NEW! From Iberia to the Northern Lights

Take in the sights of Tromsø’s natural beauty and unique structures amid its island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. View its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, you will see the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary before returning to your awaiting ship.

Take a walk around Tromsø and enjoy the sights of the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Stroll along the waters' edge to take in the picturesque sites. Admire the mix of architectural styles, blending old with new, and get a glimpse of the modern facade of the Arctic Cathedral, nicknamed the “Opera House of Norway” due to its resemblance to the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Skansen and view Tromsø’s oldest house, and stroll down Storgata, the city’s pedestrian street, where you can browse the windows of the boutique stores. Pass the iconic Raketten, a quaint establishment and one of Norway’s smallest bars, and stop to see the statue of the Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen. Pause to admire the outside of Tromsø Cathedral, Norway’s only wooden cathedral, and walk past the MS Polstjerna, a ship from Tromsø's past, en route back to your ship.

Explore the Polar Museum, the Tromsø Museum and take in breathtaking vistas via cable car. For adventurers and explorers, Tromsø is the “Gateway to the Arctic.” You will begin at the fascinating Polar Museum, located in a wharf house dating to 1837. Here, gain a glimpse of Arctic life and learn about the expeditions of explorer and native son Roald Amundsen, who reached the North Pole in 1926. After, board a cable car at Tromsø Fjellheis and ascend to the 1,378-foot summit of Mount Storsteinen. From the top, marvel at the Tromsø cityscape nestled amid islands and sea, then return to the city and continue to the informative Tromsø Museum. Here, delve into the natural history of the region, including changes to the Arctic environment, and learn more about the elusive northern lights during your guided visit. En route back to your ship, enjoy a brief city tour.

Enjoy a private evening organ concert in Tromsø’s most celebrated venue, the starkly beautiful Arctic Cathedral. On your way to the cathedral, you will see some of Tromsø’s other sights. Cross the impressive Tromsø Bridge to Tromsdalen, the part of the city built on the mainland. Anchoring the skyline here is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece from the 1960s. During long winter nights, lights emanate from the enormous cathedral windows, which appear to emulate the aurora borealis. The cathedral’s simple, elegant interior is dominated by an exquisite stained-glass window depicting the return of Christ. Enjoy a recital of classical masterpieces spanning various eras, featuring renowned composers. Afterward, enjoy time to admire the cathedral and return to your ship at your leisure.

Travel through the stark beauty of northern Norway’s icy tundra while being pulled by a team of huskies. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the starting point for your tour. Upon arrival, meet your local guides and some of the adorable huskies, before setting out into the wilderness. Sit back and relax as your musher guides you and the sled’s team of eight energetic dogs. Breathe in the fresh winter air as you enjoy a journey through the Arctic tundra, taking in the stunning views of the area’s towering fjords. After your tour, return to your starting point to warm yourself with light refreshments while sitting in a traditional lavvu tent and listening to stories about local life from your guide. At the end of your visit, board your coach and return to your awaiting ship.

Watch the night skies over Tromsø as you set out in search of the northern lights by minibus. On a clear night, the northern lights may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or great dancing, shimmering curtains of light over the tundra. Ideal conditions include clear skies and sufficient solar activity, as the phenomenon occurs when electrically charged solar particles in the atmosphere interact with Earth’s magnetic field. There is no guarantee that the unpredictable lights will be visible. Prior to departure, your guides will study the forecast to best predict where and when the lights will appear. Board your minibus and venture out to viewpoints in and around Tromsø, where weather conditions can vary greatly in a small geographical area and change again within a short span of time. With luck, you will be rewarded with a glimpse of this majestic wonder.

Cruise silently through the darkness of the Tromsø fjords, enjoying an Arctic-inspired meal amid panoramic views. Board your hybrid electric catamaran and settle into the saloon, with its tall windows offering unobstructed vistas of the nighttime landscape. In warmth and comfort, quietly set sail through the icy waters surrounding Tromsø, passing notable local landmarks while learning more about the frozen landscape, as well as Norwegian culture and history from your friendly crew. As you sail, enjoy a set-menu dinner of Norwegian favorites, including cod and herring, while keeping watch for the northern lights, a phenomenon that occurs when electrically charged solar particles in the atmosphere interact with Earth’s magnetic field. With any luck, you will be rewarded with a glimpse of this majestic wonder.

Experience a favorite Nordic pastime during an invigorating snowshoe hike atop Mt. Storsteinen. Winter walking is an excellent way to admire the Arctic landscape surrounding Tromsø. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the Fjellheisen cable car station, where you will meet your expert local guide, board your car and ascend 1,377 feet up to the summit of the mountain. Upon arrival, fasten the bindings on your snowshoes and set out for the wintry tundra. Breathe in the refreshing air while you traverse the slightly hilly terrain and listen to the rhythmic crunching of the snow as you walk. Your knowledgeable guide will describe your Arctic surroundings and aspects of local life. Along the way, stop to relax with a hot cup of coffee and a muffin. Then board the cable car and descend down the mountain to your awaiting coach, and transfer back to your ship.

Learn more about life above the Arctic Circle while interacting with the residents of Sommarøy. Begin your journey with a guided drive through Tromsø, then head out to the neighboring islands. You will travel through serene pastoral landscapes dotted with traditional farms before arriving at the rustic idyll of Sommarøy, an island village of 300 residents that generations of fishermen and hunters have called home. Visit the huseflid, or “craftsmanship building,” and learn the basics of knitting with local grandmothers over waffles and coffee. Then call at the local museum to view exhibits showcasing northern life during the 19th century. After, receive a warm welcome into the home of a resident, who will share stories with you over refreshments. Cap your day at a scenic lookout where you can take in the views of the town below before returning to your ship.

Set out on an enchanting hike through the wilderness and visit a medieval Viking homestead. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the tiny village of Tønsvika, where you will fasten the bindings on your snowshoes and set out on a journey through the wintry tundra. At the end of your 1½-mile trek, you will reach a clearing amid the dense trees and a courtyard where the Tønsviking Medieval Homestead awaits. Step back in time as you enter the Viking Age, where you will be warmly greeted by the homestead’s master builder. He will regale you with stories of life during the Viking era and explain more about the ancient building techniques used. You will then take your seat in the Viking Hall, where refreshments await. Enjoy a warming beverage and snacks, before heading back along the forest trail to your coach and your awaiting ship.

Head out into the wilderness of the Tamok Valley with a guide in search of the ethereal northern lights. Board your motor coach and depart the city lights, heading to a remote outpost, where you will be warmly greeted by a Sami host and invited into a large traditional tent called a lavvu. Take a seat next to a roaring fire and enjoy a warming beverage while you are entertained with stories of Sami traditions and modern life. Step outside to greet the reindeer in their enclosure, before returning to the lavvuto savor a tasty traditional stew. During your stay, your hosts will be scanning the sky for signs of the northern lights, which may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of light over the boreal forests and tundra. With any luck, you will see the dancing lights grace the night sky before returning to your ship.

Keep watch for the mysterious northern lights while enjoying a ride in a dogsled through the Arctic wilderness. Embark by motor coach, far away from the light pollution of the city. Upon arrival, meet your guides and some of the adorable huskies, then set out into the wilderness. Sit back and relax as your musher guides you and the sled’s team of energetic dogs, breathing in the fresh winter air as you enjoy a journey through the stunning Arctic landscape. Keep your eyes on the sky for signs of the aurora borealis, which may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of light over the tundra. After your tour, return to your starting point to warm yourself with light refreshments while sitting in a traditional lavvu tent. At the end of your visit, board your coach and return to your ship.

Enjoy a taste of local favorites and learn more about life in the Arctic during a guided walking tour of Tromsø. Begin at the fascinating Polar Museum, located in a wharf house dating to 1837. Here, gain a glimpse of Arctic life and learn about the expeditions of explorer and native son Roald Amundsen, who reached the North Pole in 1926. Continue to Dragøy, a nearby seafood shop, where you will gain insight into fishing and preservation techniques. Savor dried cod, smoked salmon, roe and more before continuing your walk past the old fish market. You will stop at Helmersen, a popular delicatessen, and sample a seasonal selection of delicious cheeses. Cap your tasting with a local specialty, a kardemummeboller (cardamom pastry), with a cup of coffee. Afterward, you may choose to return with your guide to the ship or stay in town and explore more on your own.

Snowshoe through the forest to assist in a project to understand the effect of light pollution on Arctic songbirds. The Tromsø Tits Project is a collaboration between the Arctic University of Norway and Rissa Citizen Science, a local non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and participative science. A local ornithologist will meet you for the drive to the city’s outskirts. Upon arrival, you will strap on your snowshoes and set out along the forest trail with your guide. Your tasks may include putting up new nest boxes, checking nest content, filling up feeding stations, swapping memory cards in camera traps or ringing birds. The information gathered will be used in studies which aim to reduce light pollution and protect the natural habitat of these creatures. As part of your tour, Viking will make a donation to the project. Later, return to your awaiting ship.

Cast your line and catch your lunch during a scenic sail by catamaran. Meet your skipper and after a short safety briefing, set out onto the fjord. During your cruise, keep watch for local wildlife that frequent these waters; you may spot seals or dolphins bobbing in the water, or sea birds and eagles soaring overhead. Your skipper will guide your vessel to the best fishing spots, where you will drop anchor and, with help if required, bait and cast your line. On board, your skipper will use your catch to prepare a fish soup. Sit back as you enjoy the fruits of your efforts while taking in the scenic vistas of the fjord. During your trip, you may also participate in assisting with the sailing and navigation of the catamaran. Alternatively, relax on the net with a warming beverage as you sail back to shore.

Ride a reindeer sleigh in search of the northern lights and share fireside stories with your Sami hosts. Begin with a coach ride to the camp, where your Sami hosts will welcome you. These herding people of the north lead lives shaped around the movements of their reindeer herds. A family typically owns anywhere from a few hundred to 5,000 animals, and ensuring that they have plenty of grazing land is a full-time job. After a thorough briefing, you will ensure you are wrapped up warmly before you head off on a reindeer-drawn sleigh in search of the ethereal aurora borealis. After this exhilarating experience, a delicious meal will be served in the main camp, next to a log fire. Here, in the lavvu, the traditional tepee-like dwelling of the Sami, you will enjoy conversation and storytelling with your hosts before returning to your ship.