13 days / 12 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes • Bergen
VOYAGE FARES 2010/11 (PDF document will open in new window)
Many travellers dream of experiencing the complete 13 day Hurtigruten voyage on the ship of their choice, so its not surprising that so many opt for the Round Voyage from Bergen, north to Kirkenes and returning back to Bergen enjoying the incredible scenery and fabulous communities the ships enable you to visit along the way.
The full round voyage navigates northbound to Kirkenes (seven days), before turning south to sail back to Bergen for an overnight stay in this important port. Ports visited by night on the northbound voyage are seen by day on the southbound journey, ensuring that all passengers get to know the very best of the dramatic and interesting Norwegian coastline. Of the 34 ports of call the main ones are listed in the below itinerary.
Day 1 :
The cultural city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, is where your amazing journey begins with an evening departure. Settle into the gentle rhythm of life on board as the ship glides along the un spoilt coast. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Sample the delicious cuisine for which Norway is renowned in the comfortable but informal dining room or make new friends in the bar. Share experiences with fellow passengers from the world over as well as meeting local people travelling between ports, or simply wonder at the views from the panorama lounge as you look forward to the next port of call. (D)
Day 2 :
A perfect start to your second day is an early arrival at the enchanting Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, which is situated across several islands at the entrance to Geirangerfjord. (B, D)
Day 3 :
Continuing north, the medieval city of Trondheim is today's highlight. Standing proud against the natural backdrop, its colourful history is reflected in handsome civic architecture. Excursions include the medieval Nidaros Cathedral or the enthralling Ringve Music Museum. While you sleep the ship plies its trade along the coast and enters the land of the Midnight Sun. (B, D)
Day 4 :
In the early hours you experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle as the voyage continues to the modern town of Bodø, from where you can join a Sea Eagle safari and witness the world's strongest maelstrom or 'whirling stream' at Saltstraumen. The glorious Lofoten Islands are where the day draws to a close with a stop at the capital, Svolvær. The intriguing Magic Ice gallery of 'art below zero' is on the quay side and the stylish little town is just a few minutes away. (B, D)
Day 5 :
A relaxing morning at sea precedes your arrival in Tromsø - the capital of the Arctic- where the Midnight Sun is visible from the end of May until the last week in July. The simple interior of the Arctic Cathedral gives prominence to a triangular stained-glass window filling an entire wall. The Polar Museum and the Polaria centre explore Arctic life over the centuries and are complemented by modern shops and cafés just minutes from your cabins. (B, D)
Day 6 :
After an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the largest fishing village in Finnmark, and doorway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape, mainland Europe's northernmost point at 71º north. (B, D)
Day 7 :
The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches the finale of the northbound voyage here in the far reaches of Europe. Benefiting from the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, this region is rich in sea life, and the coast is largely ice free in winter allowing ships access to most harbours. Soon you reach Kirkenes, from where the emotive border with Russia a few kilometres away or the Sami communities of Northern Finland may be visited. Here the ship bids farewell to passengers travelling northbound only, and welcomes those joining for the southbound voyage. Ports visited by night on the way north are now seen by day. Each has its own beauty as spring and summer flowers give way to autumn leaves and berries, melting snows form fresh waterfalls and glaciers reflect the rays of the sun.
Returning southward from Kirkenes the ship hugs the coast as it visits the remote settlements it continues to serve more than a century after the Hurtigruten was created to provide a vital link with the rest of the country, giving you the opportunity to see Norway as the Norwegians see it. (B, D)
Day 8 :
Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town boldly claims to be the first in Europe to have electric street lighting. Starting point of Bill Bryson's journey described in Neither Here Nor There, this is the first major call. Continuing south, your night stop at Tromsø¸ offers the opportunity to enjoy the Midnight Sun summer concert in the Arctic Cathedral. (B, D)
Day 9 :
The memorable sights of the Lofoten Islands will stay with you forever as the ship meanders gently through this stunning network of inlets and isles. It is possible to explore inland here by opting for the overland excursion from Harstad and rejoining the ship in Sortland. Moving on you reach what is the highlight of the voyage for many, where hopefully you can make a detour into spectacular Trollfjord.
As you venture into this dramatic fjord, you stand in awe of the Captain's prowess and skills of navigation, for the sheer sides of the cliffs seem close enough to touch. Site of a famous battle between local fishermen and wealthy ship owners in 1890, and the echoes of this dramatic history seem to reverberate from Trollfjord's gnarled rock stone walls. Sailing through the beautiful, mountainous island chains, rising to 1,000 metres in places, you can see fishermen's cabins built on stilts along the waterfront, whilst in the air around us fly a wide variety of seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants and sea eagles. This remarkable day is completed with an evening return to Svolvær and a farewell to the islands at Stamsund. (B, D)
Day 10 :
There is further excitement today as the ship crosses the Arctic Circle. Sailing past the famed peaks of the dancing Seven Sisters mountain range, folklore merges with the facts of nature - look out for Torghatten, which still bears the hole made by Hestmannen’s arrow in one of Norway's popular legends. The award-winning new museum at Rørvik celebrates the important part the sea has played in defining today's Norway. (B, D)
Day 11 :
You have an early arrival in the fascinating medieval city of Trondheim, where the Norwegian Explorer passengers leave the ship to follow their own itinerary (see Norwegian Explorer itinerary). The voyage continues out of the Trondheimsfjord past Hitra Island to make brief calls at Kristiansund and Molde, known as the City of Roses and surrounded by 87 snow-capped mountains, before the midnight call at Ålesund and a last night at sea. (B, D)
Day 12 :
The landscape becomes increasingly lush as the journey weaves through the islets and beautiful Bergen comes into view again. Before long it's time to say good-bye to the ship and ‘på gjensyn’ (‘until we meet again’) to friends, fellow passengers and our crew, as you disembark from your magnificent journey on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 13 :
Depending on flight timings, there may be some free time to explore Bergen before you depart. (B)
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
Fares :-
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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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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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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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12A - Bergen City Sightseeing - Bergen : Bergen is an international city with small town charm, surrounded by seven imposing mountains. During this trip you will receive a good insight into the city's history and development, from its founding in 1070 to the present day.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £18 | Pre-bookable |
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