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.
Fares : Digital Photography Voyage
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 :
The cultural city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, 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 you bid farewell to your fellow passengers, the ship and crew. Return flights to the UK via Oslo. (B)
Winter Digital Photography Voyage - Prices 2011 -
No Single Supplement
Departures from London Heathrow
| Itinerary - 7 Days / 6 Nights | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Ship | Price per person from | ||
| Twin Inside | Twin Outside | |||
| 27 January 2011 | Beginners | MS Trollfjord | £1,199 | £1,309 |
| 8 March 2011 | Intermediate | MS Nordkapp | £1,279 | £1,389 |
This voyage can be extended, from £315pp, to incorporate the Classic Round Voyage.
All prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin/room.
There are no single supplements (subject to availability).
Prices Include :
- Return Economy class flights from London Heathrow to Bergen via Oslo with return from Kirkenes via Oslo including current taxes and charges
- Voyage in an unspecified twin cabin including half board as described in itinerary
- Tour Manager and lectures
- Transfers as applicable
Not Included :
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage Handling
- Optional Excursions
Regional Departures : Please contact us for details, availability and applicable supplements.
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 : | £115 | 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 |
|---|
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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