2A GEIRANGER – ÅLESUND (15/4 – 30/5 2008)
National Geographic Traveller Magazine voted the Norwegian Fjords the ‘most unspoiled travel destination in the world’ in December 2004. Let us show you why. At the heart of Geirangerfjord country the dizzying Eagle Road route offers a dramatic bird’s eye view of the fjord which contrasts with the more gentle scenery along the coast. Gaily painted farms and villages, country churches, rivers and waterfalls complete the picture of a rural idyll as you continue by coach and boat to beautiful Ålesund. The journey ends at the top of Aksla Mountain from where there are splendid views over the town and the magnificent Sunnmøre Alps.
2B GEIRANGER – MOLDE (31/5 – 14/9 2008)
Visit Eagle’s view, Mount Dalsnibba, the spectacular Seven Sisters waterfalls and the famous ‘Trollstigen’ or ‘Trolls’ Road’ - the drive takes you to 900m above sea level and includes a series of hairpin turns. The wide Romsdalsfjord lies in gentle contrast to the mountains. Dinner will be at Rica Seilet Hotel and a tour of the City of Roses will uncover the delights of historical Molde, largely rebuilt after 1945 and set in a landscape of soaring peaks.
2C WALKING TOUR OF ÅLESUND (15/9/08 – 14/4/09)
A guided walk through this charming town is the best way to appreciate its history and architectural highlights. Ålesund is spread over three islands, linked by bridges, at the entrance to four fjords. Rebuilt after a fire in 1904 destroyed the city centre, inspired architects made full use of the prevalent trend for Art Nouveau. Your guide will recount stories about the previous occupants of some of the houses and help you decipher the symbolism in the decor of the buildings.
3A TRONDHEIM (15/4 – 30/9 2008)
Sightseeing tour including Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum
There is an intimacy and charm about Trondheim that few large towns can match, perhaps because so many of the fine buildings are constructed of brightly painted wood. The medieval Nidaros Cathedral is a shrine to the history of Norway and the Museum of Musical History at Ringve Gård, sited in a fine manor house, contains a marvellous collection of 2,000 musical instruments from around the world. In this beautifully furnished house demonstrations are given on some of the instruments as you wander through the history of European music.
3B 1,000 YEARS OF TRONDHEIM 1/10/08 – 14/4/09)
Sightseeing tour including Nidaros Cathedral
A coach tour through this handsome, historically important city includes a visit to the famous Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s largest medieval church. Built on the burial site of St Olav, this is a national shrine with some sections of the building dating from the 11th century. Fire has destroyed parts of the building on at least five occasions during the centuries and the restoration, which continues to the present day, displays a range of influences. The royal residence of Stiftsgården is one of Scandinavia’s largest wooden buildings, while the delightful old bridge into the city vies for attention with bridges dating from the 18th century which cross the river Nidelven.
4A SVARTISEN GLACIER, ØRNES (1/4 – 30/9 2008)
For many people, Norway is a land of winter, and today we shall visit the eternal winter. South of Ørnes, Hurtigruten makes a stop to allow a transfer to a smaller boat. The boat sails between islands and skerries- and of course this impressive view is best enjoyed out on deck. We are now in the realm of the sea eagle. Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier. Arriving at Svartisen Tourist Centre, we can enjoy the sight of this chill beauty whilst also enjoying coffee and the centre’s varied buffet of delicious cakes. The journey onward is along the beautiful coast of Helgeland. Weather permitting, we will visit one of the local fishing villages on the island Støtt. Back in Bodø we rejoin Hurtigruten. The boat trip is guided.
4D BODØ - SALTSTRAUMEN - SEA EAGLE SAFARI (29/3 – 28/10 2008)
The world’s strongest tidal current. We travel by Zodiac at a steady speed to bring us close to the powerful, wild forces of nature in this rugged landscape. Four times a day millions of gallons of water are forced through the 150m wide strait, spanned by a magnificent bridge, at an average speed of 29 km per hour. Overhead soar sea eagles, their wingspan over two metres. Thermal clothing can be provided.
5A TROMSØ SIGHTSEEING (ALL YEAR)
The gateway to the Arctic, the island city of Tromsø occupies an imposing position between the mountains and the sea, joined to the mainland by a splendid bridge. Experience the Arctic from the comfort of Polaria, an interactive exhibition devoted to the exploration of the icy wastes, housed in a building inspired by that landscape. Inside, a thrilling film sets the scene for a walk across the polar region to view creatures large and small and see the impact our way of life has on the environment. Later you will cross the bridge to Tromsø’s highest attraction, the Arctic Cathedral, rising like a mountain of ice. One of its 40 metre high walls is a remarkable, triangular stained glass window.
5B DOG-SLEDDING IN TROMSØ (28/10/08 – 26/4/09)
If you are travelling early or late in the season you will have the opportunity to join this exhilarating excursion which takes you by husky-dog sleigh across the open plains close to Tromsø. The beautiful husky teams strain in their harness waiting to speed through the silent world of snow. After this thrilling ride welcome refreshments are served in a Lavvo (Sami tent) around the open fire. Warm clothing is provided.
5C TROMSØ WILDERNESS CENTRE (28/5 – 27/8 2008)
Located just half an hour outside Tromsø, Kvaløya is a beautiful site framed by mountains, sea and plains. Enjoy a guided walk through the history, flora, fauna and birdlife of the region or visit two of the country’s best known sleigh drivers, Tove Sørensen and Tore Albrigtsen, and their 150 huskies. Here you will learn the basics of dog sledding and thrill to a film of the world’s longest dog-sled race across Alaska, as experienced by Tove and Tore themselves.
6A NORTH CAPE – EUROPE’S NORTHERNMOST POINT (ALL YEAR)
From Honningsvåg we travel by coach through the Arctic scenery of the island of Magerøya, which provides summer grazing for over 4,000 reindeer, to the North Cape Plateau. At 307 metres above sea level the views are unforgettable. Early travellers had to climb the cliff paths, helped by local sailors, and their names can still be seen scratched into the rock. Today every comfort is provided. In the North Cape Hall perched on top and carved into the side of the cliff, Ivo Caprino’s widescreen film portrays the North Cape above and below the waves. There is time to explore the North Cape tunnel, lined with scenes of the area’s historic past, and the lovely chapel, which leads to the café/bar and viewing platform. There is a souvenir shop, a small museum commemorating the visit of a king of Thailand, a café and a post office where postcards are franked with a unique North Cape stamp.
6B HONNINGSVÅG – GJESVÆR BIRD WATCHING (26/4 – 26/8 2008)
Travel across the dramatic landscape of Magerøya Island to the little fishing hamlet of Gjesvær (population: 120). Here you board a boat for the journey to the nature reserve of Gjesværstappan, home to a large colony of puffins, flocks of kittiwakes, as well as guillemots, cormorants, razorbills, gannets and skuas. In the autumn, Europe’s smallest sea bird, the storm petrel, joins the throng. Unsurprisingly, the majestic sea eagle prefers to hunt here too, and if we are lucky we may see several circling high overhead.
7A KIRKENES AND THE RUSSIAN BORDER (ALL YEAR)
The strategic importance of the border with Russia has given the region a dramatic history. During World War II, this was the base of a German garrison, from which an offensive was launched to capture Murmansk. The journey will take you through Kirkenes – the only town in Norway where West meets East – to Storskog, the border station. Russian souvenirs will remind you of this stimulating day. At Sydvaranger, you can discover iron ore at the disused mines and a stop will be made at Prestfjellet to see the wonderful views of Kirkenes and the fjord area.
7B KIRKENES - RIVER BOAT SAFARI TO THE RUSSIAN BORDER (26/5 – 4/9 2008)
The Pasvikelva River has witnessed the long and often turbulent history of the area. As you travel upstream through wonderful scenery, the guide will tell you stories of the eastern Sami people, the saintly princes Boris and Gleb, and the holy monk St Trifon of Pechenga. Coffee will be served ashore in a lavvo (Sami tent). Warm clothing will be provided.
7C KIRKENES - BARENTS SAFARI (9/12/08 – 29/4/09)
A fascinating insight into Sami life, this is an activity excursion available in the early and later parts of the season. An invigorating snowmobile safari, with you in the driving seat, across the plains of Kirkenes, and if time permits a session of kick sledding and reindeer lassoing are followed by refreshments served in the warmth of the Lavvo (Sami tent). Activities and availability are dependant on weather conditions. Warm clothing is provided. Do not forget to bring your driving license.
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