Day One

Board Discovery in Harwich today for her afternoon sailing, at the beginning of your summertime adventure.

Day Two

Today is spent at sea, getting to know the ship and your fellow passengers.

Day Three

A first call is made in Bergen, an ancient Hanseatic city of cobbled streets and medieval houses, and birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg. Visit the vibrant harbour and fish market, stroll past the wooden warehouses of Bryggen, and take the Floibanen funicular to the summit of 'Mount' Floyen. This evening Discovery slips away to begin her journey north.

Day Four

Discovery cruises north along the beautiful Norwegian Coast, following the ancient route plied by the famous Hurtigrute steamers, which to this day bring supplies and news of the outside world to astonishingly remote settlements.

Day Five

Early this morning Discovery will cross the Arctic Circle, as she steams into some of Europe's most spectacular waters. Rising up out of the sea like miniature Alps, the wild and beautiful Lofoten Islands' tiny fishing villages (with even tinier names, such as "A") shelter beneath towering peaks, cliffs and rock formations. Discovery calls at Leknes, nestled at the foot of stunning, Alpine-like scenery, and there'll be an opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of the world on an overland excursion. This evening, in the long-evening light, we'll cruise through the Inside Passage, passing the stunning scenery of Solbergfjord, Gisund and Grotsund.

Day Six

Discovery cruises way beyond the Arctic Circle, in perpetual summer light, close to the coast of Finnmark, where the indigenous Sami people still lead nomadic lives herding reindeer. This evening, as Discovery docks in remote Honningsvag, you can make you way on an optional excursion to the famous visitor centre at Nordkapp (North Cape), almost at Europe's northernmost point. You'll return to the ship, hopefully to see the sun not quite set then rise again in the midnight sky above the Arctic Ocean, as Discovery turns east towards Norway's remotest corner.

Day Seven

Sailing into the Barents Sea, Discovery calls at Kirkenes, Norway's border town with Russia. Here, a fascinating museum chronicles Sami history and several monuments pay tribute to the terrible fate suffered by the town in WWII.

Day Eight

Enjoy another day at sea, cruising around the fishing paradise of the Kola peninsula and into the remote Russian waters - ice-free only in summer - of the White Sea.

Day Nine

Discovery arrives in the shipbuilding city of Arkhangelsk. Step ashore in this welcoming riverfront settlement to discover one of Russia's most fascinating northern outposts, with its colourful promenade overlooking the river.

Days Ten & Eleven

An unforgettable two days are spent amongst the White Sea's extraordinary Solovetsky, or Solovki, Islands, one of Russia's most deeply spiritual locations. Centred on the mighty, fortified Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery, the UNESCO-listed islands, with their ancient churches and inland lakes, have long been used for both retreat and exile.

Day Twelve

Spend today cruising back around the Kola peninsula and into the Barents Sea, beginning our journey home.

Day Thirteen

Today we visit the formerly 'top-secret' city of Murmansk. A giant hill-top memorial overlooking the remote settlement recognises the tragic suffering of the city during WWII, and our shore excursions - including an opportunity to visit the Museum of the Northern Fleet - uncover its fascinating history.

Day Fourteen

Discovery cruises south under hopefully sunny skies.

Day Fifteen

The largest settlement beyond the Arctic Circle, Tromso, with its magnificent cathedral rising grandly from its bustling centre, is our port this afternoon. Step ashore to explore the market, held daily in the main square, and the 'Polarmuseum', which pays tribute to Arctic pioneers such as Amundsen and Nansen.East of the city centre is the stunning, strikingly modern Arctic Cathedral, or Ishavskatedralen, with its amazing stained glass window and organ built in the shape of a ship. Close by, a cable car climbs to the summit of Mount Storsteinen for unsurpassed views.

Day Sixteen

Another day is spent at sea, cruising alongside the beautiful Norwegian coast.

Day Seventeen

Discovery's final call is at Norway's westernmost town of Floro, once an important Viking centre, and today a prosperous island settlement that preserves its heritage proudly. Enjoy one more chance to step ashore, before re-boarding Discovery for the final homeward leg.

Day Eighteen

A last day at sea brings the chance to reflect upon a wonderful northern waters cruise.

Day Nineteen

Discovery arrives back in Harwich.