Pentravel
Pentravel

Norwegian Coastal Express with Hurtigruten

Pentravel
12 days
22 Jan 25 to 02 Feb 25
Book by 09 Dec 24
Explore the winter wonders of Norway as you journey past majestic snow-capped mountains and breathtaking fjords. Experience the enchanting beauty of this season with our range of charter flights to Bergen, departing from regional airports across the country throughout the winter months. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and snowy vistas of Norway, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of its stunning natural scenery.

Includes

  • 11 Nights accommodation onboard MS Vesterålen in a Polar inside stateroom
  • All meals onboard
  • Port charges

Excludes

  • Flights
  • Arrival/ departure transfers
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Spending money and items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities (payable upon embarkation)

Highlights

  • 11 Nights onboard MS Vesterålen
  • All meals onboard

Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen

Bergen is located on the south-western coast of Norway, in the county of Hordaland, in between a group of mountains known as De syv fjell ("the Seven Mountains"). It is recognized as the unofficial capital of the region known as West Norway, and also recognized and marketed as the gateway city to the world famous fjords of Norway. The oldest part of the city is on the north side of the bay of Vågen. Here you find Bryggen, a number of old, wooden houses dating from the early 18th century. A popular tourist attraction is the open air fishmarket on the harbour. Further down you find the main shopping area, rebuilt after a fire in 1916 in art nouveau and functionalism, around the main square Torgalmenningen. Several old quarters of white, wooden houses surround the centre, notably Nordnes, Marken and Sandviken. Visitors should not miss the ride with the funicular up to Mount Fløyen, where one is rewarded with a splendid view over the city and the fabled seven mountains. Things to See & Do * Hanseatic Museum * Rosenkrantz Tower * Bergen Aquarium * Torget fish market * Bryggen Hanseatic wharf

Day 2: Florø - Molde

Floro is a town in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is the most western town on the mainland in the Nordic countries. Things to See & Do * Fyrsafari – lighthouse sightseeing * Kystmuseet – coastal museum

Day 3: Kristiansund - Rørvik

Kristiansund is a city and municipality, and the capital of the county of Vest-Agder, Norway and of the geographical region (landsdel) of Southern Norway, the Skagerrak coast of southern Norway consisting of the two counties Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder. Kristiansand is a popular tourist destination in the summer months. It hosts a big music festival - Quart Festival, and offers great salmon fishing, hunting, sailing, boat tours, helicopter tours and many other attractions. Kristiansand is also home to a great picturesque fish market called 'Fiskebrygga'. Here you can enjoy some fresh seafood at 5 different restaurants or directly from the market. Things to See & Do * Fiskebrygga (Fish market) * Kristiansand Dyrepark (Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park) * Posebyen (Kristiansand's old town) * Ravnedalen (Ravens' Valley) - a lovely park * Kristiansand Cannon Museum

Day 4: Brønnøysund - Svolvær

Bronnoysund is a town and former municipality, and centre of Brønnøy municipality, Nordland county, Norway. Located on the river, it is a small town where everyone knows each other. Bronnoysund is renowned for Torghatten mountain, which has a huge 35 metre hole through its middle. Another attraction is Hildur's Herb Garden, which is the only herbarium and vineyard in Northern Norway, situated 6 km north of Brønnøysund. Things to See & Do * Torghatten mountain * Hildur’s herb garden * Waterfront area

Day 5: Stokmarknes - Skjervøy

Skjervøy is an island and municipality in the northern part of Troms County. It is a typical fishing community where seafood production provides the main livelihood. In recent years fish farming and aquaculture has grown increasingly important. The 2,900 citizens live on several islands. There are great conditions for outdoor activities in the area. The oldest wooden church in Nord-Hålogaland diocese, built in 1728, is found in Skjervøy. Skjervøy is also famous for being the first port of call for the polar vessel ‘Fram’ when it returned to Norway after having been absent for 3 years on Nansen’s expedition to the North Pole in 1896. Everyone had eagerly anticipated news of the fate of ‘Fram’, especially since Nansen and Johansen, who had left ‘Fram’ in the Arctic Sea, had arrived in Vardø a week earlier.

Day 6: Øksfjord - Berlevåg

Øksfjord is a port of call in the county of Finnmark. At above 70° you find yourself in the true high north. To the southeast you can glimpse Norway’s fifth largest glacier, Øksfjordjøkulen (1,204 metres above sea level). This is the only glacier on mainland Norway to ‘calve’ directly into the sea, a uniquely arctic phenomenon. The district has a population of 500 and Øksfjord is the administrative centre for the municipality of Loppa. Fish processing plants and a shipyard tell us about an area dependent on outcome from the sea.

Day 7: Batsfjord - Kirkenes

Båtsfjord is situated on the north coast of the Varanger peninsula. Previously, there were several villages along this barren coast, but today everyone lives in the town of Båtsfjord, sheltered at the end of the Båtsfjord inlet. The municipality has a population of 2,000. Båtsfjord is one of the major centres for the Norwegian fishing industry, and has several fish processing factories, a freezing plant, a filleting factory and ship repair yards. The church dates from 1971. At 241.8 m, the TV mast is the highest in Norway. The most interesting attraction is Hamningberg, an abandoned fishing village on the outer coast, now used for summer stays. With well-preserved 19th century wooden houses, it is a unique example of old architecture in a county so devastated by World War II.

Day 8: Mehamn - Tromsø

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 9: Tromsø - Stamsund

This charming fishing village is located on the south side of the island of Vestvågøy in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjord. With a population of 1,000, Stamsund is an important fishing port and the largest base for Lofoten trawl fishing. Gradually, more and more tourists discover Lofoten, with its marvelous scenery, enhanced by the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights in the winter. Lofoten’s legendary seasonal fishery takes place from January to April, with bustling activity on land and sea. The waters off Stamsund offer excellent opportunities for fishing, especially in March. The surrounding mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking. Lofotr Viking Museum is situated close to Stamsund. It is built around an archeological site that was a sensation when it was discovered in 1983. The excavation slowly but surely uncovered the largest house found anywhere in the Viking world. The farm is now rebuilt to its former glory. Meet the Vikings and marvel at the intriguing finds from the excavation.

Day 10: Bodø - Rørvik

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 11: Trondheim - Ålesund

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 12: Ålesund - Bergen

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.

Terms & conditions

Prices are per cabin, 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). Buy one get one free offer is per person and has already been applied to total cabin price advertised. Bookable between 18 November - 9 December 2024 for travel on selected voyages between December 2024 and May 2025. This cruise is based on dynamic pricing and can change at any time. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;

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R20,015
Details
Stay
12 days
Dates
22 Jan 25 to 02 Feb 25
Book by
09 December 24
Experience ID
687
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