Norway, the Northern Lights & Timeless Luxury

The group in Tromso

Formal Night onboard Queen Anne

Our journey began with a refined pre-night in London at the elegant 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel, setting the tone for an extraordinary Northern European escape. From there, we boarded Cunard’s Queen Anne for a beautifully curated cruise through Norway and the Arctic Circle.

In Ålesund, we explored the stunning Hjørundfjorden, where dramatic snow-capped mountains rise from calm, mirror-like waters—one of Norway’s most pristine and awe-

inspiring fjords. The town itself charmed us with its Art Nouveau architecture and iconic troll statues, symbols of Norwegian folklore and the country’s deep connection to nature.

My view onboard the ship through the fjord

Posing with one of the trolls in Alesund

All bundled up waiting to see the Northern Lights

Tromsø delivered unforgettable moments both day and night. A scenic nature tour led us to Sommarøy Island, known for its white-sand beaches and striking Arctic landscapes. That evening—and three nights in a row from the ship—we experienced breathtaking displays of the Northern Lights, dancing across the sky in vibrant shades of green.

In Narvik, we enjoyed the legendary Ofoten Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, followed by a relaxed stroll through the city’s statues and historic streets.

Campfire and viewing of the Northern Lights

Our final Norwegian port was Stavanger, home to one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks—Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). Reaching the summit requires a 2½-mile hike through mountain terrain, winding along well-marked paths, stone steps, and scenic overlooks. The trail offers moments to pause and take in rugged landscapes, alpine lakes, and sweeping views that build anticipation with every step.

I made it to Pulpit Rock!

The reward at the top is nothing short of spectacular. Standing nearly 2,000 feet above the Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock’s flat, dramatic plateau opens to a breathtaking panorama of deep blue waters and soaring cliffs. It’s a moment that feels both exhilarating and grounding—a reminder of Norway’s raw beauty and the unforgettable experiences found just beyond the path. Our motto quickly became, “We can do hard things,” and the Pulpit Rock hike truly made that real for us. The steady climb, changing terrain, and moments of fatigue pushed us beyond our comfort zones—but step by step, we kept going. Reaching the summit wasn’t just about the view (though it was breathtaking); it was about the quiet pride of accomplishing something challenging together. It was a powerful reminder that some of the most rewarding travel moments come from embracing the hard things—and discovering just how capable we really are.

Finding our way around London

We returned to London for a post-night, taking in the London Eye, wandering the city streets, and enjoying a memorable meal near Trafalgar Square—the perfect ending to a truly elegant journey.

If Norway has been on your list, let’s talk. I specialize in thoughtfully designed, luxury travel experiences where every detail is handled for you. When you’re ready to explore the fjords, chase the Northern Lights, or sail in timeless elegance, I’d be honored to help craft your journey.