11 days / 10 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes • Trondheim
Join this Arctic adventure to the remote regions along the dramatic coastline and to the most northerly part of Norway.
Much of the duration of this eventful voyage is spent above the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Join this popular voyage to learn more about the Arctic night sky as well as the greatest light show on Earth, the Aurora Borealis.
Fares : Astronomy Voyage - From London Heathrow
We are delighted to offer two dates for the Hurtigruten Astronomy Voyage in 2011 accompanied by the renowned astronomer Dr John Mason and hopefully the Northern Lights.
Through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the night sky from the deck of the ship, Dr Mason will bring the world of stars, planets and meteors closer whilst also exploring the numerous myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies.
This new itinerary for 2011 has been extended to give you more time to explore the northern sky and includes a special visit to the Northern Lights Planetarium in Tromsø.
An Applied Physicist by profession, Dr John Mason has been actively involved in science for over 30 years, with astronomy, astrophysics and space technology as his main interests. He is currently Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester, has been a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society since 1976, and is a full member of the International Astronomical Union.
He lectures extensively in the UK and overseas on a wide range of scientific topics and is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television, having appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's 'The Sky at Night'.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart from Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords, enjoy the relaxed ambience of life on board and take the opportunity to meet your fellow astronomers as you enjoy the spectacular landscapes. (D)
Day 2 : An early arrival at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund gives you an opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town. (B, D)
Day 3 : Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture. Excursions include the medieval Nidaros Cathedral or a walking tour of Trondheim. (B, D)
Day 4 : Crossing the Arctic Circle you continue to the modern town of Bodø and after crossing the Vestfjord the day's end sees you amidst the glorious Lofoten Islands and their capital. (B, D )
Day 5 : A relaxing morning on board precedes your arrival in Tromsø, the Capital of Arctic Norway. Here a special visit to the Northern Lights Planetarium is included especially for this tour. (B, D)
Day 6 : Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape. (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 you can join one of the exciting excursions here.
As you return south the northbound ports visited by night are now seen by day. (B, D)
Day 8 : Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is your first major stop, before continuing to Tromsø and a chance to enjoy the Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral. (B, D)
Day 9 : Passing through the legendary Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates an intricate network of inlets and isles. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast and for many it is the most stunning part of your journey south. This remarkable day ends with an evening return to, and a farewell to, the islands at Stamsund. (B, D)
Day 10 : Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters as you enter a world of legends and folklore, before a chance to enjoy the award-winning maritime museum at Rørvik. (B, D)
Day 11 : An early morning arrival in Trondheim marks the end of your voyage. 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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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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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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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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8C - Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral - Hammerfest : As the candle lights flicker, this elegant church is filled with the sounds of the most beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as classical and sacred selections.
| Duration : | 1.25 hours | Price per person : | £37 | 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, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, and the Energy House, an interactive centre for different energy sources.
| Duration : | 1 hour | Price per person : | £29 | 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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9A - A Taste of Vesterålen - Harstad to Sortland : On this trip from Harstad to Sortland you will experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sights.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
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