Hurtigruten Arctic Island Hopping
Cruise with Hurtigruten
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
AUD
$8,974
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
AUD
$8,974
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
Introduction
Explore a variety of wild, lush, emerald islands in and around the Arctic on this voyage that starts in Norway, on to Scotland and the rugged beauty of the Faroe Islands and via Iceland to the remote Jan Mayen and finally to Spitsbergen.
Visit a selection of ports, fjords and scenic areas as your expedition team bring every part of your journey to life with key insights ashore or in the onboard Science Centre. Get close to wildlife, from whales and arctic foxes to amazing birdlife and the ruler of Svalbard, the polar bear.
Highlights include: Visit five wild and beautiful islands in and around the Arctic across four countries, including Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Jan Mayen and Svalbard; sail late in the spring to see lush green landscapes dotted with flowers in full bloom; and explore habitats with a range of wildlife that are famous for bird and whale-watching.
Your Ship: Since 1893, the Hurtigruten ships have been a hallmark of the Norwegian coast with ships sailing to the Arctic and many other destinations. On each ship you will find modern facilities carefully blended with true character.
MS Spitsbergen: The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and further improvements are planned that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bergen
Explore Bergen’s historic harbour area with its fish market and UNESCO listed Bryggen wharf of colourful wooden warehouses that date back to the 1300s. You can also board a funicular up nearby Mount Floyen. There, you’ll enjoy views over Bergen, and maybe even spot your ship docked below. Estimated time of departure is 6.00 pm.
Day 2 : Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Built on the herring trade in the 17th century, Lerwick has grown into Scotland’s northernmost town and is home to a third of the Shetland Islands’ population. Visit local boutique shops along Commercial Street, wander along the waterfront with its sandstone buildings, or visit the museum to learn more about the town’s Norse heritage.
Day 3 : Torshavn, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 isles that lie in the middle of the North Atlantic, halfway between the Shetland Islands and Iceland. Torshavn is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with just 15,000 inhabitants. It was founded in the 10th century, and might very well be the oldest capital in northern Europe. Since the turn of the 20th century, Torshavn has grown rapidly, and is today the economic, cultural and administrative centre of the Faroes. The town is a charming blend of old and new with small houses in nearly every colour.
Day 4 : Elduvik, Faroe Islands
Located in the Funningsfjordur inlet in the Faroe Islands, the village of Elduvik lies by the shore at the end of a long, lush valley surrounded by stunning green mountains with the river Stora running through the middle. Just 23 people inhabit the village, complete with a school, church, dock, pier, and colourful houses.
Day 5 : At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures from the Expedition Team while your ship sets course towards Iceland.
Day 6 : Bakkagerdi, Iceland
Bakkagerdi is one of Iceland’s smallest hamlets, a quiet haven well off the tourist track. The place is so well-known for its fairytale-like natural beauty, the locals have come to call the region ‘The Land of the Elves’. Many puffin colonies also line the nearby fjord, making it a popular place for birdwatching.
Day 7 : Husavik, Iceland
Husavik is Iceland’s oldest Norse settlement and considered one of the best whale-watching spots in Europe. Up to 23 species of whale, including the blue whale, are known to visit nearby Skjalfandi Bay. The town also has many interesting museums and an outdoor thermal bath on the picturesque peninsula.
Day 8 : Akureyri, Iceland
Welcome to Iceland’s largest community outside of Reykjavik. Expect comfy cafés, restaurants, and chic art galleries. There are also various museums of interest, distinct churches, and the botanical gardens which will be in full bloom at the time of your visit. Akureyri is also close to natural treasures such as Lake Myvatn and Godafoss waterfall.
Day 9 : At Sea
As you travel towards Jan Mayen, there is opportunity to wind down and watch the waves, or enjoy a lecture or two from the Expedition Team.
Day 10 : Jan Mayen Island
The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen has two main areas. The north is dominated by ice-capped Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth. The south is flatter and unglaciated, and where 30 people live at a weather station. The island is a breeding site for large numbers of seabirds such as fulmars, auks, and guillemots. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare, and Hurtigruten are one of the few to attempt landings on this Arctic island.
Day 11 : At Sea
The day is at your leisure aboard the ship. Relax while gazing out at the view, learn more from the knowledgeable Expedition Team in a lecture series, or swap experiences of the expedition so far with your fellow explorers.
Days 12 & 13 : Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory, a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. You’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords, immense U-shaped valleys and glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea. You might also spot the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear. They trek the ice along the coast, hunting for seals. We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking expedition boats ashore for hiking and other activities. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in near-perfect silence.
Day 14 : Longyearbyen > Oslo
Your Arctic expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you’ll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and do a spot of shopping – perhaps a warm Svalbard sweater.
*Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions, nature prevails. Weather, as well as ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all of Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times the top priorities. All indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly present – or exciting possibilities that nature and wildlife offer. That is why it is called an expedition!
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), AUD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
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2024 | |||
From |
AU$8,974 |
Departs
Included
• Transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen
• Flight Longyearbyen > Oslo
• Hurtigruten Expedition cruise in cabin of your choice
• All onboard meals
• House beer, wine and mineral water during meals
• Tea and coffee
• English speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Complimentary wind and water resistant jacket
Important Notes
• Itinerary also operates in reverse – please contact us for dates
• Pricing varies per departure and per cabin type – please contact us for information
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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