The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Your itinerary

- DAY 1 FLY TO BERGEN

You will fly direct from the UK to the picturesqu­e port of Bergen, where you will board MS Trollfjord – your home for the next 11 nights. Take a walk around the city and explore the colourful Unescolist­ed buildings of the Bryggen district before enjoying a seafood dinner on board.

DAY 2 SEE MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS AND FJORDS

Witness the breathtaki­ng beauty of Nordfjord as we sail to Alesund. This pretty port town is famous for its Art Nouveau architectu­re, and today’s optional excursions** include a walking tour and art gallery visit. Other activities include hiking trips, a food tour, and close encounters with the penguins at the Atlanterha­vsparken aquarium.

DAY 3 TRONDHEIM

The former Viking trading post of Trondheim is yours to explore today. Trondheim was Norway’s first capital and today’s optional excursions include a tour of the beautiful Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, a fascinatin­g city walk led by an expert guide and the chance to enjoy a vintage tram ride.

DAY 4 CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

Join the crew for a traditiona­l ceremony to mark our first crossing of the Arctic Circle. Today’s optional activities include a rigid inflatable boat safari, a guided tour and tasting at a local brewery, and a traditiona­l Viking feast.

DAY 5 TROMSO

As we sail north, our chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase – so keep an eye on the skies as we sail to Tromso. Here we will be joined by Julia Bradbury, who will be giving a private talk and Q&A to readers on board the ship. You will also have the option of trying your hand at snowshoein­g, huskysledd­ing and even crosscount­ry skiing.

DAY 6 NORTH CAPE Today we visit Europe’s northernmo­st point, the farflung

home of Norway’s indigenous Sami people. Why not take a snowmobile trip deep into this winter wonderland, or join a village tour to learn about the Sami culture and way of life, and hear their traditiona­l joiking (song)?

DAY 7 SEE THE SNOWHOTEL

Julia Bradbury will join you on a wonderful excursion to the world-famous Snowhotel in Kirkenes, where you’ll explore the intricate sculpted ice rooms, raise a toast with Julia at the Ice Bar, and later meet the huskies and reindeer at Gabba Reindeer Park.

DAY 8 HAMMERFEST AND TROMSO

For an unrivalled chance of seeing the Northern Lights, today’s optional excursions include an incredible night-time snowmobile safari through the countrysid­e. This evening we’ll stop at Tromso, where you will have the chance to attend a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

DAY 9 LOFOTEN ISLANDS

Welcome to one of Norway’s most beautiful archipelag­os. Enjoy the views from our ship or get even closer to nature on a thrilling small boat trip. Today’s optional excursions include a horse-riding trip.

DAY 10 BODO TO RORVIK

Look out for the spectacula­r Seven Sisters mountain range as we cross the Arctic Circle again today.

DAY 11 TRONDHEIM AND ALESUND

Return to Trondheim for a second chance to explore the city – or to join an optional tour of the magnificen­t marble mine at Bergtatt, where you’ll sail on rafts across an illuminate­d undergroun­d lake. Alternativ­ely you can choose to travel in true Scandinavi­an style on a husky safari – a fitting way to end your epic winter adventure.

DAY 12 FLY HOME

After breakfast you will disembark MS Trollfjord and be transferre­d to the airport for your direct flight back to Gatwick.

 ??  ?? COLOURFUL WELCOME:
COLOURFUL WELCOME:

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