North cape, Hurtigruten Cruise

A Norwegian Journey to the High Arctic

Cross the Arctic Circle on this special cruise to Europe's northernmost region - North Cape and beyond.

Your voyage begins in Trondheim, Norway's third largest city and former capital city boasting brightly painted wharf buildings and an impressive 14th century Gothic cathedral.

Crossing the Arctic Circle on-board the Hurtigruten ship is an event to celebrate before approaching the mystical Lofoten Islands and their 'capital' town, Svolvær. The Lofoten Islands have long captivated writers and artists alike with their grandeur and beauty. Travel further northwards via the Vesterålen Islands and the city of Harstad to Tromsø, with its spectacular location overlooked by the majestic Lyngen Alps.

Continue to the high Arctic in a leisurely manner to North Cape, mainland Europe's most northerly point with magnificent coastal scenery, before ending in Kirkenes, a historial town near the Russian border known as the capital of the Barents region.

 


Northern Lights specialist cruise, 7 nights

Prices from: £1575

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01274 875 199

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Day 1

Trondheim © Knut Aage Dahl/Visitnorway.com

Arrive in Trondheim and transfer to your city centre hotel. Use the remainer of your day to get acquainted with the city's attractions, including museums, shops, the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, and last but not least, the old town Bakklandet which is punctuated with strikingly colourful wharf buildings.

2 nights TRONDHEIM - Thon Hotel Gildevangen*** (B) or Scandic Nidelven**** (B)


Day 2

A free day to explore Trondheim, alternatively see our optional excursions for more ideas. 


Day 3 - 6

After a delicious buffet breakfast at your hotel, board the Hurtigruten ship for your northwards voyage.

Over the course of the next few days you'll travel through magnificent coastal landscape, crossing the Arctic Circle between Trondheim and Bodø and onwards pass the great Vestfjord for its approach to the mystical Lofoten Islands. The following afternoon the ship will dock in Tromsø for a few hours of land exploration. Set on an island high above the Arctic Circle and nestled below snow-capped mountains; it's true to say Tromsø is not your typical city.

Before the final destination, enjoy a visit to Hammerfest, often described as the world's northernmost town due to its location at 70° 39' 48" north. However, the highlight of voyage must be Magerøya Island and North Cape.  North Cape plateau rises 307 metres above the sea and in the past was only accessible to visitors via 1,008 steps! You are invited to join a pre-bookable optional excursion by bus to North Cape and the viewing point from the globe.

4 nights ON-BOARD Hurtigruten Ship (B,D)


Day 7

Kirkenes © albillottet/Fotolia.com

Arrive in Kirkenes at 0945 in the morning. Transfer by bus to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the morning and afternoon are free to relax in Kirkenes.

Kirkenes sits alongside the border with Russia overlooking the Bøkfjord, an arm of the Barents Sea. It is fair to say that the town itself is not the prettiest you will ever visit due to endless bombings during the WWII, however, liberation by the Russians in 1944 lead to strong cross-border relations which remain today. The region surrounding Kirkenes affords spectacular scenery. 

For extra activities, see excursion tab.

1 night KIRKENES - Thon Hotel Kirkenes**** (B)


Day 8

Transfer by airport bus to Kirkenes Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Departure Days:  Daily from Heathrow (according to flight schedules). Alternative departure airports are available subject to possible flight supplements - please ask for details.
Departure Dates:  1 Sep to 30 Nov 2016
Duration:  7 nights
Prices from: £1575 per person (3* option) or £1695 (4* option) 

Price include: (based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room with shower and WC).

  • Scheduled flight from Heathrow to Trondheim, and return flight from Kirkenes to Heathrow including taxes. Alternative departure airports available at a supplement.
  • 2 nights in Trondheim including breakfast at either the Thon Hotel Gildevangen (3*) based on a standard room, or at the Scandic Nidelven (4*) based on a superior room.
  • 4 nights on-board Hurtigruten ship between Trondheim and Kirkenes. Based on either an Outside Unspecified Cabin (3* option) or an Arctic Superior Outside Cabin (4* option) both with shower and WC including breakfast and dinner. 
  • 1 night in Kirkenes including breakfast based on either a standard room (3* option) or a superior harbour-view room (4* option).

Hurtigruten

We don't like to use the word cruising for Hurtigruten since it is so much more.  This is a wonderful means of transportation and accommodation; no fancy dress parties, cabarets or days at sea with no land in sight - this is a slow, gentle exploration of beautiful scenery with local food, tradition and community involvement.  The true 'Norwegian Coastal Voyage'.

Hurtigruten ships have been a staple along the Norwegian coast since 1893. The current fleet consists of classic ships, ships built in the late nineties, and ships built after the millennium. The ships are regular service vessels carrying freight, mail and passengers along the 2,500 nautical miles of coastline from Bergen to Kirkenes. Accommodation is very comfortable in two, three and four berth cabins (all Taber clients receive outside cabins with porthole or window) and meals are of a very good standard with breakfast and lunch being substantial buffet meals and dinner being a 3-course served dinner.  Particular focus is placed on locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers - chefs take the opportunity, when in port en-route, to purchase quality foods guaranteed to provide a true flavour of the destinations you visit. Please note, not all our holidays include lunch and dinner therefore do check what each holiday price includes.

The public areas of the ship offer plenty of lounge seating and there is a bar (certain ships will have more than one), cafeteria and shop.


Thon Hotel Kirkenes ****

Thon Hotel Kirkenes is situated in the centre of Kirkenes overlooking the Bøkfjord. The hotel is brand new and is built, decorated and furnished in Scandinavia style. Next to the reception desk there is a large dining room with huge windows overlooking the fjord and a breakfast area with further seating. During the day hotel guests can also have free tea/coffee/hot chocolate from the self-service machine. All Taber's featured rooms are superior in category with windows overlooking the fjord. They all have TV, telephone, mini-bar and hairdryer and all have en suite shower room (baths are available on request). Activity providers in Kirkenes pick up and drop off at the hotel and the airport bus stops outside as part of its schedule.


Scandic Nidelven****

This award-winning centrally located hotel offers superb service, high-quality rooms and a diverse range of facilities. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower or bathtub and are furnished with an armchair and table as welll as all modern facilities to make your stay comfortable and memorable.

The Restaurant Nidelven has been awarded Norway’s best hotel breakfast over the last several years. If you've ever experienced a Norwegian breakfast you know what a accolade this really is - the competition is extremely high! The restaurant offers a modern menu inspired by the international trends within culinary arts, and we recommend soaking up the atmosphere in the hotel's bar afterwards... 


Thon Hotel Gildevangen***

This hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Trondheim's commercial district, only a short walk away from shops, restaurants and attractions. Behind the beautiful facade lies an inviting hotel in a building that dates back to 1908. Rooms are spacious with private bathroom, with shower, hairdryer and toiletries. Free wireless internet access, phone, mini-bar and TV are all available. Breakfast is also included in your stay.

A Norwegian Journey from South to North

Trondheim with Nidaros Catherdral
This sightseeing tour of the former capital and Norway's third largest city includesa visit to the famous Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's largest medieval church and a national shrine since the 11th century.
When: Sep, Oct, Nov
Price: £47 per person

RIB Safari to Saltstraumen
Travel by RIB-boat to witness the world's strongest tidal current, where millions of gallons of water are forced through the 150 m wide strait. On the way we hope to observe sea eagles, Europe's largest predatory bird.
When: Nov
Price: £108 per person

Riverboat to the Russian Border, Kirkenes
The river boat takes us up to the Pasvikelva, a river with a cultural history dating back thousands of years. See the rich animal and plant life that strives in the area, and go ashore at the border between Norway and Russia. 
When: Sep
Price: £115 per person

Arctic Bushcraft, Kirkenes
Just how did people survive the long, harsh Arctic winter? This excursion will provide you with an insight into the autumn season in the Arctic; how people have harvested, stored, hunted and fished for centuries. You will learn to make a fire, how to fish, make your own tea and how to throw a lasso. You will also have a taste of the Arctic, including cloudberries with cream, dried reindeer meat, rhubarb and tea.
When: 07 Sep - 06 Nov
Price: £73 per person

The North Cape
The enjoy the high Arctic landscape as we journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point of the continent. Visit the North Cape Hall, where you can see an impressive 180° panoramic film about Finnmark and North Cape.
When: Sep, Oct, Nov
Price:£119

Who is this holiday for?
This holiday is atttractive for people who want a little bit of everything in one trip - cities, wildlife, sightseeing, cruising and land excursions. Being able to mix a Hurtigruten voyage with some of Norway's most famous and beautiful location allows you to travel far and wide with a good level of comfort.

Meals
A very varied and delicious Scandinavian buffet breakfast is included throughout your trip. We have not included lunch or dinner because we'd like to give you the freedom to eat in places that appeal to your own tastes and budget - we will happily recommend places for you! The Hurtigruten offers high quality food and we suggest trying their evening buffet or indulge yourself in the a la carte. The Hurtigruten kitchen will always try their utmost to accommodate any dietary needs.

What sort of clothing will I need to wear?
The Arctic coast of Norway is warmed by the Gulf Stream which means that temperatures are relatively mild compared to many other Arctic regions. However, when you are spending a considerable amount of time outdoors admiring the scenery and waiting for the Northern Lights to appear it is important to be warm and dry. The layering principal is very important (base, mid, outer) with man-made thermal fibres or wool. In our opinion wool is definitely best, and merino wool is soft and cosy and certainly a good investment. A good, waterproof outdoor jacket is essential, and also over trousers are a bonus if you have them. Wool socks (we wouldn't wear anything else here), perhaps a couple of pairs, and good hiking boots or snow boots are very important. Gloves, scarf, hat and you're raring to go! 

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