Norway: Norwegian Summer Cruise - The Classic Voyage North
Watch the exquisite landscape transform before you
As the ship makes its way north from Bergen to Kirkenes, winding its way along the magnificent coast of Norway, it will dock at a total of 34 seaside towns and remote fishing villages. A Norwegian summer cruise is particularly scenic at this time of year as the valleys are lush and green and the sky is a brilliant blue. The brightly coloured wooden buildings of the coastal settlements gleam in the brilliant sunshine against a backdrop of towering mountains. Once we reach the Arctic on the Norwegian summer cruise you will get the chance to go ashore and take advantage of some of the fascinating optional tours and excursions that are available, perhaps seeing some of Norway’s wildlife or learning about the culture and traditions of the indigenous people.
Hurtigruten ships are used for these fjord cruises of Norway, a service that has been running for many years. Originally operating as a vital means of connecting the remote settlements, the ships are now used by both locals and holidaymakers on a Norwegian cruise in summer and the year round. Head out onto the ship’s observation deck and gaze in wonder as the coastal scenery slowly begins to transform with each nautical mile that you sail. Read on to discover the fascinating destinations that a Norwegian summer cruise will take you to.
Day 1 -
Arrive in Bergen
From the UK, fly directly to Bergen where you will be transferred to your bed and breakfast accommodation for the first night of your Norwegian summer cruise. Depending on the time of your arrival, explore some of Bergen’s nightlife and try some of the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 2 -
Bergen
A Norwegian summer cruise allows you to spend the day at leisure in Bergen before boarding the ship in the evening. Explore the beautiful Bryggen area of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow medieval streets and colourful wooden buildings. Visit the Bergen Art Museum or the lively fish market and pick up a few souvenirs. For spectacular views of the city and the coast, take the funicular railway up Mount Fløyen and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant at the top. Board the ship in the evening and begin your Norwegian summer cruise adventure.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 3 -
Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
Spread across several islands at the mouth of the incredible Geirangerfjord, the exquisite Art Nouveau style architecture is what makes Ålesund so unique. Take a guided walk and visit the enormous aquarium or climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla for spectacular views of the town, its surrounding mountains and the fjords. Next take a tour of Geirangerfjord, arguably Norway’s most glorious fjord. As you wind your way around hairpin bends, prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the panoramic vistas that unfold. Day three of your Norwegian summer cruise is not the day to forget your camera!
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 4 -
Trondheim
Following a morning call at Kristiansund, dock at the medieval city of Trondheim. Founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason, the city is steeped in history and its colourful wooden buildings rest delightfully on stilts along the waterfront. Take a sightseeing tour either by bus or on foot and see some of the notable sights such as the wooden Old Town Bridge and the only Gothic cathedral in Norway, the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. A Norwegian summer cruise also gives you the chance to explore the Ringve Museum of Musical History or take a trip to Castle Zion for wonderful views of Trondheim’s fjord.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 5 -
The Lofoten Islands and crossing the Arctic Circle
It is tradition for those that are crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time to receive a baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas, in the form of an ice cube down your back! The crossing is marked by a monument of a globe on a small island and you are welcome to participate in this ceremony if you wish. On day five of your Norwegian summer cruise you have the option to go on a boat trip in search of the majestic sea eagles and witness the world’s strongest maelstrom at Saltstraumen. Alternatively, visit the Viking Museum and learn about their remarkable history before enjoying a traditional Viking feast in the banquet hall, complete with customary entertainment.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 6 -
Tromsø
Day six of your Norwegian summer cruise means that you now get the chance to experience the Midnight Sun, a curious phenomenon where the sun does not set for several consecutive weeks during the summer months. Following a relaxing morning at sea, dock at the Arctic capital of Tromsø, a stylish city with plenty of modern shops and cafés. Visit the Polar Museum or the Polaria Centre and discover what life is like in these extreme regions. With its contemporary design and exquisite stained glass window, the Arctic Cathedral is the real gem of Tromsø and is definitely worth a visit on your Norwegian summer cruise.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 7 -
The North Cape
Following an early call at Hammerfest arrive at Honningsvåg, a large fishing village and the gateway to the North Cape. A Norwegian summer cruise gives you the option to take a tour to the 300m high plateau that towers above the Arctic Ocean and gives you the extraordinary feeling of being at the end of the Earth. You may wish to go on a bird watching safari and spot various species of seabirds including sea eagles, puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots among others. There is also the opportunity to take a trip into the mountains and visit an authentic Sámi camp where you can learn about their traditions, listen to their songs and meet their reindeer.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 8 -
Kirkenes
Here you will disembark your Norwegian summer cruise ship but your adventure is not over just yet. Go on a riverboat tour to see some of the rich flora and fauna that can be found in these extreme parts before going ashore at the Russian border for delicious cloudberries and cream. You can also take an exhilarating quad bike safari to the Russian border and admire some magnificent views along the way. On this evening of your Norwegian summer cruise you will catch an internal flight to Oslo where you will spend the night in a bed and breakfast, giving you the opportunity to experience some of the local nightlife.
Day 9 -
Depart Norway
The final day of your Norwegian summer cruise adventure. Depending on the time of your return flight to the UK, spend some time sightseeing and shopping in Oslo before making your way to the airport.
Prices based on I grade cabins, upgrades available on request.
Please note that the ship departure date determines the price of your holiday.
Departure dates:Daily between 01 Jan 09 - 31 Dec 09. and 01 Jan 10 - 31 Dec 10.