Classic Voyage North: Bergen – Kirkenes

Resort:Classic Voyage North: Bergen - Kirkenes
Operator: Hurtigruten
Destination: Norway
Price From: £819.00

Overview

Classic Voyage North byHurtigrutentakes you on a 7-day exploration of Norway’s major coastal cities and remote villages, from Bergen and far beyond the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes. Encounter natural wonders with the chance to take part in exciting activities as you discover the best of Norway’s rugged coastline.

Enjoy onboard lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and the area in which you are sailing.


Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Bergen, Norway

Your voyage starts in the lovely city of Bergen. Before departure, you may want to explore this colourful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD and retains a great deal of its character, charm and history. You may enjoy a stroll on the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor cafe or restaurant, a visit to the famous fish market or a trip on the Floibanen funicular.

After departure, enjoy a tasty buffet dinner made from coastal produce. Your ship will sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord. Spend the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in the panorama lounge of your ship.


Day2: Floro – Molde

Enjoy an early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. Your ship will then sail past West Cape for the approach to Alesund. This city is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Your tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before you continue to near Mount Aklsa for an amazing view.

During the summer months, the ship will set its course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 800m high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. In Autumn, you’ll explore Hjorundfjord in the majestic Sunnmore Alps. The fjords pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable.

Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama”.


Day 3: Kristiansund – Rorvik

Charming Trondheim is home to a great history and rich cultural life. Founded in 997, today it is a unique mix of ancient and modern. Join an optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only gothic cathedral. In spring and summer, you will get to visit the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music’s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view.

Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here, you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8km stretch of highway spans eight bridges crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by the open sea.

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjaer lighthouse, islets and rocky reefs. After sailing through the narrow channel of Stokksund, your ship heads towards Rorvik.


Day 4: Bronnoysund – Skjervoy

Today you will cross the Arctic Circle! Marking your best chance to see Northern Lights in winter and experience the Midnight Sun in summer. The occasion will be marked by a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck.

Ornes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, you will enjoy a trip to the local tourist centre to admire this enigmatic world of ice and visit a moose farm.

Your ship will then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodo, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful Maelstrom, by small boat.


Day 5: Stokmerknes – Skjervoy

In the morning the ship will briefly dock at Risoyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes. You will then sail to the Arctic exploration capital of Tromso for a prolonged stay. Join the ‘Polar History Walk’ here in winter to learn more about explorers and Arctic hunters, and taste beer from the world’s most northernmost brewery. In winter and spring complete your stay with a thrilling dog sledge ride. Sailing between September and March from Tromso, you’ll continue a search for the Northern Lights.


Day 6: Oksfjord – Berlevag

Enjoy magnificent landscapes as your ship sails to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sami people in the area.

After a brief stop in Hammerfest, you will arrive in Havoysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world’s northernmost fishing village and ride by bus to North Cape plateau. The ship then continues to Honningsvag, from where you can join a bird-watching excursion.

The ship continues north into the heartland of the Sami people. Visit Kjollefjord where you can learn about their way of life and hear their traditional song.


Day 7: Batsfjord – Berlevag

Your ship will arrive early today in Vadso before docking in Kirkenes – the ships turning point for the return journey.

There are a number of fascinating things to see and do in Kirkenes, which is located on the Russian border. You’ll notice the local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.

There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier, depending on the season. You can take a bus year-round and join a riverboat safari, canoeing, border hikes or quad-bike adventures in summer.

You maychoose to spend some extra time exploring this unique region at the top of Europe before returning home, either way, you will take home a lifetime of memories of a fascinating voyage along Norway’s coastline.


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