Northern Lights
Astronomy Voyage
Tromsø -
Kirkenes - Tromsø
5 days/4 nights half board
From £999 - No single supplement
Join an Arctic adventure to remote regions along the dramatic coastline and to the most northerly part of Norway. The entire duration of this eventful voyage is spent above the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
This voyage will be accompanied by the renowned astronomer Dr John Mason and hopefully the greatest lightshow on Earth, the Northern Lights - conditions permitting.
Through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the Arctic night sky from the deck of the ship, Dr Mason (Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and regular guest on BBC’s The Sky At Night) will bring the world of stars, planets and meteors closer whilst also exploring the numerous myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies. During the four day voyage we will also hope to see the magic Aurora Borealis. It is here above the Arctic Circle that the chances of catching a glimpse of this most spectacular celestial display are best.
Your journey begins in Tromsø, with a leisurely voyage north. Observe the sky as you travel towards Honningsvåg. From here, you can join an excursion to mainland Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape. We then head to the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes, a mere 10km from the Russian border. Here you may visit the border with Russia, try your hand at snowmobiling, or enjoy a taste of Sami life.
As the return journey from Kirkenes hugs the coastline, you revisit remote settlements which rely on Hurtigruten ships to maintain contact with the rest of Norway. We stay overnight in Tromsø after leaving the ship.
Northern Lights
Astronomy Voyage
5 days/4 nights half board |
|
| DAY 1 |
Arrive in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is a lively university town setv amidst peaks making it a most pleasant coastal town. In the afternoon you will join the MS Trollfjord for a four day voyage to Kirkenes and back |
| DAY 2 |
An early morning call brings you to Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town. Hammerfest was built on fur trade and fishing. Remaining largely ice free during the winter months due to the effect of the Gulf Stream, it was a base during WWII for the German Navy. We continue to Honningsvåg, from where you can join an excursion to Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape. Honningsvåg, the largest fishing village in the Finnmark region, was completely rebuilt after the Second World War |
| DAYS 3 |
The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches Kirkenes. Just 10 kilometres from the Russian border, this vibrant little town survives well in these remote regions on the proceeds of mining, sawmills and by catering for the Russian fishing fleet. Take the opportunity to join an excursion to the Russian border or try your hand at snowmobiling before we start our return voyage to Tromsø |
| DAY 4 |
Enjoy another day sailing along the dramatic Arctic coastline. Along the way we will make stops at remote settlements and re-visit Honningsvåg and Hammerfest enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. You will reach Tromsø just before midnight where you will be transferred to a comfortable centrally located hotel for an overnight stay |
| DAY 5 |
In the morning there is the option of joining a thrilling dog sledging excursion across the open plains of Tromsø. Alternatively visit the Polar Museum or Polaria, a centre that enables you to explore Arctic life. In the afternoon your transfer brings you back to Tromsø airport for the return flight to the UK |
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Departure
Date
and Price for 2009 |
Dep
date |
Inside |
Outside |
Feb 26
|
£999 |
£1099 |
Prices
are in £s per person based on 2 people
travelling together sharing a twin cabin/room.
No single supplements |
|
The
cruise price includes |
| • |
Return economy flights
between London Heathrow and Tromsø (via Oslo) incl. applicable taxes and
charges |
| • |
Four nights on board the MS Trollfjord for the Tromsø - Kirkenes - Tromsø voyage |
| • |
1 night in Tromsø including breakfast |
| • |
Transfers as appropriate |
| • |
Current fuel surcharges |
Note: Flights from Manchester are also available. Departing 25 Feb 09 including Tromsø pre voyage supplements. From £60 pp
Not included:
Travel insurance; luggage handling; optional carbon
balancing fee (£5 per person) |
|
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Optional
Excursions |
North Cape - Europe’s Northernmost Point - Honningsvåg
From Honningsvåg, a 35km coach journey will take you to the North Cape Plateau with unsurpassed views towards the North Pole and a potentially incredible backdrop for experiencing the Northern Lights.
£68pp 3 hours 30 min, pre-bookable
Barents Safari Snowmobile - Kirkenes
Enjoy an exhilarating experience by driving a snowmobile across the frozen sea (full instruction given, driving licence required). On your return, relax in a traditional dwelling and enjoy an introduction to the everyday life of the Sami. Warm clothing is provided.
£110pp, 2 hours, 30 min, pre-bookable
The Russian Border –
Kirkenes
A short tour will take you to the border with Russia, providing a distant glimpse of the lands that lie east.
£30 pp 2 hours, bookable on board.
Dog
Sledging – Tromsø
Complete your holiday with a thrilling ride by Husky dog sledge across the open plains of Tromsø. Eager Huskies are harnessed to our sledge waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. At the end of the trip a warm meal will be served in a lavvo (Sami tent). An exhilarating trip!
£125pp 5 hours, pre-bookable. |
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Lectures on board |
Discovering the Arctic Sky
A fascinating guided tour of the sights of the Arctic night sky, from the deck of the ship. We’ll cover the brightest stars, constellation patterns and the myths and legends linked to them. Perhaps a brilliant meteor will flash across the sky, and if the Northern Lights are on view, expert guidance and commentary will be on hand.
In Search of the Northern Lights
For as long as humans have witnessed the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights they have been mesmerised by their extraordinary beauty, colour and movement, as they shimmer against the backdrop of a star-studded Arctic sky. Join our on-board expert to understand what causes the Northern Lights, explore the myths and legends associated with them, their varying colour and form, and how best to observe them.
Postcard from Mars
Mars is a dynamic world with giantvolcanoes, vast canyons, polar ice caps, dust storms and just possibly habitats suitable for primitive life. Scientists have recently confirmed the existence of deep caverns on Mars. Cave systems would be an ideal habitat for life if it exists there. Two rovers have been gathering information about the planet, confirming that although Mars is dry and bitterly cold today, water once flowed on the surface.
Please note that topics may vary and the outdoor lecture is, of course, weather permitting. |
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