2027 Lapland & Northern Lights

A late evening departing from Auckland to Dubai.

We arrive in Dubai early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. There is time to rest up after the flight until mid-afternoon when we visit the Museum of the Future. One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the museum takes pride of place along the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a ‘living museum’, it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities. Visitors have the chance to engage with this game-changing technology. Each floor of the museum is designed like an expansive, interactive movie set, brought to life by expert storytellers, technologists and visionary artists. There is time for exploration before we return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

An early start this morning as we transfer back to Dubai Airport in time to report for our morning flight to Oslo. We arrive early afternoon and have the rest of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy a group welcome dinner.

After breakfast we enjoy an Oslo City tour that will take in the main attractions and highlights of Norway’s capital. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast we begin a scenic rail journey from Oslo to Myrdal, a breathtaking adventure through Norway’s dramatic fjordlands, climbing to 850 meters above sea level. From Myrdal we transfer to the renowned Flåm Railway, descending through stunning landscapes to the picturesque village of Flåm. Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to our hotel. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner this evening.

We start our day with a two-hour fjord cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen, we travel by bus through Nærøydalen Valley to Voss and continue by train to Bergen. On arrival, we will check into our hotel with the rest of the day to wander and enjoy the local sights, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, we do a short walking tour of Bergen, which includes the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary’s Church, and Håkon’s Hall. We head up Mt. Fløyen via the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views of the city. This afternoon we transfer to the Hurtigruten pier for check in for our six-night cruise departing this evening.

We enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. We have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. We have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord. In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up. Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve. Mid-morning we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock. We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. This afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us. Stamsund, a quiet harbour village in Lofoten, is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ll know we’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can opt tp go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town, if you wish.  The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. 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.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

On to Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season. Continuing north, we reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Later this morning, we disembark in Kirkenes and continue to Finland. Our first stop is Inari, where we will visit the Siida Sámi Museum, and gain a deeper understanding of the Sámi culture that has shaped Finland’s heritage. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Saariselkä, where we stay 2-nights.

Today we get to visit a local Sámi family for an intimate glimpse into their rich culture and traditional way of life. Discover their deep connection to the land, including the herding and care of reindeer, and enjoy the unique opportunity to feed the animals yourself. If the weather permits, tonight we will take a magical reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered wilderness of Lapland.

Today we depart Saariselka and head south, towards Pyhä, outside of Rovaniemi. We stop

enroute at the small town of Sodankylä, and at the Sodankylä Old Church. A short outside visit before we continue to Northern Lights Village Pyhä for our overnight stay. This afternoon we visit a local Husky farm where we can enjoy a fun 5 km Husky sledge ride with Huskies in the wilderness!

After breakfast we travel to Rovaniemi, renowned as the official home of Santa Claus. We visit   Santa Claus Village, where we get to meet Santa himself, interact with reindeer, and explore this festive destination. Rest of the day at your leisure before dinner tonight.

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Rovaniemi, including a guided visit to the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre. Here, you’ll gain deeper insight into Sámi culture, the development of the city, and the unique fauna of the Arctic. Afterward, enjoy lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.

After breakfast, we journey south by train to Helsinki, where we spend 2-nights. Enjoy free time this afternoon before our group dinner tonight.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, often called the “Daughter of the Baltic Sea”. Discover Finland’s culture, history, and traditions as you visit key landmarks including Senate Square and its iconic Cathedral, the bustling Market Square, the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament, Finlandia Hall, the Sibelius Monument, and the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church.

After breakfast, we transfer to Helsinki Airport for our flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. We check into our hotel for a 4-night stay before a group dinner tonight.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart on the Golden Circle tour, a spectacular journey showcasing some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Tonight we embark on a magical Northern Lights tour, an extraordinary opportunity to

chase the dazzling aurora across Iceland’s night sky.

Today we travel to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, to see the waterfalls before heading to

Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland. Check out Reynisfjara beach before we have lunch and head back to Reykjavik.

This morning, we will depart to the Blue Lagoon where we can enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating swim in its warm geothermal waters.

This morning, we transfer back to the airport for our onward flight to Stockholm. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel, where we stay for 2-nights.

Today marks our final full day in Scandinavia. This morning, we take a guided city tour of Stockholm. Renowned for its elegant architecture, sparkling waterways, and abundant green spaces. We will go past notable landmarks such as the National Museum, the Royal Theatre, the Grand Hotel, and the Royal Palace, before taking a stroll through Gamla Stan—Stockholm’s charming and historic Old Town. You will also visit the famed City Hall, including the Blue and Golden Halls, home to the prestigious Nobel Prize banquet each year. This evening, we enjoy one final dinner together.

A leisurely morning, before we transfer to Stockholm Airport for our flight to Dubai, departing early afternoon. Arrival time in Dubai is around midnight and accommodation is reserved at the airport.

Time for the last leg of our journey on our flight home.

Arrival is mid morning.