NEW! From Iberia to the Northern Lights

Delve into Harstad’s medieval history during a narrated excursion to view its main sights. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to the Trondenes Historic Center for a glimpse into Harstad’s history from its prominence during the Viking Age to the medieval era and the Nazi occupation. View exhibits, paintings and artifacts and enjoy storytelling about notable figures, including Viking chieftain Thorir Hund. Join a medieval host who will take you 800 years back in time as you view replicas of a farmhouse and stave church. After your visit, walk to Trondenes Church; today a Lutheran church, it is celebrated for its religious art and still preserves traces of its Catholic past. The church was never destroyed, but the Reformation left its mark through wall paintings that were overpainted and interior elements that were rearranged. After, return to your ship.

Journey into wartime history with a visit to Trondenes Fort, home to one of the world’s largest land‑based cannons. Built by the German army during the Second World War, this impressive coastal fortress once formed part of the Atlantic Wall, a vast defensive system stretching more than 3,000 miles along Europe’s coastline. By motor coach, drive to Trondenes, to view one of four artillery guns, originally designed for German battleships and later installed here to control key sea routes in northern Norway. These cannons made Trondenes one of the most powerful coastal artillery batteries of the war. Enjoy a guided tour, offering a rare opportunity to explore the gun’s interior and learn about the complex logistics, engineering and daily operations behind this remarkable military installation. After, return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in authentic Sami culture and gain insight into their centuries-old reindeer herding tradition. Meet your guide and drive through the stunning winter landscapes of Norway’s largest island to Kongsvika. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host who will introduce you to the traditions of Europe’s Indigenous Sami people. At a traditional Sami camp, meet and feed reindeer while learning why these animals are central to Sami culture, identity and survival in the Arctic. Inside a traditional lavvo, or tent, you will hear stories of Sami history, discover clothing techniques to keep warm and learn about daily life as a reindeer herder. Enjoy the powerful sounds of traditional joik singing, an emotional and deeply personal expression of Sami heritage passed down through generations. Cap your visit with a warm traditional soup and hot drinks, before returning to your ship.

Discover authentic Sami culture beneath the Arctic night sky as you keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights. Journey to a traditional Sami camp in Kongsvika, surrounded by a snow‑covered Arctic landscape far from city lights—ideal conditions for aurora viewing when nature allows. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your hosts, then meet and feed the camp’s reindeer as you learn why reindeer herding is central to Sami life, culture and identity. Inside a traditional lavvo, or tent, your Sami guide will share stories of Indigenous traditions and daily life, passed down through generations. Experience the haunting beauty of traditional joik singing, a deeply moving expression of Sami heritage. As darkness settles, keep watch for the northern lights dancing across the sky. The evening concludes with a warm traditional soup and hot drinks before you return to your ship.

Experience one of Norway’s historic estates to discover rural life and keep watch for the northern lights. Board your motor coach and drive to Røkenes Gård, a countryside heritage farm with a history spanning more than 1,600 years. Owned by the same family since 1673 and now managed by the 10th generation of the Kulseng family, you will learn about the farm’s history and the daily lives of its residents which revolved around farming, fishing and coastal trade. Visit its cowshed, which is now an acclaimed restaurant hosting a bar, gallery and event space, as well as a room dedicated to the family’s time spent in Botswana. Enjoy an Arctic tasting platter before heading outdoors to sit around a cozy fire and toast marshmallows as you watch the night skies for the dancing lights of the aurora borealis. After, return to your ship.

Enjoy a visit to a family-run farm and gain insight into “green care farming” in Norway. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and take a drive through the countryside to Olaåsen Farm. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your hosts who will take you on a guided tour of the farm to meet its resident sheep, goats and horses. Learn about caring for the animals before heading to a wooden lavvo for refreshments and a light snack, and hear about the concept of “green farming”—a holistic approach that supports the well-being of both animals and humans. Gain insight into the daily lives of the team, which are shaped by the dramatic contrast from season to season; dark, days of snowy winters transition to days with 24 hours of sunlight. After, you will bid farewell to your host and return to your awaiting ship.

Journey to Olaåsen Farm for an evening of Arctic activities as you keep watch for the northern lights. Located in the countryside, Olaåsen Farm is home to friendly sheep, goats and horses, which you will meet during a guided walk. Learn about caring for the animals before heading to a wooden lavvo for refreshments and a meal of hearty, warming fare as you listen to heartfelt stories of life in rural Norway during the seasons. Afterward, you will retreat to a cozy fire to toast marshmallows as you keep watch for the dancing lights of the aurora borealis. Enjoy time at your leisure; you may choose to try classic Arctic winter activities such as the kicksleigh, bobsleigh or snowshoeing—or listen to tales of farm life as you relax by the crackling fireside. As your evening comes to an end, bid farewell to your host and return to your ship.