When one considers touring through Europe, it is generally the charm of Rome, or the beaches of the French Riviera, Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the charming capital cities of Paris and Amsterdam, or the Venetian canals and the architecture of Florence that comes to mind.

The beauty of the Mediterranean coast and the attractions of the major cities that dot the Mediterranean are often what people covet the most out of a trip through Europe. However, what most of these destinations do not offer, is an escape into nature’s alcove so divine, it is the closest to being one with nature that we might ever encounter. The famed Fjords of Norway, a land of dramatic waterfalls cascading down cliffs and glorious mountainsides, offer a landscape so captivating, one can scarcely believe it’s real.

The land of the midnight sun, Norway, is a Scandinavian country abound with glaciers, mountains and deep coastal Fjords. The Fjords, formed by the giant glacier tongues over the millennia, are deep, elongated bodies of water, with steep land on three sides. Much calmer than the actual sea, the mouth of the Fjord is often a narrow and shallow opening to the sea. Hence the best way to visit Fjords is through the waters. A cruise trip allows you to experience a wide range of some of the most stunning Fjords from the comfort and convenience of your balcony cabin. You will also visit quaint coastal towns enroute making a Norwegian Fjord cruise an experience of a lifetime.

The best time for Norway Cruises is from June through August, however cruises generally begin in May and continue to run through September. The summer temperatures are warm and generally pleasant, but the weather, especially in summer, can turn into rainy very quickly, hence you should be ready with your rain gear at all times.

Several ports in Norway are widely famous for their varied seafood, and though restaurants can get a tad too expensive, you must surely experience the local cuisine while there. Also, a Norwegian cruise is not as jam packed with destinations and schedules as most other European Cruises, making it a much more relaxing and leisurely experience. Even the ports of call are often small towns that give you a very authentic touch into the culture of the country, with warm and friendly people. The country is a very family friendly place, with various child-friendly attractions at multiple ports. If you are planning to take a cruise your kids, do not miss out on this experience.

The most famous Norwegian Cruise, known as the King of Norway Cruises, is the Hurtigruten. It operates daily throughout the year with a fleet of eleven ships operating both northbound and southbound. Devoid of the general lures of most luxury cruises, Mother Nature provides most of the entertainment here, with the interaction with fellow passengers being the major draw, to together live the journey.

The following are some of the major ports of call to experience on a Norwegian Cruise:

Bergen: Home to Bryggen, a UNESCO world heritage site and popular tourist attraction, Bergen also has several art galleries and water parks for children. Also, the city has its world famous fish market, the old Bergen wharf with its museums, shops and restaurants. Do not miss the chance to take the Floibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Floyen. Not only will it give a breath-taking view of Bergen, it is a tranquil place for long walks by the mountainside.

Oslo: The capital city of Norway, Oslo is one port that has so much to offer, a day might not be enough to discover it all. On the way to Oslo, you will pass through the picturesque islands of Hovedoya, Lindoya, several small inlets, sheltered bays, and the Dyna lighthouse. The City itself is home to notable places like the Opera House, the Nobel Peace Centre, the Maritime Museum with its veteran sailing ships moored outside, and the impressive Fram Museum, housing the polar ship of the same name. Oslo also provides a vast number of art galleries and restaurants along with several nightclubs to spice up your trip.

Stavanger: Norway’s third largest city, Stavanger traces its roots back to the 12th Century. It is bustling city, majorly popular for the MaiJazz Festival held every May, and the International Chamber Music Festival in August. If you are travelling during those dates, make sure not to miss these concert experiences. The best known tourist attraction is Preikestolen, or the Precher’s Pulpit, a massive flat topped cliff that rises over 609 metres above the waters of Lysefjord. The view on top is certain to be etched in your memory forever.

Geiranger: A small village at the end of the mighty Geirangerfjord, Geiranger includes a number of UNESCO world heritage sites with some of the deepest, longest and narrowest fjords worldwide. There are several sightseeing boats available there to take you through not only the village, but also the history of the people who have lived there through the centuries. You can also hike through some of these mountain farms and behind some of the raging waterfalls or kayak through the seven sisters’ waterfall. For coffee lovers, Stavanger serves better coffee than most high end cafes around the world.

Alesund: Alesund is a small fishing port situated between Trondheim and Bergen, and its architecture in particular is fascinating, some of it reflecting the Viking heritage of the townspeople. A short albeit steep climb will reward you with views over the town and the harbour, totally worth the fatigue. Seafood restaurants in central Alesund boast to having some of the world’s best seafood, while handicraft with typical Norwegian style is available for those wishing to take a piece of this Viking town back home. Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest salt- water aquariums in Scandinavia, is also a place that you must visit, particularly for families with children.

Flam: Between the Aurlandsfjord and several snow-capped mountains lies the town of Flam, as unforgettable as its beauty. You can take a ride on the steep Flam Railway and bike or hike the way back to town through the valley. The train runs from the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord up to the high mountains in the span of an hour. It is, quite rightfully, described as one of the most beautiful train journeys of the world. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. Another must visit is the Viking valley in Njardarheimr in Gudvangen, an authentic Viking village that’ll take you back in time.

The following are the major ships that cruise the Norwegian Fjords together with a summary of their sailing itineraries:

*Note: The ships offer accommodations Inside, Outside, Balcony rooms and/or suites. The prices mentioned in the table above are those of the Inside cabins. Rates for more luxurious suites may vary.

If you’ve ever dreamt of a holiday in a small idyllic country with nature’s bounty, Norway is the place for you. The proverbial cherry on the cake are the Norwegian Fjords, cruising through which is going to be an experience that’ll never leave you. Free from the noise and hustle of our daily city lives, a cruise along Norway’s coast makes you experience a different world altogether, enraptured by the silent and mesmerising Fjords of the land of the midnight sun. Let Mother Nature work her magic on you this summer, hurry and book your cabins on any of the above cruise ships!