Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an afternoon departure from Dover.
DayS 2 & 3
Full days cruising with time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 4
Early evening arrival in Bodø, Norway.
Excursions will be confirmed with final confirmation.
Day 5
Full days cruising.
Day 6
Early morning arrival in Honningsvåg (North Cape) , Norway
TRANSFER TO THE NORTH CAPE PLATEAU - 3.5 hours - £55 to £65 per person
By coach we will travel through a wild, apparently desolate landscape. In actual fact, 200 different plants have been found growing here by botanists, and around 4,000 reindeer graze in summer (with luck we may spot one).
During the 40 to 60 minute drive to the North Cape plateau (which is unguided), we will have time to study the information leaflets supplied. After following the shore for a while, we begin our ascent; a short stop may be made for us to see the ‘Horn’ in the distance – a unique cliff formation worshipped in pagan times – which protrudes below the Cape itself (weather permitting).
At 71°10’21” northern latitude we reach the North Cape, where the edge of the sheer cliff rises 307 metres (1,007 feet) above the Arctic Ocean. Here, on the top of the cliff, is the North Cape Hall, where we will have free time. We may browse in the souvenir shops, call into the cafeteria (refreshments not included), visit the small ecumenical chapel, or send a postcard from the post office. In the cinema there is a film showing the region through the seasons (we can not guarantee the times of the film).
If the weather is fine, experience the panorama of the Arctic Ocean from the Globe, situated near the edge of the cliff.
We return to Honningsvåg via the same route.
SIGHTSEEING ON MAGEROY ISLAND - 3 hours - £40 to £50 per person
This tour may appeal to those of us who have travelled to the North Cape before, or to passengers who would prefer a short panoramic drive with little walking involved.
On the island of Magerøy, as well as the ‘capital’ Honningsvåg, there are several small fishing villages. A coach will transport us through the little town of Honningsvåg, past the airstrip and along the Skipsfjord with its tiny weekend cottages. We head towards the plateau but make a detour down to the fishing village of Kamoeyvær, situated at the head of the narrow fjord arm, with protective islands further out. Continuing, we climb to the top of the plateau. At a height of approximately 300 metres (984 feet) above sea level, in clear weather we may see the ‘Horn’ in the distance – a cliff formation protruding from below the North Cape.
In Skarsvåg, the world’s northernmost fishing village with some 200 inhabitants who live here year round, we can admire the many fishing boats before a stop is made at the ‘North Cape Christmas & Winterhouse’. This cosy cottage contains, among other things, a craft shop with a selection of knitwear and ceramics. Traditional Christmas tunes greet us, and the cottage is decorated with Christmas decorations that we can purchase. Here we shall enjoy refreshments.
Having browsed around and learned something of life in this remote village during the wintertime, our coach takes us back to the landing stage in Honningsvåg.
KING CRAB ADVENTURE - 3 hours - £65 to £75 per person
From Honningsvåg we shall have a short coach ride to a lavvo camp at Sarnes. A lavvo is a native Sami tent, similar to the Native American teepee. We will be welcomed by the hosts, and then have a short walk down to the pier. This is where we will see the king crabs. The king crab is one of the largest crabs, weighing five kilograms (eleven pounds) or more. Its size and tasty flesh make it a valued food, and large numbers are commercially fished each year.
The crabs will be in large tanks on shore and we will take the crabs to cook, back to the lavvo. Here we shall help prepare a small meal, which will then be served. After the meal, coffee brewed over the open fire will be served in the lavvo.
ZODIAC ADVENTURE & ICE BAR - 2 hours - £90 to £100 per person
If you have travelled to the North Cape before, or fancy sampling what the natural elements can offer here at Europe’s most northernmost point, then this tour will appeal to you.
After assembling on the pier, we will walk approximately 50 metres to the zodiac office. Here we will receive our lifejackets before getting onboard the zodiac (inflatable boat). Our tour will start from the pier itself, after a safety briefing. The zodiacs hold a maximum of 18 people, seated on pontoons. We will ride the Arctic waves and have the opportunity to take photos during this unique adventure. The course taken will be suited to the day’s weather.
During this tour we will experience distinctive sub-arctic nature, bird life, historic sights, abandoned fishing communities, a lighthouse and, with luck, possibly even a majestic white-tailed eagle.
What better way of ending this adventure than with a drink in the Artico Icebar back in Honningsvåg! Inside, all we will see is made on natural ice from the lakes of Lapland. We will find an ice bar, an igloo and a movie screen of ice, which will show us how the ice bar is built as well as ice sculptures.
Days 7 & 8
Three days scenic cruise Svalbard.
Day 9
Late morning arrival in Ny Alesund, Svalbard.
Excursions will be confirmed with final confirmation.
Day 10
Early morning arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
LONGYEARBYEN SIGHTSEEING - 2.5 hours - £70 to £80 per person
Please note that Longyearbyen is a very small community and it is possible for those passengers coming ashore independently to visit the museum and walk around the town on their own. We have arranged our tours to cater for passengers who would like the benefit of a local guide and an interesting itinerary when visiting this unique location.
This tour in and around Longyearbyen will include the Svalbard Museum and the sled dog kennels. Our local guide will take us on a fascinating trip through Svalbard’s history, geology, its flora and fauna, as well as today’s society. At the new Svalbard Museum, we will find exhibits showing everything from the discovery of Svalbard, its trapping and hunting history, to expeditions, World War II and the history of mining.
After our visit to the museum we will have a short introductory tour of Longyearbyen. During a drive around the town, our guide will point out places of interest.
We continue to the biggest sled dog kennel on Spitsbergen. At the kennels we will be met by around 80 happy and friendly Alaskan huskies. A short introduction to training, socialising and the history of these amazing dogs will be given. Local specialities with tea and coffee will be served. There is a souvenir shop on site.
Our coach returns to Longyearbyen, back to the pier where our ship awaits
GLACIER HIKE ON LONGYEAR GLACIER - 4 hours - £120 to £130 per person
Longyearbyen is situated between high mountains in the Longyear Valley. At the highest end of the valley, Larsbreen (Lars Glacier) and Longyearbreen (Longyear Glacier) force their way around Sarkofagfjella (Sarkofag Mountain), close to Longyearbyen. The surrounding areas have fascinating vegetation, and we will get a lovely view over Isfjorden and Adventfjorden.
We will be picked up by minivan at the pier. Outside the town, where the road ends, we begin the walk through a big moraine landscape leading up to the Longyear Glacier. On the way we will stop to look for 60 million-year-old plant fossils, which we may take home.
The glacier is usually covered in snow, meaning we do not need an ice axe or crampons – but they will be used if necessary. Because the Longyear Glacier is without cracks we will not need any rope on this trip. Warm drinks and special Svalbard snacks will be served during the trip.
Day 11
Full days cruising.
Day 12
Early morning arrival in Tromsø, Norway.
ARCTIC CITY TOUR - 3 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Proceeding over the Tromsø Bridge, which connects Troms Island with the mainland, we visit the Tromsdalen Church, otherwise known as the Arctic Cathedral, lying on the opposite side. This unusual landmark is shaped like a typical boathouse.
Our sightseeing tour of the city starts from the pier, passing the campus of the northernmost university in the world, and the Planetarium – resembling a rocket launch pad. We make our way to the Tromsø Museum for a look at the interesting zoological, geological and ethnological exhibitions – the section illustrating the life of the Sami people (otherwise known as Lapps) is particularly fascinating.
After visiting the church, our tour terminates at the pier.
INTRODUCTION TO TROMSØ - 2 hours - £21 to £30 per person
Leaving the pier, our tour of this interesting area starts in the centre – a charming blend of old and new, with modest wooden houses set next to contemporary architecture. We pass Tromsø Church, one of the largest wooden churches in the north, before we head off around the island.
Continuing our drive via Sandnessund Bridge, we cross over for a look at Kvaløya (Whale Island). Here, Tromsø’s most modern suburb – with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks – is situated. Returning to Troms Island once more, we pass the campus of the northernmost university in the world, then the unusual Northern Lights Planetarium.
Over another bridge to Tromsø Sound, which smaller ships pass under, lies the beautiful Tromsdalen Parish Church, also called the Arctic Cathedral. Approximately half the population of Tromsø lives on this side of the sound, on the mainland, and we shall pass their homes and gardens – filled with a surprising variety of colourful flowers for this latitude.
We return to the pier via the same route that we came.
POLARIA CENTRE & CABLE CAR - 4 hours - £50 to £60 per person
This tour takes us to the environment centre, Polaria. The exterior alone is fascinating – the building resembles huge blocks of ice thrown together.
Inside, various exhibitions present polar areas and the Barents region, and we will be shown a spectacular widescreen film. Then, to experience for ourselves the conditions we have just witnessed, we will walk out into simulated snow and howling wind. There is also an interesting aquarium at the centre, including curious seals that peer at us from above as we pass through a tunnel underneath their enclosure.
Following this visit we continue our tour by crossing the Tromsø Bridge which connects Troms Island with the mainland, passing the distinctive Arctic Cathedral on our way to the cable car station.
After a few minutes’ ride we reach the Storsteinen Viewpoint, 420 metres (1,378 feet) above sea level, from where (weather permitting) we will have spectacular views to the city below, the fjord and surrounding islands, as well as the impressive peaks on Kvaløya (Whale Island) to the west.
Returning to the base station, we take the same route that we came, back to the pier.
WILDERNESS CENTRE - 3 hours - £55 to £65 per person
The Tromsø Wilderness Centre is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city. Here we will enjoy an exciting programme of events including a chance to meet some of the 130 huskies. We will enter a ‘lavvo’ (Sami tent), where we may sample reindeer meat and fresh smoked salmon. A slideshow of the expeditions of our hosts, Tove and Tore, will be shown.
Day 13
Full days cruising.
Day 14
Early evening arrival in Bergen, Norway
Excursions will be confirmed with final confirmation.
Day 15
Full days cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 16
Morning arrival into Dover
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