The Voyage South
Day 1, Oslo – Kirkenes
A flight Oslo – Kirkenes starts your southbound experience. Board your vessel, sailing from Kirkenes early afternoon. The ship hugs the coast as it visits the remote settlements it continues to serve more than a century after the Hurtigruten was created, to provide a vital link with the rest of the country.
Relax on board and enjoy the majestic scenery. Overnight: Hurtigruten (D)
Day 2, North Cape – Hammerfest – Tromsø
Early morning arrival in Honningsvåg, and we travel by sightseeing coach to the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe at 71˚ north. A unique tour through impressive scenery to enjoy breakfast at North Cape Hall. Afterwards there is a memorable drive along the western side of the mighty Porsangerfjord and on through the dramatic Arctic landscape of Finnmark county to rejoin the ship at Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town. Continuing south, a night stop at Tromsø, offering an opportunity to enjoy the Midnight Sun summer concert in the Arctic Cathedral.
Overnight: Hurtigruten. (BLD)
Day 3, Lofoten Islands – Trollfjord
The memorable sights of the Lofoten Islands will stay with us forever as the ship meanders gently through this stunning network of inlets of isles. We reach what is the highlight of the voyage for many, where we hope to make a detour into spectacular Trollfjord. As we venture into this dramatic fjord, we stand in awe of the Captain’s prowess and skills of navigation, for the sheer sides of the cliffs seem close enough to touch. Sailing through the beautiful, mountainous island chains, rising to 1000 metres in places, we can see fishermen’s cabins built on stilts along the waterfront, whilst in the sky around us fly a wide variety of seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants and sea eagles. This remarkable day is completed with an evening return to Svolvær and a farewell to the islands at Stamsund. Overnight: Hurtigruten. (BLD)
Day 4, Arctic Circle
There is further excitement today as the ship crosses the Arctic Circle. Sailing past the famed peaks of the dancing Seven Sisters mountain range, folklore merges with the facts of nature – look out of Torghatten, which still bears the hole made by Hestmannen’s arrow in one of Norway’s popular legends. The new museum at Rørvik celebrates the important part the sea has played in defining today’s Norway. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 5, Trondheim – Kristiansund – Molde
We have an early arrival in the fascinating medieval city of Trondheim. Optional tours are available. The voyage continues out of the Trondheimsfjord past Hitra Island to make brief calls at Kristiansund and Molde, known as the City of Roses, Ålesund, and a last night at sea. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 6, Bergen
The landscape becomes increasingly lush as the journey weaves through the islets and beautiful Bergen comes into view. Before long it’s time to say good bye to the ship and to friends, fellow passengers and our crew, as we disembark from our magnificent journey on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. Make your way to your hotel. Overnight: Bergen (BL)
Day 7, Bergen – Oslo
Take the scenic train journey across the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of Norway”. Mountains, valleys and fertile farming areas – enjoy a scenic journey through inland Norway. Arrival in Oslo. (B)