8 days / 7 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes • Oslo

Fares 2008

Classic Voyage North 2009

The Classic Voyage North is very popular among travellers who may not have time for the full round voyage, but wish to enjoy watching the gradual transitions from the populated, lush southern regions of the coastline to the more sparse landscapes north of the Arctic Circle.

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. 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.

Every day offers a new highlight such as the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, medieval Trondheim and the visually awesome UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord. Disembarking in Kirkenes you have the opportunity to extend your trip in northern Norway to Finland or Russia, before catching our flights south to Oslo.

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.

Transfer to airport for flight to Oslo. One night is included at a centrally located hotel in Oslo on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8 Depending on flight times, there may be free time to explore Norway's bustling capital city.

There are many fabulous opportunities available from Kirkenes 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 VOYAGE SOUTH - 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) : £50 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:

• 6 night voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board starting with buffet dinner on the evening of embarkation in Bergen. Disembarking in Kirkenes.
• One night in Oslo in centrally located 4* hotel including breakfast.
• Domestic flight Kirkenes to Oslo including airport taxes.
• Transfers on day 7.

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.