8 days / 7 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes
This Hurtigruten Arctic adventure of a lifetime includes the unique experience of a night in a snow suite at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel plus the chance to add some exciting winter activities.
Starting in Bergen and travelling north on board your comfortable Hurtigruten ship look out for the magical Aurora Borealis as you sail through sheltered waters towards Kirkenes high above the Arctic Circle.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Board your Hurtigruten ship in Bergen, leave your everyday life behind and enjoy the ambience of life on board Hurtigruten. (D).
Day 2 : After making several brief night time calls along the unspoilt coastline, you reach the delightful town of Ålesund which was completely rebuilt in Art Nouveau style having been destroyed by fire in 1904.
Here you have the option to explore this fascinating location on foot. Leaving Ålesund you head north towards Trondheim. (B, D).
Day 3 : Arrive early morning in Trondheim, you have time to explore Norway’s former capital and discover its delightful wooden buildings, brightly painted wharves and warehouses plus the impressive 14th century Nidaros Cathedral. (B, D).
Day 4 : Cross the Arctic Circle and later in the day you reach the legendary Lofoten Islands, where you can take part in the Lofotr Viking Feast excursion or enjoy an after dinner stroll in Svolvær. Perhaps visit the world's first Ice Gallery 'Magic Ice', which features dramatically lit ice sculptures and atmospheric music that illustrate tantalising tales about the islands and their people. (B, D).
Day 5 : Following a relaxing morning on board you arrive mid afternoon in Tromsø, Norway's Arctic capital, a great place to see the Northern Lights and to soak up life high above the Arctic Circle.
This is also an ideal location to gain a real taste of the Arctic by joining an optional dog sledging excursion, a truly exhilarating and unforgettable experience. (B, D).
Day 6 : Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape, mainland Europe's most northerly point. Evening call at Kjøllefjord where you can join the thrilling snowmobile trip in Lapland excursion. (B, D.
Day 7 : The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Sami communities of Northern Finland.
Transfer for your special Arctic experience to the Snow Hotel, constructed entirely from snow and ice each year and conveniently located for enjoying Husky dog sledging, king crab safari and many other exciting winter activities.
Your stay includes dinner by the open fire at the Gabba Restaurant. (B, D.
Day 8 : After a night in the Snow Hotel warm up in the sauna before breakfast. (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
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.
2C Art Nouveau Tour, Ålesund : Rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1904, the town was recreated to reflect the Art Nouveau trend of the age. This fascinating guided tour brings the town, its history and the symbolism of its architecture to life. A visit to the Art Nouveau Centre is included.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 16/09 - 15/04 | Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £24 | ||
2D Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla, Ålesund : Visit Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe's largest salt-water aquariums to enjoy the well known and spectacular diving show. Afterwards, you drive up to the town mountain Aksla, where you can admire the view of Ålesund below and capture some memories before returning to the quayside.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 16/09 - 15/04 | Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £36 | ||
3B Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim : This sightseeing tour of the former capital and Norway's third largest city includes a visit to the famous Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's largest medieval church and a national shrine since the 11th century.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £38 | ||||
3D Trondheim City Walk, Trondheim : A guided walk through the historical streets of Trondheim, passing the city's main attractions including the Royal Residence, the old town bridge and Nidaros Cathedral.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | All Year | Duration : | 2 hours 30 mins | Price per person : | 2012 : £19 | ||
4E Lofotr Viking Feast, Stamsund - Svolvær : At the Lofotr Viking Museum the largest Viking building ever found has been recreated. The Chieftain and the Lady of the house invite you to join them for a real Viking feast in the banquet hall.
Experience the magic and excitement as they make sacrifices to the Gods, praying that the sun will return to avoid Armageddon.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/10 - 31/03 | Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £82 | ||
5A - The Arctic Capital - Tromsø : Explore the gateway to the Arctic on this tour which takes in the modernistic Arctic Cathedral. The Cathedral eastern wall is a fabulous stained glass window. Also visit Polaria, an interpretive centre about the Arctic.
| Level : 1 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | All year | Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £45 | ||
5B - Dog Sledging - Tromsø : Join a miniature polar expedition. Enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus while the Huskies pull you over the frozen landscape.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/11 - 15/03 | Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £119 | ||
5D - Polar History Walk - Tromsø : Guided walking tour of Tromsø, highlighting the town and its vital links with polar exploration. Visit the fascinating Polar Museum and 'Ølhallen', Tromsø's oldest pub, where you can meet the locals and enjoy a taste of the brew from the world's northernmost brewery.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 15/10 - 31/03 | Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £37 | ||
5E/5F - Wilderness Adventure Camp - Tromsø : Lyngsfjord Adventure and Camp Tamok offers you an extraordinary experience, with dog sledging, snowmobile safari and reindeer driving on the menu.
5E includes reindeer driving and dog sledging. 5F includes snowmobile safari and reindeer driving.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Operating Dates : | 01/11 - 15/03 | Duration : | 6.5 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £235 | ||
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 | ||
CEKKN007 - Snowmobiling through the Arctic Landscape, Kirkenes : This snowmobile excursion takes place near the mountains between Finland and Russia. After a thorough introduction you will have plenty of time driving the snowmobile through the fantastic Arctic landscape.
(Driving licence required)
Supplement for single use : £67.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £144 | ||||
CEKKN009 - Dog Sledging - Kirkenes : Try the dog sledging safari in the Arctic where you drive your own team of dogs. After an introduction in how to handle these eager Huskies you will feel the exhilaration of standing on the runners of your sledge and speeding across the snowy landscape. This is an experience of speed, teamwork and of course beautiful scenery.
| Level : 3 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £115 | ||||
CEKKN010 - King Crab Safari, Kirkenes : This excursion offers a unique experience beginning with a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride from a traditional fisherman's home to a frozen fjord. A magnificent king crab will be caught through a hole sawn in the ice. These incredible crustaceans can span 2 metres and weigh up to 15 kilos. They will be prepared and cooked for you when you return to the fisherman's house – a rewarding meal at the end of a fabulous excursion.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 4 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £133 | ||||
CEKKN11 - Aurora Adventure, Kirkenes : Venture deep into the snow-filled Pasvik Valley from Kirkenes in search of the illusive Northern Lights. Far from artificial light, you will travel from Storfjellet to the Strand Museum, home to Norwegian antiquities and examples of life from a bygone age where a warming drink and traditional cakes will be served.
| Level : 2 | |||||||
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| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | 2012 : £39 | ||||
In Trondheim, Tromsø and Kirkenes due to excursion timings you will be unable to combine all options.
Arctic Wonders Fares 2012
| Departure Dates | Inside from | Outside from | |
| 13, 18, 20, 24, 31 January, 8, 13, 15, 17, 19, 24, 28 February, 1, 7, 12 March, 2012. |
Twin | £925 | £1025 |
| Single Supplement | £95 | £110 | |
Prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin/room.
Not Included :
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Add a London Heathrow flight package from £420pp18, 24, 31 January, 8, 15, 19, 28 February, 7 March, 2012.
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Add a London Gatwick flight package from £360pp13, 20 January, 13, 17, 24 February, 1, 12 March, 2012.
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Price includes : Economy flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Bergen and return from Kirkenes including current taxes and charges and transfers as applicable. Other departure airports and nights in Bergen, Kirkenes or Oslo are available for a supplement, please contact us for details.
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