Set sail from Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, to embark on a 12-day coastal adventure exploring the stunning fjords and picturesque towns of Norway. Start your journey with visits to Alesund, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, and picturesque Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise past iconic landmarks such as Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim and the Arctic Circle, where you'll participate in traditional ceremonies. Explore charming towns like Hammerfest, Honningsvag, and Kristiansund, each offering unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Witness the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle, spot wildlife such as reindeer and sea eagles, and marvel at the towering peaks of the Lofoten Islands. Conclude your voyage in Bergen, where you'll disembark with memories of an unforgettable cruise along Norway's spectacular coastline.
Highlights
Visit Alesund, renowned for its unique Art Nouveau architecture
Enjoy the views from Gamle Bybrua in Trondheim
Explore the charming fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands
Cross the Arctic Circle and participate in an on-deck ceremony
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your journey starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., the city’s architecture reflects the influence of the 14th-century Hanseatic League, a German trading group.
If time allows before departure, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, now home to artisan shops and picturesque cobblestone streets. Nearby, the famous fish market offers fresh seafood, and the Fløibanen funicular provides stunning views from Mount Fløyen.
Before boarding, relax in the guest lounge at the terminal. Once on board, enjoy your first meal made with fresh coastal produce as the ship sails from Bergen along the historic Viking route through the Hjeltefjord.
You'll also meet the Coastal Experience Team, who will guide you along Norway’s coastline with lectures, activities, and optional hikes during the voyage.
Begin your day in the Nordfjord near Torvik, then sail past the West Cape toward Ålesund.
Famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund also boasts Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. In spring or winter, you'll have plenty of time to explore this charming town.
This section of the voyage brings us to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.
Magical, medieval, and modern
Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population.
You’ll have about three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights.
You cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, kicking off your Arctic adventure. A traditional ceremony marks the occasion and will definitely wake you up.
In summer, enjoy 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle, while in winter, your chances of spotting the Northern Lights increase dramatically.
The ship stops at Båtsfjord and Vardø overnight, arriving in Vadsø early in the morning.
The area around Vadsø is a prime birdwatching destination, positioned under the migration path of birds flying east to west. Keep an eye out for Hooded Crows and Sea Eagles.
After breakfast, you reach Kirkenes, having traveled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have various optional excursions to explore the area.
Kirkenes marks the point where the Norwegian Coastal Express turns south. Many of the places visited overnight will now be seen during the day.
In Vardø, visit the Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. This northernmost fortification is still in use by the military today.
Later, you return to the bustling port of Båtsfjord before heading to Berlevåg in the evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.
See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.
On this day, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true highlights of your scenic Norwegian route.
After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world’s northernmost medieval stone church on the peninsula: the white-washed Trondenes Church.
Next, stop at Risøyhamn, your smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.
The ship arrives in Bodo early in the morning, then stops at Ornes at 7 a.m. After breakfast, you cross the Arctic Circle and celebrate with the traditional tasting of Norwegian cod liver oil.
Next, enjoy a brief stop at Nesna before continuing to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the stunning Helgeland Coast.
You spend the morning in Trondheim before sailing past beautiful islands and small communities, heading to Kristiansund and Molde.
In Trondheim, stroll as the city awakens, visit Nidaros Cathedral, and take photos at Gamle Bybro bridge. Enjoy coffee and a pastry in Bakklandet before heading to Kristiansten Fort for views of Norway’s third-largest city.
In the late afternoon, you dock in Kristiansund, known as Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ for salted cod dried on cliffs. Explore the cobblestone streets and the lively port, and visit Varden viewpoint for panoramic views.
Your second-to-last stop is Molde, where you can see the Romsdal Alps and enjoy blooming flowers from mid-June to late August in this ‘City of Roses.’
Day 12: Bergen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
At least for this time around, your voyage reaches its end today. During the previous night, we called Alesund and Torvik. On your approach to Maloy, you might glimpse the Norwegian Coastal Express heading north (if you're up early enough). You can see the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe's largest. The ship then docks at Floro in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina. Leaving Floro, you see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway.
As you reach your final port in the afternoon, the ship navigates through your scenic route's last islands and skerrie and sails down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,8472-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Polar Inside - I
Inside cabin, 90-118 sq ft. Separate beds, where one bed can be turned into a sofa, bathroom with shower.
Polar Outside - L
Outside cabin, 94-121 sq ft. With portholes, separate beds, where one bed can be turned into a sofa, three-berth cabins with additional upper berth, bathroom with shower. Some with limited view.
Polar Outside - J
Outside cabin, 90-121 sq ft. With limited/no view, J2D cabins with queen bed, J2 cabins with separate beds, bathroom with shower.
Polar Outside - N
Outside cabin, 90-121 sq ft. N2D cabins with queen bed, N2 cabins with separate beds, where one bed can be turned into a sofa, N3 cabins with separate beds and additional upper berth, bathroom with shower
Polar Outside - O
Outside cabin, 90-121 sq ft. Separate beds, where one bed can be turned into a sofa, three-berth cabins with additional upper berth, bathroom with shower
Polar Outside - SD
Outside cabin, 181 sq ft. Separate beds, where one bed can be turned into a sofa, bathroom with shower. Accessible to guests with limited mobility.
Arctic Superior - P
Outside cabin, 121 sq ft. Queen bed, TV, kettle, bathroom with shower
Arctic Superior - U
Outside cabin, 121 sq ft. Queen bed, some with table, TV, kettle, bathroom with shower.
Expedition Suite - Q
Mini suite, 183-248 sq ft. One-room suite with queen bed and double sofa bed, seating area, TV, kettle, bathroom with shower. Select cabin with queen bed and accessible to guests with limited mobility.
Expedition Suite - M
Suite, 291 sq ft. Two-room suite with queen bed, TV, kettle, bathroom with shower
Expedition Suite - MG
Grand suite, 161-215 sq ft. Queen bed with one sofa bed, seating area, TV, safe, mini-bar, bay window with full view, bathroom with shower
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 347 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 347 reviews on
18 hours ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
4 days ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
5 days ago
Careful service
older gentleman
5 days ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
