12-day cruise of Norway with an expert astronomer (2024)

Reasons to book

Explore the fjords

You’ll cruise through more than 100 fjords on this cruise, including Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in Norway

Expert astronomer Tom Kerss

The world's first Chief Aurora Chaser and experienced astrophotographer will travel with you and deliver a series of lectures

The Tromsø Planetarium

Marvel at the full-dome ceiling offering 360-degree views and digital projectors showing films about the Aurora and the constellations

Northern Lights

Sailing the Norwegian Arctic in winter means you'll have a strong chance of seeing the magical Northern Lights

Modern coastal ship

Sailing with Norway experts Hurtigruten, your home for the trip will be the modern and welcoming ship MS Midnatsol

Wonderful wildlife

Norway has incredible wildlife including hooded crows, sea eagles, puffins, Arctic foxes, orcas and humpback whales

You'll be joined by

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Tom Kerrs

Astronomer and author

The world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is an astronomer, astrophotographer and author. Having previously worked at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, he is the founder of Stargazing London. Tom has authored numerous best-selling books including Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras.

Price includes

Availability

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Bergen

   Bergen, Norway

   Your astronomy adventure begins today in Bergen, the culturalgateway to the fjords and the second-largest city in Norway.

   Before your ship departs, you might choose to visit theUNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district with itsartisan shops and cobblestone streets.

   Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which servesdelicious seafood. You can also venture to the Fløibanenfunicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking viewsacross the city.

   Later, you'll board MS Midnatsol, and make yourself at home,taking the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and the onboardastronomers.

2. Day

   2

   Ålesund to Molde

   Ålesund, Norway

   This morning you'll arrive at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund,renowned for its stunning and picturesque architecture.

   Take some time to explore the city and its rich Norse history orvisit Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest saltwater aquariums inNorthern Europe. You can also make your way up to small Mount Akslafor a panorama of the town and its picturesque position surroundedby islands.

   In the afternoon, you'll reach the port of Molde, where you canenjoy an amazing view of 222 towering mountain peaks across thenearby fjord, known as the 'Molde Panorama'.

3. Day

   3

   Trondheim

   Trondheim, Norway

   As you continue your journey north, you'll reach the mediaevalcity of Trondheim, where you'll find a vibrant mix of historiccivic architecture and a bustling student population.

   You can visit Nidaros Cathedral, which is considered one of themost sacred buildings in all of Norway and rightly nicknamed'Norway's Notre Dame'. Whilst here, take the time to visit theArchbishop's Palace to view Norway's crown jewels.

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   Not far from Nidaros Cathedral is Gamle Bybro, a charming woodenbridge that sits over River Nid and marks the entrance to the oldHanseatic district of Bakklandet. This neighbourhood featurescolourful wooden wharves that stand on stilts and host some of thecity's most trendy eateries, making Bakklandet a key destinationfor all foodies.

4. Day

   4

   Crossing the Arctic Circle

   Bodo, Norway

   In the early hours of the morning, MS Midnatsol will cross theArctic Circle and enter Norway's Arctic. Head out on deck to markthe moment with a traditional ceremony that will be sure to wakeyou up! Above the Arctic Circle, your chances of spotting themajestic Northern Lights increase.

   As you call into the northern city of Bodø, gaze up at thesnow-capped Børvass peaks before experiencing the fabulous streetart this city has to offer.

   From here, you'll continue across the Vestfjord and towards theLofoten archipelago which greets you with the stunning sight of the1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall.

5. Day

   5

   Tromsø

   Tromsø, Norway

   Today you'll dock in the historic Arctic exploration capital ofTromsø, a hive of culture, history and one of the best places tospot the Northern Lights.

   Today you will visit the Science Museum of Northern Norway,learning more about the Northern Lights through a range of exhibitsand installations.

   As part of this trip, you'll stop at Tromsø's incrediblePlanetarium and its full-dome ceiling offering 360-degree views andhigh-quality digital projectors showing daily films about'Experiencing the Aurora' and the constellations.

   Tom Kerss will be joining you on the trip so make sure to askhim lots of questions!

6. Day

   6

   The North Cape

   Honningsvåg, Norway

   Today you'll reach Honningsvåg, at the top of the Europeanmainland, where you might want to visit the globe monument at theNorth Cape. It's a popular attraction so make sure to bookearly!

   From Honningsvåg, look out for the striking rock formationcalled Finnkirka near the entrance to Kjøllefjord village. Thebuilding-like pillars were once an ancient sacrificial site for theindigenous nomadic Sámi people who still inhabit and herd reindeerin the region today.

   As you continue north towards Kirkenes, you'll sail pastSlettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost lighthouse in continentalEurope.

7. Day

   7

   Kirkenes

   Kirkenes, Norway

   By breakfast this morning, you will have reached the top ofNorway and the town of Kirkenes, situated just a few kilometresfrom the border.

   It is at this point of your coastal voyage that you'll turnaround and begin the journey back south.

   The voyage south gives you a chance to see the ports you visitedat night on your journey north during the day, giving you a fullNorwegian coastal experience.

8. Day

   8

   Hammerfest

   Hammerfest, Norway

   Once the northernmost town in the world, before Longyearbyen,Svalbard was founded, Hammerfest is a key destination for Astronomylovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

   Be sure to trek up Mount Salen for views over the town andpicturesque landscapes. You can also take a moment to see theUNESCO-listed Meridian Column which commemorates the first-evermeasurement of the globe.

   As you sail, keep your eyes open for the Northern Lights. Youmight also spot pods of Orcas and Humpback Whales migrating tothese waters to feed on herring.

9. Day

   9

   Lofoten

   Lofoten Islands, Norway

   Passing through the legendary Lofoten and Vesterålenarchipelagos, the ship sails through an intricate network of inletsand isles through one of the most beautiful stretches of theNorwegian coast.

   From here, the coastal landscape changes from rolling hills tosoaring mountains.

   Along this stretch of coastline is where The Hurtigruten CoastalExpress story began, in the coastal town of Stokmarknes in1893.

   Don't miss the Hurtigrutemuseet in Stokmarknes, a museumdedicated to The Coastal Express housed in the full-sized and fullyrestored ship MS Finnmarken from 1952.

10. Day

    10

    Brønnøysund

    Bodo, Norway

    Today you'll leave behind the magic of the Arctic Circle andhead towards the ports of Bodø and Ørnes.

    Marvel at the Seven Sisters mountain range where local legendhas it seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwantedsuitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the sevenbeautiful mountains you see today.

    Don't miss views of the Torghatten Mountain, with itsdistinctive hole right through the centre. There is a local legendas to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sureyou ask your onboard experts about it.

11. Day

    11

    Trondheim

    Trondheim, Norway

    An early morning arrival in Trondheim will give you time tofurther explore the city and discover any sites you might havemissed on the northbound section of the journey.

    Perhaps treat yourself to a barista-brewed coffee and Nordicpatisserie in one of the many cafés in the Bakklandet districtbefore walking up to Kristiansten Fort for great views over thecity.

    In the afternoon, you'll dock at Kristiansund, a quaint harbourtown spread over three islands. Meander along the cobbled streetsof the old town and be sure to sample the local delicacy ofklippfisk, salted cod that's dried on the surrounding cliffs.

12. Day

    12

    Back in Bergen

    Bergen, Norway

    You'll arrive back in Bergen today as your Astronomy Voyagedraws to a close.

    Before you have to say your goodbyes, the ship will sail acrossthe mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the wholeof Norway.

    If you aren't ready to leave Norway just yet, there are plentyof extension options that will make your trip that extra bit morespecial.

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TS Tours is acting as agent for Hurtigruten. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hurtigruten.

Founded in 1893, Hurtigruten are the world's leading experts incruises along the Norwegian fjords. Hurtigruten is ABTA-bonded andall trips are ATOL-protected.
TS Tours Ltd specialises in creating bespoke tours, cruises andrail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive tripscombine unique experiences as well as access to inspirationalpeople. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.

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