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 Hurtigruten 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 mid morning, 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 : After breakfast in your hotel, spend the morning in Tromsø where a choice of winter excursions are available before you are transferred back to the airport for your return flight to Gatwick or Manchester. (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
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Fares :-
Excursions
Level 1 : Suitable for everyone.
Level 2 : Suitable for most guests, requires some physical effort.
Level 3 : Suitable for guests in good physical condition.
6A - The 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.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | All Year | Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £82 | ||
6D - Snowmobile Trip in Lapland - Kjøllefjord–Mehamn : Join 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.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 2.25 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £217 | ||
7A - The Russian Border, Kirkenes : The only town in Norway where east meets west, Kirkenes represents 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.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £36 | ||||
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 welcome refreshments will be served in the warmth of the lavvo.
(Driving licence required).
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 2.25 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £124 | ||
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.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £50 | ||
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.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £108 | ||
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.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/11 - 15/03 | Duration : | 1 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £34 | ||
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).
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £266 | ||
CENTOS1 - Dog Sledging at the Wilderness Centre, Tromsø : Complete your holiday with a thrilling ride by Husky dog sledge across the open plains of Tromsø. Eager Huskies are harnessed to your sledge 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!
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 4 - 5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £179 | ||
CENTOS2 - Reindeer Sledging at the Coastal Farm, Tromsø : Join this excursion to Risvika, outside Tromsø, for a visit to a Sami lavvo where you will hear more about the Sami people, whilst enjoying coffee made on the fire. Afterwards, sit back and experience the traditional Sami way of transport through the Arctic landscape. A traditional Sami meal, Bidos, will be served to warm you after your ride in the sleigh.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/01 - 31/03 | Duration : | 4 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £179 | ||
CENTOS3 - 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 and perhaps walk over to the viewpoint for even better views. Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner in the mountain lodge as you learn more about the Northern Lights, Tromsø and the surrounding area.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £153 | ||||
CENTOS4 - Tromsø Arctic Panorama, Tromsø : The cable car will take you up the mountain to the mountain lodge. Your guide will show you the spectacular view over Tromsø, the mountains and islands. You will have the opportunity for a short walk and of course picture taking. Afterwards, 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.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2 - 3 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £68 | ||||
CENTOS5 - Snowmobile Safari, Lyngen, Tromsø : Join this snowmobiling adventure of a lifetime into the wild Arctic landscape around camp Tamok, just under 90kms 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 Sami lavvo.
(Driving licence required)
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/12 - 31/03 | Duration : | 7 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £196 | ||
CENTOS6 - In the Footsteps of Amundsen, Tromsø : 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen's successful race to become the first to reach the South Pole. Your guide will take you for a fascinating walk around Tromsø's busy streets, the starting point for many polar expeditions. You will stop at the statue of Roald Amundsen before ending the walk at one of Tromsø's most popular pubs, with beer from the local Mack Brewery, the Northernmost brewery in the world.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £36 | ||||
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 are not available with the 5 day itinerary.
Arctic Highlights - Prices 2012
Departures from London Gatwick and Manchester†
| Itinerary - 5 Days | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | ||
| Twin Inside | Twin Outside | |||
| Awaiting New Dates | MS Richard With | £ | £ | |
| MS Nordkapp | £ | £ | ||
| MS Kong Harald | £ | £ | ||
| MS Trollfjord | £ | £ | ||
| MS Polarlys | £ | £ | ||
| Single Supplement | £ | £ | ||
| Extended Itinerary - 6 Days | ||||
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | ||
| Twin Inside | Twin Outside | |||
| Awaiting New Dates | MS Nordkapp | £ | £ | |
| MS Kong Harald | £ | £ | ||
| MS Midnatsol | £ | £ | ||
| MS Polarlys | £ | £ | ||
| MS Midnatsol | £ | £ | ||
| MS Nordkapp | £ | £ | ||
| MS Richard With | £ | £ | ||
| MS Midnatsol | £ | £ | ||
| MS Richard With | £ | £ | ||
| Single Supplement | £ | £ | ||
* These departures have one night pre and one night post voyage stay in Tromsø.
† Manchester departure is only available on 25th Feb 2012.
Please also see our note on Fuel Surcharges.
All prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin/room.
Prices Include :
- Return Economy class flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Tromsø including current taxes and charges
- Hurtigruten 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
