London to Tromso the Norwegian Fjords

The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Stavanger brings you to the intersection of historical and natural wonders. While officially incorporated as a city in 1125 CE, the earliest evidence of inhabitants traces back to 3,000 BCE. A stroll through Old Stavanger takes you to the historic residential area, one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlements. Norway also contains a few prime surfing grounds, including the Jæren beaches. It’s also the gateway to one of the most dramatic fjords, Lysefjord, and is best explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the fjord, Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, offers another stunning perspective.

When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea level in a seamless eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, Flåm is located off one of the hidden arms of the Sognefjord. To fully appreciate the breadth of this region, leave the harbor behind to reach Gudvangen, a tiny hamlet at the tip of spectacular Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site. In addition to attracting naturalists, this destination will surely delight avid cyclists with some of the best, most scenic routes. If you prefer to take in the scenery in comfort, climb aboard the Flåm Railway and get ready for one of Europe’s most dramatic and visually stunning train adventures.

The tiny village of Geiranger is home to major adventures, as the area’s unique natural surroundings were created during a succession of ice ages when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains. The crown jewel of all the Norwegian fjords is Geirangerfjord. The entire area, from the snow-covered mountain tops to the clear, blue water, were included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Among the extraordinary features are the Seven Sisters waterfalls, jutting out from the cliff sides in seven separate cataracts and creating a curtain you can walk behind. Travelers seeking a thrilling experience will appreciate the 11 hairpin turns of Trollstigen mountain road, each bend with its own moniker often named after the person who supervised its construction.

Named “the town of roses” in 1913 by the locals after the beautiful blooms planted around the city, Molde contains an alluring charm. Make the climb to the Varden Viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the 222 mountain peaks of the Romsdal Alps. The Romsdal Museum is one of the largest and oldest folk museums that offers a comprehensive display of Norwegian history, heritage and culture. The fjord’s majestic nature knows no bounds, as from Molde there are various adventures you can experience, such as descending into the caves of Trollkirka (Troll Church). Once you’ve worked up an appetite, savor the flavors of fresh seafood or a local favorite, lamb, served as a stew, mutton chop or rack.

The stunning Norwegian coastline has to be seen to be believed-especially the remote places that are located above the Arctic Circle. On your crossing, view the soaring, craggy mountains to tranquil fjords, glaciers and quiet seaside villages that comprise the Lofoten archipelago. Vaerøy is the hidden gem of this region, with surprisingly warm waters and snow that rarely stays on the ground for long. Pay close attention as you sail Vaerøy Island’s Mount Mostadfjell, the nesting site of more than a million seabirds, including sea eagles, puffins, arctic terns, and others.

The stunning Norwegian coastline has to be seen to be believed. Gaze upon the soaring, craggy mountains to tranquil fjords, glaciers and quiet seaside villages that comprise the Lofoten archipelago. Vaerøy is the hidden gem of this region, with surprisingly warm waters and snow that rarely stays on the ground for long. Pay close attention as you sail Vaerøy Island’s Mount Mostadfjell, the nesting site of more than a million seabirds, including sea eagles, puffins, arctic terns, and others.

Reine, Norway

Between the Arctic Ocean and the majestic Lofoten peaks, Reine will leave you speechless. Its beauty is limitless and so are the endless ways you can take in its natural wonders, from cycling to hiking to kayaking. With 24 hours of daylight, this is also an amazing destination to photograph and capture that unique Arctic light. What makes Reine so famous is the access to Reinebringen, a verdant mountain that offers an incredible viewpoint of Reine and her neighboring villages, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy. On the water’s edge you can embark on a kayaking expedition for a different perspective of the famed mountain and take in the harbor, small islands with bird sanctuaries, wild shores and the beaches that comprise this idyllic setting.

Not only will you witness magnificent fjords and glaciers throughout Tromsø, Norway, but you will also immerse yourself in a sophisticated cultural life and architectural delights. A superb example of blending the built environment with the natural setting is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural marvel made up of aluminum-coated concrete panels, making it a stunning façade resembling an iceberg. To see the real icebergs, all you have to do is take the Fjellheisen cable car 1,525 feet above sea level for incredible views of the Norwegian fjords. You can also stroll around the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, visit the Science Centre of Northern Norway or gain new knowledge at the city’s museums including the Polar Museum, Tromsø University Museum, and Perspektivet Museum.