9 days / 8 nights
Tromsø • Kirkenes • Bergen
Join an Arctic adventure which travels to remote regions along the dramatic coastline and to the most northerly part of Norway.
Although your journey will be at the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska, the influence of the Gulf Stream creates the longest ice-free polar coast.
Fares : Northern Explorer - From London Gatwick & Heathrow
Joining your ship in Norway's Arctic capital, Tromsø, you begin your leisurely Voyage North. Together with your fellow passengers, you keep your eyes to the skies as you pass through the waters towards Honningsvåg. From Honningsvåg you may join an excursion to mainland Europe's most northerly point, 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 wastes surrounding the North Pole.
Sailing on, you now bear east, and eventually reach the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes, a mere 10km from the Russian border. Kirkenes is the turning point for the Hurtigruten voyage, and this fascinating little town allows a tantalising glimpse into life in this remote region of Norway.
You will then embark your Southbound Voyage to the cultural city of Bergen, gateway to the fjords with its cobbled streets and Hanseatic warehouses. Your journey takes in the Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, with an opportunity to join a tour of this great city with its fine examples of medieval and impressive wooden architecture.
ItineraryDay 1 : Fly to Tromsø, Norway's Arctic capital and transfer to the ship. Watch the sky as you sail north towards Honningsvåg in search of the Northern Lights. (D).
Day 2 : 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. (B, D).
Day 3 : The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few km's from the Russian border.
Optional excursions here include snowmobiling, dog sledging or a visit to the Snow Hotel. As you return south the northbound ports visited by night are now seen by day, winter bringing its own beauty to the journey, with snow covered mountains providing a wonderful back drop to the beauty of the polar light. (B, D).
Day 4 : Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is your first major stop, before continuing to Tromsø for a chance to enjoy the Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral. (B, D).
Day 5 : 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 visit to Svolvær and a farewell to the islands at Stamsund. (B, D).
Day 6 : Cross the Arctic Circle and sailing past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters you enter a world of legends and folklore before a chance to enjoy the award-winning maritime museum at Rørvik. (B, D).
Day 7 : An early arrival in the medieval city of Trondheim gives you an opportunity to explore and visit the Nidaros Cathedral. The voyage then continues out of the Trondheimsfjord and past Hitra Island, making brief calls at Kristiansund and Molde before a midnight call at Ålesund. (B, D).
Day 8 : Arrive in Bergen in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay (B).
Day 9 : Depending on flight timings there may be some free time to explore Bergen before you depart (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 - 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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11A - 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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11D - 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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