Starting in the Arctic town of Kirkenes, your journey unfolds southward through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Norway. Marvel at the vistas of Senja, hailed as one of Norway's most beautiful islands. Sail through the awe-inspiring Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, each offering dramatic scenery and a unique charm. Continue along the Helgeland Coast, where rugged mountain ranges and a labyrinth of islands create a mesmerizing panorama. Your voyage culminates in the historic city of Bergen, leaving you with memories of Norway’s most stunning coastal treasures.
Includes
5 Nights accommodation onboard MS Vesteralen in a Polar Inside Stateroom
All meals onboard
Port charges
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Beverages
Laundry
Beauty & spa treatments
Shore excursions while in port
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Gratuities (payable upon embarkation)
Highlights
5 Nights onboard MS Vesteralen
All meals onboard
Itinerary
Day 1: Kirkenes, Norway
Kirkenes is a town in the municipality of Sør-Varanger in the county of Finnmark. It is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjorden, a branch of the Varanger Fjord, which is a vast bay connected to the Barents Sea near the Russian-Norwegian border. The town is situated about 240 miles (400km) north of the Arctic Circle. The midnight sun shines from May 17 to July 21. The corresponding winter darkness extends from November 21 to January 21.
Grenselandsmuseet (The Border Country Museum), which shows the history of war and peace along the Norwegian-Russian border, Sami art exhibitions by the artist John Savio and a history of the mining industry in the area. Kirkenes is also one end of the route of Hurtigruten, which cruises regularly down the Norway coast to Bergen.
Things to See & Do
* Grenselandsmuseet
* Frontier Museum
* Sightseeing
* Dog sledge trips
* Snowmobile tours
Day 2: Mehamn, Norway
This intimate community is located on the small Vedvik peninsula, a part of the greater Nordkinn Peninsula. While small, Mehamn is active and growing and has a long heritage. Every year, several festivals and cultural events are hosted here. The settlement also has a vibrant nightlife, including a nightclub, with frequent live music performances. It offers several accommodation establishments; a hotel, a guesthouse and a hostel as well as a campsite for RVs/coaches.
The primary industry in Mehamn has always been fishing, and the area was originally settled because of its natural harbour and proximity to the fishing grounds. The town is a traditional fishing settlement with about 800 inhabitants, and is the transport hub of the Nordkyn Peninsula. It is also the northernmost port of Hurtigruten. In addition to boats and ships, the preferred means of transport is the snowmobile.
Day 3: Tromso, Norway
Tromso is a city and municipality in Troms county, Norway. Most of Tromsø, including the city centre, is located on the small island of Tromsøya in the county of Troms, 350 kilometres (217 mi) inside the arctic circle. The island is connected to the mainland by the Tromsø Bridge and the Tromsøysund Tunnel, and to the island of Kvaløya by the Sandnessund Bridge.
The city centre of Tromsø contains the highest number of old wooden houses in North Norway, the oldest house dating from 1789. The Arctic Cathedral, a modern church from 1965, is probably the most famous landmark in Tromsø. The city is a cultural centre for its region, several festivals taking place in the summer.
Things to See & Do
* The Arctic Cathedral
* The Cable Car
* The Tromsø Museum
* Polar Museum
* Botanic Garden
Day 4: Bodo, Norway
Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is the largest city in Nordland, and the second largest in North Norway.
Bodo is a very modern town with a buzzing commercial centre. The Norwegian Aviation Museum is one of the most popular museums and off the coast is Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom or ‘whirling stream’.
Other activities in Bodo include guided walks, sightseeing trips, fishing or hiking, cycle through idyllic countryside or watch sea eagles.
Things to do & see
* Norwegian Aviation Museum
* Salten Museum
* Watch the midnight sun at the beautiful beach of Mjelle
* Saltstraumen
* Kjerringøy trading post
Day 5: Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim is a city and municipality in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. It is the oldest of Norway's major cities, and boasts a rich cultural heritage. The magnificient Nidaros Cathedral, the largest church of Northern Europe, towers over the city centre, which is near the beautiful Nidelva river.
The city boasts many fine estaurants and bars and offers a small and intimate city centre with designer shops and large department stores. Attractions include the Archbishop’s Palance, Ringve museum, Stiftsgården the Royal Residence and Sverresborg - Trøndelag Folk Museum.
The boat trip to the historical island of Munkholmen is a good opportunity to view Trondheim from the sea.
Things to See & Do
* Nidaros Cathedral
* Wood mansions
* Munkholmen - ancient fortress island
* Museum of Musical instruments
* Nidelva river views
Day 6: Alesund, Norway
Alesund is tucked amongst coastal islands separated by fjords, the city of Alesund is north of Bergen and south of Trondheim on Norway’s western coast. Ålesund is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture which give it its distinctive fairytalelike character.
A busy harbor – active for centuries – is where fishermen go to sell their cod to merchants who pack and ship the fish around the world. Local residents buy their shellfish, salmon and cod right off the boats moored in the Brosundet – the canal that bisects the city. Connected to the mainland by three of the world’s longest sub-sea tunnels, Alesund’s Giske Islands are home to a 12th century marble church, the historic Alnes Lighthouse and preserved Stone Age dwellings at Skjonghellaren Cave. Ornithologically minded nature lovers will want to visit Runde, Norway’s southernmost and largest bird rock, located near Alesund. Geirangerfjord and Hjorundfjord – two of the country’s most beautiful and well-known fjords – entice visitors and locals alike, who explore their beauty aboard boat tours that leave from downtown Alesund.
Things to See & Do
* National Art Nouveau Centre
* KUBE – The County art museum
* Mount Aksla
* Hjørund and Geiranger fjords
Ship info
MS Vesteralen
Following its refresh in 2019 and 2022, MS Vesterålen boasts bright, casual public spaces and lounges. The recent upgrades included enhancing 32 outside cabins to Arctic Superior standard, converting 4 cabins into 2 mini-suites, and updating the restaurant, café, reception area, and gym. The Trollfjord lounge received a fresh look and ambiance.
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, capacity controlled and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply and may be found on our website. Cruise lines reserve the right to increase fares and end promotional offers without prior notice. Offer can be removed at any time. Pricing varies pending departure date. Excludes flights, pre-and post cruise accommodation, gratuities (payable upon embarkation). All savings / discounts mentioned have already been included in the advertised price. Advertised price is based on 25 August 2024 and . For new bookings made between 1 July – 31 August 2024. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. This cruise is based on dynamic pricing and can change at any time. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;