcas, sea birds and animals in the water and animals like reindeer frolicking near the shores. We dock for the final time in Kirkenes, one of the northernmost cities in Norway, and conclude our trip with a full day of adventure that showcases the beauty and traditions of this part of the world. Extremes are presented in both the weather and the scenery in the Land of the Midnight Sun.