Hurtigruten ships have been an integral part of Norwegian coastal life for more than 100 years, delivering freight, post and passengers to remote communities between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north. They’re informal, adventurous journeys, calling at ports inaccessible to other cruise ships. This Arctic adventure begins at the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska, where the influence of the Gulf Stream creates the world’s longest ice-free polar coast. And with the whole voyage occurring within the Arctic Circle, you’ve a greatly increased chance of seeing the magical Northern Lights.
PRICES & DATES
Price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return economy flights from London Gatwick, voyage in an unspecified twin cabin on a half board basis, 1 night at a centrally located hotel in Tromso including breakfast and transfers.
Departures:
12, 24, 29 February 2012
6, 8, 11, 14, 16, 21 March 2012
Departures in November-December 2012:
29 November 2012
6, 10 December 2012
We also have extended 6 day itinerary available on 1, 3 and 8 December 2012.
Please contact us for winter 2013 dates!
ITINERARY
Day 1 Tromsø
Fly to Tromsø, Norway’s Arctic capital, to board your ship in the afternoon and begin your voyage north. Keep your eyes peeled to the skies to look for the Northern Lights as you head towards Honningsvåg. Dinner
Day 2 Hammerfest-Honningsvåg
After an early morning stop at Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg mid-morning and join an optional excursion to mainland Europe’s most northerly point – the North Cape.
This is a wild and windswept headland where the cliffs rise dramatically 300 metres from the sea and you gaze out with nothing but water between you and the frozen waters surrounding the North Pole.
Day 3 Kirkenes-Tromsø
Sailing on, you turn east to reach the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes, only 10km from the Russian border, and the turning point for your voyage. This fascinating town allows a tantalising glimpse into life in this remote region of Norway. In Kirkenes you can visit the border with Russia, try your hand at snowmobiling or enjoy a visit to the Snow Hotel. Later in the day you depart Kirkenes returning south towards Tromsø.
Day 4 Hammerfest - Tromsø
Hugging the coastline you revisit remote settlements which rely on the Hurtigruten ships to maintain contact with the rest of Norway, particularly in winter. Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town is your first major port of call before reaching Tromsø late in the evening. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.
(B, D)
Day 5 Tromsø
Optional excursions may be available before your transfer back to the airport and return flights to the UK.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
The Hurtigruten fleet consists of 11 different ships operating along Norway’s coast. The ships vary depending upon their size and age, and all come with their own individual style and character. On board, large comfortable panoramic lounges are complemented by bars, and a restaurant serving celebrated cuisine, and relaxation is the order of the day.