11 days / 10 nights
Hamburg • Stavanger • Ulvik/Hardangerfjord •
Flåm/Sognefjord •Ålesund • Geirangerfjord •
Olden • Bergen • Oslo
NORWEGIAN SPRING ADVENTURE FARES 2012
Join a spring Hurtigruten voyage to Norway, when blossoms bloom and waterfalls cascade once more along the magnificent fjords. This unique alternative to the traditional Coastal Voyage takes you on a journey along Norway's stunning western coast, home to some of the most spectacular fjords in the world. A land of, mythical creatures and pristine natural beauty, Norway's unique charm is also found among the tiny hillside villages and bustling cafés of its modern cities.
Voyage Highlights
- See Europe's best preserved wooden houses in the colourful port of Stavanger
- Visit Vøringfossen, a picturesque waterfall near Eidfjord
- Ride one of the steepest railways in the world at Flåm
- Sightsee in the colourful Art Nouveau town of Ålesund
- See the beautiful, UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord
- Buy souvenirs from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district in the city of Bergen
- Enjoy the sights and explore the streets of Norway's capital, Oslo
This Hurtigruten voyage takes you to the western coast of beautiful Norway, the land of the fjords, the fairytales and the trolls. Norway is known for its magnificent and unspoiled nature, but you also find cosy villages clinging to the landscape and modern bustling towns.
During this 11 day voyage you sail from Hamburg across the Northern Sea to Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway. From here you visit 12 of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords and villages. In addition to this, the ship calls at the cities of Ålesund and Bergen before pointing our bow south west and passing the coastline of the south before arriving in Norway's charming capital Oslo.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is Germany's second largest city, the third largest port in Europe and a thriving modern city, popular among tourists from all over the world.
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 2 : The North Sea
With a day at sea there is ample opportunity to enjoy some of the informative on board lectures, or perhaps relax in the observation lounge, take in the fresh air out on deck, or just enjoy a relaxing day in the keep-fit area. Your journey today takes you north, towards the breathtaking shores of Norway.
Day 3 : Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger is the 4th largest city in Norway with a population of approx 290.000 and it is commonly referred to as the Petroleum Capital of Norway. Its history stretches back to the Vikings, the city has been a historical, cultural and administrative centre for the region though time already before it was chosen to be on-shore centre of the oil industry of the North Sea in 1969. Since then, a period of dramatic growth has followed.
Today the city is a combination of old and new - here you find modern industries and old buildings - Norway's oldest cathedral is situated right in the city centre and around the harbour you will also find the oldest surviving wooden housing district in northern Europe. The ship departs Stavanger in the evening, and heads for the unforgettable Hardangerfjord.
Day 4 : Lysefjord and Rosendal, Norway
The famous walls of Preikestolen tower an impressive 604 metres above the Lysefjord, providing a spectacular backdrop as you cruise through the area en route to Rosendal. This charming little town is the home to less than 1,000 inhabitants but still houses one of the most important museums in Western Norway, the Barony Manor House.
Day 5 : Ulvik and Eidfjord in Hardangerfjord
Early morning Hurtigruten's MS Fram calls at Ulvik, Norway's apple-growing region, renowned at this time of year for its beautiful blossoms, and situated in the side arm "Ulvikfjord" of the inner Hardangerfjord. The Ulvik urban settlement has 661 inhabitants. The centre of the village, Brakanes, has a cinema as well as a few shops.
From here you head into the Eidfjord, especially known for the waterfall Vøringfossen with a free fall of 182 meters. You also find the visitors centre of the Hardangervidda National Park. Leaving Eidfjord in the afternoon, the ship sails out again through the Hardangerfjord, with its 179 km, it is the second largest fjord in Norway.
Day 6 : Flåm, Nærøyfjord, Balestrand In Sognefjord
You arrive in Flåm around noon, a village with only 500 inhabitants. At the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, this has been a popular tourist destination since the late 19th century. Most tourists come to enjoy the spectacular 20-kilometer Flåmsbana railway between Flåm and Myrdal, one of the steepest railway tracks in the world and the most popular rail journey in Norway. A former rail station building in Flåm now houses a museum dedicated to the Flåmsbana railway.
From Flåm you sail into Norway's longest fjord, the Sognefjord. Here you will make a stop in the picturesque village Balestrand.
Day 7 : Ålesund, Geiranger and Geirangerfjord
Ålesund is a colourful and picturesque coastal town renowned for its charming Art Nouveau architecture. It began after a devastating fire in 1904, when the town was rebuilt in the ornate construction style that was fashionable at that time - Art Nouveau - a style distinguished by elaborate spires, towers of all shapes and highly detailed ornamentation. Enjoy some free time here before sailing in to the Geirangerfjord and visiting Geiranger during the evening.
The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly with Nærøyfjord, since 2005. Along the fjord's sides there lies a number of now abandoned farms. The fjord is consists of several impressive waterfalls including the seven sisters and the bridal veil.
Day 8 : Olden, Nordfjord and Hyenfjord
Today the MS Fram sails into Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway, 106 km it encompasses the rough coastline of Stadhavet as well as the glacier Jostedals-breen, Europe's largest mainland glacier.
Next you enter Utfjord and Innviksfjord to reach Olden and from here to the lovely valley which stretches south some 20 kilometres between slopes rising to more than 1700 metres to the edge of the Jostedalsbreen. Olden has two churches. The one in the village was built in 1759 on the site of a stave church dating from around 1300. The new church, a short distance along the valley, was built in 1934. The day is spent in Olden, and on the way back out to sea, the ship makes a late evening cruise in the Hyenfjord.
Day 9 : Bergen
You make an early morning call at Bergen, Norway's second largest city and the cultural capital of Norway. Enjoy the day in this international city with small-town charm, surrounded by seven mountains. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Bergen 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. Bergen was founded in 1070, and we recommend a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage famous houses of "Bryggen" (the wharf).
Day 10 : At Sea
This whole day will be spent sailing around the south coast towards Oslo. Hurtigruten's expedition team will wrap up your on board academic programme, and you may enjoy the lectures, the view from our observations lounge or maybe just relax in one of the out door Jacuzzis.
Day 11 : Oslo
Today in the early morning, you sail up the last fjord of the tour - the Oslofjord. You will arrive the capital of Norway in the morning and here bid farewell. On Bygdøy, a short ferry ride from the city centre, you find the Fram museum, where the original explorer ship Fram is placed. Explore Norway's vibrant and diverse capital before continuing your journey home.
DEPARTURE 2012 :
25th April, 2012.
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Norwegian Fjords Spring Adventure - PRICES : 2012Move cursor over cabin grade for description.
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| 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Grade | April | ||
| I | Twin | Brochure Price | 2217 |
| Inside |
Single | Brochure Price | 3879 |
| FJ | Twin | Brochure Price | 2547 |
| Outside Superior |
Single | Brochure Price | 4456 |
| N | Twin | Brochure Price | 2547 |
| Outside |
Supp* | Brochure Price | 4456 |
| U | Twin | Brochure Price | 2876 |
| Outside |
Single | Brochure Price | 5034 |
| F | Twin | Brochure Price | 3206 |
| Outside Superior |
Single | Brochure Price | 5611 |
| M | Twin | Brochure Price | 3949 |
| Suite | Single | Brochure Price | 6910 |
| MG | Twin | Brochure Price | 4279 |
| Grand Suite | Single | Brochure Price | 7488 |
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 £397 per person
FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES :
- Flight in Economy class from London Heathrow to Hamburg and from Oslo to London Heathrow including current taxes and charges.
- Airport transfers in Hamburg and Oslo. Transfers are at fixed times.
NOT INCLUDED :
- Travel insurance.
- Regional departures and upgrades may be available at extra cost.
