The Voyage North
Day 1, Oslo – Bergen
Depart Oslo by train and travel through valleys and over dramatic high land plateaus. Arrival Bergen, own transfer to hotel. Overnight: Bergen
Day 2, Bergen
This morning, a sightseeing tour of Bergen. Places of interest are the historic city centre with the hanseatic docks, the Fish market and the fort. The tour continues to Old Bergen and on to Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s home. En route, we drive onto Nattlands Mountain, one of Bergen’s best panoramic viewpoints. Afternoon at leisure.
Make your way to the Hurtigruten quay, for embarkation starting at 18.00. Evening sailing from Bergen. 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. 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. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BD)
Day 3, Ålesund – Geirangerfjord
An early arrival at the enchanting Art Nouveau town or 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. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 4, Trondheim
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.
Optional 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. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 5, Arctic Circle – Lofoten Islands
In the early hours we experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle as the voyage continues to the town of Bodø, from where we can join an optional
Sea Eagle safari to witness the world’s strongest maelstrom at Saltstraumen. The glorious Lofoten Islands are where the day ends, with a stop at the capital, Svolvær. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 6, Tromsø
A relaxing morning at sea before arriving in Tromsø, 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 through the centuries. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 7, Hammerfest – North Cape
After an early call at Hammerfest we arrive in Honningsvåg. This is the starting point for the excursion to the North Cape, mainland Europe’s northernmost point at 71˚ north. We travel by coach through the Arctic scenery of the island of Magerøya, which provides summer grazing for over 4000 reindeer, to the North Cape Plateau. At 307 m above sea level the views are unforgettable. Early travellers had to climb the cliff paths, helped by local sailors, and their names can still be seen scratched into the rock. Today, every comfort is provided. In the North Cape Hall perched on top and carved into the side of the cliff, a widescreen film portrays the North Cape above and below the waves. Return to your vessel and continue north. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 8, Kirkenes – Oslo
The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches the finale of the northbound voyages. Benefiting from the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, the region is rich in sea life and the coast is largely ice-free in winter. Soon we reach Kirkenes, the border with Russia is only a few kilometres away. Here the ship bids farewell to passengers travelling northbound only, and welcomes those joining for the southbound voyage.
Own transfer to the airport for flight to Oslo. (B)