Norway: Classic Norway and Spitsbergen

Transfer to the Hurtigruten pier and board your ship. Locate your cabin, familiarise yourself with the on-board facilities and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. Begin your Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure relaxing with drinks in the ship’s Panorama Lounge and watch through the enormous windows as the ship sets sail.

This breathtaking fjord is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is one of the highlights of the Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure. Take a bus tour for views of the fjord from high above and see gushing waterfalls plunging into the deep waters that reflect the surrounding mountains. Continue on the bus along the spectacular Trollstigen Pass before rejoining the ship at Molde.

Arrive in the medieval coastal town of Trondheim and admire the colourful wooden architecture of the buildings along the waterfront. Visit impressive sights such as the wooden bridge in the Old Town and Nidaros Cathedral, the only Gothic style cathedral in Norway, or take some time to explore the interesting Ringve Museum of Music.

Crossing the Arctic Circle, the Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure takes you into the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, where the sun barely dips below the horizon during the summer months. Arriving in Bodø you have the option to join one of the excursions. Visit Norway’s second largest glacier, Svartisen, or see Saltstraumen – the world’s most powerful maelstrom. The mighty sea eagle is frequently spotted around these parts.

The Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure arrives at the Arctic capital of Tromsø today. Contemporary and fresh, this lively city has an array of shops, restaurants and coffee houses for you to enjoy. Visit the Polar Museum or the Polaria Centre, and do not miss the magnificent Arctic Cathedral with its modern design and opulent stained glass window.

Known as the gateway to the North Cape, this fishing community is the most northerly city in Norway. Brave the elements and walk to the edge of the cliff plateau that towers over 300 metres above the icy Barents Sea. Enjoy the range of attractions there, including the giant Globe Monument.

Situated close to the Russian border, Kirkenes marks the end of the first leg of the Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure. From there you will fly to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen for an overnight stay in a local hotel.

Board the incredible MS Fram in the morning, unpack and relax as you set sail along the west coast of the Svalbard archipelago. Arrive at Barentsburg in the afternoon and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city sights. There is the option to visit the interesting Pomar Museum which tells the history of Russian mining and trading in Spitsbergen, or you can enjoy a delightful folklore show.

The Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure continues with a scenic cruise along the coast, treating guests to magnificent views of fjords and glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the native wildlife such as whales, seals, walruses and of course, the majestic polar bear. If ice conditions allow, visit Moffen Island – the northernmost point of Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventures.

Spend the morning enjoying stunning views of Krossfjord with its huge glacier fronts and noisy bird cliffs. Enjoy a guided tour of Ny Ålesund and browse the town’s museums and shops. Back on board, continue your Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure sailing south along the coastline, passing yet more unbelievable mountains and fjords.

Disembark the ship at Longyearbyen and if time permits, spend your remaining time on the Classic Norway and Spitsbergen adventure visiting the Svalbard Museum and art gallery before catching your return flight home.