Norway and Northern Lights

Explore regal pomp and ceremony, Norwegian style. The wooden "Stiftsgarden" is the city's official royal residence and under Nidaros Cathedral's gleaming spire, monarchs are still crowned to this day. You can also ride the quaint sightseeing streetcar and or make interesting visits to open-air folk museums, a working ski jump and the Lokken Copper Mines.

At Tromso, you’re nearly 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Clues to your location are everywhere; the bars are fully stocked with Arctic Beer and the Arctic Cathedral resembles a geometric glacier. Home to over 100 nationalities, the city offers a wealth of eateries serving the best native cuisine in the Arctic. Tromso features the Polaria Arctic Centre, where the exhibits recreate a polar bear den and an Arctic snowstorm.

You can reach Narvik on cruises to northern Norway. Indeed it is actually one of the most northerly towns in the world - 220 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle - yet surprisingly mild thanks to a combination of the North Atlantic Current and mountains which encircle the town and shelter it from winds. Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik for the breathtaking views or go on optional excursion hikes, snowshoeing or kayaking on the fjords. Aside from the War Museum, you can enjoy galleries, shops, and restaurants which specialise in locally sourced seafood and reindeer.

Stavanger is blessed with history and natural beauty. From the old port, the city radiates across a network of islands interlaced with graceful bridges. Stavanger's Romanesque cathedral and old medieval lanes blend beautifully with the modern city and spectacular countryside. Journey back in time on a tour of Utstein Cloister, a beautifully preserved Augustin Monastery from the Middle Ages.

Southampton, the UK’s top cruise port, is a vibrant waterfront city blending rich maritime heritage with modern charm. Discover the Titanic legacy at the Sea City Museum, explore the Cultural Quarter, or stroll through the medieval Old Town. Beyond the city, explore the beauty of The New Forest, Stonehenge, and the Isle of Wight. With a thriving craft beer and food scene, Southampton offers endless delights to explore!