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Although we call the Norwegian Coastal Voyage “The
World’s Most Beautiful Voyage,” it’s important to
appreciate
that there are many beautiful, dramatic,
and interesting sights to enjoy on the shore
excursions we arrange. Highly
qualified guides,
modern coaches, and ferry trips help to make the
excursions both interesting and comfortable. Take
a
look at the program of excursions and decide now
which ones you wish to join. Our excursions are in
great demand
so it may be worth booking your
excursions at the same time as your trip on the
Norwegian Coastal Voyage.
Note: All days and seasons refer to departures from
Bergen.
NORTHBOUND SHORE EXCURSIONS
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Day 2
Geiranger Panorama 1
(Geiranger-Alesund)
National Geographic magazine has deemed the Norwegian fjords the world's
most untouched
holiday destination. It's easy to see why when
you're in the
village of
Geiranger. You'll enjoy a dizzying view of long,
silvery waterfalls
cascading into the
deep, emerald, waters of the fjords.
You'll then take a
heart-in-the-throat
ride down switchback roads to gentler terrain. A
ferry
from Eidsdal will
take you to the surprisingly urbane town of
Alesund. From
there, travel up to
the top of Aksla Mountain for a panoramic view
of
Alesund, the
surrounding archipelago, and the magnificent
Sunnmore Alps.
Period: April 16 - May 31, 2009
Duration: 4 1/2 hours
Price: $ 119 per person
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Day 2
Geiranger
Panorama 2 (Geiranger-Molde)
Travel up the Eagle's Way, passing through the valley of Valldal.
Saint Olav,
Norway's patron
saint, also trekked through this beautiful
valley, so you're
in good company.
You'll then drive down the hairpin bends of the
Trollstigen
road to the lush
valley of Romsdal, which lies in gentle contrast
to the
surrounding grey
peaks. Conclude with a short sightseeing tour of
Molde.
Period: June 01 -
September 15, 2009
Duration: 7 1/2 hours
Price: $ 196 per person |
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Day 2
Walking Tour of
Ålesund
After the fire of
1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau
style.
This guided walking
tour provides a good insight into the city's
history
and cultural life.
Period: January 1-April 15, September
16-December 31, 2009
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 39 per person |
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Day 3
Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve (Trondheim City
Sightseeing)
Few large cities have managed to preserve their
intimacy and charm in
the same way as
Norway's third largest city, Trondheim. Amid its
many
wooden buildings
stands a magnificent stone church. Being an
ancient
city, it was founded
by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason as early as
997.
Over the course of a
few hours, we become better acquainted with two
of the city's
premier sights. From the pier, we board a bus with a
local
guide to the national shrine, Nidarosdomen
(Nidaros Cathedral), Norway's
only Gothic-style
cathedral, built over the burial place of St.
Olav, the
country's patron
saint. From Nidaros Cathedral, we visit the
Ringve
Museum of Musical
History. This handsome manor museum was
the
childhood home of Norwegian naval hero Petter Wessel Tordenskiold
and it is surrounded
by an idyllic botanical garden with beautiful
views
of Trondheim and the
fjord. Inside the museum, guides take us on a
musical journey
through history, where we see and hear many
instruments
most likely never
seen or heard before. This is a unique display
of special
instruments from
every corner of the world.
Period: April 17-October 2, 2009
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $ 72 per person
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Day 3
Trondheim with
Nidaros Cathedral
Founded by a Viking king in 997, Trondheim
was, for many centuries,
Norway's capital.
New kings still come to Nidaros Cathedral for a
blessing
ceremony. Its many
elegant wooden buildings imbue the city with a
rare
intimacy and charm.
Visit the Royal
Residence, on of the largest wooden buildings in
all of
Scandinavia, and the
brilliant white Kristiansten Fortress, which
towers
over the town. You
might also want to walk along the wharves by the
River Nid, some of
which date back to the 18th century.
Note: Excursion can
be purchased on board only.
Period: January 1-April 16, October
3-December 31,2009
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 62 per person
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Day 3
Sverresborg
Trondelag Folk Museum (Trondheim)
The Sverresborg, Trondelag Folk Museum surrounds the ruins of
medieval Zion
castle. Here, you'll learn what Norwegian life
was like,
in both town and
country, from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Highlights
include a stave
church built in 1170; a traditional farmstead;
the
"Old Town," with
historical buildings from Trondheim; the 18th
century Gramgarden,
for a krumkake tasting; and the visitor center /
handicrafts gift
shop.
Period: May 1-September 30, 2009
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 56 per person
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Day 4
Glacier Adventure, Svartisen (Ornes-Bodo)
On this excursion, you'll visit Svartisen, Norway's second- largest
glacier. Just south
of Ornes, you'll board a small boat to take you
through narrow
straits to the Glacier Visitor Center, where
you'll
learn how melted
glacial water is collected and used for
hydropower.
As you travel toward
Bodo, you'll pass gorgeous pastoral landscapes
and stunning views
of ocean and fjords.
Period: May 1-September 30
Duration: 5 3/4 hours
Price: $ 184 per person
Day 4
Sea Safari to Saltstraumen
Travel by inflatable boat out to this
wild, majestic seascape for a chance
to glimpse some
white tailed eagles hovering in the sky as they
hunt their
prey. These sea
eagles are Europe's largest predatory bird with
wing-
spans of over six
feet. This fully guided tour should not be
confused with
extreme sea rafting.
The objective is to bring passengers as close as
possible to eagles
and sea. You will be provided with necessary
clothing.
Period: April 01 - October 31, 2009
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 159 per person
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Day 4
Lofotr Viking
Feast (Stamsund-Svolvaer)
From Stamsund or Svolvaer, we travel by bus to Lofotr Viking Museum,
where you are
invited to experience the largest house known
from the
Viking Age. The
chieftain's house has been recreated in full
size, with
exhibits of finds
from the Viking era. The chieftain and the lady
of the
house want to give
you an unforgettable night, as they invite you
to join
in on a real Viking
feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic
and
excitement as they
make sacrifices to the Norse gods, hoping that
the
sun will turn to
avoid Armageddon. Will we receive a sign from
above?
After a meal fit for
the gods, served with real mead, you travel by
bus to
Svolvaer or
Stamsund, where you board your Hurtigruten ship.
Period: January 1-April 15, October 15-December 31, 2009
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $ 139 per person |
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Day 5
The Arctic
Capital Tromso
Called the "Paris of the North," Tromso is stunningly situated on an
island set amid
mountains and fjords. Learn about Arctic flora
and
fauna at Polaria, a
museum and aquarium built to resemble huge
blocks
of ice thrown ashore
by the mighty ocean. Next, visit one of the
city's
icons, the Arctic
Cathedral, which rises some 120 feet into the
air like
a mountain of ice.
Its façade is a huge stained-glass window with a
grid
of clear glass
strips through which daylight filters with
mystical effect.
It's an experience
not to be missed.
Period: All year 2008
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Price: $ 72 per person
Day 5
Tromsø Dog sledding Safari
After a short drive to Kvaloya Island near
Tromso, you'll change in
to warmer clothes
and meet your sled dogs. They're eager to carry
you over a bleak,
beautiful landscape of open seaside plains. In
the
dark of winter,
you'll be equipped with head lamps, which create
a
magical atmosphere
as the dogs run almost silently through the
snow.
At the end of the
trip, you'll visit a cozy lavvo-a traditional
Sami tent,
where you will enjoy
refreshments around the open fire.
Period: January 1 - April 30; November 1 -
December 31, 2009
Duration: 3½ hours
Price: $198 per person
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Day 5
Scenery and
Huskies (Tromso)
If you love animals, this is the trip for you. We head to the Tromso
Wilderness Center,
where we greet 150 huskies and puppies, and
learn about the
challenges of dog sledding and Finnmarkslopet,
Europe's longest
dogsled race. We are also welcome to join the
center's tour guide
to explore local plant and bird life on foot.
We end in a Sami
lavvo, for beverages and dessert.
Period: June 1 - August 31, 2009
Duration: 3½ hours
Price: $ 76 per person
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Day 5
Polar History
City Walk (Tromso)
Tromso is not just the largest town in northern Norway, but also one with
a lot of history.
Today, we will experience some of it. We meet at
the quay,
from which a guide
will take us to the Polar Museum. On the way, we
will
see the statue of
explorer Roald Amundsen and the Hunting
Monument.
There is a wonderful
view of the sound and the Arctic Cathedral from
the
marketplace. The
Polar Museum is located in an old customs house
from
the 1830s; this
charming attraction has exhibits of our proud
polar history
of Arctic Ocean
hunting and polar expeditions. We will also see
a film about
the polar region
made by hunters.
Period: January 1-April 15, October 15-December 31, 2009
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $ 59 per person |
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Day 6
The North Cape (Finnmark)
Travel by bus from Honningsvag, the
northernmost community in
Finnmark, toward the
71st parallel and North Cape. In summer,
you may glimpse
reindeer grazing by the roadside, or perhaps
you'll
catch sight of a red
fox. The region's flora and fauna are rare and
exceptional. Look
out for the Chamorchis alpina, a dwarf orchid,
and the brilliant
yellow globe flower. You'll be able to sample
the
delicious
cloudberry-if it's in season. By the sea, cliffs
and skerries
abound with puffins,
gannets and cormorants. Your trip ends at
North Cape, a fabled
cliff formation rising a sheer 920 feet out
of the icy ocean.
This is Europe's most northerly point.
Period: 2009 all year
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $138 per person
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Day 6
Bird-watching
Safari (Honningsvag)
Set out by motorcoach from Honningsvag for
the fishing hamlet of
Gjesvaer. Continue
by boat to a nature reserve teeming with bird
life.
Conditions
permitting, you'll spot the Red-beaked puffin
and Razor-
billed auk, flocks
of kittiwake, and, perhaps, a mighty Sea eagle
or puffin
Period: May 1 - August 31, 2009
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $184 per person
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Day 6
A Taste of
Lapland (Kjollefjord-Mehamn)
Discover the exciting history of Norway's multiethnic Arctic coast on
this
fascinating and
informative excursion in Finnmark. Our visit
begins at the
Coastal Center at
Foldalbruket, a former fish processing plant
where we
learn about whaling
and Sami, Russian, and Norwegian trade and
settlement. Next, we
visit the highland summer camp of a family of
Sami
reindeer herders. In
their lavvo, we enjoy reindeer bouillon and
coffee,
and listen to Sami
songs; outside, we visit reindeer and even try
throwing
a traditional lasso.
We then head to the Finnmark Plateau, where we
hope
to spot grazing
reindeer herds. On the way to Mehamn, our guide
explains
Arctic ecosystems,
geology and lifestyles.
Period: May 1 - Sep 10, 2009
Duration: 2-1/2 hours
Price: $ 116 per person
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Day 6
Scooter Trip in Lapland
(Kjollefjord-Mehamn)
The group will be met quayside by the guide. We go indoors to dress in
thermal suits,
shoes, hats, and gloves. Helmets are handed out
and we are
ready for the trip
up to the mountain by jeep or bus. On the way,
our guide
will tell us about
the Sami people, geographical and climatic
conditions, what
it's like to live on
the coast of Finnmark and how the locals make
use of the
nature all year
round. As we approach the snow line, an
introduction to
scooter driving will
be given. Then it's time for the scooter trip,
with some of
Norway's most
experienced instructors. Everyone may drive his
or her own
scooter. The trip
goes partly along paved highway and partly
across open
terrain, dependent
on weather conditions.
Period: January 1-April 30; December 15-31, 2009
Duration: 2-1/4 hours
Price: $399 per person
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Day 7
The Russian
Border (Kirkenes)
At Kirkenes, the only Norwegian town where East meets West, the ship
turns around and
starts its southward journey. If you like, you
may travel
to Storskog, the
Norwegian border station on the Russian
frontier. On the
way back, you'll
stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to look out over
Kirkenes and
the fjord.
Period: 2009,
All year
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 60 per person
Day 7
Riverboat Safari
(Kirkenes)
On Pasvik River in a river boat, your guide will tell stories about the
eastern
Sami people, the
saintly Russian princes Boris and Gleb, and the
holy
Orthodox monk Trifon
of Pechenga. You'll also pass the Trifon Cave
and
Kjerringstupet
Cliff.
Period: June
1-September 10, 2009
Duration: 2-1/2 hours
Price: $ 160 per person
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Day
7
Snowmobile Safari
(Kirkenes)
What do you do when the plains are buried in snow? Ride snowmobiles!
Or maybe try
chair-sledding. You'll be dressed in good, warm
clothes and
plied with
piping-hot coffee, dried reindeer meat and
Russian sweets in
the warmth of a
lavvo.
Period: January
1-May 5, December 15-31, 2009
Duration: 2-1/2 hours
Price: $ 220 per person
Day 7
Kirkenes Snow
Hotel (Kirkenes)
We depart Kirkenes quay with our guide for the snow hotel, idyllically
located beside Gabba
Reindeer Park. There, we visit Norway's biggest
ice
bar-40 square feet
in area, 26 feet high, and beautifully
decorated-for an
ice-cold crowberry
shot called "Rudolph's Revenge." We tour the
hotel's
snow suites,
featuring snow and ice art. Then it's time to
meet reindeer,
which run free in a
large enclosure. You can get very close and have
them
eat from your hand -
a great photo op. We then head to Gabba Kennel,
home to many
Siberian Husky dogs. At the Gabba Restaurant, we
gather
around an open fire
to roast sausages, served with mustard and
potato
pancakes. After
warming up, it's back to the quay, stopping at
Prestefjell
for views over
Kirkenes.
Period: January 1-May 1, December 15-31, 2009
Duration: 2-1/2 hours
Price: $ 79 per person
Day 7
ATV/Quad Safari
to the Russian Border (Kirkenes)
The trip goes up to the viewpoint Kjerringstupet near Kirkenes. The story
of
Kjerringstupet is presented and we look at
settlements first occupied
more than 10,000
years ago. We drive along the road through the
town
center, and stop to
have a look at the A/S Sydvaranger mines. A
short
history of the mines
is presented. Farther on, we drive to the
Norwegian-
Russian border by
Skafferhullet/ Elvenes. By the frontier, the
guide tells us
about the history
and culture of the area. We also visit a
Norwegian military
watch tower that is
often manned. From the tower, we can see Boris
Gleb
on the Russian side.
We continue to another viewpoint, where we can
see
the Russian Orthodox
chapel in Boris Gleb. Next, we go to see the
official
border crossing to
Russia at Storskog. We stop to have coffee/tea
and
muffins. You may
also buy local souvenirs here. We return to
Kirkenes via
the viewpoint
Prestefjellet, overlooking the town and harbor
where the ship
docks.
Period: June
1-September 30, 2009
Duration: 2-1/2 hours
Price: $ 188 per person
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SOUTHBOUND SHORE
EXCURSIONS
Day 8
Breakfast at North Cape
((Honningsvag-Hammerfest)
There is something very special about experiencing the North Cape early in
the morning. After
enjoying breakfast and spending some time on the
Finnmark plateau,
board a motorcoach to head southward along the
mighty
Porsangerfjord. This
part of Finnmark is characterized by fishing and
agriculture. In the
summer, reindeer graze the plains. Rejoin
your ship in
Hammerfest, the
world's northernmost town.
Period: May 8 - October 7, 2009
Duration: 6 hours
Price: $184 per person
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Day 8
Hammerfest: The
northernmost town in the world
Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world. From headquarters of
the Royal and
Ancient Polar Bear Society, a bus takes us to
the Meridian
monument, a UNESCO
World Heritage site. The column commemorates
the first official
measurement of the exact size and shape of the
Earth. We
stop for photos, a
brief description, and spectacular views of
Melkoya
island and the
Snohvit liquid natural gas (LNG ) field. In
1891, Hammerfest
became the first
town in northern Europe to get electric street
lighting,
thanks to
hydropower. You will hear a bit about Europe's
first LNG factory,
on Melkoya. On the
way up Salen mountain, you'll also hear more
about
Hammerfest's hunting
and fishing traditions as well as its history,
including
its total
destruction in World War II . You will also
learn about Sami history
and culture and,
perhaps, will spot some reindeer. Before we
return to the
quay, we will drive
past the local church, with its unique
architecture inspired
by fish flakes.
Period: June 1 -
September 15, 2009
Duration: 1 hour
Price: $ 44 per person
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Day 8
Midnight Concert (Tromsø)
In Tromsø, enjoy a nighttime concert at the Arctic Cathedral. If
you're lucky,
the Midnight Sun
will come streaming in as the church resounds
with
Norwegian folk
melodies, psalms, and classical song. A truly
memorable
experience.
Period: April 22 - Sep 30, 2009
Duration: 1 ¼ hours
Price: $ 72 per person |
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Day 8
The Sami
Experience (Hammerfest)
Immerse yourself in Sami culture. Compare gamme, the turf huts Sami live
in
today, with goahti,
the traditional versions. Listen to Sami folk
stories and
the singing known as
joik, while you sample Sami delicacies. You'll
also
learn about duodji,
Sami handicrafts, and will have the chance to
purchase
some souvenirs if
you like.
Period: June
20-August 15, 2009
Duration: 1-1/2
hours
Price: $ 66 per person |
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Day 9
A Taste of Vesteralen (Harstad - Sortland)
All year, 4-1/4 hours: This excursion takes you on a journey from Viking
times, through the
Middle Ages, up to present day. First, you'll
visit
Trondenes Church,
Norway's northernmost medieval church, then on
to
the local historical
center, where a millennium's worth of history is
presented
in original objects,
as well as smells and sounds. Feast your eyes on
the
ever changing
landscape on the drive across Hinnoya from
Harstad to
Sortland. Hidden
between the peaks of Vesteralen lie rich,
fertile pockets
of farmland. While
idyllic in summer, they are just as pretty
covered in snow.
Period: All Year 2009
Duration: 4-1/4 hours
Price: $ 97 per person
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Day 9
Lofoten
(Svolvaer-Stamsund)
Take a motorcoach journey from Svolvaer through the lovely Lofoten
Islands. You will
stop at an art gallery in Henningsvaer, perhaps
the
most charming
fishing village in this archipelago, where you
can see the
works of Norwegian
artists who have depicted what life at sea was
like
in the old days.
You'll also have the chance to view a
fascinating display
of photographs of
this island chain in all its atmospheric beauty.
But don't
content yourself
with photos; look around and enjoy the stunning
vistas
that surround you.
The trip continues through Lofoten's famous
mountain
landscapes. Enjoy
the views!
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Period: April 1 - Sep 8, 2008
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $ 100 per person
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Day 9
Sea Eagle Safari
(Svolvaer)
After exploring the spectacular Trollfjord onboard the MS Orca, your Sea
eagle safari begins.
Fish is brought onboard to feed these
magnificent birds.
Keep your camera
ready for this up-close and- personal
experience. The
eagle safari lasts
from 45 minutes to an hour, and if you're lucky,
five or six
majestic birds
circle the boat at the same time. Then we set
our course for
Svolvaer, arriving
at the quay about five minutes ahead of your
Hurtigruten
ship. This is an
excursion you will remember for the rest of your
life!
Period: April 1 - Sep15, 2009
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 118 per person
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Day 9
Lofotr Viking
Feast (Stamsund-Svolvaer)
From Stamsund or Svolvaer, we travel by bus to Lofotr Viking Museum,
where you are
invited to experience the largest house known
from the
Viking Age. The
chieftain's house has been recreated in full
size, with
exhibits of finds
from the Viking era. The chieftain and the lady
of the
house want to give
you an unforgettable night, as they invite you
to join
in on a real Viking
feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic
and
excitement as they
make sacrifices to the Norse gods, hoping that
the
sun will turn to
avoid Armageddon. Will we receive a sign from
above?
After a meal fit for
the gods, served with real mead, you travel by
bus
to Svolvaer or
Stamsund, where you board your Hurtigruten ship.
Period: January 1-April 15, October 15-December 31, 2009
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $ 139 per person
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