6 days
A scenic voyage through the changing landscapes of the polar Arctic, stunning Vesterålen, the idyllic Lofoten islands and the Seven Sisters mountain range.
Classic Voyage South
Kirkenes–Bergen
DAY 1: Polar Arctic landscapes Kirkenes to Båtsf ord From Kirkenes, very close to the Russian border, you will sail south towards Finnmark. This is home to Norway’s king crabs, seafood delicacies that can reach a span of over 1 metre and weigh more than 10kg. You will dock in Vardø where (weather permitting) you can bravely try ice swimming or attend a lecture on the aquatic life in the Arctic.
Optional excursions: 7A The Russian border; 7C Snowmobile Safari; 7D Kirkenes Snowhotel; 7F Husky Sledge Adventure; 7H King Crab Expedition; 7J Dog Sledding (exclusive to Platinum)
DAY 2: Northern Lights, Arctic choirs and tasty local delicacies Mehamn to Tromsø On this polar stretch, keep your eyes peeled for the magnifi cent Northern Lights and Fruholmen, Europe’s northernmost lighthouse. Twitchers – get your binoculars out at Hjelmsøy to view Europe’s largest colony of guillemots and razorbills. You’ll stop at Hammerfest, home to the UNESCO- listed Meridian Column, and sail through the magnifi cent Lyngen Alps. You arrive in Tromsø at night where you can enjoy a local night out sampling their gastronomic delights or visit the Arctic Cathedral for an unmissable midnight concert.
Optional excursions: 8B The Northernmost Town in the World; 8C Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral; 8F Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night; 8G Mountain Hike in Hammerfest; 8H Into the Ice
DAY 3: The unspoiled beauty of Lofoten Tromsø to Stamsund For many, sailing along this stunning stretch of coastline past the beautiful Vesterålen islands towards Lofoten is the highlight of their voyage. The Lofoten Islands are famed for their spectacular scenery of secluded white beaches and turquoise lagoons, so unique to Norway. As you enter the narrow Trollf ord strait at Raftsundet, you’ll be mesmerised by the steep mountains fl anking you on both sides.
22 The Lofoten islands dusted with snow
This area is also renowned for its fi shing and you may catch our chef demonstrating his fi sh-fi lleting skills out on deck.
Optional excursions: 9A A Taste of Vesterålen; 9D Lofoten by Horse; 9F Fishing Village Walk; 9H Mountain Hike in Lofoten
DAY 4: See the spectacular Seven Sisters Bodø to Rørvik It’s a special moment as you cross the Arctic Circle, and this needs to be properly marked by a traditional ritual on deck involving cod liver oil. Along the Helgeland coast, the scenery will alter again, this time with islands, islets, reefs and steep mountain walls. You will pass the spectacular Seven Sisters mountain range with its distinctive craggy outcrops and see the Hestmannen and Torghatten rock formations, both imbued with local myth.
Optional excursions: 10A Brønnøysund Village Walk; 10D Gateway to Helgeland
DAY 5: Royal Trondheim and fi shing villages Trondheim to Ålesund You’ll spend the morning taking in the sights of the Royal City of Trondheim, famous for its Gothic- style Nidaros Cathedral and the charming wooden houses of Bakklandet. Then you’ll sail through the majestic Trondheimsf ord past thousands of islets and fi shing boats to Kristiansund, Norway’s “cured cod capital”, known for exporting salted dry fi sh. From there, you’ll travel to Molde, and can join an excursion to visit the magnifi cent marble mine at Bergtatt.
Optional excursions: 11A Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral; 11B The Hidden Rooms of Nidaros Cathedral (exclusive to Platinum); 11D Trondheim City Walk; 11E Bergtatt, Magnifi cent Marble Mine; 11F Husky Safari
Florø Måløy
Bergen
DAY 6: Sail into the historic city of Bergen Ålesund to Bergen As your voyage draws to a close, head on deck and take in the views of the rugged landscape, cascading waterfalls and fertile plains around Nordf ord beneath the imposing Jostedalsbreen glacier. Please see pp.48–49 for more details on the pre- and post-voyage extension programmes in Bergen.
Optional excursions: 12A Bergen City Sightseeing Mehamn
Havøysund Honningsvåg
Hammerfest Tromsø Risøyhamn
Stokmarknes Sortland
Svolvær Stamsund Bodø Ørnes
Sandnessjøen Nesna
Brønnøysund Rørvik
Kristiansund Ålesund Torvik Molde Trondheim
ARCTIC CIRCLE 66°33'N
Finnsnes Skjervøy
Harstad
Berlevåg Båtsford
Kjølleford Øksford
Vadsø Vardø
Kirkenes
Optional excursions For details of all our fantastic winter excursions, see pp.36–41.
Want to add fl ights? To save you time and trouble, we can also help arrange ATOL-protected fl ights to and from the UK on your behalf. Prices starts from £395pp in addition to the voyage price.
NORWAY
NORTH CAPE 71° N
LOFOTEN
VESTERÅLEN
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