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T H E M I D N I G H T S U N HONNINGSVAG (NORWAY) Day 7: Sunday 16 July It may be July, but there's something festive in the air as we catch an early morning flight to Ivalo in Lapland. Our quest to reach the Midnight Sun is nearly complete. But not before our transfer to Honningsvag. No doubt you will be tired after a full day's travelling, so it's a pleasure to have our rooms ready at the comfortable Scandic Bryggen Honningsvag, where dinner awaits. HONNINGSVAG Day 8: Monday 17 July Rug up for a walking tour of Honningsvag before enjoying some refreshments at Artico Ice Bar, quite possibly the coolest place in the world for a cocktail. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to relax. Don't forget to pack your sunglasses for our evening adventure to North Cape where a whole host of icy alfresco activities await from birdwatching to walking. Waiting for the moment when the Midnight Sun shines the brightest, we toast its sparkle with Champagne and caviar from the comfort of North Cape Hall. At one of the most northerly points on the globe, there's no wonder you're feeling on top of the world! TROMSO Day 9: Tuesday 18 July We are all aboard our Hurtigruten cruise liner to take the scenic passage from Honningsvag to Tromso. While we aren't staying on the ship this evening, we have secured cabins so you're welcome to rest if the mood takes you. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on board as Norway's striking natural scenery glides by, before arriving in Tromso where the modern Scandic Ishavshotel awaits. TROMSO Day 10: Wednesday 19 July So this is the capital of the Arctic Circle. Flinging open your curtains to a Tromso morning, you can't wait to go exploring. Find out why this city is known as the gateway to the Arctic with morning city sightseeing, time to reflect in the Arctic Cathedral and meet new friends of the furry kind at the husky kennels. Or, experience the magic of Polaria, the most northerly aquarium in the world, before riding the cable car to admire the perfect panorama. ALESUND Day 11: Thursday 20 July Our course for the Norwegian Fjords has been plotted the easy way with a flight to Alesund via Oslo, cutting out a lengthy sea journey. Arriving just as the day is ending, we are welcomed into ordland, where summer awaits our eager eyes – but first dinner and a well earned rest at the hotel. GEIRANGER Day 12: Friday 21 July Away from the melee of modern life, you'll find a serene pace that mirrors Alesund's perfect natural setting. It's not every day you get to experience a place that exudes such tranquillity. Our expert guide has the local knowledge to reveal the greatest catches of Norway's largest cod fishing port on a morning tour. Take to the water this afternoon to begin our voyage deeper into Fjordland. Some lucky folk admire the moss green hills and cascading waterfalls on the hour long mini cruise from Geiranger to Hellesylt on their daily ferry ride to work. Even they are hard pressed to tear themselves from the view out of the window. We'll be staying right in the heart of it for the next two nights in a room with a view at the delightful Union Hotel Geiranger – you can almost hear the thunder of nearby Seven Sisters Falls as you drift off to sleep. Twilight falls over sleepy Alesund Scenes of beauty await near Tromso Opposite: How close will you get to the edge at Pulpit Rock? 1800 650 738 | captainschoice.com.au 45