With departures running from October 2021 – March 2022, our 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage includes chartered flights from 9 regional airports in the UK. Why not celebrate Christmas or New Year on board and embark on a journey of discovery around Norway’s original coastal route. With no less than 34 ports of call, prepare to be amazed at the natural wonders and unforgettable scenery that make up this rugged coastline.
Northern Lights Voyage with Direct Flights – 12 days
With departures running from October 2021 – March 2022, our 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage includes chartered flights from 9 regional airports in the UK. Why not celebrate Christmas or New Year on board and embark on a journey of discovery around Norway’s original coastal route. With no less than 34 ports of call, prepare to be amazed at the natural wonders and unforgettable scenery that make up this rugged coastline.
Your journey of discovery starts in the historic city of Bergen and meanders through breathtakingly beautiful fjords and natural valleys, sailing past the West Cape and crossing the Arctic Circle onto the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent.
Day 1: Day 1 - Bergen
This amazing voyage starts from the lovely city of Bergen. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen is steeped in history and still retains a great deal of its charm and character. With its colourful wharfs and cobblestone alleyways there’s plenty to see and do before you set sail.
Once onboard, it’s time to kick back, relax and take in the spectacular landscape as we sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord.
Hurtigruten guides are onboard several of the ships and guests are welcome to join them for lectures, activities or hikes during the many port stays. Talk to us if you’d like to know more about optional excursions or activities.
Day 2: Day 2 - Florø - Molde
Enjoy early morning in the breath taking Nordfjord as we sail past West Cape to Molde, an attractive coastal town with an amazing view of no less than 222 mountain peaks across the fjord. En route, we stop off at Ålesund. Renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture and the famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, Ålesund is a city to behold.
In the autumn we set sail for the Suhnnmøre Alps to explore Hjørundfjord. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is quite simply, unforgettable.
Day 3: Day 3 - Kristiansund - Rørvik
Home to Norway’s only gothic cathedral and the burial place of St Olav, Trondheim, founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997, is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. However you decide to explore – cycle, tram or even kayak on the river Nid, you’ll certainly delight in what this City has to offer. And for the more adventurous, don’t forget our Hurtigruten guides are on hand for a guided hike of the area.
Day 4: Day 4 - Brønnøysund - Svolvær
Join us on deck for the Arctic Circle ceremony as we cross the Arctic Circle on course, to Ørnes the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier known as Svartisen. Our course takes us along the beautiful, meandering Helgeland coast. Home to thousands of islands, bird colonies, naturally steep mountains and troll legends, the coastline is often cited as one of the most enjoyable parts of the route.
As we head towards Bodø, you will be given the opportunity (by small boat) to experience the Saltstraumen Maelstrom, one of Norway’s more unusual natural occurrences. Guaranteed to occur four times every 24 hours, the tides cause one fjord to drain into another, creating the equivalent of a maelstrom at sea.
Day 5: Day 5 - Stokmarknes - Skjervøy
A busy but exciting day, the ship docks briefly at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes before docking for a prolonged stay at Tromsø. Dubbed the ‘Capital of the Arctic’, Tromsø is often described as the ‘Paris’ of the north. It really is something out of the ordinary and offers something for everyone.
Almost 400km north of the Arctic Circle, thanks to the Gulf Stream, it has a surprisingly moderate climate. Packed with snow and with the skies lit up by the northern lights, during the winter, it’s the perfect backdrop to enjoy sports such as skiing and dogsledding.
‘Back in the day’ it was the starting point for several Arctic expeditions – today the Polar Museum, set in a traditional wharf house dating back to the 1830s, recounts the polar history.
Day 6: Day 6 - Øksfjord - Berlevåg
Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as the ship crosses the 71st parallel on its journey towards the North Cape. Rising 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean the majestic North Cape is one of the northern most points on the European continent. The heartland of the Sámi people and home to millions of birds during the nesting season, it is truly spectacular.
If you like, you can take an excursion to the North Cape plateau. At only 2000km away from the North Pole, you’d be forgiven for feeling that you’re at the end of the world as you stand on top of the 307m high plateau.
Day 7: Day 7 - Båtsfjord - Berlevåg
The vistas become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes. Located in the extreme north-eastern part of Norway and just a few kilometres from the Russian border is the final stop before the ship turns back for the return journey. The area around Kirkenes was a common Norwegian-Russian district until 1826 when the present border was settled. Although renamed Kirkenes after the Church that was built in 1862, there are still strong bonds and cultural influences from Russia today.
Kirkenes offers a wide range of classic winter activities but your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to an Arctic Ice Dome. And as you head back on board, remember you’ve only seen half of Norway’s coastline. More delights await as the ship starts its voyage south for the return journey.
Day 8: Day 8 - Mehamn – Tromsø
Snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air and the Northern lights in the clear sky – treat yourself to an unforgettable night-time snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most extreme, yet exciting natural wonders.
Day 9: Day 9 - Tromsø – Stamsund
The islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen, renowned for their steep mountains, sandy beaches, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages, offer some of the most natural and stunning scenery of the entire voyage.
After a short stop at Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded over 125 years ago. While we’re here, why not pop ashore and visit the Hurtigruten Museum? As we continue travelling south, prepare to be amazed as we sail into Trollfjord. Only 2km long and 100m wide, this dramatic landscape is surrounded by majestic mountains and has been the inspiration of many troll legends and fairy tales.
Day 10: Day 10 - Bodø – Rørvik
Join us as we celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle in true Arctic tradition – a fun ceremony highlighted by a spoonful of Cod Liver Oil. Not for the faint hearted!
As we continue to sail, we reach the Helgeland coast. Peppered with mountains, it’s home to Torghatten and the Seven Sisters mountain ranges. Torghatten, famous for its 160m long, 35m high and 20m wide distinct hole was created during the Ice Age. The Seven Sisters mountain range though is the stuff of true legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters got caught out at sunrise and turned to stone creating the beautiful peaks known as the Seven Sisters mountain range.
If you fancy something completely different, why not enjoy the stop and go ashore when we reach Brønnøysund. With a charming high and marina, there’s plenty to explore in this pretty little town.
Day 11: Day 11 - Trondheim – Ålesund
Our penultimate day takes us once again to Trondheim, before heading out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord. 170km long and up to 25km wide, it’s also very deep, plunging to 577m. Moving on, we head towards Kristiansund, a city spread across four islands with a harbour that has been active since the Stone Age! Renowned for its centuries-old export of dried fish, today it is known as Norway’s ‘Cured Cod Capital’.
If you’re looking for something different, why not try an excursion to Bergtatt marble mine. Going inside the mountain, sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake and enjoying a meal in the mine’s ‘Grand Hall’, it’s one adventure you can’t afford to miss.
Day 12: Day 12 - Ålesund – Bergen
As the voyage draws to a close, you get the chance to stop at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, before finally docking in Bergen. But before you reach Bergen, you get the chance to take in the rugged coastline – a striking contrast to the inner fjord regions. Fertile fruit orchards and glacial fingers stretch towards glistening lakes and gushing rapids.
As the saying goes ‘all good things come to an end’ but we’re sure you will have created some long-lasting memories and unforgettable experiences.
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check that everything that you have booked (flights, hotels and other services is listed on it.
The Hurtigruten line was originally launched to transport people and goods along the coast of Norway. It was particularly prevalent in winter when infrastructure was still in its infancy and land travel was generally more difficult. Even though there are now alternative means of transport, the Hurtigruten line still runs, calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coastline.
They are though, not traditional cruise ships and life on board a Hurtigruten ship is vastly different to what you might expect onboard a traditional cruise liner and offers less in terms of entertainment. However, as a majority of their ships are much smaller than traditional cruise ships (150 – 500 passengers as opposed to 1000s) it means that they can enter the fjords in both winter and summer. And because they stop at so many ports, you will get to see more of the Norwegian coastline as opposed to just the ‘highlights’.
They also don’t fall short when it comes to comfort and amenities. The cabins are all elegantly furnished with a choice of cabin to suit all budgets. One of the most popular ships, the MS Polarlys, was refurbished in 2016. Featuring a modern, Arctic-inspired interior, there are three restaurants offering a range of different cuisine, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. On deck you can while the time away and take in the view from one of the two hot tubs, or if you prefer, enjoy a drink at the bar at the front of the ship.
But Hurtigruten really does come into its own with its on-board Expedition team. Passionate and experienced about all things ‘Norwegian’, the team host lectures, presentation programmes and activities on a regular basis.
Can’t see what you are looking for? Don’t worry, in all probability we can still do it.
Call us on 01582 349480.
A family run boutique travel agency, we specialise in creating memorable travel experiences. Offering unique adventures, tailored to your specific requirements, we focus solely on you, helping you to understand the experience that your holiday will give you and equipping you with those all-important tips that will help to make your holiday that extra bit special. Oh, and the best part? Our service is free – it literally costs you no more than if you were to book direct. Come and talk to us and we’ll help you to create memories that really will last a lifetime.
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