Norway and the Northern Lights Expedition with Saga Cruises

Day 1 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unique due to its location on Portsea Island, connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges. While a Roman fort existed nearby at Portchester, there was no settlement at Portsmouth during the 1086 Domesday Book. Developed during medieval times, Portsmouth received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I, soon becoming a major naval base. It boasts the world’s oldest dry dock and houses celebrated ships like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose, which was raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an essential naval hub for the British service fleet. Its waterfront is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, standing 560 feet high, the tallest building outside London in the UK. Notable attractions include the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the City Museum, featuring an exhibition on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived there.

Day 2 - At Sea

Cruising the North Sea: A day spent at sea offers a perfect opportunity to relax onboard and enjoy the ship's amenities. Explore various dining options, participate in enriching activities, or simply unwind with a book or by taking in the view of the vast North Sea.

Day 3 - At Sea

Exploring Northern Waters: Another day at leisure. Take this time to explore the onboard entertainment or attend informative sessions about the upcoming destinations on your expedition holiday. Enjoy the serene seascapes as you sail towards the picturesque coastlines of Norway.

Day 4 - Ålesund

Ålesund, Norway: The coastal town of Ålesund serves as the commercial hub of the Møre og Romsdal district and is renowned for its distinctive Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. Following a catastrophic fire in 1904, which destroyed nearly 800 buildings, the town was rebuilt with the help of young architects who infused their unique style, creating a beautiful blend of German Jugendstil and Viking influences. The charming streets are adorned with buildings topped with turrets, spires, gables, and decorative motifs like dragonheads and curlicues. Ålesund stands as one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns worldwide, earning the prestigious Houens National Memorial Prize in 1998 for preserving its remarkable architecture.

Day 5 - Trondheim

Trondheim, Norway: As one of Scandinavia's oldest cities, Trondheim was the first capital of Norway from AD 997 to 1380. Founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason, the city was originally named Nidaros, reflecting its location at the Nidelva River's mouth. Today, it is the largest city in Central Norway and the third largest in the country, with a population of 150,000. The historic centre is known for its wide streets lined with vibrantly coloured wooden houses and striking warehouses. Trondheim is also a modern city, home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), solidifying its status as Norway's technological capital.

Day 6 - At Sea

Navigate Coastal Beauty: Enjoy a restful day at sea, where you can reflect on the historical insights of Trondheim. Engage in leisure activities, savour exquisite international cuisine, or catch a cooling sea breeze on the deck, appreciating the tranquillity of coastal navigation.

Day 7 - Tromsø

Tromsø, Norway: Situated on Tromsø Island, Tromsø is more than five times the size of Oslo and stands as the northernmost university city globally. Positioned 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it earned the title 'Gateway to the Arctic' by serving as a launch point for hunters and explorers seeking the elusive Arctic wildlife. The city’s rich history is preserved at the Polar Museum, depicting its past exploration expeditions. The Tromsø Museum, dedicated to the Sami heritage, shares enlightening perspectives on traditions and modern cultural preservation. Today, Tromsø harmoniously blends past and present, where timber buildings coexist with modern architecture like the Arctic Cathedral, featuring one of Europe’s largest stained glass windows. Enhancing the skyline is Mount Storsteinen, accessible by cable car, offering panoramic views of enchanting landscapes with forested peaks and reindeer-dotted pastures.

Day 8 - Tromsø

Tromsø, Norway: Continuing into a second day in Tromsø allows a deeper immersion into this Arctic gem. Beyond its historical allure and architectural splendour, visitors can delve into local lifestyle, enjoy Arctic culinary delights, or venture further into the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside, ensuring a rich, unforgettable experience.

Day 9 - Honningsvåg

Honningsvåg, Norway: Honningsvåg, located on Magerøya Island, is the gateway to the famed North Cape, known as Nordkapp. Discovered by British navigator Richard Chancellor in 1553 during his quest for a northeast passage to India, North Cape remains a symbolic destination for many adventurers. This northernmost point of Europe astonishes visitors with its rugged terrain, featuring a subarctic landscape covered in rugged tundra and scarce vegetation. During the journey to Nordkapp, one traverses through scenery where reindeer graze freely, tended by Sami herdsmen. The timeless beauty of this Arctic expanse, characterized by its perpetual sunlit summer days and long winter nights, captures the imagination of those who visit.

Day 10 - Alta

Alta, Norway: Alta, nestled at the head of the Altafjord, has attracted settlers for thousands of years. Its lush, green environs offer a stark contrast to the typically cold environs of the Finnmark landscape. At the Alta Museum, visitors can admire the prehistoric rock carvings discovered in 1973, providing a glimpse into ancient life. Situated at 70 degrees North, Alta experiences distinct seasonal changes, with warm, clear skies for marvellous Northern Lights displays during winter. The world’s first Northern Lights Observatory, instrumental in shaping geophysical and meteorological research, stands proud atop Haldde Mountain. This site also carries historical significance from WWII, as seen with the base of the German battleship Tirpitz nearby.

Day 11 - At Sea

Anticipate Future Discoveries: Spend this sea day delving into relaxation and anticipation for upcoming explorations. Indulge in the ship's wellness amenities or participate in engaging workshops that enrich the expedition holiday experience.

Day 12 - At Sea

Journey through Wonder: Traverse the northern waters, soaking in the peaceful rhythm of the ship. Explore diverse onboard entertainment or simply bask in the luxury and leisure provided by your sea journey.

Day 13 - Bergen

Bergen, Norway: Bergen, nestled amidst majestic mountains and glistening fjords, captivates with its stunning landscape. Its medieval past is evident in the colourful houses lining the historic Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive excursion options unveil Bergen’s multifaceted appeal, including the lively fish market, quaint cobbled streets, and breathtaking vistas from Mt Fløyen’s summit. For experienced visitors, outings further afield reveal even more of the area's charm. Bergen's stories of history are intertwined with those of wartime, seen at the Fortress Museum showcasing artefacts from World War II.

Day 14 - Flåm

Flåm, Norway: Nestled amid stunning fjord landscapes, Flåm enchants visitors with its scenic beauty. This quaint village offers the perfect blend of natural serenity and modern amenities. Enjoy picturesque views and embark on the legendary Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world, or explore the surrounding hiking trails for unforgettable experiences in this charming fjord setting.

Day 15 - At Sea

Renew and Relish: A final leisurely day at sea lets you reminisce on the expedition’s highlights. Participate in farewell celebrations, enjoying last-minute onboard experiences and encounters as you sail back towards England.

Day 16 - At Sea

Final Reflections at Sea: Your journey inches closer to home shores, allowing you a reflective moment to appreciate the expansive destinations and diverse cultures you've encountered. Take advantage of final onboard amenities before disembarking, holding memories of this remarkable expedition holiday close.

Day 17 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: As your 16-night expedition concludes, you're reminded once more of Portsmouth’s historical depth and seafaring legacy. Wrap up your journey by revisiting the city’s historical sites, celebrating a unique and culturally enriching voyage through northern Europe and the Arctic realms.