An evening flight from Australia takes us to Dubai and through to Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark where we will arrive early afternoon.

Overnight: In-Flight

2 NIGHTS

We arrive early afternoon in “wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen”, an historic port and trading town now considered one of Europe’s’ loveliest cities. This metropolis has a small-town feel, and we enjoy a gentle walk in the historic city centre to soak up its quaint ambiance.

Visit Copenhagen Cathedral where Mary Donaldson wed Prince Frederik and became Australia’s first ever real-life princess (now Queen Mary).

Get to know fellow travelers over our first Group Dinner – our Scandinavian adventure has begun!

Overnight: Copenhagen

Our wonderful day of sightseeing starts as we walk by the spectacular Lutheran Frederik’s Church on our way to Sunday worship; with the largest church dome in Scandinavia this is Copenhagen’s most impressive looking church.

We worship at St Alban’s, a church on the central canal which built in 1885 to serve the growing English-speaking community. A short stroll through the park that separates the canal and the harbour, takes us past the Langelinieparken Pavillion and then to the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid.

A combined coach and walking tour will highlight the Medieval, Renaissance and classical parts of town, such as the Parliament and Borse, as well as modern Scandi architecture like the “Black Diamond”, the National Library etc.

We tour Amalienborg Palace in the heart of Copenhagen and go behind the scenes of a real royal palace: this is the seat of one of the world’s oldest monarchies and is the home of King Frederik X and Australia’s very own Queen Mary.
Many of Copenhagen’s fine buildings are the legacy of King Christian IV (1577 -1648); this King was at the centre of some of Denmark’s most turbulent years yet also energetically promoted trade and shipping and funded some wonderful architecture. These include Rosenborg Castle, a renaissance castle originally built in 1606 as his country summerhouse, and Round Tower, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Freshen up at our hotel before visiting the famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, known for its beautiful gardens, rides, and evening lights. Enjoy dinner within Tivoli and soak up the atmosphere – what a delightful end to our Sunday!

Overnight: Copenhagen

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. Some suggested activities include:

Christianshavn – cross the harbour to this eclectic neighbourhood full of old brick lanes, houses dating back to the 16th century, and canals which are home to many boats and ships, some of which has been turned into restaurants or even serve as fully furnished homes. It is also home to the city’s most famous church, the baroque Church of Our Saviour (open 9am); its golden spire has an external spiral winding staircase that can be climbed to the top, offering extensive views over central Copenhagen. It is also noted for its carillon, which plays melodies on the hour.

Holmens Kirke (open 10am) – this central Perish church is also the church used by the Danish Royal Family. First built as an anchor forge in 1563, it was converted into a naval church by Christian IV and is the church where Queen Margrethe II was baptised in 1940 and married in 1967.

Nyhavn – this famous waterfront district of brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses is full of cafes and restaurants.
Early afternoon sees us transfer to the cruise terminal for our comfortable, overnight ferry to Oslo.

Overnight: DFDS Ferry

This morning, we disembark in Oslo, the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals it was established as a trading port shortly after Christianity came to Norway over 1000 years ago. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Oslo’s highlights and take a wander through the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Enjoy incredible views over the city when we drive up to Holmenkollen to visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and the world’s most modern ski jump.

Overnight: Oslo

Be prepared to experience one of Europe’s most picturesque journeys, travelling by train across the Hardanger Plateau, crossing its highest point at Finse (1222m) before travelling down to the Western fjords. In Myrdal, we will join the Flåmsbanen, one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks with nearly 80% of the route on a 5.5% gradient, i.e. a rise of one metre per 18. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are testament to skillful and daring Norwegian engineering.

As the train moves down through the mountain into the valley, we’ll make a quick stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall, which can be seen from the train platform. We end our train journey in picturesque Flåm which is located at the innermost bank of the Aurlandsfjord, with steep mountains enveloping it from all sides.

From Flåm we cruise to Gudvangen through the Aurlandsfjord and the narrow UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord. Be amazed by the steep valley sides that surround us and the snow-covered peaks that rise 1,800 metres above sea level. This spectacular 2-hour cruise is one of contrasts, with dramatic thundering waterfalls and the quiet picturesque villages scattered along the fjord.

From Gudvangen we take a bus through the Nærøydalen valley and up the mountain road to historic Bergen.

A day filled with God’s Glorious Creation!

Overnight: Bergen

Bergen has a long maritime history and was one of the most important cities of the Hanseatic League trading empire (up until the 1830’s it was Norway’s largest city).
Today’s City Tour takes us through Bergen and includes St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO listed Bryggen district.

Bryggen is the town’s old harbour and Hanseatic wharf, complete with its colourful warehouses, which now sell handicrafts, art, and souvenirs. Across the cobblestone street we find the Fish Market where freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot for hungry visitors.

Enjoy a ride on the funicular railway up Mount Fløien to savour both lunch and panoramic views across the city and fjord. The Railway has been transporting people to the mountain for over 100 years and offers some stunning views along the six minute journey, culminating with a panoramic view over the city, fjord and mountains.

Back in Bergen you have an afternoon at leisure before we board MS Nordnorge for our Hurtigruten cruise.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

Early risers will have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord before breakfast. As we sail past the West Cape, we will experience a rare venture into open sea.

From here the ship navigates through skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund. This picturesque town is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, with pastel-coloured buildings, semi-circular windows and charming rounded fairy-tale-like towers.

Back onboard our last port of the day is Molde which has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

We awaken in beautiful Trondheim, a former Viking capital considered Norway’s most photogenic town. Our sightseeing excursion takes us past the old city bridge and old wooden wharf buildings of the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet and to the Kristiansten Fort which offers beautiful views across the fjord.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, the traditional coronation site of all Norwegian kings and the country’s most beautiful religious building. The medieval cathedral is built over the burial site of Norway’s patron saint, St Olav, a Viking King who founded Trondheim and brought Christianity to his people.

In the afternoon, the ship sets a northwest course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, we arrive at the charming port village of Rørvik.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

We worship today as the “Church of the Travelling Saints” and begin our Arctic tour of Norway as we cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning – a traditional ceremony to mark the occasion is sure to wake you up!

We are in search of the Aurora Borealis and travelling above this degree of latitude provides the best chances of experiencing the Northern Lights.

We call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen, before sailing to Bodø, the second-largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. This afternoon, the ship will enter the Lofoten archipelago; the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight stretching for miles on the horizon.

The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in all the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere, from Stamsund, home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands to the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands, with its rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

We dock into Harstad just after 7am where you may choose to go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. Then we sail to Finnsnes before we disembark in Tromsø, the historic base of Arctic exploration.

Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of this major cultural hub including a ride up the cable car to Storsteinen for spectacular views over Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains, and fjords.

The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses whilst the 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline. We also visit the Full Steam Museum to learn about the region’s fishing and maritime history including the Sea Sami cultures.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea. As we sail keep a lookout for the breathtaking phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as we cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent. After brief early stops in Hammerfest and Havøysund, we arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. Our ship continues north, sailing into the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people and we will pass their ancient sacred site, the rock formation Finnkirka. Our next stop is the fishing village Kjøllefjord and every so often local fisherman visit the ship to share their catch of the day. We travel to Mehamn and then on to Berlevåg, passing the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise

Early Birds will see the small town of Vadsø before we arrive in Kirkenes where our ship’s voyage ends. We will have breakfast on board before disembarking in Kirkenes, a town located even further east than St. Petersburg at 30° longitude. Our hotel overlooks the fjord, and we drop our luggage here before setting off on a day of Arctic Adventures.

One of the best ways to travel in the arctic tundra is on a Husky Sled so let’s “go to the dogs”! Kitted out in warm clothing we will be taken to our husky teams for a short lesson on how to handle the dogs and sleds before we set off into the forest. Each sled has 2 people and a musher to drive it and of course we will have a guide to help us along the way.

Enjoy lunch at the Snowhotel, completely made of snow and ice. Look around this “cool” hotel before a traditional and locally sourced meal. This afternoon we try snowshoeing and enjoy a short snow walk before learning about the culture of the Sami, the indigenous people, and traditional reindeer herders of the Arctic regions.

After dinner, we are off Northern Lights hunting on the Aurora Express; our knowledgeable guide will check the latest magnetic forecast and decide whether to take us by minibus towards the Russian border or in the opposite direction towards the Finnish border.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION – Instead of Snowshoe & Sami Experience you may choose a Snowmobile safari – enjoy an exhilarating and epic tour out on the frozen fjord, and into the wilderness surrounding the Snowhotel (additional cost).

Overnight: Kirkenes

After breakfast we fly back to the beautiful city of Oslo. Upon arrival we visit Old Aker Church, Oslo’s oldest existing building and the only remaining church from the Middle Ages. Dating from 1150 this medieval stone church is still an active parish, and the oldest part of the surrounding cemetery also dates back to the 12th century. The church was built over the former site of the Akerberg mines, an ancient silver mine in use during the early Viking Age.

The Fram Museum is dedicated to the story of Norwegian polar exploration, from arctic explorations dating from 15th century to the heroic endeavours to find both northwest and northeast passages. It houses the famous “Fram”, the strongest wooden ship ever built and the first to reach both South & North Poles.

Explore the various decks to gain real insight into how the crew lived and worked on these polar expeditions – these voyages were not for the faint hearted!
Enjoy a final dinner in Scandinavia before we start to make our journey back home.

Overnight: Oslo

A morning at leisure to relax or explore; the harbour is close to our hotel and you may wish to wander down there and take a final look at Oslo’s iconic Opera House.
Then it is time to bid Norway “Ha dat” (goodbye) and fly on to Dubai.

Overnight: Dubai

FULL DAY AT LEISURE

Today is a full day of leisure in Dubai. You might like to visit the famous Dubai Mall, explore the Gold and Spice Souks, ascend the incredible Dubai Frame or choose one of the many optional tours (available on tour). Tonight, will be our last Group Dinner, a time to reflect on the incredible places we have seen, the experiences we have shared and the wonderful people we have met along the way.

Overnight: In-Flight

This morning, we bid goodbye to new friends as we take our various flights home to Australia.

Overnight: In-Flight

We arrive in the morning into Australia, grateful for this unforgettable tour and the time spent in fellowship with like-minded people.