NORWAY - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK With a coastline stretching from 58 to 71 N, no wonder there are fascinating places overlooked by other seafarers and major cruise lines. Embarking in Amsterdam, we will explore parts of coastal Norway not seen by many, with fascinating maritime traditions, navigation marks and numerous lighthouses. The home of the Vikings First stop is Haugesund on the south-western coast. Vikings used to rule this land, making it a great starting point before setting sail for the westernmost archipelago of Norway. Here we will make several landings to small islands situated at the mouth of the fjord and under the majestic mountain Alden. Then we sail inside the narrow fjord-system to reach Dalsfjord, a place known for its mines, excellent stonemasons and a lighthouse museum. Kayaking in a UNESCO World Heritage Site Going north you will get closely acquainted with birds ands fjords, as we head towards Bud and Bjørnsund, once the biggest trading post between Bergen and Trondheim. From the island Frøya with more than 5,400 surrounding islets and reefs we are now sailing into what is reckoned as part of the Northern coastline. The Vega archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the population s unique practice of eider-down harvest. Watch out for island hoppers in kayaks, or jump into one yourself. NASA rocket range Continuing north we cross the Arctic Circle before entering Lofoten, calling at the tiny island of Værøy. Hikes and tastings from the sea awaits you as we sail through the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands, observe a NASA rocket range and visit the island Senja, where you can choose from dragging fish up from the sea or dragging yourself to the top of one of the majestic mountains overlooking the fjords. Disembarkation is in Tromsø, but you don't have to rest if you don't want to: Tromsø is not only the Gateway to the Arctic but also often referred to as Paris of the North due to its many cafés and buzzing nightlife. Optional tours and activities are available, please contact us for details. ITINERARY DAY 1: Amsterdam From its canals to world-famous museums and historical sights, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. What makes Amsterdam so attractive is the 17th century historical atmosphere combined with the feel of a modern metropolis. The small scale of the buildings and the intimacy of the streets, canals and squares create a unique vibe. DAY 2: Crossing the North Sea
As we cross the North Sea our Expedition Team will give lectures on various topics to prepare you for your upcoming expedition in Norway. You will also have ample time to unpack, relax and acquaint yourself with your home for the next 11 days. DAY 3: Haugesund during the Second World War. Today it is restored as a war-memorial museum. A visit to the marine archaeology museum is also included. Bjørnsund is a deserted island with idyllic atmosphere. Take a walk in the village or join the hike to the lighthouse to see it up close. Continuing north this afternoon we will sail past several interesting lighthouses and tell you some more about them. Haugesund calls itself the Homeland of the Viking Kings and Norway s birthplace, and not without reason. This is where the Vikings ruled the land that gave name to Norway, the way north, and in 870 AD King Harald Fairhair made Avaldsnes his main royal estate, which was to become Norway s oldest throne. Back in 1839 there were just 12 families living here, but then the herring industry started and the town grew fast. During the last decades the town has moved from fishery to petroleum and tourism, but it continues to have a special maritime flavour to it. In Haugesund you may participate on one of our optional excursions, or discover the city on your own. DAY 7: Frøya DAY 4: Værlandet/Bulandet and Atløy The exciting islands of the Vega Archipelago are full of contrasts. Some have sheltered locations between islets and skerries while others are exposed to nature s forces. There are large islands with groups of houses, a trading post and a steamship quay, and small islets where only one single family live. The Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the population s unique practice of eider-down harvest and its relationship with the birds. Together they have maintained a sustainable life for the past 1,500 years in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle. We will make a landing at Vega that includes a visit to the Eider Museum. In addition we offer optional excursions for smaller groups. This is the westernmost archipelago of Norway, situated North West of Bergen. Here at the mouth of the fjord, under the watchful eye of the majestic mountain Alden, the islands appear like a string of pearls, beautifully linked together by six bridges and 5.240 m of road. We will explore some of the most interesting sites on these idyllic islands, and make several landings. DAY 5: Ulsteinvik In the morning we pass the bird cliffs at Runde. This small island has no more than 150 inhabitants, but from February to August the nesting season gathers more than 500,000 birds including puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, Northern gannets and Northern fulmars. Ulsteinvik is built on a natural harbour and its industry is largely driven by shipbuilding. In fact four of Hurtigruten s ships were built in this region. We will stay in Ulsteinvik until the afternoon, giving you time to explore the town or join an excursion to learn more about the area. In the evening we will sail inside the narrow fjord-system to reach Dalsfjord, a place known for its mines and excellent stonemasons. Starting in the early 19th century, they made the best lighthouses and beacons along the Norwegian coast. This work was passed on for generations from father to son, over the generations in neighbouring villages. You will learn more about this at the Dalsfjord lighthouse museum. DAY 6: Bud and Bjørnsund In the 16th and 17th century Bud was the biggest trading post between Bergen and Trondheim. Today, Bud is still an active and charming fishing village. Enjoy the visit to the Ergan coastal fort, a German coastal fort built The Island Frøya is located off the coast of Trøndelag, and is surrounded by more than 5,400 islets and reefs. It s undulating landscape is relatively flat, with the highest point reaching only 74m above sea-level. Experience the wild, beautiful and unspoilt nature either on one of our excursions or spend the day exploring on your own. DAY 8: Vega DAY 9: Træna and Vikingen Træna is part of an archipelago off the coast of Helgeland, and one of the smallest councils of Norway. It holds more than 1000 islets, rocks and skerries and less than 500 inhabitants. Træna is situated on the Polar Circle, 33 nautical miles off the coast of Sandnessjøen. We will arrive Træna in the morning, and weather permitted, go ashore. Later this day we will attempt to visit the island Vikingen where you find the statue of the Arctic Circle symbol. A perfect location for a special, fun ceremony. DAY 10: Værøy, Lofoten With its charming small fishing villages nestled in fjords and rugged coastline with dramatic peaks rising directly from the ocean, Lofoten is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. During the night we will pay a visit one of the southernmost islands of Lofoten, Værøy. The Island has a lively fishing village, high bird cliffs and good hiking options. We have included a guided walk, to acquaint you with this lovely village. Later we will make a
daylight sailing through the Lofoten Islands. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as we head for the Trollfjord and Raftsund on our way to Andenes. We will land at one of the best preserved fishing villages from the 1800s, including a tour with tastings from the sea. DAY 11: Vesterålen and Senja As we sail into Andenes you will see the old lighthouse from 1859 with a 40 meter high tower. Andenes is located at the tip of Andøya and the largest fishing village in the area. It is home to interesting museums and a NASA rocket range. You can learn more about this remote oddity on our optional tour to Andøya Space Centre! We continue to Gryllefjord in Senja. This charming fishing village is situated in a fjord surrounded by high mountains offering many opportunities for excursions, hikes and fishing trips. Our local guides will meet us ashore and take us on a walk where we learn more about life in a modern fishing village. DAY 12: Tromsø Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, is a lively and beautiful city surrounded by the dramatic Lyngen Alps, blue fjords and hundreds of islands. Tromsø has a long Arctic history and is packed with numerous sights, daring architecture, wildlife, science, culture and impressive vistas. Exploring the city is a great way of ending this fantastic journey. Please Note: All itineraries are subject to change
YOUR SHIP: MS FRAM YOUR SHIP: MS Fram VESSEL TYPE: Expedition LENGTH: 114m PASSENGER CAPACITY: 276 BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means 'forward' - lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.
INSIDE YOUR SHIP Arctic Superior Category U Expedition Suite Category M Expedition Suite Solo Category MG Polar Inside Category I Polar Inside Solo Category I Polar Outside Category N
PRICING 07-May-2017 to 18-May-2017 Polar Inside Category I 2544 GBP pp Polar Outside Category N 3089 GBP pp Arctic Superior Category U 3476 GBP pp Expedition Suite Category M 4377 GBP pp Polar Inside Solo Category I 4447 GBP pp Polar Outside Solo Category N 5401 GBP pp Arctic Superior Solo Category U 6077 GBP pp Expedition Suite Solo Category MG 10960 GBP pp prices are indicitave, please check for details 0 pp