5 days / 4 nights
Tromsø • Kirkenes • Tromsø
Since humankind first experienced the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, their extraordinary beauty has mesmerised all who witness them.
To give yourself the best possible chance of experiencing the Northern Lights, experts recommend spending as long as you can above the Arctic Circle, far away from artificial light.
Hurtigruten's fleet of 10 ships sail through the calm sheltered waters along the Norwegian coast beneath the pitch black sky, the perfect setting to experience the breathtaking Aurora Borealis.
As well as the sights provided by Mother Nature, Hurtigruten also offer an exciting range of winter activities and experiences: visit a snow hotel, lead a team of Husky dogs on an unforgettable dog sledge safari, or speed across the frozen landscape on a snowmobile. Whatever you choose the spectacular winter scenery creates an authentic and stunning back drop to the Arctic adventure of your dreams.
Starting and ending in Tromsø, Arctic Norway's lively capital and perfect winter activity location, your voyage goes beyond traditional cruising, taking you closer to breathtaking environments, fascinating people and spectacular scenery. At this time of year the landscape is covered in white snow and the air is fresh, pure and crisp making winter a special time to explore Norway's remote northern coast. Our ships have been an integral part of Norwegian coastal life for over a century, still operating as working ships, they deliver freight as well as passengers to remote communities along Norway’s coastline.
ItineraryDay 1 : Fly to Tromsø and board your ship in the afternoon to begin your voyage north. Keep your eyes peeled to the skies to look for the Northern Lights as you head towards Honningsvåg. (D).
Day 2 : After an early morning stop at Hammerfest, you arrive Honningsvåg midmorning, join an optional excursion to mainland Europe's most northerly point - the North Cape. This is a wild and windswept headland where the cliffs rise dramatically 300 metres from the sea and you gaze out with nothing but water between you and the frozen North Pole. (B, D).
Day 3 : Sailing on, you turn east to reach the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes, only 10km from the Russian border and the turning point for your voyage. This fascinating town allows a tantalising glimpse into life in this remote region of Norway. In Kirkenes you can visit the border with Russia, try your hand at snowmobiling or enjoy a visit to the Snow Hotel. Later in the day you depart Kirkenes returning south towards Tromsø. (B, D).
Day 4 : Hugging the coastline you revisit remote settlements which rely on the Hurtigruten ships to maintain contact with the rest of Norway, particularly in winter. Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is your first major port of call before reaching Tromsø late in the evening. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D ).
Day 5 : Optional excursions may be available before transferring back to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
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Fares :-
Excursions
6A - North Cape, Honningsvåg : Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on your journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point of the continent. Visit the North Cape Hall where you can see an impressive 180° panoramic film about Finnmark and the North Cape.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £72 | Pre-bookable |
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6D - Snowmobile Trip in Lapland, Kjøllefjord - Mehamn : Join us on an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe's most extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience the
snow-clad valleys, the fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerising Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky
(Driving licence required).
| Duration : | 2.25 hours | Price per person : | £198 | Pre-bookable |
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7A - The Russian Border, Kirkenes : The only town in Norway where east meets west, Kirkenes is the turning point of your Hurtigruten voyage. You start with a short tour of the town, before the bus takes you deep into the surprisingly fertile landscape. You make a stop at Storskog – the border station between Norway and Russia.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
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7C - Snowmobile Safari, Kirkenes : Enjoy an invigorating ride by snowmobile across ice-covered fjords and the serene landscapes of Arctic winter. Guides will explain the fascinating history of the indigenous Sami people and refreshments will be served in the warmth of the lavvo.
(Driving licence required).
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £109 | Pre-bookable |
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7D - Kirkenes Snow Hotel, Kirkenes : A short drive through Kirkenes brings you to the Gabba Reindeer Park where the Snow Hotel is situated. A guided tour of the beautifully decorated snow suites is followed by a drink in Norway’s largest ice bar and a visit to the reindeer.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £42 | Pre-bookable |
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7F - Husky Adventure, Kirkenes : Experience the real feeling of wilderness during this adrenalin fuelled ride! You can have a go at driving the sledge yourself, or simply sit back and enjoy the trip. You also have the option to visit the Snow Hotel or the reindeer enclosure.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £99 | Pre-bookable |
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8F - Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night, Mehamn - Kjøllefjord : Drive through the beautiful Arctic landscape during the polar night. You might see the Northern Lights in a clear, starlit sky. Welcome to the polar night and the wilderness!
(Driving licence required).
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £243 | Pre-bookable |
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8E - Arctic Energy, Hammerfest : Hammerfest was the first town in Northern Europe to get electric street lighting produced purely from water power in 1891. You visit the Meridian Column, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, and the Energy House, an interactive centre for different energy sources.
| Duration : | 1 hour | Price per person : | £29 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS1 - Dog Sledging at the Wilderness Centre, Tromsø : Complete your holiday with a thrilling ride by Husky dog sledge. Eager Huskies are waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. At the end of the trip a warm Saami meal followed by coffee and homemade cake will be served in the lavvo (Saami tent). An exhilarating trip!
| Duration : | 4 - 5 hours | Price per person : | £183 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS2 - Reindeer Sledging at the Coastal Farm, Tromsø : Join this excursion to Risvika, outside Tromsø, for a visit to a coastal farm. Once everyone is fully dressed in warm clothing your guide will take you to the Sami lavvo where you hear more about the farm and the Sami people, whilst enjoying coffee made on the fire. Afterwards, experience the traditional Sami way of transport through the Arctic landscape and Bidos a Sami traditional meal will be served to warm you after your ride in the sleigh.
| Duration : | 4 hours | Price per person : | £177 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS3 - Aurora Safari with Dinner by Cable Car, Tromsø : Ride up the famous cable car and take in the breathtaking view of Tromsø. Away from any light pollution this is the perfect spot for seeing the Northern Lights. Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner in the mountain lodge and learn more about the Northern Lights, Tromsø and the surrounding area.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £154 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS4 - Tromsø Arctic Panorama, Tromsø : The cable car will take you up the mountain to the mountain lodge where your guide will show you the spectacular view over Tromsø, the mountains and islands. Coffee, tea and delicious cakes will be served by the fire in the mountain lodge whilst your guide tells you more about Tromsø and the vast Arctic landscape.
| Duration : | 2 - 3 hours | Price per person : | £68 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS5 - Snowmobile Safari in Lyngen, Tromsø : Join this snowmobiling adventure of a lifetime into the wild Arctic landscape around camp Tamok, just under 90 km's from Tromsø. After a thorough introduction you will set off on a 2-3 hour trip on the snowmobile through valleys and frozen lakes. On your return warm up with hot coffee, a traditional local hot meal and Lefse (traditional Norwegian pastry) in the Saami lavvo.
(Driving licence required, Supplement for single use £94).
| Duration : | 7 hours | Price per person : | £199 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS6 - Arctic Gourmet Dinner, Tromsø : Emma's Dream Kitchen is an intimate restaurant in the heart of Tromsø and is renowned for its excellent food using Arctic ingredients. The five-course Arctic Gourmet Dinner including aperitif in these elegant surroundings is the perfect complement to your visit to Norway.
| Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | £115 | Pre-bookable |
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UKTOS7 - Arctic Seafood Feast, Tromsø : This restaurant - 'Fiskerestauranten' specialises in the amazing local fish and produce available in the Tromsø area, and takes you back in time with traditional cosy Scandinavian décor and clean style. Enjoy a 5-course dinner at this intimate and traditional venue.
| Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | £90 | Pre-bookable |
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Excursions in Kirkenes are not combinable.
In Tromsø due to excursion timings you will be unable to combine all options. Please ask for details.
Excursions UKTOS3, UKTOS5, UKTOS6, UKTOS7 are not available with the 5 day itinerary.
Arctic Highlights - Prices 2011 - No single supplement
Departures from London Gatwick
| Itinerary - 5 Days | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | ||
| Twin Inside | Twin Outside | |||
| 31 January 2011 | MS Richard With | £845 | £930 | |
| 7 February 2011 | MS Nordkapp | £845 | £930 | |
| 14 February 2011 | MS Kong Harald | £845 | £930 | |
| Extended Itinerary - 6 Days | ||||
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | ||
| Twin Inside | Twin Outside | |||
| 28 January 2011* | MS Polarlys | £945 | £1030 | |
| 2 February 2011 | MS Trollfjord | £945 | £1030 | |
| 4 February 2011* | MS Midnatsol | £945 | £1030 | |
| 9 February 2011 | MS Polarlys | £945 | £1030 | |
| 11 February 2011 | MS Richard With | £945 | £1030 | |
| 18 February 2011 | MS Nordkapp | £945 | £1030 | |
*28 Jan and 4 Feb departures have one night pre and one night post voyage stay in Tromsø.
All prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin/room. There are no single supplements (subject to availability).
Prices Include :
- Return Economy class flights from London Gatwick to Tromsø including current taxes and charges
- Voyage in an unspecified twin cabin including half board as described in itinerary
- 1 or 2 nights at a centrally located hotel in Tromsø including breakfast (depending on your itinerary)
- Transfers as applicable
Not Included :
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage Handling
- Optional Excursions
Hamburg International Airlines
Direct flights from London Gatwick to Tromsø are operated by Hamburg International, an independent German charter airline. Founded in 1998, they operate a new fleet of aircraft that came into service between 2008 and 2010.
