Copenhagen to Copenhagen Cruise

Day 1 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Fri 21 May 2027

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

Day 2 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Depart: Sat 22 May 2027 at 18:00

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Olden, Norway

Arrive: Mon 24 May 2027 at 12:01 / Depart: Mon 24 May 2027 at 20:00

The village of Olden clings to the banks of the Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and lovely valleys. Boating on the fjord, hiking on nearby scenic mountain trails, as well as salmon and sea-trout fishing in the River Olden combine to make this small town an enjoyable holiday destination. The summer season brings visitors to the area who are interested in glacier skiing on the Briksdal Glacier and the Jostedal Glacier, Europe's biggest. Enthusiasts enjoy not only challenging skiing but the ride up to the glacier aboard local horse drawn carriages. These powerful, yet compact, miniature horses are accustomed to climbing up this mountainous terrain. Most of us would consider it a bit too enthusiastic actually swim in the waters found pooled atop these slopes. These chilling pools are a bit more “refreshing” than most of us would like, for they feature tiny icebergs that float along past those brave enough to actually swim here. The scenery along the fjord is varied, featuring well-kept farms and verdant orchards which stand in stark contrast to the startling whiteness of the glaciers and the gray rock faces of towering mountains. The adjacent lake provides summertime watersports for Norwegians and visitors alike. Olden was, for many years, home to American landscape artist William H. Singer, scion of a Pittsburgh steel family. A philanthropist, Singer underwrote such endeavors as the construction of a much-needed road and the very important regional hospital.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Leknes, Lofoten

Arrive: Wed 26 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 26 May 2027 at 21:00

Leknes (Gravdal) is a village in Vestvågøy municipality in the county of Nordland, located on Vestvågøy island which is part of the Lofoten Archipelago in northern Norway (north of the Arctic Circle). Leknes is one of the few towns in Lofoten which is not based upon fisheries and which does not have its town centre by the sea. Because of this, and because of its rapid growth in recent years, it does not have the same traditional wooden architecture as most other towns in Lofoten, and may thus not be regarded to be as picturesque as its neighbouring fishing villages. However, the natural surroundings are regarded to be among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs and white sandy beaches. The town's harbour Leknes Havn is one of Norway's most important and visited harbours for cruise ships.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Honningsvag, Norway

Arrive: Fri 28 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 28 May 2027 at 18:00

Stand at the top of the world, on the remote and beautiful northern frontier of Europe. Watch as the sun dips gently, before seemingly changing its mind and hovering, sticking around to cast a glorious nocturnal golden light across cliffs that drop to churning waves. There's an ethereal, other-worldly atmosphere in mainland Europe's most northerly location - feel it in the troll folklore that swirls, and the barren tundra landscapes that unravel. View less In winter, the Northern Cape bathes in seemingly eternal darkness, while summer's months bring the Midnight Sun's ceaseless light. Set so far to the north that trees are unable to grow here, the visitor centre tells this remote, barren landscape's tales, and of its World War involvements. Nearby, encounter Norway's Sami indigenous people - learning of the methods they use to herd reindeer, before visiting authentic fishing villages - where locals have hauled spindly king crabs from the icy waters for generations. Head to the tip of Magerøya Island, for the obligatory photo with the skeletal globe sculpture, which stands looking out over the waters that stretch up towards the Arctic. It marks Europe's northernmost point, a full 71 degrees to the north. There are few more majestic places to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky than here, should you be so lucky. Back in your jumping-off point, Honningsvåg, indulge in a well-earned drink to toast your cape adventures or explore further afield with a visit to the millions of puffins that occupy the Gjesværstappan cliff.summer days. The village serves as the gateway to Arctic exploration and the beautiful Nordkapp Plateau, a destination that calls to all visitors of this region. Most of those who journey to Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost tip of Europe, are in it for a taste of this unique, otherworldly, rugged yet delicate landscape. You'll see an incredible treeless tundra, with crumbling mountains and sparse dwarf plants. The subarctic environment is very vulnerable, so don't disturb the plants. Walk only on marked trails and don't remove stones, leave car marks, or make campfires. Because the roads are closed in winter, the only access is from the tiny fishing village of Skarsvåg via Sno-Cat, a thump-and-bump ride that's as unforgettable as the desolate view.

Day 8 - Cruising Along North Cape

Day 9 - Tromso, Norway

Arrive: Sat 29 May 2027 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 29 May 2027 at 18:00

Feel your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of that famous emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to this wonderful Arctic gateway. Located in the far north of Norway, a visit to Tromso beckons you to the extremes of this magical country, to explore a fairytale land of jagged mountains, glistening glaciers and husky-pulled sledges. Despite its remote location, you'll discover a perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a healthy student population injecting plenty of energy. View less Sat 250 miles above the Arctic Circle - at 69° north - you can bathe in the midnight sun's glow during summer, before winter brings the thick blackness and starry skies of endless polar nights. The darkness doesn't stop the fun - with a polar night half-marathon taking place in January - but the return of the sun is always a reason for a celebration here. To get the best view over the city, take the cable car to Storsteinen's amazing viewpoint. Magnificent views down over the city, fjord and Tromso's arching bridge will unravel before you. Learn more about northerly traditions, polar expeditions and arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. The Science Centre, meanwhile, explains how humans have harnessed and survived these epic landscapes over the years, and explores Tromso's breathtaking natural spectacle - the northern lights. The city is famed for its extraordinary viewing opportunities, which are often said to be the best in the world. The Alpine Botanic Garden is the most northern such garden on the planet, showcasing some of Norway's hardiest plantlife, which survives and thrives at this nose-bleeding altitude.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Trondheim

Arrive: Mon 31 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 31 May 2027 at 17:00

A colourful, historic capital of Norway, Trondheim's history reaches back to 997 AD, when it was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason. It may be Norway's third-biggest city, but there's a welcoming and intimate feel here, with a photogenic waterfront, and glowing wooden warehouses adding old-time charm. The history runs deep, but nowadays Trondheim is also a leading technology centre, and home to 30,000 students, who inject youth and vitality into the city's streets. View less Museums dedicated to Norway's musical heritage will strike a sweet chord, while the endless wilds of central Norway and the Trondheim Fjord unveil themselves close by. A destructive fire laid to rest to old Trondheim's narrow wooden alleyways, but a flavour of the old city survives in the Bakklandet neighbourhood. Traditional timber houses and colourful wharves line up along the waterfront, painting a pretty picture with pistachio-green and turmeric-yellow licks of paint. Vibrating cyclists rattle along the cobbled old streets, while flowers spill down from window ledges in this quaint, but lively area of cafes, restaurants and curiosity shops. Head to the Old Town bridge - Gamle Bybro - to enjoy the colourful lines of houses on both sides of the river, on your way to the gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which towers above the city, with its pointed, emerald-green spire punctuating the sky. The most northerly Gothic cathedral in Europe, aim to visit during one of the organ performances that rattle the beautiful stain-glass windows. Built on the burial site of King Olaf, in 1070, you can test your knees by taking on the narrow ascent of the tower, where glorious views of Trondheim await. Take in the beauty of the city with a trundling tour aboard the most northerly tram in the world - Gråkallbanen.

Day 12 - Andalsnes

Arrive: Tue 01 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 01 June 2027 at 16:00

Åndalsnes is located at the mouth of the river Rauma, at the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, one of the fjords protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous in the 19th century for salmon fishing, the Rauma flows through the Romsdalen Valley widely considered some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Norway. Although the river’s salmon stocks are now being replenished, today Andalsnes is better known as a centre of excellenece for Norwegian alpine sports. Mountaineering, climbing, hiking and even base jumping are all readably accessible. A newly opened Norwegian Mountaineering centre boasts Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall. Some 15 kms out of Andalsnes is the Trollstigen (Troll Road), a mountain road that climbs the pass between the Isterdalen and Valldal valley. It’s one of Norway’s major attractions due to the steep inclines and eleven hairpin bends, only open in the summer months. Equally exciting is a three hour round rail trip from Andalsnes to Dombas on the Rauma Railway line. A feast for the eyes from the comfort of a carriage, mountains, valleys and waterfalls come into sight, as the route follows the Rauma river. Trains thoughtfully slow down at the most photogenic spots. A feat of civil engineering the track passes over countless bridges and through tunnels, the train even performs a 180 degree turn underground. Easily missed, look out at the train station in Andalsnes for a chapel converted from an old red "Intercity Special" railway carriage. The only train chapel in Norway and perhaps the world!

Day 13 - Vik

Arrive: Wed 02 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 02 June 2027 at 17:00

Make no bones about it, this is Fjordland at its finest. Named by the National Geographic Traveler magazine as "the world's most iconic destination", legend has it that Vikings and Trolls battled on these very waters and the pretty stave churches – of which Vik has two – are built on sacred Norse land. Vik is a place that could have been written by Tolkein; a mysterious land where mists roll off the mountains, the air is crisp and the silent, glassy Fjords are definitely the ruler of the kingdom.

Day 14 - Haugesund

Arrive: Thu 03 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 03 June 2027 at 18:00

Haugesund is a municipality on the North Sea in Rogaland county, Norway. While the population is greater in the neighboring Karmøy municipality, the main commercial and economic centre of the Haugaland region in northern Rogaland and southern Vestland is in Haugesund.

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 05 June 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 05 June 2027

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.