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A Cruise Into the Midnight Sun - Northern Norway

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Dates
17 Jun
27 Jun
2025

Cruise to the far north at the height of the northern summer, into the land of the midnight sun. Visit dramatic and otherworldly landscapes, cruising the coastlines and islands of northern Norway.

Travel by land and sea through the Lofoten Islands over two days and learn of their history and culture with local experts. Visit Tromsø, the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, and take the cable car high above the city for spectacular views. Spend time at your leisure in the ‘Blue Town’ of Sortland. In the ‘Atlantic City’ of Kristiansund, drive along the famed Atlantic Road as it snakes over a series of small islands.

This cruise is led by Hannah Burrows and Daniel Derrin and includes several talks by Hannah on Norse history and culture. Together with the shore excursions, these will provide real insight into Norway, past and present. There are several additional speakers with talks on wildlife and photography.

The cruise is one of the best opportunities to encounter the Arctic’s summer wildlife, from an abundant seabird population to marine life such as orcas and porpoises. You will be well looked after by our caring tour leaders, with plenty of time at leisure to enjoy the ship’s facilities and fascinating lectures.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
CRU0625-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
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Nights
10
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Countries
2
Tour grade
Gentle
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Rosyth, Edinburgh
Tuesday
,
17
June
Board the ship and depart late afternoon. Welcome dinner with the group.
2
At Sea
Wednesday
,
18
June
Talk: 'Vikings: Fact and Fiction'. An introductory lecture, exploring some common perceptions, the reality behind them, and why Vikings are viewed the way they are today. At leisure to relax and enjoy the programme of events on the ship. Captain’s welcome drinks in the evening.
3
At sea, crossing the Arctic Circle
Thursday
,
19
June
Cross the Arctic Circle. Some may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional 'baptisms', where ice-cold water is poured over participants. Talk: 'Viking Sagas and Poetry.' Learn about its fundamental role in Viking Age society. Late afternoon private drinks and canapes. Experience the natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.
4
Leknes
Friday
,
20
June
Reine, in the remote Lofoten Archipelago, is one of Norway's most spectacular locations, surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks, flower-covered meadows and bathed in silken Arctic light. Disembark at the town of Leknes in the Lofoten Islands, rich with Viking history and Arctic nature. Take part in a private tour with a bus and local guide, including Ramberg Beach & Reine fishing village.
5
Svolvaer
Saturday
,
21
June
Cruise to Svolvær, capital of the Lofoten archipelago, a vibrant town on the picturesque southern coast of Austvågøya Island. Take a private tour with a bus and local guide visiting the fishing villages of Kabelvåg an Henningsvær, Haukland Beach and the island of Gimsøy. Return to Svolvær. Cruise past the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark and the impressive Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge.
6
Tromsø
Sunday
,
22
June
350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and the largest city in northern Norway, Tromsø is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic.' Take a guided tour of Tromsø. Take the cable car high up Mount Storsteinen to the observation deck for stunning views over Tromsø. Return via the Arctic Cathedral, designed as an iceberg, and at leisure in Tromsø.
7
Sortland
Monday
,
23
June
Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen a local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The day is at leisure to explore the town.
8
At Sea
Tuesday
,
24
June
The Seven Sisters Mountain range forms a majestic chain of peaks, that stand 1,000 feet above the shoreline. Talk: 'Far-Travellers' – a history of the Viking diaspora, their explorations and cultural contacts. See Torghatten Mountain on the island of Torget, one of Norway's most astonishing sights with its famous hole in the middle.
9
Kristiansund
Wednesday
,
25
June
Disembark at Kristiansund, known as 'Atlantic City' for its proximity to the incredible Atlantic Road, and also home to much of Norway’s most iconic modern architecture. Drive on the Atlantic Road, a true feat of engineering, offering breath-taking scenery as it snakes over a series of small islands. Return to Kristiansund and visit the Nordic Light Festival of Photography or further explore.
10
At Sea
Thursday
,
26
June
Day at leisure with an Open Forum discussion. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea.
11
Rosyth, Edinburgh
Friday
,
27
June
Arrive Rosyth early morning and disembark.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Cruise north from Edinburgh into the Arctic Circle along the dramatic coast of Norway, into the midnight sun.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Viking art
Norway

Learn about the fascinating world of ancient Vikings and separate fact from fiction, with expert talks from Viking scholar, Hannah Burrows.

See the midnight sun
Norway

Cross the Arctic Circle and see the midnight sun

Traditional Viking culture
The Viking Museum

Visit the Viking Museum in the Lofoten Islands and get up close to Viking culture.

The Arctic Cathedral
Tromso

See the extraordinary piece of art and architecture that is the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso.

The Nordic Light Festival of Photography
Kristiansund

Experience the vibrant Nordic Light Festival of Photography in Kristiansund, a fantastic cultural experience that coincides with the tour.

The Atlantic Road
Norway

Drive across one of the most dramatic roads in the world - the spectacular, island-hopping Atlantic Road.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Gentle
Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Your Fred Olsen cruise ship

MS Balmoral

The flagship MS Balmoral offers a warm, refined atmosphere with comfortable accommodation and outstanding service. Guests on board have plenty of space to relax in, with excellent facilities.

Fred Olsen's flagship

MS Balmoral

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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