Havila Voyages: classic winter round-trip

Your holiday begins with included UK airport lounge access before your flight to Bergen. On arrival, you’ll hop on board a shuttle transfer for the short trip to the city centre and your harbourside hotel. Located on the waterfront, just along from the city’s Hanseatic Bryggen Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – you’ll be perfectly placed to explore all that Bergen has to offer, from its shops, bars and restaurants to its famous fish market and scenic Fløibanen funicular.

With the ship not departing until the evening, you have another day to enjoy Bergen and discover its interesting sights. Perhaps take the funicular railway, Fløibanen, up to one of the lookout points for a spectacular panorama of Bergen. Alternatively, head to the popular fish market to sample fresh seafood, afterwards taking a stroll through the narrow streets and along the quays of the lively harbour. This evening you'll start your coastal adventure, boarding your Havila ship to begin your voyage north.

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Travelling slowly north overnight, you'll wake up to views of Havila's headquarters in Torvik shortly before arriving in Alesund, the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region. The town is particularly renowned for its art nouveau architecture, spread over a multitude of islands extending into the ocean. Take the opportunity to explore this unique port town with an optional cultural walking tour. If you're feeling adventurous, perhaps opt to discover it all by kayak in the sheltered waters of Brosundet instead. There is also a chance to book a winter cruise to Geirangerfjord from Alesund, as you discover the raw nature of this region. Sailing during the winter months means you'll enjoy this UNESCO listed area all to yourself, admiring its beautiful rugged landscapes and snow-topped peaks. Once back on board, continue on towards Molde.

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As you enjoy breakfast on board, you'll dock in the historic city of Trondheim, notable for its food, history, art and culture. Choose between optional walking tours, tram rides or cycling trips as you discover the city's most interesting sights, from Norway's national shrine - the Nidaros Cathedral - to the historic colourful wharf houses along Nidelva river. Rejoin the ship as you sail further north into the neighbouring fjords and on through a spectacular archipelago en route to Rorvik.

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As you cross the Arctic Circle - a moment marked by a small ceremony - you'll be treated to some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery, passing the small villages of Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen and Nesna on your way to Bodø, the gateway to the Lofoten islands. Join a short optional hike along the shore, across sandy beaches for a taste of the arctic outdoors. As the evening draws in, turn your attention to the dark polar skies for the chance to spot the Northern Lights.

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Your voyage continues as you move deeper into the Norwegian Arctic, sailing past narrow fjords and wild mountains, before finally arriving in the city of Tromso. Known as Norway's Northern lights capital, winter provides your best chance of witnessing this spellbinding spectacle. What's more, with plenty of snow covering the city's surrounding fjords and mountains, it is also notable for its adventurous arctic activities. You'll have the chance to pick between optional husky sledding or a more gentle reindeer sled ride. Or, you might choose to simply enjoy the many delights of the town itself, where a seemingly endless choice of bars and restaurants look out across a pretty harbour and fjord.

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Today is a real trip highlight as you reach the most northerly point on mainland Europe – North Cape. Dramatic 300-metre-tall cliffs mark the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the bitterly cold waters of the Barents Sea. Here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate. Take in the spectacular views on optional trips to the North Cape plateau either by foot or by ATV on a winter safari, or try your hand at snowshoeing and ice fishing in Honningsvag. For a longer trip, there will also be a chance to embark on a snowmobiling excursion under the polar skies in nearby Kjollefjord.

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The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, an incredible 400km above the Arctic Circle, and the furthest point of the voyage. As a frontier town further east than Istanbul, it is most notable for its winter activities, king crab safaris and famous snow hotel.

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Setting sail again, you'll head south, retracing your route along the coast to take in pretty towns and remote communities set beneath looming Arctic peaks. There's also the chance to pause in Hammerfest for a guided tour of this far-flung northern town, and in Mehamn where you'll have the chance to enjoy a snowmobile adventure amid the Arctic wilderness. It's an unmissable experience, and a spectacular section of coast, which will see you back to the city of Tromso. 

Continue south via Harstad and Sortland to return to the mesmerising beauty of the Lofoten Islands. Perhaps pause to explore Vesterålen's beautiful scenery and exciting history where, among other things, you'll have the chance to visit a living medieval farm. Or, choose between a selection of excursions in Svolvaer, where the likes of polar night walks, horseback rides and brewery visits await.

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You've now sailed so far south that it's time to cross the Arctic Circle and sailing away from the polar night. But, you can still see the Northern Lights in the winter as you sail past myriad small islands, islets and skerries, and past the mountain of Torghatten, with its hole in the middle, which you can see on an optional twilight walk. Your other excursion option today will see you out to a local fish farm to see salmon swimming in the cold, clear water.

More highlights await as you sail the wide Trondheim fjord, bounded by rolling farmland on both sides, before returning to the coast and the open sea. In Trondheim itself, you'll have the opportunity to explore on a guided tour, taking in colourful, wooden houses from the 17th century, and the city's famous Nidaros Cathedral. Otherwise, head for the spectacular Atlantic Road and Bergtatt marble mine. This evening, you'll arrive in Alesund, its Art Nouveau architecture overlooked by dramatic mountain peaks.

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The final leg of your cruise sees you back to Bergen, hidden among the fjords of Norway's glorious west coast. Disembark and head for your hotel where you'll lose your sea legs and enjoy a night of city-based civilisation before your flight home.