Hurtigruten - Grand Arctic Traverse Expedition 2017
19 days / 18 nights - MS FRAM
Tromsø • Jan Mayen • Iceland • Greenland • Copenhagen
On the Grand Arctic Traverse experience many Arctic highlights, starting in Norway, sailing on to the isolated island of Jan Mayen. From there you voyage to Iceland and further on to explore Greenland.
Enjoy the stunningly beautiful Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands of Norway before heading out across the Norwegian Sea to Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands in the northern hemisphere.
The incredible landscapes and teeming wildlife of Iceland will enthral you and as a grand finale, experience almost a week exploring southern Greenland and the Disco Bay area. The spectacular scenery, fantastic Icefjord and the Midnight Sun provide a stunning backdrop to this voyage.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tromsø, Norway
When Roald Amundsen recruited members for his famous expeditions, he travelled to Tromsø in order to find men with navigational experience in icy oceans; men that knew how to survive with minimal means in the Arctic. Today, Tromsø is the refined version of itself 100 years ago, and the Gateway to the Arctic.
Day 2 : Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Fram reaches the Vesterålen Islands early next morning. As you sail along the coast there are strong chances of spotting whales from the deck, as they usually feed in the area. Myre is one of the largest fishing villages in Norway, and a place to experience local culture and enjoy hikes. In the evening you will sail through the narrow Raftsund between Lofoten and Vesterålen, with mountains stretching up 1,200 metres straight from the sea. You will then experience something extraordinary as you sail into the pristine Trollfjord. The Midnight Sun and sea eagles circling around the mountain peaks will make it even more memorable.
Day 3 : Henningsvær, Lofoten Islands, Norway
The picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær is comprised of a number of islets spread amongst the waters of the Vestfjord. Here you can go ashore and discover the most well-preserved architecture of the traditional Norwegian villages, charming cafés, small restaurants, and the Hus Gallery "an art gallery featuring Norwegian art". In the afternoon you sail with the tidewater current through the 18-kilometre long Gimsøy Strait.
Day 4 : At Sea, Norwegian Sea
This is an excellent day to participate in expert lectures from our Expedition Team.
Days 5 : Jan Mayen, Norway
Jan Mayen is the most isolated island in the Northern Hemisphere. Tourists visiting and actually landing on the shores of Jan Mayen are extremely rare. The crew will do their best to make it possible for you to set foot on this exotic outpost.
Day 6 : At Sea, Greenland Sea
Today, you will be sailing along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate that separates the Eurasian and North American continents. This mid-ocean ridge is a part of the longest underwater mountain range in the world.
Day 7 : Grímsey, Iceland
Grímsey is where the Arctic Circle touches Iceland, and we will use our Polarcirkel boats to reach this green and grassy island. The Arctic Circle cuts across the island and you can step across that line.
Day 8 : Stykkishólmur, Iceland
As you reach the west region of Iceland, you will understand why this area is nicknamed "The Sagaland". Take your time to explore Stykkishólmur's diversity with lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. You can take part in a range of exciting excursions such as kayaking, hiking and horse riding.
Day 9 : Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city. Norwegian settlers named the place Reykjavik, which means "Smoky Bay", after the columns of steam that rise from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression. The area offers fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths.
Day 10 : At Sea, Denmark Strait
While crossing the Denmark Strait you sail in the wake of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland more than 900 years ago.
Day 11 : At Sea, Prins Christian Sund / Nunap Isua
The Fram sails through the narrow channel of Prins Christian Sund whilst you enjoy the spectacular scenery here. If the channel is blocked with ice, you will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).
Day 12 : Qassiarsuk, Greenland
In Qassiarsuk you will find green fields dotted with white sheep, lush vegetation and busy farmsteads; this forms a colourful contrast to the icescapes at sea. Qassiarsuk is also where Viking Erik the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. It is a great area to try optional activities such as kayaking, hiking, or exploring the town on foot.
Day 13 : Hvalsey and Qaqortoq, Greenland
In Hvalsey you will find some of the best preserved ruins from the Norse period; Hvalsey Church was probably built in the 14th century. You will use Polarcirkel boats to get ashore so you can explore the area for yourself. Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland due to the colourful houses. The excursions on offer here include an interesting visit to the only tannery in Greenland, a city walk with guide, and a kaffemik to meet the locals and share a traditional open-house coffee meet.
Day 14 : Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland. It is situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world. City tours and hikes are among the optional excursions.
Day 15 : Sisimiut, Greenland
The Disco Bay area offers fantastic sailing with wildlife and spectacular nature. Colourful villages cling to rough, rocky hills at the feet of the mountains surrounding the inland ice. Join excursions such as kayaking, hiking or other activities. In Sisimiut you can watch the artists make jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal, join a sightseeing tour or hike, and taste Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant.
Day 16 : Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilulissat is set in marvellous surroundings at Ilulissat Icefjord. The area was added to on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. You will see enormous icebergs run aground at the mouth of the fjord, just outside the town. There are a variety of optional shore excursions including hikes, a town walk with a historical theme and a boat tour to the Icefjord.
Day 17 : Itilleq, Greenland
The small settlement of Itilleq has around 130 inhabitants; they are mainly involved in hunting and fishing. Take the chance to visit one of the families that live here, buy some of, the area's arts and crafts, or even enjoy a game of football with the locals.
Day 18 : Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Copenhagen
Kangerlussuaq is situated at the end of the Kangerlussuaq fjord and this is where the expedition ends. After disembarking you can join an excursion to the ice cap before you take the night flight to Copenhagen.
Day 19 : Copenhagen
Your flight arrives in Copenhagen early in the morning.
DEPARTURE:
5 June, 2017
Grand Arctic Traverse Expedition - PRICES : 2017
Occupancy | June 2017 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Twin | Single | ||
Polar Inside | |||
I | Early Booking from | £6,130 | £10,199 |
Brochure Price | £7,940 | £13,367 | |
Polar Outside | |||
FJ* | Early Booking from | £6,691 | £11,181 |
Brochure Price | £8,689 | £14,677 | |
N | Early Booking from | £7,293 | £12,235 |
Brochure Price | £9,492 | £16,083 |
|
Arctic Superior | |||
U | Early Booking from | £8,029 | £13,523 |
Brochure Price | £10,471 | £17,796 |
|
F | Early Booking from | £9,162 | £15,505 |
Brochure Price | £11,981 | £20,438 |
|
Expedition Suite | |||
M | Early Booking from | £10,044 | £19,384 |
Brochure Price | £13,161 | £25,617 |
|
MG | Early Booking from | £12,408 | £24,111 |
Brochure Price | £16,313 | £31,921 |
- Save up to 25% when booking before 30 November, 2016. Be aware that Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and the early booking prices are capacity controlled. Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.
YOUR HURTIGRUTEN VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES :
- • Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis.
- • Excursion towards Icecap including dinner after the voyage.
- • Transfers from ship to airport in Kangerlussaq.
- • Economy flight Kangerlussaq to Copenhagen.
- • Wind and waterproof jacket.
- • Landings in Polarcirkel boats and activities on board and ashore.
- • Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities.
- • Free tea and coffee.
NOT INCLUDED :
- • International flights
- • Travel insurance
- • Luggage handling
- • Optional excursions
- • Gratuities
NOTES :
- • Prices are in £s per person.
- • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions.
- • All itineraries are subject to change.
- • Rubber boots rental service on board free of charge.
ADD A FLIGHT PACKAGE - Price from £332 per person
FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES :
- • Flight in Economy class from London to Tromsø and Copenhagen to London including current taxes and charges.
NOT INCLUDED :
- • Travel insurance.
- • Regional departures and upgrades may be available at extra cost.
Excursions (Pre-bookable)
Starting Point | Excursion Name | Booking Code | Price from pp |
---|---|---|---|
Qassiarsuq | Erik The Red - Settlement Walk | G-QAS4 | £40 |
Boat Trip to Qooroq Icefjord | G-QAS2 | £88 | |
Two-Fjords Hike | G-QAS3 | £31 | |
Nuuk | Nuuk City Tour | G-NUU2 | £47 |
Lille Malene Hike | G-NUU3 | £41 | |
Cultural Historical Walk (incl. museum) | G-NUU4 | £47 | |
Reykjavik | Blue Lagoon & Panoramic Reykjavik | I-REK1 | £113 |
Geothermal Landscape and Viking History | I-REK2 | £82 | |
Heart of the Glacier | I-REK3 | £237 | |
Stykkishólmur | Highlights of Snaefellsnes Peninsula | G-STY2 | £92 |
The Viking Sushi Adventure | G-STY1 | £72 | |
Hike in the Beserk Lava Field | G-STY3 | £82 |