14 days/13 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes • Trondheim • Oslo

Fares 2008

Classic Norwegian Explorer 2009

The Classic Norwegian Explorer combines the highlights of the Coastal Voyage with the freedom to spend extra time before or after the voyage to pursue additional trips and activities outlined on this website. Planned with total flexibility in mind, the Classic Norwegian Explorer combines eleven fascinating days on board ship with a stay in both Trondheim and Norway's capital city, Oslo.

Joining the ship in Bergen, you embark on the classic journey that will take you from the lush green south to the wild and remote north, then back again to Trondheim, allowing you to really experience this fascinating coast, and the rail journey onwards to Oslo is a fantastic way to see more of the mainland.

The coastal voyage spends six nights travelling north and calls at a total of 34 ports from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, before returning south for a further five magical nights to reach Trondheim. This gives you plenty of time to sit back and absorb the stunning scenes that surround you, and join an outstanding range of excellent excursions along the way.

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.

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. On departures between 15 April and 14 September the ship will sail into the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, where tumbling waterfalls, rugged cliffs and majestic mountains are mirrored in the deep still water. Here you have the opportunity to join excursions ashore and weave through hairpin bends to overlook one of the world's longest fjords.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 season 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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 11 :

You have an early arrival in the fascinating medieval city of Trondheim, where the Norwegian Explorer passengers leave the ship. Transfer to your centrally located hotel where you will stay for one night. You have the afternoon free to explore this medieval city, where most attractions are within walking distance of your hotel. Once on land the itinerary is on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 12 :

Leave Trondheim in the morning by train for Oslo. Arrive in Oslo mid-afternoon for 2 night stay. Time to explore this lively capital city.

Day 14 :

Free time to explore Oslo depending on your chosen return flight to the UK.

There are many fabulous opportunities available from Bergen should you wish to extend your trip to discover more of beautiful Norway - see Options and Excursions.

One of the unique features of the Hurtigruten voyage is that with daily departures throughout the year you can choose the date and ship that suits your taste. With several UK airports to choose from this gives you great flexibility to decide your own schedule. See flights.

CLASSIC NORWEGIAN EXPLORER - PRICES : 2008 Move cursor over cabin grade for description.

All above prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin cabin/room.
*Single supplement. Please note there are a number of departures which have no single supplement on the voyage part of the holiday. A single supplement will still apply to the land based part. Including : Nov, 9, 17, 19, 20, 21 Dec. Subject to availability.

Golden Years Reduction (GYR) : £70 applicable for period 1 Jan - 31 May and 1 Aug - 31 Dec to passengers aged 65 or over on ship departure date.

YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES:

• 10 night voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board starting with buffet dinner on the evening of embarkation in Bergen. Disembarking in Trondheim.
• One night in Trondheim and two nights in Oslo in centrally located 4* hotel including breakfast.
• 2nd class rail travel between Trondheim and Oslo.
• Transfers (excluding airport transfers).

NOT INCLUDED :

• International flights between UK and Bergen / Oslo. See flights.
• Airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Excursions

The holiday price is determined by the ship's departure date from Bergen.