Arctic Days & Northern Lights

<strong>Tour Begins: Troms&oslash;, Norway.</strong> Transportation is included from the Troms&oslash; Airport to your choice of hotel, Scandic Ishavshotel or Troms&oslash; Clarion Hotel, The Edge. Join your fellow travelers tonight for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Your introduction to Norway begins in Troms&oslash;. Located in Northern Norway, Troms&oslash; has been inhabited since the end of the last ice age, with discovered artifacts dating back 9,000 &ndash; 10,000 years ago! Today, Troms&oslash; is best known as Norway's most vital urban center above the Arctic Circle. It is home to a variety of museums, a world-renowned university and numerous research institutions. Embark by motor coach for a sightseeing journey across the city, with stops at the Northern Lights Planetarium and the Arctic Cathedral. Late this afternoon, board your floating home for the next 10 nights &ndash; Le Lap&eacute;rouse, one of Ponant's explorer-class vessels. You'll receive your Arctic Parkas for excursions off the ship, then enjoy dinner onboard.

Your adventures in Tromso continue this morning on a choice of excursions. First, you can zip up those parkas and accompany your Tauck Director outside Troms&oslash; for a guided opportunity to meet, feed and pet local reindeer, highlighted by a sleigh ride along the Norwegian countryside. Your excursion continues with a visit to a Nothern Sami l&aacute;&aacute;vu, a traditional dwelling used by the Sami people. Here, indulge in conversation about the lives and experiences of the Sami people, a culture that spans the northern latitudes of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. You may also choose to enjoy an indoor, panoramic cruise along the Arctic fjords where breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery stun at every angle and moment. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as well. Alternatively, venture outside of Tomso to meet and learn about the region's sled dogs highlighted with opportunities to take photos and pet the dogs as well as embarking on a sled ride. After lunch aboard the ship, you'll have free time to explore Troms&oslash; before setting sail this evening to Narvik.

Your ship arrives early this morning in Narvik. Derived from the Old Norse word, <em>vik</em>, meaning "inlet," Narvik stands today as a commercial center for the region and an integral stop on our Arctic journey. Your jam-packed day begins with a choice of excursions: a visit to Narvikfjellet and a guided tour of the Narvik War Museum, detailing the history of the Battle of Narvik and the town's involvement in World War II; a visit to the Arctic Wildlife Center for an in-depth lesson in the center's mission to conserve endangered arctic species; or a third option takes you on an active snowshoe hike from the top of Mt. Narvikfjellet, through open fields and forests. Your day continues with a scenic and historic train journey on the world's most northern railroad - the Ofoten Line. Finished at the beginning of the 20th century, the railroad was built to ensure access to an ice-free export port for the huge iron ore deposits from northern Sweden. With towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls and fantastic views of the fjord, this journey goes through the beautiful and wild arctic landscape. Tonight, join us aboard your ship for the Captain's Welcome Reception and dinner as your ship charts a course for Leknes.

Arrive early this morning in the town of Leknes. Situated in the geographical middle of the Lofoten archipelago, Leknes is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including white, sandy beaches, mountain peaks and cliffs. Head out this morning on a choice of excursions; you may either decide to indulge in horseback riding on a guided ride through the stunning northern Norwegian landscapes. Or, set off on a full-day excursion to the village of &Aring; (pronounced "oh"), one of the country's most well-preserved fishing villages located on the southernmost extent of the Lofoton Islands. Tonight, a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum offers you an in-depth and authentic Viking experience. Enjoy a guided tour through the museum, a costumed historical interpretation of a 'circle dance, a 'court' hearing with a Viking Chieftain, and a feast fit for a warrior, including a mead tasting and samplings of lamb soup and Viking bread.

Set sail along the high seas today for a full day of cruising. Enjoy onboard lectures and presentations from your Tauck Director, as well as a guest lecturer presentation by Peter Bassett, a multi-award-winning producer, wildlife filmmaker and longtime Tauck partner.

Stretch your legs on a short sightseeing excursion to Hammerfest, the self-proclaimed "northernmost city in the world" (although its neighbor Honningsv&aring;g would disagree). Your sightseeing tour includes Hammerfest's Mt. Salen viewpoint and stops at the Museum of Reconstruction and the Hammerfest <em>Kirke</em> (church). This afternoon, chart a course for Bj&oslash;rn&oslash;ya Island. Your ship won't arrive there until late tomorrow morning, so you'll have the rest of the day to do as you wish. Enjoy lectures this afternoon by Peter Bassett and your Tauck Director, or visit the top deck and take in the incredible views on the horizon.

While Bj&oslash;rn&oslash;ya translates to 'bear' in Norwegian, the island's name is actually somewhat of a misnomer because there are no native bears found there. Instead it's believed that bears floated aboard drift ice to the island's edge. You'll have the exciting opportunity to view the native wildlife from the comfort of your ship, and your Tauck director will assist you in spotting and identifying the various species of birds and marine animals native to the islands. Keep your eyes peeled for thick-billed murres, Arctic terns, northern fulmars, Glaucous gulls as well as narwhal and bowhead whales, walruses, dolphins and harbour porpoise. After lunch, get your last glimpse of the animals as your ship heads toward Honningsv&aring;g.

The actual northernmost city in mainland Norway, Honningsv&aring;g serves as the gateway to the North Cape, and is a primary destination for travelers who wish to visit the Arctic landscapes. Your time in the northernmost city is highlighted by a choice of excursions, both of which include a visit to Nordkapp (North Cape), one of the best places in the world to view the Midnight Sun. Your choices are either a King Crab tasting experience or a visit to a local seafood factory, where you'll learn about the region's fishing industry on a guided tour. Tonight, set sail for Alta.

A full day of all-included shore excursions awaits once you step foot in Alta, one of the best places in the world to experience <em>aurora borealis</em> (the Northern Lights). Choices include a dog sledding experience or a reindeer sledding excursion with a visit to a local S&aacute;mi camp, where you'll have an opportunity to learn about the ways of the S&aacute;mi. For those that wish to have a morning at leisure, an afternoon excursion offers you a visit to the Alta Museum, focusing on the town's prehistoric past followed by a stop at the Ice Hotel, one of the coolest spots in town. Prior to our captain's farewell reception this evening, you have the option to join us at the Northern Lights Cathedral for a special, one-of-a-kind concert.

What better way to finish off your Northern Norway adventure than with a jam-packed morning of all-included shore excursions. Choices include: a winter safari by snowmobile through Finnmarksvidda, Norway's largest plateau; an active snowshoe trek and ice fishing experience or an active cross-country skiing adventure. Your ship departs early this afternoon for the return trip to Troms&oslash;&nbsp; (and the official end to your journey). Savor the last afternoon of your cruise with a final presentation by guest lecturer, Peter Bassett, and then join your fellow travelers for dinner, reminiscing about the amazing experiences you've shared together for the past 11 days.

<strong>Tour Ends: Troms&oslash;.</strong> A transfer is included from your ship to Troms&oslash; Airport. Please allow up to three hours for check in.&nbsp;