• Cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy round-the-clock light under the Midnight Sun

• Gain insight into coastal communities, charming cities, small towns, and villages.

• Enjoy stunning fjords from the comfort of your private cabin aboard The Merchant Ship Kong Harald

• Explore the unique architecture and cultural museums in Oslo

Day 1: Oslo - Arrival Day - June 10

Departing the US on June 9th, you will arrive at Oslo’s Gardermoen International Airport on June 10th, where you will be greeted by your Norwegian guides who will get you checked into your hotel in the city, and enjoy a leisurely evening doing some exploring and enjoying a delicious group dinner.

Day 2: Explore Oslo - June 11

Spend the day exploring Oslo’s museums and cultural sights such as the Norsk Folkemuseum, Fram & Kontiki Museums, & sculpture park, getting around by tram, ferry, and on foot!

Day 3: Oslo to Bergen by train - June 12

After a leisurely morning, spend the day aboard a scenic train ride through Norway’s beautiful countryside and on to the coastal town of Bergen.

Day 4: Explore Bergen & board the ship - June 13

Explore Bryggen Hanseatic Warf and enjoy the stunning views from above Bergen by taking the Flobanen Funicular up Mount Floyen. In the afternoon board, Merchant Ship Kong Harold to begin your journey north along an old Viking route, exploring Norway’s beautiful coastline and fjords.

Day 5: Florø to Molde - June 14

With nearly round-the-clock sun, your time aboard The MS Kong Harald will be nonstop stunning scenery. Some of today’s highlights include the Art Nouveau architecture in Ålesund, the famous cascading Seven Sisters waterfalls, and if it’s clear, the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.

Day 6: Kristiansund to Røvik - June 15

Today you’ll spend time touring Trondheim like a local, visiting Nidaros Cathedral, one of Norway’s most sacred buildings, exploring the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet and panoramic views of the city.

Day 7: Brønnøysund to Svolvær - June 16

Heading even farther north, with an early morning crossing of the Arctic Circle, is marked by a memorable traditional ceremony! An optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful whirlpool, and the Lofoten Archipelago, home to a vast fishing fleet, The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall and traditional fisherman huts on stilts!

Day 8: Stokmarknes to Skjervøy - June 17

Keep your eyes peeled for puffins and other seabirds as you arrive at the “Capital of the Arctic” Tromsø. Here you will have about four hours to explore the city by visiting some of the cafes and pubs along the waterfront, visiting “Polaria” the world’s northernmost aquarium, or joining in on an exciting optional excursion.

Day 9: Øaksfjord to Berlavåg - June 18

Passing by the northernmost point in Europe, today you’ll enter Norway’s most northerly region and visit “Nordkapp” or The North Cape. Marked with stunning views and a globe monument, this excursion can’t be missed and is included in the price of your trip.

Day 10: Båtsfjord to Kirkenes - Flight to Oslo - June 19

With a midmorning arrival into Kirkenes, this marks the last stop aboard the MS Kong Harald and the end of your time at sea. From Kirkenes, the group will catch a flight south to Oslo and enjoy a free evening exploring the city. (Optional visit to Holmenkollen Ski Jump and scenic hike)

Day 11: Explore Oslo - June 20

Today we dive deeper into the splendors of Oslo by visiting the stunning Opera House, Munch Museum, City Hall, and The Nobel Peace Museum, all located centrally on Oslo’s beautiful waterfront. Finish the evening by enjoying a delicious final dinner together as a group.

Day 12: Departure day - June 21

“Ha det bra” or a friendly goodbye in Norwegian.
Today you say goodbye to your group and head back to your home country or on to your next destination.

As you are likely to encounter three seasons during one sailing in spring/early summer, it’s important to pack well and layer up. We advise bringing a wool sweater, warm socks, a thick scarf, warm, waterproof pants and jacket, a hat and gloves.

• Warm under-layers and mid-layers

  It is much better to wear a number of thin layers than just a few thick ones. The air trapped in between thin layers warms your body’s temperature and acts as valuable insulation.

• Woolen sweater or fleece

  This should go over your under and mid-layers.

• Wind and waterproof jacket and pants

  Outer layers should be wind and waterproof to adapt to the changing conditions on the Norwegian coast.
  A raincoat is highly recommended, rain pants optional.

• Footwear

  Comfortable walking shoes during your days in Oslo, Bergen, and your time on the ship. You'll need a pair of worn-in walking boots to wear if you plan on doing any of the optional hikes offered during your time on the ship.

• Cotton/wool socks

  Pack an extra pair or two in your backpack if plan on doing any of the optional excursions offered.

• Swimwear

  If you intend to use any sauna or hot tub facilities, you will need to pack a swimsuit.

  Other Items:

• Passport - be sure there are six months or more validity from your return date

• Camera, new memory card & battery charger

• Binoculars - For bird/nature watching from the ship

• Sun protection (SPF, hat, sunglasses)

• Lip salve/balm - The northern air is very dry, so you’ll need to pack plenty of lip balm

• Eye cover/sleeping mask - Summer in Norway will be very light outside. Some people find it helpful to cover their eyes before going to sleep “at night”.

• 12 Breakfasts, 5 lunches (boat), 8 dinners (6 boat + 2 Group)

• Oneway flight from Kirkenes to Oslo (Norwegian Airlines)

• 6 nights & 7 days aboard MS Kong Harald (full board)

• On the Ship:

• Excursion to visit Nordkapp - the North Cape - (The northernmost point in Europe)

• Polar outside cabins or Arctic superior rooms - upgrades available pending availability

• Onboard, Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment, photography tips and tricks, and photo and film footage from the voyage

• Onboard presentations on history, biology, geography, geology, and culture to help you understand the destinations you will experience

• Opportunities to casually engage with Hurtigruten Guides, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day, and preparations for the day to come

• Port presentations providing destination insight

• Point of interest presentations on deck

What's Not Included

• International Airfare

• Travel Insurance

• Optional excursions hosted by Hurtigruten

• Baggage handling

• Hikes with Hurtigruten Guides

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks unless otherwise stated

• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)

Do I need a passport to travel?

You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages.

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately.

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. They will come in very handy if you misplace your passport and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa to travel?

It depends on the country where you’re traveling. To check if your destination country requires tourist visas, visit the U.S. State Department website and type the country name in the search bar. If you do need a visa, scroll down to the “Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements” section and follow the instructions to apply for a visa.

Sometimes, it’s possible to get a visa upon arrival in the country. But getting one ahead of time will expedite the arrival process.

Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for their home country by navigating to the embassy for their destination country.
Email info@offcapeexperiences for any assistance navigating this process.

Do I need travel insurance?

We require that all participants acquire comprehensive traveler's insurance for all tours with Off Cape Experiences. Travelers insurance should include coverages for medical and evacuation costs, personal property, and trip interruption expenses.

Do I need travel vaccines?

Your destination country may require that you have certain vaccinations to grant you entry. Review the CDC Traveler’s Health page for the country where you’re traveling to see if they require any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. On that page, the CDC will also recommend that you be up to date with a number of childhood vaccines.

Regardless of whether your destination country requires that you have the COVID-19 vaccine, Off Cape Experiences will require that travelers be fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible). Being vaccinated will help protect your fellow travelers, our staff, and any people you come into contact with while traveling with us.

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions while traveling may not be possible. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• If you are prone to motion sickness be sure to pack non-drowsy Dramamine or an equivalent. 

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

In the event of a cancellation, the following charges will apply:

• Cancellations made more than 60 days prior to the arrival date will result in the forfeiture of the client’s deposit. 

• Cancellations made between 31-60 days prior to the arrival date will result in the forfeiture of 50% of the cost for the package.

• Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the arrival date will not be eligible for a refund for the cost for the package.

• No refund is available for cancellations after the commencement of the trip or on any service used.

Off Cape Experiences is not responsible for any loss of funds or change fees required by airlines, accommodations or other entities in relation to the cancellation or alteration of an itinerary. Should this happen, consult with your travel insurance provider to see if your policy makes you eligible for reimbursement.

If Off Cape Experiences cancels a tour under any circumstance where the client was not at fault, the client will be given a full refund of any deposits and tour price paid.

See full Terms and Conditions for more information.

Who will lead my trip?

Dikkie H. and Tina J. will be leading this experience. Born and raised in Norway, and having led this trip on a number of occasions, Dikke is an avid traveler who brings local knowledge, insight into local culture, and a zest for Norway that many trip leaders simply do not have. Tina, also an avid traveler, has a keen eye for photography, has a gift for connecting people and group dynamics, and has also led this trip on a number of occasions. Together they make a wonderful team and offer a spirit and warmth that only they can bring.