7 days / 6 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes
Norway's heritage and the sea are inseperable and throughout this voyage you see how both have shaped modern daily life.
The full twelve-day, full round voyage navigates northbound to Kirkenes, before turning south to sail back to Bergen. Calling at 34 ports along the way, those visited by night on the northbound voyage are seen by day on the southbound journey, ensuring that all passengers get to know the very best of the dramatic and interesting Norwegian coastline
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
The cultural city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, is where your amazing journey begins with an evening departure. Settle into the gentle rhythm of life on board as the ship glides along the unspoilt 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 we look forward to the next port of call.
Day 2 :
A perfect start to our 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 we have the opportunity to join excursions ashore and weave through hairpin bends to overlook one of the world's longest fjords. This is truly a mountain lover's delight.
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 we sleep the ship plies its trade along the coast and enters the land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 4 :
In the early hours we experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle as the voyage continues to the modern town of Bodø¸, from where we 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 quayside and the stylish little town is just a few minutes away.
Day 5 :
A relaxing morning at sea precedes our 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 our cabins.
Day 6 :
After an early call at Hammerfest we 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 we 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.
Prices for the Classic Voyage North
Prices for the Classic Round Voyage
