DAY 2 Sun., July 9 Stockholm-Oslo-Alta

Arrive Stockholm at 7:45 AM and transfer to Oslo arriving at 9:30 AM for the flight to the North Cape and Alta arriving at 2:35 PM. You’ll be met by your motorcoach to take you to the ALTA MUSEUM. The Alta rock carving sites which you will see, are between 2,500 and 5,500 years old and are unparalleled in Europe and have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rica Hotel Alta (D.B.)

DAY 3 Mon., July 10 Alta - Kautokeino - Karasjok

This will be a day that introduces you to the Sami culture. Your first stop will be in Kautokeino this morning for a visit to the Jules Silver Shop. The journey then continues to Karasjok, the Sami capital of the Sami people. You’ll have time to visit the area, shop the crafts and share their culture. You’ll also visit the KARASJOK MUSEUM (Opplevelser) . You’re sure to enjoy the river boat ride to Sami Camp located on an island where dinner will be served. You’ll share a traditional SAMI MEAL & gathering that gives a first hand insight into their life and cul- ture, including joik (Sami singing). Rica Karasjok Hotel ( B)

DAY 4 Tues., July 11 - Karasjok - Honningsvåg

Honningsvåg was completely destroyed at the end of World War II, when the Germans retreated and burned everything they left behind. On your way to North Cape we will stop and visit our friends, the Sami family of Nils M. Somby who invite you to enjoy a visit to their camp that has the traditional lavvo tents. and authentic Sami crafts. A special experience awaits as the journey goes to the famed North Cape and where we will have a North Cape LUNCH awaiting us. The 307 meter high cliff descends straight down into the Arctic Ocean symbolizing the northernmost land point of Europe - "Ultima Thule" - the very edge of the north! You’ll visit the ROYAL NORTH CAPE HALL which you reach through an underground tunnel. There is a fantastic view in the hall through an enormous panorama window. Your motorcoach will then return to Honningsvåg. Hotel Rica Bryggen (D.B)

DAY 5 Wed., July 12 Honningsvåg-Tromsø Hurtigrute (Coastal Steamer)

Another day of adventure with an early morning start - - this time to experience the famed HURTIGRUTE of the Bergen Line! It’s a short picturesque walk along the pier from your hotel to the Hurtigruten Pier to catch your ship that sails at 6:45 AM for the spectacular Norwegian coastal voyage to the Lofoten Islands. (breakfast and dinner on board ship - outside cabins) You’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature as your ship weaves in and out of the imposing peaks that rise vertically from the sea - sheer cliff walls that provide shelter against the wind from the west. The ship docks in Tromso shortly before midnight, just in time to enjoy the nightlife of this town which is known as the "Paris of the North". Hurtigrute (D.B.)

DAY 6 Thurs., July 13 Tromso - - Harstad- Risøyhamn-Sortland-Stokmarknes-Svolvær- Kabelvåg

The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen are believed by many to be the most beautiful scenery of the journey. Before you reach the islands, you’ll see the captain carefully maneuver the ship into the Trollfjords and through the shallow waters of the Risøyrenna Channel, with sand banks clearly visible through the sea-green water on both sides of the channel. The ship passes through the dramatic, narrow Raftsundet strait before arriving at Svolvær around 6:30 PM. A motorcoach will pick you up and travel along some of the most beautiful stretches of this picture perfect coast. With high spiked mountains and quaint fishing villages nestled in the valleys, and the colorful dark red fishermen’s cabins along the fjords, this is a journey to be long remembered! You’ll also long remember your stay at the Nyvågar Rorbuer...your very own fishing cabin in Kabelvåg, the oldest fishing village in the Lofotens. (Share two bedrooms in each Rorbuer with bath, kitchen and sitting area) These are traditional cottages typical of the Lofoten Islands that have been completely modernized for your comfort and enjoyment. Nyvåger Rorbuer (D.B.)

DAY 7 Sun., July 14 Svolvær - Excursion

After a hearty breakfast, this will be another full day of the sights of North Norway and assimilating the many aspects of this unique culture. Your motorcoach will take you to Morstund, the cod fishing capital, and on to Lofotor and the VIKING MUSEUM at Borg. The largest Viking building ever uncovered is found at Borg-a chieftain’s house 83 metres long, that will transport you back to the year 900 with the open fires, smells of farm animals, wood tar, earthen floors and home cooking. A delicious SOUP LUNCH will be served. If the schedule and timing permits, you’ll board a VIKING SHIP for a sail out into the harbor and around the island. We will stop in Svolvær, where you’ll have time for shopping .....lots of arts and crafts. Nyvåger Rorbuer (D.B.)

DAY 8 Sat. July 15 Svolvær - Bodø

You leave the cozy rorbuer to Svolvær this morning to catch the express boat at 7:30 AM to Bodø arriving at 11:00 AM. Bodø is the second largest city in northern Norway with a population of about 40,000 people. You’ll enjoy a tour that includes visiting SALTSTRAUMEN, the strongest maelstrom in the world with whirlpools up to 30 feet in diameter. It’s an impressive sight - rich in heritage, history and legend. You’ll visit Norway’s NATIONAL AVIATION CENTRE (Norsk Flymuseum) that gives a memorable experience in an impressive building con- containing both the national and international aviation history. It’s been a busy few days and there’s wonderful shopping opportunities in Bodø, so the remainder of the day and evening will be free to be on your own to relax & browse. Quality Diplomat Hotel (B)

DAY 9 Sun., July 16 Bodø - Oslo

The morning is free to be on your own to explore and shop before catching the flight to Oslo this afternoon at 3:15 PM which arrives in Oslo at 4:40 PM where your motorcoach will transfer you to your hotel for the evening. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free. You may want to stroll Karl Johan Gate lined with wonderful shops and restaurants. Or, wander down to the Aker Brygge, a renewed harbor area with restaurants and all kinds of shops. Hotel Savoy (B)

Day 10 Mon., July 17 Oslo

Enjoy a GUIDED CITY TOUR this morning that will take you to Bygdøy Island and the Viking Ship Museum, to the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park with its 600 sculptures of Gustav Vigeland and then to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for a panoramic view of the city and fjords and a look at the international ski jump. The afternoon is free for your final shopping or to visit the City Hall with its artwork and motifs from Norwegian history, culture and working life, visit the Akershus Fortress or the Resistance Museum. Tonight, it’s a chance to exchange addresses, share memories, take pictures and say goodbye to your group at a Farewell Dinner and, at the same time say "Velkommen" to our second group who will be just starting their tour of mid-Norway. You, too, can join this tour as they will be touring an entirely different area of Norway (mid-Norway) to give you a different perspective from the one you’ve just experienced. Hotel Savoy (B) .

Day 11 Tues., July 18 Oslo - USA

There will be a little time to take one last look at Norway this morning. Your plane leaves at 1:30 PM for Copenhagen arriving at 2:40 PM and then it’s on to Chicago (3:40 PM) arriving at 5:45 PM. Your motorcoach will be waiting to take you home with wonderful memories and remembrances of your North Cape Journey Breakfast in Oslo, dinner at home

TOUR INCLUDES:

• *Scheduled transatlantic flights and all airport transfers in Stockholm, Oslo & Alta if Nordic Company issues the tickets. Departures from other cities are available upon request.
• *Coach tours & transfers in luxury motorcoach
• *Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower (except the Nyvåger Rorbuer) hotel taxes and services charges.
• * Baggage handling when available
• * All internal ferries, express boats, Hurtigrute, road and tunnel tolls .

VISITS INCLUDE

• Everything in bold in the itinerary will be included in the cost of the tour as well as additional picture and viewing stops.
• #Alta Museum #Jules Silver Shop
• #Karasjok Museum #Sami Camps
• #Royal North Cape Hall #Viking Museum-Borg
• #Saltsraumen/Bodø #National Aviation Centre
• #Guided City Tour - Oslo Viking Ship Museum
• 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinners