12 days / 11 nights
Bergen • Kirkenes • Andenes
Please also see our note on Fuel Surcharges.
Just an hour north-west from the shore of Andenes in the far north of the beautiful Vesterålen Islands is Bleik Canyon, part of the continental shelf and home to a rich supply of deepwater squid, cuttlefish and plankton; the staple diet one of nature's gentle giants, the Sperm Whale.
Starting in Bergen, this Hurtigruten voyage of discovery takes you to Kirkenes in the North and returns as far as Risøyhamn where you disembark for the coach trip to Andenes to begin the unforgettable, whale-watching chapter of your Norwegian adventure.
Your Lecturer
Accompanying this tour is marine biologist Prof. Dr Boris Culik who is currently concerned with the reduction in the number of smaller whales caught in industrial drift-nets. Improved nets and so-called 'pinger' acoustic alarms are being tested at present which are now more recognisable to whales and thus avoidable.
Prof. Dr Boris Culik has taken part in over 20 expeditions to the Antarctic, Chile, Mexico and Canada to study penguins, whales and porpoises in their natural habitat. He has presented his pictures and findings in more than 100 lectures both on land and at sea.
YOUR TOUR LEADER
Dr Fenella Bazin has over 30 years' experience as a part-time extramural lecturer in the universities of Birmingham and Liverpool. For many years Dr Bazin's on board lectures and enthusiasm for Norway have enhanced the enjoyment of passengers' voyages, introducing them to aspects as varied as the life of Vikings, wartime Norway and the natural wonders of this spectacular journey. She has a lifelong interest in the history of the Norse settlements in northern Britain, has worked closely with archaeologists on Viking sites in the Isle of Man and is a self-confessed aficionado of Hurtigruten!
VOYAGE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Bergen :
Arrive at the First Hotel Marin in the UNESCO listed harbour town of Bergen. Perhaps enjoy a stroll through the historic Bryggen district with its colourful, picture-postcard Hanseatic warehouses.
Day 2 - Bergen :
Spend this morning at your leisure. Stroll through the narrow medieval streets of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter, visit the Hanseatic Museum or stroll among the stalls at the fish market. Take the funicular railway 320m up Mount Fløyen, located just outside the city, and you'll enjoy the best view of Bergen and its fjords. A short city tour is incorporated into your afternoon transfer to your waiting ship, Hurtigruten's MS Nordlys.
Day 3 - Ålesund and Geirangerfjord :
Ports visited today : Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.
Your ship navigates the skerries and islands further north before reaching Ålesund. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct, perfect examples of the Art Nouveau style. Don't miss out on the view from Mount Aksla but beware, there are 418 steps to the top!
In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord you pass sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls.
Available Excursions :
2D Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla
Day 4 - The Royal City of Trondheim :
Ports visited today : Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.
When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to get a good view from the Gamle Bybrua ("Old Town Bridge"). Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300, is Norway's largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop's Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept.
In Trondheim itself, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as the Rococo-style Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim. You then set a course for the northwest, past the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. After passing through Stokksund, the ship will arrive at Rørvik.
Available excursions :
3B Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
3C Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
Day 5 - Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands :
Ports visited today : Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.
This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, you pass a globe on a small islet which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down your front or back, but is entirely optional.
In the evening you reach Svolvær, the main settlement on the Lofoten Islands. These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and 'rorbuer', the traditional, red fishermen's residences. The Lofoten Islands are a truly extraordinary experience.
Available excursions :
4A Glacier Adventure Svartisen
Day 6 - Tromsø, Gateway to the Arctic :
Ports visited today : Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø ,Skjervøy.
During the night your Hurtigruten ship navigates the narrow Raftsund strait. After a stop in Harstad, situated on the largest island of Norway, Hinnøya, you continue via Finnsnes to Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point; the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and supplies here.
With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway. Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral, is the most famous landmark with its modern design and extraordinary stained glass window. Tromsø is also home to the world's northernmost university and the large number of people arriving here has created a vibrant cultural scene with numerous restaurants and cafes constantly teeming with life.
Available excursions :
Day 7 - Honningsvåg and the North Cape :
Ports visited today : Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg.
Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape which rises 300m from the ocean, and at 71° 10' 21" north it puts you a mere 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical North Pole. Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you'll get the eerie feeling of being at the end of the world.
The area is also known for its bird life, and Gjesværstappan, a bird sanctuary with up to 250,000 seabirds is home to some High Arctic species that can only be observed here on the Norwegian mainland. This evening, as you approach Kjøllefjord, you pass a rock formation that is sacred to the indigenous Sami people, Finnkjerka.
Available excursions :
Day 8 - Kirkenes, The Voyage Turning Point :
Ports visited today : Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes.
The last port on the Hurtigruten Voyage North is Kirkenes. And at longitude 30 east, you are actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. The well-policed Russian border and the Kola peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.
Being at the north-easterly terminus of Hurtigruten, the only choice from here is to set south again but spending a few days in Kirkenes offers you the opportunity to take part in some of the adventurous Arctic activities available nearby.
Available excursions :
7E ATV/Quad-Safari to the Russian Border
Day 9 - Hammerfest and Tromsø :
Ports visited today : Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø.
Breakfast at the North Cape including a visit to a Sámi family form part of an early morning excursion (at extra cost). Your next stop, Hammerfest, was a settlement back to the Stone Age and is still playing an important role as a fishing port. Founded in 1789 to develop trade with Russia, Hammerfest reconfirmed its position as Norway's Polar capital of its time, acting as a base for hunting expeditions to the High Arctic. In Hammerfest the Meridian Column, erected in 1854, commemorates the first precise measurement of the globe, an achievement so important that it's become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As early as 1891, wave energy provided power to the first electric street lighting in Northern Europe, and energy innovation is still a signature for Hammerfest with its large Liquid Gas Plant just outside town. From here, your next major stop will be Tromsø where you are invited to take part in a very special musical experience, The Arctic Cathedral Midnight Concert. Or why not head to one of the town's many friendly pubs and sample the local brew, Mack's Arctic Beer.
Available excursions :
8A Breakfast at the North Cape
8B The Northernmost Town in the World, Hammerfest
8C Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral
8F Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night
Day 10 - Andenes :
Arrive in the small port of Risøyhamn where you will disembark, join a coach transfer and make your way to Andenes. This afternoon or evening you will set sail for the continental shelf, home to the peaceful schools of sperm whale. Overnight in Andenes.
Day 11 - Andenes :
Today is yours to do with as you wish. Perhaps enjoy a local bird-watching safari to spot the native puffin or majestic sea eagle. Andenes is also home, rather bizarrely, to a rocket range. This scientific station is the northernmost launch-site in the world. If a launch is scheduled, keep your eyes peeled.
Day 12 - Andenes - Departure:
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Evenes airport for your return flight.
DEPARTURES 2011 :
Daily departures between 31st July and 11th August, 2011.
Giants of the Deep, Whale-Watching Adventure Fares 2011
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| Departures 2011 | Occ. | Cabin Grades | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside | Outside (*J has limited view) | Suites | |||||||
| I | L | J* | N | P | U | Q | M | ||
31 Jul - 11 Aug |
Twin | 2611 | 2925 | 3024 | 3152 | 3354 | 4995 | 5507 | |
| Sing Supp | 932 | 1102 | 1147 | 1213 | 1316 | 4995 | 5507 | ||
All above prices are in £s per person, for your voyage only, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin cabin. Please note that the ship departure date determines the price of your voyage.
Please also see our note on Fuel Surcharges.
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Your voyage price includes :
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Not included :
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FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE : from £410 per person
YOUR FLIGHT PRICE INCLUDES :
- Return economy class flights from London Heathrow to Kirkenes with return from Bergen including all applicable airport taxes and service charges.
- 1 night B & B Oslo airport hotel
- Airport transfers on day 1 and day 8
Departures and supplements from other UK airports are available on request.
Fuel surcharges may be added at the time of booking.
