Travel up the Eagle’s Way, passing through the valley of Valldal. St. Olav also trekked through this long, beautiful valley, so you are in good company. You’ll then drive down the hairpin bends of the Trollstigen road to the lush valley of Romsdal, which lies in gentle contrast to the surrounding grey peaks. Conclude with a short sightseeing tour of Molde.

National Geographic has deemed the Norwegian fjords the world’s most untouched holiday destination. It’s easy to see why when you’re in the village of Geiranger. You’ll enjoy a dizzying view of long silvery waterfalls cascading into the deep emerald waters of the fjord. From there you’ll take a heart-in-the-mouth ride down switchback roads to gentler terrain. A ferry from Eidsdal will take you to the surprisingly urbane town of Alesund. From there travel up to the top of Aksla Mountain for a panoramic view of Alesund, the surrounding archipelago, and the magnificent Sunnmore Alps.

Founded by a Viking king in 997, Trondheim was, for many centuries, Norway’s capital. New kings still come to Nidaros Cathedral for a blessing ceremony. Its many elegant wooden buildings imbue the city with a rare intimacy and charm. Visit the Royal Residence, on of the largest wooden buildings in all of Scandinavia, and the brilliant white Kristiansten Fortress, which towers over the town. You might also want to walk along the wharves by the River Nid, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine, and the Ringve Museum, a series of well-preserved timber buildings that house a unique collection of historical musical instruments.

On this excursion, you’ll visit Svartisen, Norway’s second- largest glacier. Just south of Ornes, you’ll board a small boat to take you through narrow straits to the Glacier Visitor Center, where you’ll learn how melted glacial water is collected and used for hydropower. As you travel toward Bodo, you’ll pass gorgeous pastoral landscapes and stunning views of the ocean and fjords.

Travel by inflatable boat out to this wild, majestic seascape for a chance to glimpse some White-tailed eagles hovering in the sky as they hunt their prey. These sea eagles are Europe’s largest predatory bird, with wingspans of more than six feet. This fully-guided tour should not be confused with extreme sea rafting. The objective is to bring passengers as close as possible to the eagles and the sea. You will be provided with the necessary clothing.

Called the “Paris of the North,” Tromso is stunningly situated on an island set amid mountains and fjords. Learn about Arctic flora and fauna at Polaria, a museum and aquarium built to resemble huge blocks of ice thrown ashore by the mighty ocean. Next, visit one of the city’s icons, the Arctic Cathedral, which rises some 120 feet into the air like a mountain of ice. Its façade is a huge stained-glass window with a grid of clear glass strips through which daylight filters with mystical effect. It’s an experience not to be missed.

After a short drive to Kvaloya Island near Tromso, you’ll change into warmer clothes and meet your sled dogs. They’re eager to carry you over a bleak, beautiful landscape of sea and open plains. In winter, you’ll be equipped with head lamps, which create a magical atmosphere as the dogs run almost silently through the snow. At the end of the trip, you’ll visit a cozy lavvo—a traditional Sami tent—where you will enjoy refreshments around the open fire.

If you love animals, this is the trip for you. We head to the Tromso Wilderness Center, where we greet 150 huskies and puppies, and learn about the challenges of dogsledding and Finnmarkslopet, Europe’s longest dogsled race. We are also welcome to join the center’s tour guide to explore local plant and bird life on foot. We end in a Sami lavvo, for beverages and dessert.

Travel by bus from Honningsvag, the northernmost community in Finnmark, towards the 71st parallel and North Cape. In summer, you may glimpse reindeer grazing by the roadside, or perhaps you’ll catch sight of a red fox. The region’s flora and fauna are rare and exceptional. Look out for the Chamorchis alpina, a dwarf orchid, and the brilliant yellow globe flower. Maybe you’ll be in season to sample the delicious cloudberry. By the sea, the cliffs and skerries abound with puffins, gannets, and cormorants. Your trip ends at North Cape, a fabled cliff formation rising a sheer 920 feet out of the icy ocean. This is Europe’s most northerly point.

Set out by motorcoach from Honningsvag for the fishing hamlet of Gjesvaer. Continue by boat to the nature reserve with its teeming bird life. Conditions permitting, you will see the red-beaked puffin, razor-billed auk, and flocks of kittiwake. And perhaps you will spot a mighty sea eagle.

At Kirkenes, the only Norwegian town where East meets West, the ship turns around and starts its southward journey. If you like, you may travel to Storskog, the Norwegian border station on the Russian frontier. On the way back, you’ll stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to look out over Kirkenes and the fjord.

As you journey a few miles up the Pasvik River in a local river boat, your guide will tell you stories about the eastern Sami people, the saintly princes Boris and Gleb, and the holy monk Trifon of Pechenga. You’ll also pass the Trifon Cave and Kjerringstupet Cliff.

What do you do when the plains are buried in snow? Ride snowmobiles! Or maybe try chair-sledding. You’ll be dressed in good, warm clothes and plied with piping hot coffee, dried reindeer meat and Russian sweets in the warmth of a lavvo.

In Tromso, enjoy a nighttime concert at the Arctic Cathedral. If you’re lucky, as the church resounds with Norwegian folk melodies, psalms, and classical song, the midnight sun will come streaming in. A truly memorable experience.

Immerse yourself in Sami culture. Compare gamme, the turf huts Sami live in today, with goahti, the traditional versions. Listen to Sami folk stories and the singing known as joik, while you sample Sami delicacies. You’ll also learn about duodji, Sami handicrafts, and will have the chance to purchase some souvenirs if you like.

This excursion takes you on a journey from Viking times, through the Middle Ages, and up to our own age. First, you’ll visit Trondenes Church, the northernmost medieval church, then on to the local historical center, where a millennium’s worth of history is presented in original objects, smells, and sounds. Feast your eyes on the ever-changing landscape on the drive across Hinnoya from Harstad to Sortland. Hidden between the peaks of Vesteralen lie rich, fertile pockets of farmland. While idyllic in summer, they are just as pretty in snow.

Take a motorcoach journey from Svolvaer through the lovely Lofoten Islands. You will stop at an art gallery in Henningsvaer, perhaps the most charming fishing village in this archipelago, where you can see the works of Norwegian artists who have depicted what life at sea was like in the old days. You’ll also have the chance to view a fascinating display of photographs of this island chain in all its atmospheric beauty. But don’t content yourself with photos, look around and enjoy the stunning vistas that surround you. The trip continues through Lofoten’s famous mountain landscapes. Enjoy the views!

After exploring the spectacular Trollfjord onboard the MS Orca, your Sea eagle safari begins. Fish is brought onboard to feed these magnificent birds. Keep your camera ready for this up-close and- personal experience. The eagle safari lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, and if you’re lucky, five or six majestic birds circle the boat at the same time. Then we set our course for Svolvaer, arriving at the quay about five minutes ahead of your Hurtigruten ship. This is an excursion you will remember for the rest of your life!

Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine, and the Ringve Museum, a series of well-preserved timber buildings that house a unique collection of historical musical instruments.