6 days / 5 nights
Kirkenes • Bergen
The Hurtigruten Classic Voyage South takes you from Kirkenes, near the Russian border, to Bergen, the gateway to the Fjords. This voyage is very popular among travellers who may not have time for the full round voyage, but wish to enjoy watching the transitions along the coastline as they sail from the sparse northern landscapes, deep within the Arctic Circle, to the populated, lush southern regions of the fjord-filled coast.
Your Classic Voyage South takes you from Kirkenes, near the Russian border, to Bergen, the gateway to the fjords with 34 ports of call along the course of your journey.
You have the opportunity to spend time in Oslo prior to your voyage and on disembarking in Bergen you may also extend your stay to explore the south of this beautiful country. A unique feature of this itinerary is your voyage through the magnificent Lofoten Islands.
Other highlights include crossing the Arctic Circle and regular shore excursions such as snowmobiling and the medieval city of Trondheim. An overnight stay in Bergen allows you time to explore this beautiful Hanseatic city.
Day 1 :
Board your Hurtigruten ship in Kirkenes for the southbound Coastal Voyage. 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 2 :
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. You have time to learn more about this town and its famous Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society before continuing south to Tromsø. (B, D)
Day 3 :
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 4 :
From Ørnes, you'll travel through crystal waters, filled with spawning cod from January to April, and go by lush agricultural fields. Nearly every towering peak you'll see is associated with a local legend. Crossing the Arctic Circle once again, sailing past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters and the idyllic island of Sandnessjøen you enter a world of legend and folklore. On the approach to Brønnøysund, which you reach this afternoon, spy the mythical Seven Sisters Mountains.
Make sure you're on deck when the ship departs Brønnøysund - you'll be impressed by the captain's steady hand! Today's last port of call will be Rørvik to enjoy the award-winning maritime museum. (B, D)
Day 5 :
An early arrival in the medieval city of Trondheim gives you an opportunity to explore the city and maybe visit the Nidaros Cathedral. 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 6 :
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 your crew, as you disembark from your magnificent journey on the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage. (B)
Key: B = Breakfast; D = Dinner
Excursions :-
Classic Voyage South Fares 2012
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| Awaiting New Dates | Twin | £ | £ |
| Single Supplement | £ | £ | |
| Awaiting New Dates | Twin | £ | £ |
| Single Supplement | £ | £ | |
Prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin.
Not Included :
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Add a flight package from £635ppPrice includes : Return economy flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Kirkenes and return from Bergen including current taxes and charges, one night at an Oslo airport hotel including breakfast, and transfers as applicable. Other departure airports and nights in Kirkenes, Bergen and Oslo are available for a supplement, please contact us for details.
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