July 18 – August 2, 2018
2018 Heritage Tour:
Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Your tour begins in the picturesque city of Bergen and the surrounding countryside before boarding the Hurtigruten for “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.“ Enjoy 7 days and 6 nights sailing through the calm, sheltered waters of Norway’s shoreline. Each day Hurtigruten ships transport cargo, mail, vehicles, and a few hundred tourists along the Norwegian coast. The 34 ports of call range from major cities to small fishing hamlets with stops of a few minutes up to a few hours.
Your final port of call will be Kirkenes, one of the northernmost cities in Norway, nestled between Finland and Russia. The last days of your tour will be spent in Oslo enjoying all that a capital city has to offer—museums, unique shops, and local spots to relax and take it all in.
With the help of your tour guide, Knut Werner Hagen, every day of this incredible tour will be filled with opportunities to explore Norway and see breathtaking landscapes both on land and at sea. Knut’s knowledge and respect for the beauty and history of his beloved Norway will make this an unforgettable travel experience.
- Day 1 Wed., July 18: Minneapolis-Bergen
Depart Minneapolis on your transatlantic flight to Bergen, Norway, via Reykjavik. - Day 2 Thurs., July 19: Bergen (D)
Arrive at Flesland Airport in Bergen. Meet your guide, Knut Werner-Hagen, and transfer to your hotel. After arrival in the city center, take a few hours to explore this beautiful city before the “Welcome Dinner” and overnight at Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen. - Day 3 Sat., July 21: Bergen (B/L/D)
Begin your day with a morning sightseeing tour of Bergen, including a guided tour of the Hanseatic Museum and the Fløibanen funicular. Afternoon and evening on your own. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen. - Day 4 Sat., July 21: Bergen-Ulvik (B/L/D
Depart on a two-day journey through the inspirational Hardangerfjord area and its majestic mountains and waterfalls, with visits to the Steinstø Fruit Farm and the Kjeåsen Mountain Farm. Overnight at Brakanas Hotel in Ulvik. - Day 5 Sun., July 22: Utne-Ulvik (B/L/D)
Continue to explore the beautiful Hardangerfjord area with visits to the Hardanger Folkmuseum and the Utne Hotel for lunch. Overnight at Brakanas Hotel in Ulvik. - Day 6 Mon., July 23: Eidfjord-Coastal Voyage (B/L/D)
Begin the day at Norway’s largest national park, Hardangervidda National Park, before returning to Bergen to board the MS Nordkapp in time for dinner and the beginning of six days of sailing on the “World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.” - Day 7 Tues., July 24: Florø-Maløy-Torvik-Alesund-Geiranger-Molde-Kristiansund (B/L/D)
Stroll around the town of Alesund. At the port in Geiranger, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls— Brudesløret (Bridal Veil), Friaren (Suitor), and Seven Sisters waterfalls, which dance down the mountain. Lecture from Knut: “Highway No 1.” - Day 8 Wed., July 25: Trondheim-Rørvik (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a private tour of Trondheim, including Nidaros Cathedral. From Trondheim, sail past low hills and rolling farmland—a landscape seen nowhere else along the route. The ship will pass numerous islands before arriving in Rørvik, where you will have free time to explore the town. Knut’s Lecture: “Houses and Boats.” - Day 9 Thurs., July 26: Bronnøysund-Sandnessjoen-Nesna-Ørnes-Bodø-Stamsund-Svolvær (B/L/D)
You will cross over the Arctic Circle before you are fully awake. Now in the land of the Midnight Sun, the ship will follow the mighty Børvass Mountains on its way into Bodø. Here you will have time to visit such things as Bodø’s beautiful herb gardens, local churches and the excellent Aviation Museum. Knut’s Lectures: “People in the North of Norway” and “Skrei Fishing.” - Day 10 Fri., July 27: Stokmarknes-Sortland-Risøvhamn-Harstad-Finnsnes-Tromsø-Skjervøy (B/L/D)
The ship will call in Harstad at breakfast time and then will continue through Vågsfjord and Malangen before starting its approach to Tromsø, where you will have three hours to explore the capital of “Arctic Norway.” Knut’s Lectures: “Tromsø—the Capital of the North”and “Jan Baalsrud—Nine Lives.” - Day 11 Sat., July 28: Øksfjord-Hammerfest-Havøysund-Honingsvåg-Kjøllefjord-Mehamn-Berlevåg (B/L/D)
Arrive early in Hammerfest and enjoy the dramatic landscape of the Finnmark region. You will see lively ports bustling with activity. The ship will turn east across Austhavet toward the well-known fishing villages of Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg. Knut’s Lecture: “Where Three Tribes Meet.” - Day 12 Sun., July 29: Båtsfjord-Vardø-Vadsø-Kirkenes (B/L)
Arrive in Kirkenes in the morning and depart for a visit to the Borderland Museum and a close encounter with the Russian border. Overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes. - Day 13 Mon., July 30: Kirkenes-Oslo (B)
After breakfast, we depart Kirkenes and fly to Oslo, with the remainder of the day free to explore Oslo on your own. Overnight at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. - Day 14 Tues., July 31: Oslo (B)
Enjoy a morning guided city tour, including special stops at the Norsk Folk Museum and Vigeland Park. Remainder of the day free to explore Oslo on your own. Overnight at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. - Day 15 Wed., August 1: Oslo (B/D)
Take this day to relax, pack, and visit the places you may have missed in Oslo. Enjoy an evening “Farewell Dinner” and overnight at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. - Day 16 Thurs., August 2: Oslo-United States (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for Trans-Atlantic flight home.
The tour operator reserves the right to make changes necessary in order to give travelers the best experience possible.
Price
$7,425
Single supplement
$1,990
Land Only
$6,485
Minimum of 35 participants
Maximum of 45 participants
Price Includes (as listed in the above itinerary):
- Roundtrip airfare, taxes and fuel surcharge on Icelandair from Minneapolis
- Accommodations for 8 nights
- Six-night cruise on the Hurtigruten
- Daily breakfast (B), 9 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
- Guided city tours in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim
- Gratuity for bus driver and guides
- Hire of first-class tour coach, including English-speaking driver
- All domestic ferry crossings and tunnels for coach and passengers
- Admission fees to all museums and attractions
- Comprehensive information kit
- Vesterheim travel gift including luggage tags
Reserve Your Spot on Tour
Tour Guide and Leader
GUIDE: Knut Werner-Hagen
Knut Werner-Hagen holds a masters degree in history from the University of Oslo and has also written a number of articles and books. Knut served as an officer in the Norwegian Army for 30 years and, during the last 15 years of his career, he lectured on military history at the Norwegian Military Academy in Oslo. Knut has led a number of tours, including Vesterheim’s 2015 Coastal Voyage tours. He had the privilege of guiding His Majesty King Harald V and the Prime Minister of Norway. Knut brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to this unforgettable tour.
LEADER: Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, Vesterheim’s Coordinator of Tours to Norway, looks forward to welcoming you on this spectacular tour to Norway. Katherine has had the privilege to plan and lead academic tours for graduate business students to China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Her congenial personality and attention to detail will contribute to making your tour experience interesting, memorable, and relaxing.