Would you like to learn more about the marvelous world of Norway's national and regional folk costumes, with their luxuriant patterns and strong colors? And to hear more about how Norwegians throughout the ages have been drawing inspiration from abroad, working foreign designs and materials into their own, homegrown peasant and fishermen's garb?

Discover the poetry of Norway's cultural heritage as expressed in dress.

On board, you will meet experts on Norwegian folk costumes and enjoy lectures, films and tailors' workshops. In the workshops, you will be able to see tailors, weavers and embroiderers at work.

And at various ports of call, local folk costumes will be on display.

Distinguished folk musicians and dancers will perform on board, adding to the folkloric atmosphere. All are welcome to join in.

August 24 Departure from Bergen Birthplace of famed Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is the cultural capital of Norway and the gateway to the fjords. Charming Bergen is renowned for Bryggen, its historical Hanseatic-era quay and wharves.

Concert on board.

August 25 Torvik to Kristiansund Arrival at Ålesund in the afternoon, a town famous for the many Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil, buildings in its picturesque center. Afterward, sailing along the coast of Møre and Romsdal, with its beautiful fjords.

Demonstrations and concert on board.

August 26 Trondheim to Rørvik Arrival at Trondheim, Norway's medieval Viking capital, in the morning. Optional excursions to Nidarosdomen, the city's ancient cathedral, and Ringve, the national museum of music and musical instruments.

Then, cruise northward along the coast of Helgeland—with its characteristic mountain formations and countless islands, large and small—passing the peaks known as the Seven Sisters and the island of Vega, included on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.

Demonstrations and concert on board.

August 27 Nesna to Stokmarknes After crossing the Arctic Circle early in the morning, arrival at the town of Bodø. In this area lies the famous maelstrom, or tidal whirlpool, of Saltstraumen. Then it's across Vestfjorden to the enchanting islands of Lofoten, where mountains plunge straight into the sea, their peaks reflected in glistening waters, and fishermen's sheds are strung along the edge of the coast like pearls.

Arrival at Svolvær in the late evening.

Demonstrations and concert on board.

August 28 Harstad to Tromsø Arrival at Harstad in the morning. The town of Harstad is located in the northernmost part of Hinnøya, the largest island in Norway. Then it's on to the city of Tromsø, which earned its reputation as a gateway to the Arctic thanks to the many important polar expeditions that departed the city in the early 1900's.

From Tromsø, the itinerary moves on to the Lyngen Alps, a majestic mountain range noted for its strange rock formations, snow-covered peaks and glittering glaciers.

Demonstrations and concert on board.

August 29 Havøysund to Berlevåg Sailing around the island of Magerøya, to the small town of Honningsvåg. The North Cape is located in the northern part of the island. After arrival at Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town, entertainment will include authentic joiks—ancient chanting songs of the Sami people—as well as traditional Sami dancing. Demonstration on board. August 30 Vadsø to Kirkenes near the Russian border The cruise continues eastward from Hammerfest, along the Barents Sea coastline, arriving at the little town of Vadsø for a short stop. Then it's across the fjord of Varanger, arriving 2 hours later at the town of Kirkenes—only 9.3 miles from the Russian border.

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