North Cape & Midnight Sun Cruise

An early evening sailing from Tilbury allows you a relaxing full day at sea to anticipate the marvellous sights that await you. The breathtaking scenery of beautiful Hardangerfjord and calls in the small villages of Ulvik and Eidfjord make a perfect start before heading to Olden, in the Nordfjord, with the opportunity to view the Briksdal Glacier. Next are the Lofoten Islands, a beautiful but rugged outpost steeped in Viking history, where we call at remote Gravdal, for some excellent tour opportunities, and the main town Svolvaer. On the longest day, stretch your legs in Hammerfest and spend the evening, weather conditions permitting, viewing the Midnight Sun at the North Cape from Honningsvaag. Steaming south, there are visits to the Arctic city of Tromso and the art nouveau town of Ålesund but in between you will make a special navigation into the Holandsfjord to view the famous Svartisen Glacier. Bid farewell to Norway in Bergen, the old Hanseatic port where cobbled streets, medieval houses, fish markets and enticing shops and cafes make an intriguing contrast with the other towns and villages visited in this Land of the Vikings. After a final day at sea, you sail back into Tilbury. Note: The viewing of the Midnight Sun is subject to suitable weather conditions.

Day 1: London/Tilbury
The Marco Polo sails at 1730hrs.

Day 2: At Sea
Cruising at sea.

Day 3: Ulvik (Hardangerfjord, Norway) 
One of the best known of Norway’s fjords, Hardangerfjord extends for almost 75 miles from the sea and along its shores are large fruit plantations, mainly stocked with cherries and apples, that benefit from the mild climate. Ulvik is the starting point for an optional overland excursion which brings you back to the ship in Eidfjord. Cruising Hardangerfjord en-route to Eidfjord.

Day 3: Eidfjord (Hardangerfjord, Norway)
The eastern end of Hardangerfjord forms into the Eidfjord and the small town is the gateway to the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau. History as well as spectacular geography is found in the Eidfjord area. Three hundred and fifty graves - the largest collection of ancient burial places in Norway - dating from 500-1000 A.D. can be found at the Viking site in nearby Hereid.

Day 4: Olden (Norway)

Day 5: At Sea
Cruising the beautiful Norwegian Sea as we head north towards the Arctic Circle crossing the following morning.

Day 6: Gravdal & Svolvaer

Day 7: Hammerfest (Norway)
You have now reached the northernmost town in the world! Unlike most of the communities in Norway’s far north, Hammerfest is a true town with paved streets, a main square and park, hotels, shops, a library and a museum. Due to a year-round ice-free harbour, it has become a major fishing centre and a natural starting point for polar expeditions.

Day 7: Honningsvaag (for North Cape, Norway)
Visiting the North Cape, virtually Europe’s northernmost point, and standing in broad daylight at midnight looking out over the Arctic Ocean is one of the world’s memorable experiences. If you are lucky enough to see the Midnight Sun, it could be unforgettable.

Day 8: Tromso (Norway)
Standing on an island in a narrow sound, hemmed in by soaring mountains, Tromso offers a majestic setting for the Northern Lights Observatory, Polaria, a fascinating polar adventure and exhibition centre, and also museums dedicated to geology, zoology and Lapland life.

Day 9: Svartisen Glacier
View the Svartisen Glacier

Day 10: Alesund
Built across three islands and the largest town on Norway’s north-west coast, Alesund is unique. As a result of a great fire in 1904 the town was rebuilt in a bizarre Art Nouveau style that retains a distinctive atmosphere and character valued by the inhabitants and visitors alike

Day 11: Bergen (Norway)
Scenic Bergen completes your memorable voyage through nearly 900 miles of Norway’s long coastline. Its dramatic mountain backdrop, cobbled streets, medieval houses and enticing cafes and markets will leave you with memories and photos to cherish long after you leave the land of the Norsemen.

Day 12: At Sea
Cruising across the North Sea on a south-westerly route towards Tilbury .

Day 13: London Tilbury
Marco Polo arrives at 0730hrs.