17 days / 16 nights
Bergen
• Las Palmas
See the autumn colours and many of the historical and interesting sights of Western Europe on this Hurtigruten voyage. You start in Bergen and travel to Las Palmas. You will sail up the Seine to visit Rouen and continue to Nantes, before setting course across the Bay of Biscay towards Spain and La Coruña. In Portugal you will visit both Lisbon and Portimão before heading for Africa and a day exploring Casablanca. Agadir is next before you head over to the Canary Islands.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Bergen, Norway
Bergen is the cultural capital of Norway. Stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy the well-known and famous sites like Håkon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower, St. Mary's Church, Bergen harbour and the famous fish market. The city is best known for its picture postcard Bryggen district, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2 - North Sea
Enjoy the comfort of Hurtigruten's MS Fram while you cross the North Sea and head towards Hamburg. Your Expedition Team will give interesting lectures about the history and biology of the area you are in. Alternatively, enjoy the fresh air out on deck, or relax in the keep-fit area or panorama lounge.
Day 3 - Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg's history dates back 1,200 years, developing from a small fishing port to one of the most powerful cities in the Hanseatic League.
One of the most important harbours in Europe and the world, Hamburg takes great pride in its mercantile background, which built the city's wealth in the past centuries. From 1241 on, it was member of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trade monopoly over Northern Europe. In the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, millions left Europe on their way to the new world through the Hamburg harbour. Today, the harbour ranks second in Europe and sixth to seventh world-wide. Hamburg is known to be one of the richest metropolitan area in the European Union, in the company of Brussels and London.
Day 4 - At Sea
Hurtigruten's Expedition Team will give interesting lectures about the areas in which you sail, or relax and enjoy the on-board facilities.
Days 5 & 6 - Rouen, France
You navigate up the River Seine to Rouen, the charming capital of Normandy. The Rouen Seine Valley is an exceptionally rich and diverse region in the heart of Normandy with the historic towns of Rouen and Elbeuf at its centre. The area is crossed by the one of the most beautiful and famous rivers in the world, the Seine.
Day 7 - Coast of France
You may enjoy the view from the spacious panorama lounge, soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi or follow the onboard lecture programme.
Day 8 - Nantes
The city of Nantes has beautiful stone buildings lining the streets, whilst this region of France is renowned for its parks and numerous chateaux. Be enchanted by the Dukes of Brittany Castle, fall under the charm of the Elephant and let yourself be won over by the fascinating Loire valley Unesco. Nantes is the place to come for antiques, designer goods and fashion outlets. Taste the Loire valley wines and the traditional beurre blanc' sauce.
Day 9 - Bay of Biscay
Spend the day spotting whales, dolphins and seabirds, or follow the onboard lecture programme given by your Expedition Team.
Day 10 - La Coruña, Spain
La Coruña's harbour has buildings with galleria style façades which have given the city its nickname "The Crystal City". La Coruña is probably Galicia's most visited locality. As well as acting as the provincial capital, it is an important location in its own right and possesses the world's oldest working lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules and the galleria (glass fronted) harbour buildings.
Day 11 - Leixões (Porto), Portugal
You call at Leixões, situated on the opposite side of the river Douro to Porto, Portugal's second largest city. Its name comes from the big port wine lodges. Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire.
Day 12 - Lisbon, Portugal
Situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighbourhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating and comprehensive city to visit. Set on seven hills with cobble-stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés, Lisbon promises a lot to discover. It hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art, but, Lisbon isn't all culture and history; Bairro Alto is the centre of nightlife with various restaurants and bars where melancholic traditional Portuguese music, Fado, can also be listened.
Day 13 - Portimão, Portugal
Portimão is the biggest town in the western Algarve and sits on the bank of the Arade river facing Ferragudo on the opposite bank. It's Atlantic beach of Praia da Rocha has, over the years, become a resort in it's own right with lots of hotels and apartments, restaurants, bars and shops. Portimão is a mix of late 19th, early 20th century buildings in the older part of the town, and high rise apartment blocks in various pastel shades of blue, pink and coral around it. The town centre is simply perfect for those who love to shop! It is full of shops, offering a wide choice of clothes, gifts, souvenirs and bargain leather goods, such as handbags and belts. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and café's where you can sit for a bite to eat or a drink and watch the town carry on around you. To see the more relaxed side of Portimão, wander down to the river front, where the 'Manuel Bivar' gardens are, and have an ice-cream or a coffee at one of the cafe's along the front. You will also find Portimão's famous fish restaurants at the end of the waterfront near the bridge - just follow the aroma of sardines barbecuing!
Day 14 - Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is essentially the capital of Morocco. Any European citizen or traveller will feel immediately at home here and will have an almost instinctive understanding of the life here. Regardless of the size of your budget, you can find a superb place to enjoy a meal in this vibrant city. Entertain your wildest holiday fantasies in Casablanca! It was established as a town in 1906 with a population of 20 000. Later in 1907 when the French landed here, Fez was its commercial centre whilst Tangier was set up as the city's main harbour. The French were soon ousted, however, and had to seek a new port altogether and Tangier remained Moroccan. Things have changed much since then but Casablanca is still a city with a rich heritage where the various arts, cultures and old traditions live harmoniously together.
Day 15 - Agadir, Morocco
Its sandy shores, modern coastal city feel and dozens of hotels attract European visitors, especially during the winter months.
Day 16 - Arrecife, Lanzarote
Welcome to a land of mountains and volcanoes, beaches and forests, tiny villages and breathtaking views. Arrecife is the island's main seaport and commercial centre boasting a busy shopping centre - with shops, bazaars, sales stands and the attractive Calle Léon y Castillo, the main pedestrian shopping street. The seafront boasts a few pretty gardens and a pleasant promenade running all along.
Day 17 - Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island, is located in the north-eastern part of the island set in magnificent scenery composed of two bays and their beautiful beaches – Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras. Founded in 1478, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts an important historical and cultural heritage, much of which can be found in the district of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of the town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Las Palmas is a bustling city overflowing with Spanish ambience, history and culture. There is plenty to keep you busy in Las Palmas, there are lots of high end shops and boutiques, side streets laden with cafés and great places for tapas and drinks. Here, unfortunately, your Hurtigruten voyage ends.
DEPARTURES 2012 :
28 September.
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Western Europe - Migrating South - PRICES : 2012Move cursor over cabin grade for description.
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| 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Grade | September | ||
| I | Twin | Brochure Price | 2623 |
| Inside |
Single | Brochure Price | 4590 |
| FJ | Twin | Brochure Price | 3019 |
| Outside Superior |
Single | Brochure Price | 5283 |
| N | Twin | Brochure Price | 3019 |
| Outside |
Supp* | Brochure Price | 5283 |
| U | Twin | Brochure Price | 3415 |
| Outside |
Single | Brochure Price | 5976 |
| F | Twin | Brochure Price | 3811 |
| Outside Superior |
Single | Brochure Price | 6669 |
| M | Twin | Brochure Price | 4998 |
| Suite | Single | Brochure Price | 8747 |
| MG | Twin | Brochure Price | 5526 |
| Grand Suite | Single | Brochure Price | 9671 |
All above prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin cabin/room.
YOUR HURTIGRUTEN VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES:
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board.
- Suites also include a selection of drinks with meals on board.
- Wind and water-resistant jacket.
- Landings in Polarcirkel boats.
- Lectures by expedition team.
- Free tea and coffee / CD log.
NOT INCLUDED :
- International flights.
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions
- Gratuities
ADD A FLIGHT PACKAGE - Price from £482 per person
FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES :
- Flight in Economy class from London Gatwick to Bergen and from Las Palmas to London Gatwick including current taxes and charges.
- Airport transfers in Bergen and Las Palmas. Transfers are at fixed times.
NOT INCLUDED :
- Travel insurance.
- Regional departures and upgrades may be available at extra cost.
