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Journey beginning at Bergen, Norway and ending at Svolvær, Norway
Available: 2024-05-01 to 2024-08-31 starting from $4337 AUD
Our range, Norwegian Coast, comes from the heart. With pride, we offer independent itineraries exploring secret coastal gems. These tours utilise the coastal ferries, regional trains and express boats to get around.
This tour includes the voyage from Bergen on the Coastal Voyage including visits to Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim and Saltstraumen. You then leave your ship to spend longer in the unmissable Lofoten Archipelago.
The Lofoten Islands is a secret gem in the Northern part of Norway. Laid out against summer greens and yellows, Lofoten’s razor-sharp peaks poke dark against a clear, cobalt sky. In the pure, exhilarating air, there’s a constant tang of salt and, in the villages, more than a whiff of cod, that giant of the seas whose annual migration brings wealth. Its a dream for hikers, fishermen and all nature lovers.
The archipelago offers a number of activities, such as walking, cycling, diving, excursions by hire car, sea safaris and much more. Lofoten is one of our favourite destinations along the long Norwegian coast.
The world’s most stunning voyage and archipelago is waiting for you!
See our other Lofoten & Norwegian Coast Tours
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Bergen offers many attractions and sights – many within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).
After a leisurely breakfast on the harbour, it is time to explore the historical centre of Bergen where you’ll be transported back to a time when Bergen was the centre of political power and trade for the entire North Atlantic. It was the Capital of the Kingdom of Norway for a short period, before the capital was moved to Oslo in 1299, and the town grew to become the largest in Scandinavia. The Hanseatic League established itself here in 1350 and had a trade monopoly that lasted 200 years.
An option today can be to add a day fjord tour.
You have the morning and early afternoon free before boarding your Coastal Voyage ship.
Your ship will sail from the Hurtigruten Terminalen, located at Nostegarten 30, 5010 Bergen. This is not far from our hotel.
The terminal is staffed from 13:00 (1pm) and is open from 15:00 (3pm) for baggage check-in. If you are in the harbour, you can watch as your ship arrives from the north and passengers disembark around 2pm.
Embarkation takes place from 16:00 (4pm) and your cabin will be available from approximately 18:00 (6pm). Dinner will be available from 18:00 (6pm). There are no restaurant facilities (there is a simple cafe) in the terminal should you arrive early to the terminal. Please note you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to your cabin.
Your ship departs at 20:00 (8pm).
An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and includes details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The Tour Leader on board will assist with general information and the shore excursion programme.
Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.
Your ship navigates the skerries and islands further north before reaching Ålesund. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct, perfect examples of the Art Nouveau style. Don’t miss out on the view from Mount Aksla but beware, there are 418 steps to the top! In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNE SCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord you pass sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls.
In Autumn, you will explore the Hjørundfjord, amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character.
Other Optional Excursions depending on the season and ship: Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass, Art Nouveau Tour, Hiking in Hjørundfjord, Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla and the A Taste of Norway which visits the historic Hotel Union.
Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.
When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to get a good view from the Gamle Bybrua (“Old Town Bridge”). Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between1070 and 1300, is Norway’s largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept. In Trondheim itself, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as the Rococo-style Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim. New optional activities will have you kayaking on the river Nid and into the city’s smaller channels or during winter time, you have the opportunity to try typical Norwegian winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and sledding.
You then set a course for the northwest, past the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. In autumn, you will learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Norwegian coast during the Captain’s talk. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship will arrive at charming Rørvik.
Optional Excursions depending on the season: Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum, Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral, Munkholmen boat trip & the new cycling and kayaking tours. During winter, you can experience Winter Games.
Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.
This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, you pass a globe on a small islet, which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle marks the border of the the Arctic reiong. In summer this means 24-hour daylight – often referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun’. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.
Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down your front or back, but is entirely optional. This ceremony is tremendous fun to watch on the deck.
In the afternoon, your ship gradually closes in on the 3,280 feet high Lofoten Wall towering above the tiny and colourful fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. This is an extraordinary place to disembark and take a stroll.
These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences. The Lofoten Islands are a truly extraordinary experience.
Depart ship and transfer to your traditional self-catering fishing cabin over the water. Between Sept – Dec, cast your eyes skywards in the evening for a chance to see the Northern Lights.
NOTE: The Coastal ferry arrives into Svolvær, at 21:00. You will however, need to check-out from your cabin at 12:00. You may be able to keep the cabin for an extra cost, but this can not be pre-booked, and will depend on the availability. Luggage storage is possible.
Enjoy three full days centrally located within the stunningly beautiful Lofoten Archipelago. The Lofoten Islands offer some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with towering, pointed mountain peaks rising majestically from the sea to a height of almost 1000 metres. Many of the island interiors are swathed in emerald greens, and the shorelines are fringed with white sandy beaches.
The only included activity is a ‘not to be missed’ spectacular Trollfjord Safari. You will get a good understanding of the marine life in the near surroundings of Svolvær.
We have also included 3 days of car hire which allows you to explore the islands at your own pace. GPS is not included (but roads are pretty straightforward, mostly following the coastline).
Alternatively, our recommended excursions are;
Trekking along some of the well marked paths (all year, except when too much snow)
After breakfast, drive to the local airport and deliver the car. Cleaning services included in your tour.
International flight tickets, meals other than described, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.
If you wish to hire an automatic car, these are ‘on request’ and can be difficult to obtain. Please seek further advice with us .
Single supplement available.
To find out more or to book this incredible tour, contact Globetrotter Lifestyle today!