Download Itinerary
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
22 Days Autumn Expedition Cruise To Svalbard From Dover Get ready to be inspired. FROM $8,289 USD PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through t... Book Now TOUR ITINERARY The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1 888 356 2021 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 1 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Destination Dover, Embarkation Meals included Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar All aboard at Dover! MS Maud is here, ready and waiting to bring you north toward Norway and ultimately Svalbard – the realm of the polar bear. If you’ve time, take a walk alongside or atop the iconic white cliffs of Dover that have become a symbol for England. One of the best places to do so is at St. Margaret’s Bay which offers great views of the chalky coastline from its wide shingle beach. Once on board the ship, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, explore the ship and attend a mandatory safety drill. After the first of many delicious dinners and a welcome toast by the Captain, you’ll meet your expert Expedition Team. They are your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts, and good-natured guides throughout your journey. First and foremost though, they are there to keep you safe and well. They’ll be making it a priority to run through important health and safety aspects with you and your fellow guests. When the ship sets sail, we’ll pass the white cliffs of Dover and head up to the North Sea. Stretch your sea legs and get to know MS Maud, your cosy home away from home. If the weather holds, take in the salubrious sea air from out on deck. Or park yourself in the Explorer Lounge and Bar to watch the world go by from the panoramic windows, maybe together with a relaxing glass of wine. Your adventure to the Norwegian coast and Svalbard is officially underway! DAY 2 Destination At Sea Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar This day at sea gives you all the time you need to ease into your journey. You’ll definitely want to start enjoying onboard facilities like the hot tubs, sauna, and indoor gym. But you’ll likely also be striking up a camaraderie with the Expedition Team as well as other crew members and guests. The Expedition Team will begin the first in their series of insightful lectures over at the Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team are experts on different subjects and you’ll find them to be walking, talking treasure troves of The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1 888 356 2021 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 2 TOUR ITINERARY stories and information. They’ll share their extensive knowledge about the places, history, nature, people and natural phenomena we are likely to encounter during this cruise along the Norwegian coast. Today’s topics might include Norway's climate, the weather of the North Sea or the history of Hurtigruten as a national icon of Norway. DAY 3 Destination Bergen Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar Depending on the weather when crossing the North Sea, we aim to arrive in Bergen in the evening, still having time to enjoy and explore this beautiful city. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years, and you’ll see that the city has retained a great deal of its local character, heritage and charm. Your included activity in Bergen is an excursion to Mount Fløyen. We’ll hop on Hurtigruten buses from where the ship docks and drive to the Fløibanen funicular. The ride to the top of the mountain takes just six minutes. At the summit, 320 metres high, bask in stunning views over the city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Once back in the centre of Bergen, spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this thriving, compact city. If you want a taste of a local speciality, drop into one of the many cafés or pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer. Also, be sure to stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs. The area dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling a range of Norwegian arts and crafts. DAY 4 Destination Kalvåg Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar We welcome you to the little fishing village of Kalvåg, situated far out on the coastline with the open North Sea to the west. In the 1860s, it was one of the largest, if not the largest fishery on the Norwegian Coast, with as many as 11,000 people stationed there. Today, only about 400 people live here, but it’s still the best-preserved fishing village in western Norway. No other The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1 888 356 2021 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 3 TOUR ITINERARY expedition ships visit Kalvåg so you’ll experience an authentic slice-of-life community who will likely be thrilled to have visitors. As part of our traditional Norwegian coastal voyage, our Captains have sailed these waters for decades, always wishing there was time to stop and show you around this oh-so-charming village. We’ve listened to their expert recommendation and that’s now exactly what you’ll get to do on this expedition cruise. Admire an open-air art exhibition and walk around Kalvåg’s collection of old waterfront buildings, from restored wooden wharfs to herring salting warehouses. You may also go on optional excursions such as a hike of the area or kayaking. DAY 5 Destination Frøya, Hitra, Smøla Region Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar Today you will get to explore the area around Mid-Norway windswept islands outside the coast of Trøndelag. Notice how the islands facing the North Sea are a stark contrast to the sheltered fjords, as you will see from the small trees here, bent by the strong wind. This region of Norway lies at the heart of the Norwegian coast, both geographically and culturally. The beautiful city of Trondheim used to be the country’s capital and King Olav, later beatified as Saint Olav, is buried in the city’s Notre- Dame-inspired Nidaros Cathedral. King Olav fell during a battle at Stiklestad, also found along Trøndelag’s coast. His martyrdom there subsequently paved the way for the conversion of Norway from paganism to Christianity. When Hurtigruten started sailing north of Trøndelag in 1893, much was still unknown about the coastline. Over the years, we’ve become experts in these waters. Today, we are the only ones with the maritime knowledge and skill to take you through the many skerries and islets, and past fjord after fjord. Our plan is to explore one of the islands in this area. As part of an authentic adventure, it’s the weather that will determine our exact route and activities today. If the weather is pleasant, we can stay out among the islands along the coast. If otherwise, we can head into one of the sheltered bays. Once the elements have helped us decide on our destination for the day, we’ll drop anchor and use our small exploration boats to get to shore. If conditions are right, you’ll be able to pick optional excursion hikes or kayaking, or possibly even both. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 1 888 356 2021 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4 TOUR ITINERARY Frøya is one of the possible islands we will explore this day. It’s a resting, nesting and wintering area for many kinds of seabirds, like seagulls, cormorants, ducks and sea eagles. If we get to go ashore, you may also see seals, mink, otter, hare and deer. DAY 6 Destination Træna Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise MS Maud, Polar Outside Cabin, or similar In the morning, we sail along the coast of Helgeland with nothing but sky and sea ahead. In the distance, you can see mountains rise from the horizon. This is Træna, an archipelago of over 400 islands and islets right on the Arctic Circle. We plan to go on a scenic walk around the village of Husøya where most of Træna’s 454 inhabitants live.