8 days / 7 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes
This 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.
Fares : Arctic Wonders - From London Heathrow
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 : Fly to Bergen and transfer to the ship. 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. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
Fares :-
Excursions
2C - Art Nouveau Tour of Ålesund : Ålesund is a colourful and picturesque
coastal town that is 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
– a style distinguished by elaborate spires,
towers of all shapes and highly detailed
ornamentation.
This Hurtigruten excursion is leisurely paced
and a wonderful opportunity to become
acquainted with one of Norway's most
beautiful towns.
After docking at the pier you are met by a
local guide who takes you on a very relaxed
and pleasant stroll through the streets of
Ålesund. Along the way, explore the town’s
scenic fishing port of Brosundet, the special
Apotekertorget Square and the exciting and
finely decorated main street – all this and
more, to savour the entire town's rich history
and lively street life.
Tour is not available on 24 - 26, 31 Dec and 1 Jan.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £20 | Pre-bookable |
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2D - Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla - Ålesund : Visit one of Northern Europe's largest salt-water aquariums and enjoy close encounters with marine life from around the coastal waters of Norway. The tour includes a spectacular diving show and a visit to the open-air pool to see the resident penguins. After the visit to Atlanterhavsparken you continue onwards and upwards to Aksla to admire the view of Ålesund before returning to the quayside.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
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3B - Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral : This tour of Trondheim and its outskirts visits the famous medieval Nidaros Cathedral and passes by the Stiftsgården Palace, one of Scandinavia's most impressive wooden buildings.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
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3D - Trondheim City Walk - Trondheim : A walk through Trondheim is a journey through its 1000 year history. You start at the 19th century harbour before walking to "Stiftsgården", the royal residence and continue to the market square. Next stop is Nidaros Cathedral, a national monument of Norway. You cross the old city bridge and head to Bakklandet, a fascinating area which preserved its charming wooden architecture and is full of desirable housing surrounded by small shops and restaurants.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £18 | Pre-bookable |
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4E - Lofotr Viking Feast - Stamsund : Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg, where the largest Viking building ever found has been recreated. During a Viking feast in the banquet hall you will learn more about Viking legends and traditions.
| Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | £71 | Pre-bookable |
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5A - The Arctic Capital - Tromsø :Explore the gateway to the Arctic on this tour which takes in the modern Arctic Cathedral. The Cathedral eastern wall is a fabulous stained glass window. Also visit Polaria, an interpretive centre about the Arctic.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £37 | Pre-bookable |
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5B - Dog Sledging - Tromsø : Enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus whilst the huskies pull you over the frozen landscape.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £99 | Pre-bookable |
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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.
| Duration : | 3 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
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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.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £72 | Pre-bookable |
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6D - Scooter 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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UKKKN1 - King Crab Safari - Kirkenes : This excursion offers a unique experience of watching your guides ice fishing to catch the largest and freshest king crabs in the world. 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 shore – a rewarding meal at the end of a fabulous excursion.
| Duration : | 4 hours | Price per person : | £114 | Pre-bookable |
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UKKKN2 - Bathing in the Barents Sea - Kirkenes : An invigorating and memorable experience, with special survival suits to keep you warm. Enjoy the unique experience of floating in the icy waters. Combined with the King Crab Safari.
| Duration : | 40 mins | Price per person : | £50 | Pre-bookable |
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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. Supplement for single use £65. Driving licence required.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £140 | Pre-bookable |
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CEKKN008 - Snow Shoeing - Kirkenes : After an introduction on how to use snow shoes, you follow the tracks of rabbits, foxes and local people across the snow-covered landscapes. Your rewarding and active trip ends with a hot drink and a snack.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £52 | Pre-bookable |
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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.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £112 | Pre-bookable |
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CEKKN10 - 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.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £40 | Pre-bookable |
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