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NORWAY'S FJORDS AND THE NORTH CAPE FROM DOVER

Norway boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with dramatic fjords and awe-inspiring countryside at every turn. On this voyage, we explore some unique towns along the rugged coastline to get close to nature and immerse ourselves in local culture along the way. Enjoy beautiful Arctic landscape, charming villages and bustling towns. Explore some of the hidden treasures in the area, as well as the best-known landmarks. All hand picked by the experts on Norway. We are excited to show our backyard, the authentic heart of . Explore the Norwegian coast in spectacular spring, summer and autumn, and discover the incredible Lofoten Islands and North Cape. Explore hand picked cities and towns that spring to life with the return of the sun and sail into majestic and less-visited Hjørundfjord. These expedition style cruises from Dover to Norway's North Cape will take in many of the great fights of Norway's Coast, Fjords and islands. Included in your voyage Expedition Cruise Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant and geological microscopes and samples Citizen Science Aune and Fredheim A la carte restaurant Lindstrom included for programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research suite guests Complimentary tea and coffee Complimentary Wi-Fi Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very the best landscape and wildlife photos Use of the ship’s hot limited connection. Streaming is not supported. Complimentary tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym and outdoor gym reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and preparation for the day to come Landing Activities Escorted accompany activities on board and ashore Range of included landings using our fleet of small expedition boats or local tender excursions Onboard Activities Experts on the Expedition Team boats Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics Use of the ship’s activities Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition Science Center which has an extensive library, biological jacket Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com ITINERARY ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre Sturlasson. Maybe it’s a dry fact, but Kristiansund today is known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its Day 1: Dover historic export of dry salted fish, often called bacalao. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this interesting little city, past old shipyards and Norway boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with marinas, and see what you can find. dramatic fjords and awe-inspiring countryside at every turn. On this voyage, we explore some unique towns along the rugged coastline to get close to Day 5: Brønnøysund & Arctic Circle nature and immerse ourselves in local culture along the way. Enjoy beautiful Arctic landscape, charming villages and bustling towns. Explore some of the Home of Famous Torghatten Welcome to Brønnøysund - a vibrant and pretty hidden treasures in the area, as well as the best-known landmarks. All hand little town of 5,000 folks located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands picked by the experts on Norway. We are excited to show our backyard, the and sea. You are now at the halfway mark along Norway’s long coastline. authentic heart of Northern Norway. Brønnøysund is near the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten. Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island – a UNESCO Day 2: At sea World Heritage site which was granted UNESCO status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old sustainable way of life. Remarkably, Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the Norwegian coastline. Meet our the islanders have thrived by practicing the now unique tradition of eider Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures ahead. Listen in on farming and duck down processing. As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along talks by these experienced explorers who share their extensive knowledge. Or the coast of Helgeland and pass the famous mountain range called the Seven maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try some of the Sisters. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu, or settle into a good book sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful peaks. In the while enjoying this day at sea. evening, we cross the Arctic Circle.

Day 3: Bergen Day 6: Reine & Svolvær In the morning, we get our first glimpse of the Norwegian coast. Small islands Discover Amazing Lofoten You won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten and mountains draw closer. We leave the North Sea and enter scenic straits because of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon. The and fjords. After lunch, we arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic peaks, cities and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was sheltered bays and untouched beaches - and this is your day to explore them. Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a great deal of its local Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing, picturesque villages and exciting character, history and charm, and is a hub for Norwegian travel. Be sure to year-round activities. We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Fishermen´s stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful huts dotting the shoreline and snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century. Wander the cobblestone make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway. streets and alleyways of this enchanting, compact city. Drop into one of its After departing Reine, we sail along the massive Lofoten wall to Svolvær. The many cafés or pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer, browse through islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and bays we pass are unlike unique boutiques and visit world-class museums. anything you’ve ever seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants Day 4: Molde and Kristiansund are scattered throughout the town. After a whole day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, an amazing place where vertical mountain walls surrealistically jut At midday, we reach Norway’s ‘City of Roses’ – Molde where guests can out of the sea. disembark to join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations, spanning eight bridges through picturesque Day 7: Tromso landscapes and across the open sea. The excursion ends in Kristiansund, where you rejoin the ship. Kristiansund's location on four sea islands in the Looking for Arctic adventure? Tromsø is the place to find it. Set far above the has steadily provided livelihoods in the fishing, shipbuilding Arctic Circle, it never gets dark during the peak of the summer and the town and oil industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and brims with almost round-the-clock activities. The shines here Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the famous from May 20 to July 22. Tromsø is also rich in history and culture. It was the

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com starting point for many Arctic expeditions and the first call when explorers Day 10: At sea returned to civilization. Today the city is called the Paris of the North because of its cultural diversity. It is home to both the world’s northernmost university Spend time in the ship’s Explorer lounge, soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck and 2nd - most northerly brewery and is known for great restaurants enjoying the scenery. The Expedition Team also continues its on-board lecture specializing in fresh regional produce. Tromsø’s attractions include amazing series, sharing their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, views, history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a culture and history of Norway’s long and varied coastline. The team also landmark and city highlight, featuring an enormous stained-glass window. You summarizes the voyage so far and lets you know about plans for the exciting can also ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of a 424 m high mountain. days ahead. The summit provides breathtaking views of the city, mountains and fjords. Don’t forget to take sunscreen. Perhaps visit the Polaria Arctic experience Day 11: Hjørundfjord (Urke) & Alesund centre. Look, feel, experience and understand why life in the sea and on land Get ready to experience the wow factor - We sail into Hjørundfjord. This natural are entirely dependent on each other. wonder stands out from other popular fjords in its solitary grandeur - far off the beaten tourist tracks. Hjørundfjord is considered one of the purest and Day 8: Honningsvåg & North Cape most beautiful fjords in Norway. The fjord is surrounded by the Sunnmøre Edge of the World Today we visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, Alps, with peaks soaring as high as 1,700 metres straight up from the sea. North Cape. This is also as far north as we go on this expedition cruise. Start The steep mountains have made it impossible to cultivate the land here. Still, the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of Honningsvåg. We pass a few tiny farms cling to the mountain sides and some small villages reside small bays and tiny villages, then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at along the shoreline. We anchor in the fjord and a local tender boat takes you spectacular North Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just 2,100 km away ashore, where you will find hiking opportunities in incredible scenery. MS from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the cliff and gaze out on Maud arrives at Ålesund in the afternoon. This city is a delight to visit. Ålesund the sea. Only the Archipelago separates you from the North Pole. is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, owing to a devastating North Cape feels like the end of the world. It’s also a great place to take fire that burned much of the city down in 1904. The entire town was stunning photos and there will be enough time to visit the North Cape Hall´s subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. Enjoy cinema, showing a short film about the North Cape Plateau, and there are the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of this charming North Atlantic several exhibits open to visitors. Back in Honningsvåg, you can opt to stroll city. about, past charming houses, nice shops and a church that was the only structure left standing at the end of World War II. This is the ship’s turning Day 12: Værlandet, point and from here we start our return trip southward. Værlandet is a small island group situated north of Sognefjorden. This unique place hosts hiking possibilities for all levels of fitness. Maybe jaunt up Day 9: Fiinsnes 481-meter high Mount Alden 481 will tempt you. The view is stunning. Stretch Hidden Gem of Coastal Norway Today we dock at Finnsnes, just across a your legs on the small islands of Værlandet & Bulandet by hiking or walking bridge from the remarkable island of Senja. Senja is Norway’s second largest around the village or take a bike around the island on your own. You can also island and counts just under 8,000 inhabitants. As you might guess, fisheries learn more about the area´s cultural history at the local museum. and aquaculture are the dominant industries here. Cod and pollock are traditionally fished in Senja’s waters while salmon is farmed. The island is Day 13: Lysefjord famous for its diverse landscapes and is often referred to as Norway in Lysefjord is 40 kilometres long and 422 metres deep at its deepest. miniature. The scenery can dramatically change within the blink of an eye. The Preikestolen, the most famous tourist attraction in Ryfylke, towers an outer side of Senja is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight impressive 604 metres over the Lysefjord. This is a flat mountain plateau of into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches. South approx 600 square metres. We hope to have a fine view of Preikestolen before Senja is distinguished by rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to heading back out of the fjord. As the ship sails down the fjord, mountains Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has a a gentler tower above us in this imposing fjord. Spend time on deck taking in the landscape with rolling hills and birch forests. scenery, or take a seat and enjoy the views from the comfort of our observation lounge with its enormous windows designed for this very reason.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Day 14: At sea It’s our final day at sea. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms. You may want to take one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the ship’s lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition Team as they review the highlights of your memorable expedition cruise to the coast of Norway. During the night, we'll have a technical stop in Calais.

Day 15: Dover Return to England We pass the white cliffs of Dover during the early morning hours and dock at the city’s harbour. After breakfast, it’s time to leave your home for the past 14 days. As you head ashore, you’ll take with you the lifetime memories of Norway - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and cities and friendly people.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: MAUDE

YOUR SHIP: Maude

VESSEL TYPE: Expedition

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2003 / 2021

views. Passengers: 528 MS Maude is an ice class 1C ship and is equipped with MS Maude is designed to explore the magnificent Norwegian advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well suited coast and polar areas in ultimate comfort, with advanced for expedition cruises in Norway. equipment and a sustainable profile. Low impact exploration MS Maude (MS Midnatsol prior to the makeover) is named for MS Maude will soon be equipped with a battery pack, allowing the Viking explorer, also known as Eric the Red. He discovered, it to sail into pristine polar areas without air and water named and settled Greenland in the 10th century. emissions. The ship will also have shore power connections Like its namesake, MS Maude is a great adventurer, meant to installed, to cut all emissions when docked in ports with shore explore the rugged Norwegian coastline all year long. MS Maude power facilities. has a modern design and progressive environmental profile. The Its engines are being substantially upgraded into low-emission interior's bright, colourful decor is inspired by Norway's sunny motors, complying with all known and upcoming regulations. A summer days, a motif reflected in many of the pieces of number of other technical upgrades will contribute to greater Norwegian modern art on board. The vessel's sun deck and hot savings in fuel and emissions. tub are on deck 9. Key features on MS Maude include a Facilities on board MS Maude spacious, two-storey panorama lounge above the bow. Its Cabins and public areas wall-to-wall windows bathe the lounge in natural light and Norway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior provide extraordinary design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by. Science Center

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Restaurants Our three onboard restaurants have menus drawn from Norwegian traditions, as well as international cuisine. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim - the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you can expect honest and delicious cuisine that reflects our destinations. Wellness and Relaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs, excercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge, surf on the wifi network, or browse the onboard shop. Onboard Expedition Team MS Maude has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a virtual university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities indoors as well as out on deck make for exciting and educational journeys. Topics depend on the season and waters we sail in. The Expedition Team hosts a lecture and presentations programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can take part in live points of interest sessions to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter during the cruise. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv' (outdoor life) and encourage you join in hikes and activities during the journey. We provide the basic gear needed.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com