Hurtigruten - Svalbard

Arrival in Bergen: After a short flight from Gatwick, you’ll arrive in Bergen in the early afternoon. Meet Your Tour Leader: Greet your tour leader at Bergen Airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel in Bergen City Centre. Guided Bergen City Walk: Start your Norwegian adventure with a guided walking tour through Bergen’s charming streets. Discover the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city, taking in key landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, the historic Hanseatic houses, and the bustling Fish Market. Evening Dinner: Relax and enjoy your first dinner in Bergen at one of the local restaurants, featuring traditional Norwegian cuisine.

Your journey begins in the beautiful city of Bergen, founded in 1070. Bergen has preserved much of its character, charm, and history. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, with its colorful wooden houses dating back to the 1300s.

Check-in and boarding take place between 12:00 and 14:00, with cabins ready by 14:00. Departure from Bergen is at 14:30. As we sail out into the Norwegian Sea, enjoy your first of many delicious meals onboard while watching the iconic Bryggen buildings fade into the distance.

Our first port of call is Åndalsnes, located at the end of Romsdalsfjord. This scenic coastal town is surrounded by towering mountains and offers a range of activities.

Take a hike to the Rampestreken viewpoint for breathtaking views of the fjord and surrounding mountains or opt for a more relaxed ride on the Romsdals Gondola. You can also drive along the famous Trollstigen mountain pass for stunning views of the hairpin turns and dramatic cliffs.

Sailing along the Helgeland Coast, we reach Træna, an archipelago just south of the Arctic Circle. This remote island group has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and today only four islands are home to residents. Spend the afternoon exploring one of Norway's oldest fishing communities. If the weather allows, enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, or island hopping. Birdwatching and fishing trips are also available, providing a true Norwegian coastal experience. In the evening, as we cross the Arctic Circle, we celebrate with a special ceremony onboard.

We spend the day in Vesterålen, an archipelago north of Lofoten. Our stop in Stokmarknes is particularly special as it is the birthplace of Hurtigruten. Visit the Hurtigruten Museum, home to the retired ship MS Finnmarken inside a spectacular glass building. Learn about the fascinating history of Hurtigruten through interactive exhibits and guided tours or embark on a sea eagle safari or a thrilling RIB tour in Raftsundet.

Arriving in Tromsø, known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," you have the entire day to explore this vibrant city. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views, or explore the Polaria Arctic Aquarium. Tromsø offers a rich polar history, which you can discover through various guided tours and exhibitions.

We reach Honningsvåg, the northernmost town on mainland Norway. From here, you can visit the famous North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe, standing 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean. Capture a selfie at the North Cape plateau and explore the North Cape Hall, which offers exhibitions and a short film about the area. For adventure seekers, you can join optional excursions like king crab fishing or a visit to a Sami family.

Sailing toward Svalbard, we pass by Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Although the island has no trees or bushes, it is home to a large population of seabirds. Be ready to photograph puffins, kittiwakes, and more as we approach this dramatic landscape.

Today, we arrive in Svalbard and dock at Longyearbyen, the largest settlement on the archipelago. You are now over 78°N, just 1,500 kilometers from the North Pole. Explore the town's art galleries, restaurants, and the North Pole Expedition Museum, or choose from optional excursions like dog sledding on wheels. Longyearbyen is a hub for Arctic research and adventure, offering a truly unique experience.

We will sail to Ny-Ålesund, one of the world's northernmost settlements and a key location for Arctic research. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, visit the local museum, and stop by the post office to send a postcard from this remote Arctic outpost. Be sure to see the Amundsen Monument, honoring the great polar explorer who launched his record-breaking flight to the North Pole from Ny-Ålesund in 1926.

As we leave Svalbard behind, relax onboard and enjoy the facilities of MS Trollfjord. Attend expert-led lectures on Svalbard’s history and wildlife or participate in a photography workshop to prepare for capturing the landscapes on the journey back.

Back on mainland Norway, we stop again in Tromsø. From there, continue to Senja, one of Norway's largest and most beautiful islands, often called "Norway in miniature" due to its diverse landscapes. Optional excursions include hiking, fishing, or kayaking in the fjords.

Today we explore the Lofoten Islands, known for their dramatic peaks and picturesque fishing villages. Docking in Svolvær, the heart of Lofoten, you’ll have time to explore the town or join excursions like kayaking, hiking to white sand beaches, or a mountain climb. Lofoten is one of the most spectacular places in all of Norway, with its combination of sea and rugged mountains.

As we sail along the Helgeland Coast, we reach Brønnøysund, a charming town known for its beautiful marina and neo-Gothic stone church. Join optional excursions such as kayaking or a guided hike to the famous Torghatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole through its center.

Our first stop is Ålesund, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Afterward, we sail into the Hjørundfjord, surrounded by the towering Sunnmøre Alps. Stop at the small village of Urke, where you can explore the stunning fjord landscape. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner onboard, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve experienced.

We arrive in Bergen in the morning. Disembark by 10:00 AM after a once-in-a-lifetime voyage along the Norwegian coast and to Svalbard. You will leave with unforgettable memories of the North Cape, Lofoten, Tromsø, and Svalbard, ready to share your experiences with friends and family. Upon arrival in Bergen in the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for your flight back to Gatwick in the evening, concluding your unforgettable Norwegian adventure.