Norway and Summer Stitching Cruise

This morning, we will begin our exploration of Oslo, Norway's capital city, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and unique attractions. Our guided tour will include iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Akershus Fortress, offering a glimpse into Norway’s regal and historical heritage. Holmenkollen Ski Jump provides not only an impressive world-famous sporting venue but also breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. Vigeland Park, home to over 200 evocative sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, showcases the complexities of human relationships in a serene, beautifully landscaped setting. Plus, at the Norwegian National Costume Shop, you will be able to see the intricate designs of the ‘bunad’, Norway's traditional dress, and learn about its significance in cultural celebrations.

The day will conclude with a visit to Kathrines Quilte Stue, a charming and inspiring quilt shop renowned among quilting enthusiasts for its exceptional selection of fabrics, patterns, and quilting supplies.

Today is Constitution Day and you will have a full day at leisure in Oslo to witness this joyous occasion that unites people in celebration of Norway’s heritage, freedom, and community spirit.

Constitution Day is Norway’s most significant national holiday and is marked nationwide by vibrant festivities that reflect pride in the country's independence and democratic values. Known as Syttende Mai, the celebration in Oslo begins with a morning parade of schoolchildren dressed in traditional costumes, carrying Norwegian flags, and marching through the city streets decorated with national flags and bunting, to the lively sounds of brass bands.

The Royal Family greets the public from the balcony of the Royal Palace and Oslo's Karl Johans gate becomes a hub of activity, with food stalls, games, and performances creating a wonderful festival atmosphere.

A visit to Oslo would be incomplete without visiting the Bygdøy Peninsula with its rich history and maritime heritage, set against a picturesque coastal backdrop. Whilst here, we will visit the Kon-Tiki Museum which showcases the daring expeditions of explorer Thor Heyerdahl, featuring the original Kon-Tiki raft and Ra II vessel, along with artifacts that highlight his contributions to understanding ancient seafaring cultures and the nearby Norwegian Folk Museum with its open-air exhibits of traditional homes, a stave church from 1200, and engaging displays of Sami culture.

Today we depart Oslo and travel by high-speed train to Bergen.

Known as the Bergen Line, it is Northern Europe's highest railway line and one of the most spectacular scenic train rides in Europe, offering an unforgettable experience through breathtaking landscapes. Built in 1909, the train runs over the highlands between Oslo and Bergen, passing through iconic landmarks like the Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau, as well as charming villages such as Finse and Myrdal which provide glimpses into Norway’s rural life, vibrant greenery, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views that change with the seasons.

On arrival in Bergen, we will check in to our hotel before enjoying dinner together.

This morning’s guided sightseeing tour of Bergen will introduce you to the highlights of Norway’s charming second city, known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. We also include the Fløibanen funicular ride to Mount Fløyen, providing panoramic views of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains before embarking MS Havila Pollux to begin our northbound coastal voyage. Dinner is served as we sail along Hjeltefjord, the same route taken by Vikings as they ventured to the Shetland Islands and beyond.

Our day starts in the beautiful Nordford with a delicious breakfast. Stitch with your expert Karin Hellaby as we sail past West Cape into the open sea before navigating through skerries and islands to reach Ålesund. Today is a chance to admire the highly ornate buildings decorated with turrets, spires and gargoyles in Norway’s Art Nouveau town and visit Husfliden, a shop specialising in Norwegian and Nordic arts and crafts.

This morning, we will have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Trondheim, Norway's third largest city. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the quilting shop Quiltegarden, as well as see the imposing Gothic-spired Nidaros Cathedral which serves as the centrepiece of this ancient city, founded by Norway’s Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997.

Leaving Trondheim early afternoon, stitching workshops with Karin will resume as the voyage continues out into the fjord, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops as the ship heads for Rorvik.

Today we cross the Arctic Circle, an invisible line situated at 66 degrees and 33 minutes north, marking the border to the Arctic region! During the summer months, you will be able to experience and see the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon that occurs in places south of the Antarctic Circle but north of the Arctic Circle. We will step ashore in Bodø and cruise alongside the magnificent granite peaks of the Lofoten Wall that reaches up to 1000m high. Tucked between majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches, Lofoten is a truly unique experience. The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian ambience.

This morning you will be able to continue stitching with your fellow travellers as the ship continues through narrow fjords and past wild mountains making brief stops, before arriving in Tromsø, also known as the ‘Capital of the Arctic’. It is a city characterised by hunting, fishing and courage, often used as a starting point for many polar expeditions. After spending the afternoon exploring Tromsø, we will continue our northbound voyage.

Sew at ‘the top of the world’ before calling into Honningsvåg. This small, remote town is located on the island of Magerøya and is the gateway to the spectacular North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point at a latitude of 71° north offering breathtaking scenery. As the journey continues, we will sail into the heartland of the indigenous Sami people, passing their ancient sacred site, Finnkirka rock formation, as we approach the tiny fishing village of Kjollefjord.

The vistas become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, the most easterly point of the voyage. Arriving just after breakfast, Kirkenes lies just a few miles from the Russian border. The town marks the end of this wonderful voyage and, after disembarking the ship, we will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the area, where local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. We also visit the Varanger Museum and stop for lunch at the famous Snow Hotel. We check into our hotel this afternoon and enjoy dinner this evening.