DAY 1: Dover, UK.
Join your cruise ship, MSC Lirica, at Dover. Your cruise is full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 12. Your ship will depart at 6pm, latest embarkation is at 3pm. (D)

DAY 2: Amsterdam.
The capital of Holland is a charming and cosmopolitan city with a wealth of sights to enjoy. Famed for its graceful, tree-shaded canals spanned by 1,000 bridges and lined by 17th and 18th century gabled merchant houses, it also boasts numerous world-class galleries and museums, including the magnificent Rijksmuseum filled with Dutch masterpieces, and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, home to over 200 of the great artist's paintings as well as hundreds of his letters and drawings. Today, enjoy a memorable, optional cruise along the city's 'grachten', passing under picturesque arched bridges and admiring landmarks such as the stunning Westerchurch, Twin Houses, Anne Frank's House and the famous Skinny Bridge. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans to see centuries-old working windmills and visit a typical Dutch cheese farm. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Bremerhaven.
North of Bremen on the east bank of Germany's Weser River, the port of Bremerhaven was founded in 1827 and serves as a second harbour for its neighbour. Largely destroyed during World War II, this historic maritime town largely comprises post-war buildings, although it has a fascinating history stretching back to the 12th century, when tiny settlements sprang up on the islands studding the estuary. In 1832, Bremerhaven became a centre for mass emigration from Europe to the USA, and currently features an absorbing Emigration Centre museum and a fine statue to Columbus, commemorating the millions who left its shores for the USA. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: At sea.
A full day relaxing on board MSC Lirica as you cruise towards Ålesund. Unwind on deck whilst marvelling at the coastal views or enjoy the many facilities on board, perhaps relaxing in the beauty centre, exercising in the gym or reading in the comfortable library. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Ålesund.
This enchanting art nouveau town spreads across three islands at the entrance to the world-famous and beautiful Geirangerfjord. Framed by the dramatic Sunnmore Mountains, Ålesund is Norway's fisheries capital and was partially destroyed by fire in 1904 before being rebuilt in beautiful art nouveau style, with myriad turrets, spires and stunning ornamentation overlooking its charming paved streets and waterfront. Highlights include the quaint Brosundet Canal bobbing with fishing boats, a magnificent aquarium and the Sunnmore Museum, with its fascinating outdoor exhibitions of old boats and fishermen's houses. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: At sea.
Another chance to relax as your ship cruises towards Honningsvag at the tip of Norway's North Cape. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Honningsvag.
This morning, continue to cruise northwards, reaching Honningsvag after lunch. Just 1,200 miles from the North Pole, this enchanting wooden fishing village has a population of 4,000 and is a gateway to the Land of the Midnight Sun where in midsummer, the sun never sets. Today, don't miss an optional excursion to the spectacular North Cape plateau on Mageroya Island. Around an hour's journey from Honningsvag, the Cape is Europe's northernmost point at 71 degrees north. Travelling through desolate landscapes grazed by herds of reindeer, you'll arrive at this breathtaking spot, where visitors can stand on sheer cliffs rising 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean to witness the Midnight Sun - when the sun, hanging low over the sea, casts eerie daylight through the night hours. Soak up the awe-inspiring views from the North Cape Hall Pavilion before returning to Honningsvag. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Tromso.
This afternoon, your ship arrives in Tromso, the largest city above the Arctic Circle and a departure point for many of the legendary Arctic expeditions, including those led by Roald Amundsen. Located on the forest-covered island of Troms and dubbed the 'Paris of the North' during the 19th century for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, the town is the cultural hub of the Arctic and boasts a picture-postcard old district of painted wooden houses, together with a spectacular Arctic Cathedral. Make the most of your visit by joining an optional excursion to the Polar Museum, an enthralling exploration of Arctic life with exhibitions on polar expeditions and winter trapping, before heading for the Tromso Wilderness Centre to visit a husky kennel. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: At sea.
A whole day of relaxation as MSC Lirica cruises towards Bergen. Relax in one of the ship's comfortable bars or restaurants, share your experiences with fellow passengers or simply admire the scenery from the sun deck. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Bergen.
Spread over seven sweeping hills in magnificent fjord country, Bergen is Norway's second largest city. Steeped in culture and charm, this lively university town is a captivating blend of old and new, with modern architecture rubbing shoulders with colourful boathouses, cobbled streets and lush parks, as well as the town's famous Fish & Flower Market and Bryggen Wharf, where Hanseatic wooden houses crowd the waterfront. Enjoy an optional excursion to mighty Hardangerfjord to experience the splendours of its soaring pasture-rich mountains and pristine waters. En-route, you'll drive through deep forests and see the majestic waterfalls of Fossen Bratte and Steindealsfossen where you can walk behind the cascades without getting wet - an unforgettable experience! (B, L, D)

DAY 11: At sea.
Sit back and relax on board today as you cruise southwards towards the UK. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Dover, UK.
Arrive in Dover and disembark this morning, after breakfast. (B)