5 Night Cruise sailing from Kirkenes to Bergen aboard Finnmarken.

The first Hurtigruten ship to bear this name was introduced in 1912 and her worthy successor has been designed to reflect the elegance of the past.

Her Art Nouveau style interior is complemented by modern panorama lounges, bars and bistro, conference facilities, hairdresser and beauty treatment room. A swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, solarium and outside Jacuzzis are also on board.

This 6-day voyage sails from the sparse northern landscapes to the lush southern regions. Leaving Kirkenes high above the Arctic Circle your voyage south calls at all 34 ports, clinging close to the coast as it weaves through the legendary Lofoten Islands which for many is the most beautiful part of the Norwegian coast.

Day 1 Kirkenes, the voyage south begins

Ports visited today: Kirkenes, Vardr, Bľtsfjord, Berlevľg.

Summer in Kirkenes is superb with 86°F degree temperatures at its hottest. The town is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east, with people here speaking Norwegian, Sami, Finnish and Russian. As we turn south, the northbound ports previously visited by night are now seen by day.

Day 2 Hammerfest and Tromsr

Ports visited today: Mehamn, Kjrllefjord, Honningsvľg, Havrysund, Hammerfest, Rksfjord, Skjervry, Tromsr.

Start the day with a summer breakfast at the North Cape Hall (optional excursion), which is firmly perched on the massive cliff marking the northernmost tip of mainland Europe. From here we make a stop in Hammerfest before our next major port of call, Tromsr, where you can take part in a very special musical experience, the Arctic Cathedral Midnight Concert.

Day 3 Vesterľlen and Lofoten Islands

Ports visited today: Tromsr, Finnsnes, Harstad, Risryhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær, Stamsund.

Passing through the Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates a stunning network of inlets and isles, before moving on to what is the highlight of the voyage for many, a possible detour into the spectacular and dramatic Trollfjord. Join us on a fantastic safari by RIB- boat through the Lofoten archipelago under the Midnight Sun!

Day 4 Arctic Circle, Seven Sisters

Ports visited today: Bodr, Rrnes, Nesna, Sandnessjren, Brrnnrysund, Rrrvik.

As we sail past the Helgeland coast you can enjoy views of the hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and lush meadows. Today will also be our last one north of the Arctic Circle. The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close to our call in Sandnessjren.

Day 5 Trondheim and Kristiansund

Ports visited today: Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde, Ĺlesund.

We arrive in Trondheim in the early morning. Nidaros Cathedral, in which three Queens and seven Kings have been crowned, is Scandinavia's largest medieval building and worth a visit. The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway's 'cured cod capital' owing to the nature of its main export.

Day 6 Bergen, disembarkation

Ports visited today: Ĺlesund, Torvik, Mľlry, Florr, Bergen.

Our arrival in Bergen sees the end of this magnificent summer journey.