For autumn 2008, we are preparing GILDE, a culinary journey packed with presentations, tastings and demonstrations of Norwegian cultural traditions concerning food and drink. In Norwegian, gilde means "feast," and that's what this trip will be—from departure to the very end.

September is a particularly rich month for harvesting and hunting in Norway. The ship will be well stocked with sweets and savories from both coastal and inland districts. In addition to local ingredients, all meals will be prepared with a hearty dose of Norwegian warmth and welcome.

On board, the emphasis will be on hands-on learning through practice, and experience passed on personally from cook to apprentice. We're setting our standards high and our aim is that each and every passenger will play an active part in all activities at sea.

And being so close to Norway's spectacular natural attractions will add a little extra spice to this culinary adventure.

September 15 Departure from Bergen Birthplace of famed Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is the cultural capital of Norway and the gateway to the fjords. It's renowned for its charm and for Bryggen, its historical Hanseatic-era quay and wharves.

Concert on board.

September 16 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, concert on board.

September 17 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 the Seven Sisters and the island of Vega, included on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.

Demonstrations, concert and dancing on board.

September 18 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, concert on board.

September 19 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, concert on board.

September 20 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.

September 21 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.