Norwegian Coastal Highlights Escorted Reverse

Arrive Tromsø, the Arctic Capital and starting point for your journey. Check in to your hotel and explore the city. Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point- the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and suppliers here. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway.

Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral is a unique landmark well worth visiting. Experience Tromsø's best views by taking the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain ledge Storsteinen and maybe enjoy a beer from the world's northernmost brewery.

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After breakfast, join a guided city tour of Tromsø. See the highlights of the city on this walking tour. If you would like to add a winter adventure such as dogsledding or cultural tours, there will be time this afternoon to do this. Late this evening, you will board the boat and meet your group escort and the rest of the group.

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Today you will pass through Risøyrenna, a channel providing vessels an 'inside route' between Harstad and Sortland. Coming into Sortland- the blue city, local artist Bjørn Elvenes came up with the idea of turning the city into a three-dimensional artwork using a blue colour palette. You then continue onto Stokmarknes, where you will see the MS Finnmarken as a monument as you come into port. You can also learn about Norway's coastal history at the Hurtigruten museum.

Continuing south from Stokmarknes it looks as if you are sailing straight through the mountain wall, but you sail through an opening in the narrow Raftsundet, a picturesque narrow channel between the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands. If time and weather permits, you will take a detour into the spectactular Trollfjord where steep cliffs hug the ship's sides, home to the majestic sea eagles. The daylight sailing through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many as the Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, fishing villages and beautiful scenery.

Svolvær is the main settlement on the Lofoten Island followed by Stamsund where the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten Wall can be viewed.

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The Helgeland coast with hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls is worth getting up early to experience. Today will also be the last one north of the Arctic Circle as you cross it between Ørnes and Nesna. This part of the coast is rich in local lore with stories including the legend of the Seven Sisters, a picturesque row of peaks, and the myth about how the arrow formed the hole in Torghatten mountain.

On our way from Sandessjøen to Brønnøysund, the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on the list due to the unique interaction between man and nature as the local population have protected the eider duck nests in return for the highly valuable down from the birds.

Brønnøysund is a vibrant and pretty little town - nice for a stroll through Havnegata looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago.

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Today gives you another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Nidaros Cathedral is Scandinavia's largest medieval building and three Queens, and seven Kings have been crowned here.

The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway's klipfisk (dry and salted cod) capital because of the nature of its main export. Whilst in Kristiansund you can visit the Atlantic Road, one of Norway's most picturesque and frequently visited tourist destinations.

Passing the islands of Munkholmen and Hitra you cross the open sea to Molde, known as the 'city of roses' due to its lush Gulf Stream locations. When leaving Molde you can see the pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.

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As your voyage comes towards the end, you pass Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy during the night and in the morning you might want to enjoy the last leg of your journey seeing the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedalsbreen glacier, Norway's longest fjord- the mighty Sognefjord and the gorgeous Bergen Archipelago.

Transfer to your hotel and then head out to explore Bergen.

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After breakfast, enjoy a three-hour sightseeing tour of Bergen. Bergen is the perfect strolling town and a free detailed guide of Bergen is available from the Tourist Office centrally located on Fisketorget. As you explore the historical centre of Bergen you'll be transported back to a time when Bergen was the centre of political power and trade for the entire North Atlantic. It was the Capital of the Kingdom of Norway for a short period, before the capital was moved to Oslo in 1299, and the town grew to become the largest in Scandinavia.

The Hanseatic League established itself here in 1350 and had a trade monopoly that lasted 200 years. While in Bergen you might wish to visit the UNESCO heritage listed historical area around the harbour known as the Bryggen district, and the home of Edvard Grieg, Troldhaugen, Norway's internationally famous composer. Be sure to visit the new Bergen Fish Market - a fantastic modern architectural designed building with a great outdoor and indoor dining area.

If you are looking for something special, we recommend visiting the Restaurant Cornelius.

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After breakfast transfer to the Bergen Central Railway Station and depart Bergen by train travelling across the Western fjords and the Hardanger Plateau, with its highest point at Finse (1222m).

The journey is considered one of the most picturesque in Europe - 7 hours of beautiful scenery. Starting through gentle snow covered countryside landscapes dotted with quaint farmhouses, the journey just keeps getting better with fjords, waterfalls, barren mountain peaks and classic Norwegian forests. Comfortable classy trains with free Wi-Fi, free coffee & tea and large seats will make the day thoroughly enjoyable. There is a small cafe on board or bring your own packed lunch (like the locals do).

Arrive in Oslo and walk to your hotel.

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After breakfast, enjoy a city tour with minivan and local guide to see some of the Oslo highlights: the local harbour, the distinctive town hall, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and more. Please note itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.

The afternoon is free in Oslo, discover the new area of Bjorvika with the new Opera House and Munch Museum and then explore the charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries of Grünerløkka. Lastly, visit the new National Museum of Norway down by the harbour.

This evening, meet your group for the final group dinner.

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After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport by express train.

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