Develop your creative skills whilst sailing along the beautiful Norwegian coast.
Find time to relax, enjoy your favourite pastime, discover new interests and develop new skills on a voyage through the fjords with on board experts. Travel on the Hurtigruten ships along the beautiful Norwegian coast for the perfect opportunity to indulge yourself. Time is set aside to enjoy the leisure pursuit of your choice while experiencing the soothing effects of life on board.
Inside the warm and pleasant comfort of the Hurtigruten ships we offer a range of interesting theme departures. These ensure your time, both on and off the ship, is as full and rewarding as you would like it to be. Remember, when you sail during the winter months you benefit from a more tranquil atmosphere as there are fewer travellers and the magic twilight sets the scene for a very relaxing voyage.
| Astronomy Voyage | Digital Photography | Opera Voyage |
|---|
Astronomy Voyage
5 days / 4 nights
Tromsø • Kirkenes • Tromsø
Join an Arctic adventure to the remote regions along the dramatic coastline and to the most northerly part of Norway. The entire duration of this eventful voyage is spent above the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Following the popularity of this year's Astronomy Voyage, we are delighted to offer two trips again in 2010. The voyage will be accompanied by the renowned astronomer Dr John Mason and hopefully the greatest lightshow on earth, the Northern Lights.
Through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the Arctic 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.
During the four day voyage we will also hope to see the magic Aurora Borealis or 'Dawn of the North' as it’s poetically called. It is here above the Arctic Circle that you have the best chance of catching a glimpse of this most spectacular celestial display.
Itinerary
Day 1 :Fly to Tromsø where you will be transferred to the ship (D).
Days 2 - 3 : Enjoy the voyage, passing the North Cape and on to Kirkenes. A range of lectures and optional excursions are available along the way (B, D).
Day 4 : Arrive in Tromsø late evening, transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay (B, D).
Day 5 : Optional excursions available in the morning before transferring to the airport for return flights to the UK (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
Excursions
North Cape - Europe's Northernmost Point : From Honningsvåg a coach will take you to the North Cape plateau where you may enjoy unsurpassed views towards the North Pole, a potentially incredible backdrop for experiencing the Northern Lights.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £72 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Scooter Trip in Lapland - Kjøllefjord : After being kitted out for your snowmobile adventure in snowmobile overalls, special boots, hat, gloves and helmet you are taken to the starting point of the trip. Your guide will tell you about life on the Finnmark coast and the Sami that live here along the way. After receiving driving instructions from the guides you start the drive to Mehamn through the snow covered landscapes of Finnmark all the way to the Hurtigruten quay in Mehamn.
(Available for departures from 10 December until end of March. Driving licence required).
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £198 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
The Russian Border - Kirkenes : A short tour takes you to the border with Russia, providing a distant glimpse of the intriguing lands that lie to the east.
| Duration : | 2 hours | Price per person : | £32 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Kirkenes Snow Hotel - Kirkenes : Visit the Gabba Reindeer Park where the Snow Hotel is situated. Enjoy a guided tour of the hotel with the beautifully decorated snow suites and a drink in the ice bar. Afterwards there will be time to meet the reindeer before you head to Gabba restaurant to warm up by the fire and enjoy a snack.
(Available for departures from 9 December until end of March).
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £42 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Husky Adventure - Kirkenes : Enjoy an exhilarating Alaskan Husky-dog ride across the open plains of Northern Norway, located near the Snow Hotel and beside Gabba Reindeer Park. Accompanied by experienced mushers, who compete in dog races this excursion takes you on a thrilling adventure in picturesque surroundings. With only two passengers to a sled and a musher (guide) you have an opportunity to steer or you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
Afterwards, hot drinks are served around a log fire and you will have a chance to look around the Snow Hotel and visit the reindeer.
(Available for departures from 9 December until end of March).
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £99 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Snowmobile Safari - Kirkenes : Drive the snowmobile across the frozen sea (instructions given). On your return relax in a traditional dwelling and enjoy an introduction to the everyday life of the Sami. Warm clothing is provided.
(Available for departures from 9 December until end of March. Driving licence required).
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £110 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Dog Sledging - Tromsø :
This tour heads to the island of Kvaløya, where you change clothes and footwear and meet eager Huskies anxious to pull the sleds over the frozen landscape.
It is deep dark winter and the only light comes from our headlamps and the starry sky. The mood is magical as the dogs run almost silently over the snowy plains and we anticipate seeing the Northern Lights.
The trip comes to a close in a well-heated Lavvo (Sami tent) and you can enjoy an open fire and a hot drink whilst recounting the day’s adventure.
| Duration : | 3.5 hours | Price per person : | £135 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Arctic City Walk - Tromsø : You are met by your guide for a fascinating walk around this historical and cultural city, during which you visit the Polar Museum, the Catholic Church and explore the Arctic city's busy streets.
| Duration : | 2.5 hours | Price per person : | £25 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
Reindeer Sledging - Tromsø :Whilst sledging through the Norwegian winter landscape the only thing you will hear are the reindeer bells, a peaceful experience. After the sledging you will be taken to the lavvo (Sami tent) for a warm meal and a chance to experience how the Sami lived their lives.
| Duration : | 4 hours | Price per person : | £120 | Pre-bookable |
|---|
ASTRONOMY VOYAGE - Prices 2010
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Departure from London Heathrow
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb - 7 Feb |  |
MS Trollfjord | £985 |
| 11 Mar - 15 Mar | |
MS Midnatsol | £985 |
| Outside Cabin Supplement | £65 | ||
Please note that prices are based on cheapest available flights at the time of publication. Prices may increase if these cheaper fares are no longer available.
Tour Manager included
Winter Digital photography
7 days / 6 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes
The opportunity to capture the Northern Lights is a photographer's dream but in addition to that, winter in Norway has much to offer the amateur photographer. With a specific focus on digital photography, you will learn how to realise the full potential of your digital camera.
Our experienced lecturer in photography joins you as you travel on the Voyage North. Sailing among the islands and fjords, you will discover how to get the best results from digital cameras and maximise the potential of related photographic software. The changing Arctic light will challenge our skills whether you zoom in on aspects of life on board or try to reproduce the silent beauty of snow-draped settlements fringing the shore.
Additionally each excursion offers a diverse range of subject matter - cathedral grandeur, Art Nouveau Ålesund, wheeling sea eagles, rugged North Cape, brightly painted fishermens' cabins reflected in the deep waters, soaring bridges and breathtaking views - will put you in the right frame of mind.
No previous experience necessary.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Bergen where embarkation takes place (D).
Days 2 - 6 : Voyage north towards Kirkenes. (B, D).
Day 7 : Arrive in Kirkenes, transfer to the airport for your return flights to the UK (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
Winter Digital Photography - Prices 2010
No single supplement
Departure from London Heathrow
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan - 28 Jan | |
MS Midnatsol | £1,070 |
| 26 Feb - 4 Mar | |
MS Nordkapp | £1,070 |
| Outside Cabin Supplement | £95 | ||
Please note that prices are based on cheapest available flights at the time of publication. Prices may increase if these cheaper fares are no longer available.
Tour Manager included
Opera Voyage
7 days / 6 nights
Tromsø • Bergen • Oslo
This special itinerary on board MS Trollfjord offers a musical voyage in the most spectacular setting, taking you from Tromsø in the far north to Norway's capital Oslo in the south. A magical journey with concerts on board, along the spellbinding coast of Arctic Norway, land of the enchanted polar night and the mystical Northern Lights.
Starting your voyage in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, keep your eyes open for the spectacular Aurora Borealis as you navigate through inlets and channels of these cool waters. Jagged snow-clad peaks rise sharply from the sea and soon you will reach the beautiful islands of Lofoten. This beautiful chain of islands is the home to many traditional fishing communities and has recently been voted one of the world's most beautiful island destinations by National Geographic. From here our journey continues south to Trondheim, the Viking capital of Norway. Here you will have the opportunity to see the 18th century Stiftsgården Palace and the magnificent 14th century Nidaros Cathedral, considered to be one of the grandest Gothic buildings in northern Europe.
The second half of your journey will begin in Bergen. Mesmerising daily concerts complement the passing landscapes beautifully as you sail for Norway's capital Oslo - your final destination. On your last night you enjoy further concerts on board the ship and the highlight of the tour; the New Years concert in Oslo's newly built modern opera house.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly to Tromsø and board the ship at midnight(D).
Days 2 - 5 : Enjoy the voyage to Bergen and onward to Oslo. There will also be concerts on board (B, l, D).
Day 6 : Arrive in Oslo, enjoy the traditional Norwegian New Years Concert at Oslo's new Opera House. Overnight on board (B, L, D).
Day 7 :Depending on your return flight there may be free time to explore Oslo before you depart (B).
Key: B = Breakfast; L= Lunch; D = Dinner
Opera Voyage - Prices 2010
No single supplement
Departure from London Heathrow
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Jan - 10 Jan | MS Trollfjord | £1,230 | |
| Outside Cabin Supplement | £95 | ||
Please note that prices are based on cheapest available flights at the time of publication. Prices may increase if these cheaper fares are no longer available.
All prices are per person.
Prices Include :
- Return Economy class flights from London Heathrow as applicable incl. applicable taxes and surcharges
- Expert tuition and talks as described
- A tour manager where advised
- Voyage on either full or half board as described in itinerary
- Hotels as described in itinerary
- Transfers as applicable
- Meals as per itinerary
