Norway and the Midnight Sun

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Dover, UK

  Embark on your 17-night cruise on board Spirit of Discovery

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: Sandnes (for Stavanger), Norway

  Cruise through the tranquil waters of the Boknafjord and arrive at the welcoming town of Sandnes, nestled between fjords and mountains in southwestern Norway. This vibrant destination acts as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Rogaland, including the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), one of Norway’s most famous hiking spots with panoramic views over the Lysefjord. Wander through the town’s charming center, known for its blend of modern design and traditional Norwegian architecture, or visit the Science Factory, a hands-on museum perfect for curious minds of all ages. Outdoor adventurers can cycle along the scenic trails of the Jæren coastline, kayak through peaceful fjord waters, or explore lush forests just minutes from the port. Sandnes offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure for every kind of traveler.

• Day 4: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 5: Trøndheim, Norway

  The central Norwegian city of Trondheim sits on the Trondheim Fjord and is home to the impressive 11th-century, Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral. Explore the ancient sculptures and gargoyles at the Archbishop's Palace Museum and discover all things musical at Ringve Museum. Travel on to Ålesund at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. This vibrant port town is lined with Art-Nouveau buildings, which were constructed after a fire destroyed most of the town in 1904. Walk up Mount Aksla for spectacular views, visit Sunnmore Museum, and feed the fish at Atlantic Sea-Park.

• Day 6: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 7: Bodø, Norway

  Bodø is the capital of Nordland county and the gateway to the true north of Norway and the Lofoten Islands. The town of Bodø was founded in 1816 and boasts a proud heritage of herring fishing and a stunning rugged mountain backdrop. Discover Norway's flight and aviation history at Norsk Luftfartsmuseum or pay a visit to the fascinating exhibits at the open-air Bodøsjoen Friluftsmuseum. Bodin Kirke with its onion-shaped dome and Bodø Cathedral with its unique spire are well worth a look too. Step back in time at Kjerringoy Trading Post or spend a few hours enjoying water-based delights at Nordlandbadet bathhouse.

• Day 8: Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway

  Leknes is a area rich in Viking history and Arctic nature. Leknes looks out over the jagged peaks of the Lofoten Islands, which also boast white sand beaches, distinctive cliffs, and spectacular panoramic views. Visit the Viking Museum at the nearby village of Borg, explore the historic fishing village of Nusfjord, stop by the pebble beach at Eggum and Unstad, and view the cave paintings at Kollhellaren Cave.

• Day 9: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 10: Alta, Norway

  Alta stretches along 15km of coastline in the Finnmark County in Norway. Inhabited by the indigenous Sami people since prehistoric times; Alta is considered to be one of the best places to experience the Midnight Sun in the summer and see the Northern Lights in the winter. Gaze in awe at the modern-style Northern Lights Cathedral; explore the UNESCO-listed ancient rock carvings at Alta Museum and Hjemmeluft; and then enjoy the thrill of husky sledding and snowmobiling through Arctic landscapes. Altafjord and Altaelva River offer some of the best salmon fishing in the world. Don't miss a visit to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel - a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience!

• Day 11: Honningsvag , Norway

  Honningsvåg is your gateway to Norway's North Cape on Magerøya Island. Located in Nordkapp Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county; this is the northernmost city in mainland Norway and the true land of the Midnight Sun. From mid-May to July, the full disc of the sun never dips below the horizon. In winter, the days barely lighten to a spectral gloom. To the north lies only the remote Svalbard Archipelago, Jan Mayan Island, and the polar ice cap. From the cliffs of the North Cape, perched 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean, you can literally stare into the Arctic silence. During the summer months, vast reindeer herds roam Magerøya Island's treeless, central plateau.

• Day 12: Tromsø, Norway

  Today you'll arrive in Norway's Tromsø - the 'Gateway to the Arctic' and famous for being one of the best places in the world to catch sight of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Enjoy a thrilling husky sled ride through snow-covered landscapes from the Tromsø Wilderness Centre or visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral to gaze in awe at the stained-glass mosaic. Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for amazing views, admire the artworks at the Art Museum of Norway, or step back in time at Perspektivet Museum. Taste authentic local brews on a tour of Mack Brewery or get up close to local fish and bearded seals at Polaria Arctic Aquarium. Venture further afield and discover the fairytale places and ornate villas in Sintra or go dolphin-watching in Setúbal.

• Day 13: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 14: Kristiansund, Norway

  Your next stop is Kristiansund built across four islands - Kirkelandet, Innlandet, Nordlandet, and Gomalandet - connected by bridges and ferries on Norway's western coastline. Admire the Klippfiskkjerringa Sculpture created by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik and visit The Norwegian Clipfish Museum - both built to commemorate the city's rich klipfish history. Meander around the Gamle Byen old town, pay a call on Mellemvaerflet Shipyard Musem, and enjoy the attractive Art Nouveau interior and performances at the 20th-century Festiviteten Theatre. Take a hike to the Varden watchtower to witness panoramic vistas and discover Grip Island's colourful houses and Grip Stave Church. Kristiansund is also your gateway to the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road - which zigzags across bridges, from island to island, along the ocean's edge - it starts 30km southwest of Kristiansund and ends 47km north of Molde.

• Day 15: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 16: Lerwick, Shetland Islands

  Lerwick, Shetland's capital and only town, is a bustling seaport with a range of tourist attractions. The waterfront is packed with pleasure boats, yachts, historic crafts and working fishing boats. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives and view the artefacts and interactive displays offering a glance into the area’s historical story, or feel part of history at Clickimin Broch, an ancient archelogy site. Wander along the atmospheric Commercial Street where the sandstone buildings date back to the 18th century.

• Day 17: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 18: Dover, UK

  It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.