Hurtigruten
Norway - The Classic Round Voyage
Classic Round Voyage
Bergen • Kirkenes • Bergen
13 days 12 nights / Full board on ship
The twelve-day, full round voyage navigates northbound to Kirkenes, before turning south to sail back to Bergen. Calling at 34 ports along the way, those visited by night on the northbound voyage are seen by day on the southbound journey, ensuring that all passengers get to know the very best of the dramatic Norwegian coastline.
Day 1
The cultural city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, is where our amazing journey begins with an evening departure. 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 in the comfortable but informal dining room or make new friends in the bar. 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 as we look forward to the next port of call.
Day 2
A perfect start to our second day is an early arrival at the enchanting Art Nouveau town of 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.
Day 3
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. 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.
Day 4
In the early hours we experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle as the voyage continues to the modern town of Bodø, from where we can join a Sea Eagle Safari and witness the world’s strongest maelstrom or whirling stream at Saltstraumen. The glorious Lofoten Islands are where the day draws to a close with a stop at the capital, Svolvær. The intriguing Magic Ice gallery of ‘art below zero’ is on the quayside and the stylish little town is just a few minutes away.
Day 5
A relaxing morning at sea precedes our arrival in Tromsø - the capital of the Arctic - 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 over the centuries and are complemented by modern shops and cafés just minutes from our cabins.
Day 6
After an early call at Hammerfest we arrive in Honningsvåg, the largest fishing village in Finnmark and doorway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape, mainland Europe’s northernmost point at 71º north.
Day 7
The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches the finale of the northbound voyage here in the far reaches of Europe. Benefiting from the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, this region is rich in sea life and the coast is largely ice free in winter allowing ships access to most harbours. Soon we reach Kirkenes, from where the emotive border with Russia lies a few kilometres away and the Sami communities of Northern Finland may be visited.
Day 8
Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town boldly claims to be the first in Europe to have electric street lighting. Starting point of Bill Bryson’s journey described in Neither Here Nor There, this is the first major call. Continuing south, our night stop at Tromsø offers the opportunity to enjoy the Midnight Sun summer concert in the Arctic Cathedral.
Day 9
The memorable sights of the Lofoten Islands will stay with us forever as the ship meanders gently through this stunning network of inlets and isles. Moving on we reach what is the highlight of the voyage for many, where we hope to make a detour into spectacular Trollfjord. Sailing through the beautiful, mountainous island chains, rising to 1,000 metres in places, we can see fishermen’s cabins built on stilts along the waterfront, whilst in the air 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.
Day 10
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 for Torghatten, which still bears the hole made by Hestmannen’s arrow in one of Norway’s popular legends. The award-winning new museum at Rørvik celebrates the important part the sea has played in defining today’s Norway.
Day 11
We have an early arrival in the fascinating medieval city of Trondheim, where the Norwegian Explorer passengers leave the ship to follow their own itinerary (see pages 32 and 33). The voyage continues out of the Trondheimsfjord past Hitra Island to make brief calls at Kristiansund and Molde, known as the City of Roses and surrounded by 87 snow-capped mountains, before the midnight call at Ålesund and a last night at sea.
Day 12
The landscape becomes increasingly lush as the journey weaves through the islets and beautiful Bergen comes into view again. Before long it’s time to say good-bye to the ship and på gjensyn (until we meet again) to friends, fellow passengers and our crew, as we disembark from our magnificent journey on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. Arrive in Bergen early afternoon and disembark after brunch. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 13
Depending on flight times there may be some free time to explore Bergen before you depart.
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