Nordic Discovery

Your Nordic adventure begins! From the Arctic wilderness of Lapland to the colorful coastal towns of Norway, get ready for an unforgettable adventure across Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

Welcome to Stockholm — a compact city, built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take some time to get to know this Scandinavian capital at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Stockholm on an immersive three-hour walking tour with a local guide. Discover the city’s secrets — and the locals’ love of fika, the cherished Swedish coffee break. The rest of the day is yours to further explore Stockholm your way. Perhaps you’ll venture to the Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, or the contemporary Fotografiska gallery.

This morning, say hej då to Stockholm as you head for Luleå, the gateway to Swedish Lapland. Along the way, stop in Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, where Viking rune stones whisper stories of the past. With its charming streets and lakeside views, Sigtuna is a living museum of Nordic heritage. Then, board your flight to Luleå. Upon arrival, get settled in and explore this coastal city at your leisure — perhaps stroll along the harbor or enjoy a fika with a view.

Step into the soul of Swedish Lapland with a local guide leading the way. Begin with a walking tour of Luleå, where modern life blends with centuries of tradition. Just outside Luleå, visit Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 400 red cottages cluster around a 15th-century stone church. Step back in time as you learn how worshippers once traveled great distances to gather here for services. Enjoy lunch at a cozy local restaurant in the village. Later, return to Luleå for a free evening.

Head towards the Arctic Circle today, crossing into Finnish Lapland. In Tornio, pause to see Finland’s oldest wooden church, still in use since the 1600s. Then, continue to Kukkolankoski, where the river’s rapids sustain a centuries-old fishing tradition. See the fishing installations that line the banks and walk to a kota (wooden hut), where whitefish is grilled over an open fire. As your catch cooks in the traditional Kukkola style, gather around the fire, listen to local stories, and enjoy the fresh, smoky flavors straight from the flames. Later, arrive in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.

Wake up in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This morning, join a local expert for a two-hour walking tour of Rovaniemi. At the Arktikum Museum, dive into the stories of the North — its people, wildlife, and the forces of nature that shape life here. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Sip and savor at Lapland Brewery, Finland’s northernmost brewery, for a guided tour and tasting -OR- visit a local artisan’s studio, where reimagined antlers become beautiful keepsakes. The evening is yours to enjoy in Rovaniemi as you please.

Cross the Arctic Circle today as your journey ventures deeper into the untouched wilderness of Finnish Lapland. By afternoon, arrive in Saariselkä, a remote village nestled in the fells. This is your home for the next two nights — a place where silence is golden and the sky stretches endlessly.

Step into the stillness of the Arctic forest on a two-hour morning walk with a local guide. As you wander through pine-scented trails, keep an eye out for native wildlife and listen to the quiet magic of Lapland. Return to your hotel for an included lunch and enjoy the rest of your afternoon free. You might consider one of the many experiences available at your lodge.

Venture further north into Norway, crossing into the land of the midnight sun. In Inari, visit Siida, the Sámi Museum where the rich heritage of Europe’s only Indigenous people comes to life through art, artifacts, and storytelling. By evening, arrive in Kirkenes, nestled near the Russian border - remote, rugged, and full of Nordic spirit.

Enjoy a relaxed morning today before boarding your ship and settle in for a five-night Coastal Express voyage — Norway’s legendary sea route. After dinner, stroll the deck and take in the beauty of the Norwegian waterways.

Enjoy your first full day of cruising, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets. While the cruise makes its regular scheduled stops at several smaller towns, the longest docking today will take place in Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns. Set out on a scenic bus tour, stopping at a museum that shows how the region was rebuilt after World War II. Then, see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, a monument marking the northernmost measuring point used to establish the exact size and shape of the Earth, and take in sweeping mountain views from the top of Mount Salen. Back on board this afternoon, your ship continues its route down Norway’s coast, docking in Tromso close to midnight. If you’re traveling in the summer months, you can stroll around the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight!

Begin the day with a short sightseeing tour of Harstad, a coastal town shaped by fishing, oil, and military history. Just outside town, visit the 13th-century Trondenes Church and the historical center. Then, a scenic drive takes you across Hinnøya Island to board a ferry. As you cross the fjord, sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh waffles and lefse with the stunning scenery. After, continue by bus to rejoin your ship at port in Sortland. Continue your sailing with a longer docking in Stokmarknes, the birthplace of the Coastal Express in the late 19th century.

Today, your voyage will have you crossing the Artic Circle in the early hours of the morning. As your ship makes several brief stops along the coast, admire the stunning landscapes drifting by and learn about the legends that link these landscapes to troll lore. In the afternoon, arrive at Brønnøysund, a charming town nestled between sea and mountains, with some time to explore its bustling marina as you wish. This evening, relax on board, mingle with fellow travelers, or simply watch the sun linger on the horizon.

Wake up in Trondheim, where the ship will dock until 9:30 a.m. The time is yours to explore on your own. Perhaps stroll across Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo over the Nid River, visit the Niadros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav or wander the cobbled streets and treat yourself at a chic café. After continuing its coastal trek, your ship docks briefly in Kristiansund’s harbor in the late afternoon. A fishing town known as “Bacalao Capital” or klippfisk for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs. During your final evening aboard, relax as you cruise past tiny coastal communities and dramatic fjords.

If you are up for an early start to your day, you’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. Disembark in Bergen in the early afternoon. After settling into your hotel, head out with a local guide for a walking tour through the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the colorful wooden buildings, once home to Hanseatic merchants, and soak in the city’s vibrant culture. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Your Nordic journey comes to an end today.