ITINERARY - FOLLOW THE LIGHTS (NORTHBOUND)

• Day 1: OSLO
  Arrive in Oslo, make your own way from the airport or train station to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening meet the rest of the group and your guide at our welcome dinner. Overnight in Oslo.
• Day 2: OSLO
  After a leisurely breakfast, meet the group in the lobby of the hotel for an Oslo grand city tour including Vigeland Sculpture Park, Viking Ship Museum, Oslo Opera house, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and more. Overnight in Oslo.
• Day 3: FLÅM
  After an early breakfast we will start our “Norway In a Nutshell” tour, catching the morning train to Myrdal where we change trains for the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the beautiful, tiny village of Flåm. Overnight in Flåm.
• Day 4: BERGEN
  The day starts with the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, passing through the narrow Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen the journey continues by bus. Waterfalls line the road as we weave our way through the valley to Voss. There we board a train for the last leg of our “Norway in a Nutshell” journey, arriving in Bergen in the evening. Overnight in Bergen.
• Day 5: BERGEN
  After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Selected departures  will go to Fløien instead of the Grieg Museum because it is closed. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we board our Hurtigruten ship. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 6: ÅLESUND
  We navigate skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 7: TRONDHIEM
  Arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 8: LOFOTEN ISLAND
  As we cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. We enter the dramatic and narrow Raftsund, and if the weather and ice conditions allow, we’ll sail to the entrance of the famous Trollfjord. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 9: TROMSØ
  After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the  ship continues to Tromsø, a  major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, and famed as a viewing point for the  Northern Lights. The city’s historic centre  is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 10: HONNINGSVÅG
  Honningsvåg is the nearest port to the North Cape – only 2000km from the geographical North Pole. Overnight on board our ship.
• Day 11: KIRKENES – SAARISELKÄ
  Admire the dramatic coastal vistas as we approach Kirkenes, where we will disembark. Enjoy a short drive through Kirkenes, before arriving at Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders), where we’ll visit the Siida Sami museum and visit a reindeer farm. Overnight in Saariselkä.
• Day 12: SAARISELKÄ
  Today we visit a husky farm and learn about the life and training of these unique Arctic dogs. In the evening there may be optional evening Aurora Borealis tours. Overnight in Saariselkä.
• Day 13: SINETTÄ
  Today we visit Santa Claus Village, where you will have free time to explore. In the evening, spend the night in a glass igloo. Overnight in Sinettä.
• Day 14: ROVANIEMI
  Arrive in Rovaniemi and enjoy free time or optional extra  touring options. Overnight in Rovaniemi.
• Day 15: RANTASALMI
  This morning we head for Rantasalmi, enjoying the surrounding scenery as we make our way to the Finnish Lakes district. Early evening arrival and overnight in Rantasalmi.
• Day 16: HELSINKI
  Today we leave the Finnish wilderness and head into Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Enjoy a half-day city tour before checking into  our hotel. Overnight in Helsinki.
• Day 17: TALLINN
  An early start with a full day excursion to the medieval town  of Tallinn in Estonia. Take the ferry followed by a combined  bus and walking tour of the city.  Stops will include the baroque Kadriorg Park and the seaside district of Pirita. Walk through the winding, cobblestoned streets of the Old Town continuing to Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian parliament. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral  and the Dome Church before enjoying some free time before boarding the ferry to return to Helsinki. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner. Overnight in Helsinki.
• Day 18: HELSINKI
  After breakfast at the hotel our tour ends.