Overview
The Magic of the Arctic Circle and the North Cape Express Hurtigruten Cruise
We get chills just thinking about the heartwarming sights and special traditions preserved in the amazing destinations of the Arctic Circle. Discover the magic of this mysteriously breathtaking part of our world—from the unbelievable Norwegian beauty of Tromsø to the historic artistry of Oslo—and boundless natural wonders you must see to believe. From deep harbors to fairytale fjords to dizzying mountain summits, this escorted vacation in Norway with North Cape Express Hurtigruten cruise through the islands of Norway’s stunning archipelago is one for the bucket list!
Highlights of The Magic of the Arctic Circle and the North Cape Express Hurtigruten Cruise
City Highlights
Transportation
Notes
Cruise Details:Polar Outside Cabin - twin beds and en-suite bathroom.The cruise portion of your vacation, from Tromso to Oslo, is operated by Hurtigruten. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the MS Trollfjord.Services of the Tour Director end on day 5.
Travelers Notes
Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. And that's not all! Your tour includes a 6-night Norwegian coastal cruise experience aboard a Hurtigruten cruise ship! Featuring panorama lounge, bar, restaurants, observation saloon and onboard shopping. Plenty of ports of call as you cruise along Norway's stunning coastline between Tromso and Oslo. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN TROMSØ Welcome to Tromsø ! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
TROMSØ Shining Lights TROMSØ Orientation walk includes the Arctic Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICY ARCHITECTURE The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town. Strip lights have been positioned between the 11 lamella panels that make up the church walls. When darkness falls, the church’s unusual shape is visible from all parts of Tromsø to represent the light in the long, dark winter days.
Day 3
TROMSØ–NARVIK Norwegian BeautyScenic drive through Narvik. NARVIK Orientation with your tour director. (B)144 mi / 232 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTMODERN MARVELS Historically, Narvik has been strategically important due to its ice-free harbor and proximity to major iron ore deposits in Sweden. The town's port has played a significant role in the transportation of iron ore to international markets.
Day 4
NARVIK The Sky is the Limit NARVIK [LF] Take a ride on the Narvikfjellet cable car. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC VIEWS A scenic journey from the town center takes you to the mountain's summit. As the cable car ascends, be treated to panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and deep valleys that characterize the landscape around Narvik.
Day 5
NARVIK–TROMSØ (EMBARKATION) TROMSØ Return to Tromsø to embark on the cruise ship heading towards the Lofoten Islands. (B,D) 144 mi / 232 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Beautiful Tromsø coastal line is dotted with a mix of natural wonders and charming coastal villages together with some unique Arctic beaches with white sand.
Day 6
CRUISING: STOKMARKNES–SVOLVAER High Peaks and Idyllic IslandsSTOKMARKNES Stop at the town where the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With.SVOLVAER Stop at the biggest town of the archipelago. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Cruise past the Lofoten Wall, a giant granite cliff shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of colorful fishing villages hug the shoreline where a most of its inhabitants still depend on the winter cod season.
Day 7
CRUISING: BRONNOYSUND Distinctive Nordic NatureBRONNOYSUND Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbour and take a walk along Havnegata. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE While sailing, keep a look out for the Torghatten mountain, recognizable by a natural tunnel that runs through the centre. According to local lore, the hole is the result of a troll who fired an arrow at a young woman who had rejected his advances. As the Troll King threw his hat to protect her, the sun began to rise, turning the hat to stone with a hole in the middle from the arrow.
Day 8
CRUISING: ALESUND Picturesque StrollsALESUND Wander through the narrow streets. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARTISTRY The entire town of Alesund received a complete make over in 1904 when it was completely rebuilt after a major fire. From the bright colors to the rounded spires everything screams “Art Nouveau”.
Day 9
CRUISING: HARDANGEFJORD–HAUGESUND Viking History Enjoy a short scenic cruise into Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most impressive waterways.HAUGESUND Stop at the “Home of the Viking Kings” (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SPECTACULAR SIGHTS At 179 kilometres in length, the Hardangefjord is the second-longest fjord in the country, and fifth longest in the world. See mountain scenery everywhere you look, with the white peaks that tower over the fjord reflecting in the shimmering water below.
Day 10
CRUISING: KRISTIANSAND The City of Lighthouses KRISTIANSAND Take a walk around the city. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SIGHTS Originally built as a German fort in World War II, the city of Kristiansand features the world’s second-largest cannon ever mounted on land. It is also home to Norway’s southernmost point, the working Lindesnes Lighthouse which has been guiding seafarers to safety on dark nights since the early 20th century.
Day 11
OSLO (DISEMBARKATION) A Walk in the Park OSLO After disembarkation meet your local guide and continue on for a guided sightseeing includes a walk through Frogner Park and a visit to City Hall. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Frogner Park contains over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze, and wrought iron, along with fountains and bridges comprising the life’s work of legendary sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Visit the stately Oslo City Hall, with its red-brick architecture, soaring towers, and 49 bells. Here, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year.
Day 12
OSLO Safe travels until we meet again! OSLO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Scandic Ishavshotel | Unique 4-story Hotel in the shape of a ship, located on the harbor front in the heart of city; near Polar Museum. | Tromsoe | Fredrik Langesgate 2 P.O.Box 196 | First-Class |
| 2 | Scandic Hotel Narvik | Centrally located on the town's main street, Kongens Gate with Narvik Station less than a 10-minute walk away. This modern 148-room hotel is housed in one of Northern Norway's tallest buildings offering Free Wi-Fi internet access, a fitness centre and a restaurant. The 17th floor sky bar offers a panoramic view of the city, Ofotfjord and surrounding mountains. | Narvik | Kongens Gate 33 | First-Class |
| 3 | Radisson Blu Scandinavia | This stylish central high-rise hotel is within walking distance of Oslo¿s Royal Palace, National Gallery and Johans Gate. The property provides Free Wi-Fi internet access in addition to a wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness area and saunas. The 21st-floor Summit Bar offers impressive city and Oslo Fjord views and the ground floor restaurant serves Nordic cuisine. Modern furnishings and design are featured in each of the 499- guestrooms, as well as flat-screen TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, iron with ironing board and in-room safe. | Oslo | Holbergsgate 30 | Superior First-Class |
