Exploring the Old Norse heritage

13 days
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3.4/5 Average
29 reviews  
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Small Ship Cruise
Join a journey through the history of the Norse settlers and contemporary life in the Arctic. The history is fascinating and the heritage from these early settlers is still alive today - both in the Icelandic language and sagas, and the modern settlements of Greenland. There will be a variety of fascinating lectures on board, on topics like history, biology...
From$6,727
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • See icebergs when you sail in the wake of the Old Norse explorers of Iceland and Greenland
    • Explore Iceland and Greenland in one expedition
    • Authentic Greenland experience
    • Discover all the historic highlights
    • See one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world

What's this trip about?

    Join a journey through the history of the Norse settlers and contemporary life in the Arctic. The history is fascinating and the heritage from these early settlers is still alive today - both in the Icelandic language and sagas, and the modern settlements of Greenland. There will be a variety of fascinating lectures on board, on topics like history, biology and geology, as well as daily landings, hikes, kayaking and visits to museums.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityReykjavik
End CityCopenhagen

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Iceland

Attractions

  • Reykjavík

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis Reykjavik – Kangerlussuaq (departure 1 Jun) or Kangerlussuaq - Reykjavik (departure 2 Jul)
    • Wind and water resistant jacket
    • Landings with Polarcirkel boats and activities onboard and ashore
    • Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanying landings and activities
    • Free tea and coffee
    • Only departure 1 Jun 2016: Transfer from ship to airport in Kangerlussuaq – Flight in economy class from Kangerlussuaq
    • Only departure 2 Jul 2016: Flight in economy class from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq – Transfer from airport to ship in Kangerlussuaq

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Reykjavik

Take time to acquaint yourself with this charming city or its surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes before departure.

Day 2: Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður is situated in the western part of Iceland on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Several national sights are found in this area, including the Snæfellsjökull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland.

Day 3: Denmark Strait

While crossing the Denmark Strait we sail in the wake of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland more than 900 years ago. We start our lectures to prepare you for your time in Greenland. You will get introduction briefings on how to explore Greenland w...

Day 4: Nunap Isua

Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of this giant island. We will try to sail through the narrow, often ice-choked 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund that cross the southernmost point of Greenland and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked we will sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).

Day 5: South Greenland

Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland due to the colourful houses. The excursions we offer here include an interesting visit to the only tannery in Greenland, a city walk with guide and a kaffemik - the typical Greenland-style social gath...

Day 6: South Greenland

Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. Enjoy a guided settlement walk that is included in our programme or an optional hike along to Itilleq, a small settlement with less than 20 inhabitants. Qassiarsuk is the s...

Day 7: South Greenland

Narsaq is located at the beautiful shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord. This part of South Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is a great area for optional activities like kayaking, hiking or exploring the town by foot.

Day 8: Nuuk

Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland and is situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Today this is where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque old buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to the building of the Greenland H...

Day 9: Northwest Greenland

In Sisimiut you can watch the artists make jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal or join a sightseeing tour and a taste of Greenlandic specialties in a local restaurant.

Day 10: Northwest Greenland

The Disko Bay area offers fantastic sailings with wildlife and spectacular nature. Colourful villages cling to rough, rocky hills at the feet of the mountains surrounding the inland ice. Join excursions like kayaking, hikes or other activities. In Ilulissat we offer a guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and other optional shore excursions.

Day 11: Northwest Greenland

In the early afternoon we reach the small settlement Itilleq. Around 130 people live here, and they are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing. Visit one of the families that live here, buy some arts and crafts of the area or have fun playing soccer with the locals.

Day 12: Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is situated at the bottom of the Kangerlussuaq fjord.  An excursion that includes a farewell barbecue marks the end of our adventure. Late in the evening you fly to Copenhagen.

Day 13: Copenhagen

You arrive in Copenhagen early in the morning.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,727
Price per day$517
Last Updated: 7/13/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Hurtigruten.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Hurtigruten Reviews & Ratings

3.4/5  Average
Excellent
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Other Hurtigruten Reviews

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Alex

Mar 2024

Provided byHurtigruten

What a shambles

This company is unbelievable. Firstly I get a cancellation of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica trip. The compensation in comparison to a like for like tri...

C

Carla

Mar 2020

Provided byHurtigruten

Its the best sea voyage we've ever made!

Its the best sea voyage we've ever made! We're looking for...

L

Linda

Mar 2020

Provided byHurtigruten

unfortunately due to covid-19

do not book with this company !!!!! I my husband and 2 other friends (all Italian) had to take the cruise starting March 17th, unfortunately due to covid-19 we were ...

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The coastline between Bergen and Kirkenes is over 1,490 miles long, and in the 19th Century almost all of it was home to rich fishing grounds. The maritime maps were unreliable and there were only a few lighthouses, especially in the north. This important seaway was lined with perilous reefs, small islands and narrow inlets, and it was essential that a safe trade route be established to link the southern and northern regions of Norway.

When the Norwegian government decided to create a connection between the north and the south, Richard With and his friend Anders Holthe took on the challenge of thoroughly mapping the seas along the coastline. In 1893, Captain Richard With’s steamer, DS Vesteraalen, was brought into regular service along the coast of Norway, and Hurtigruten was established. The service offered several weekly departures, first from Trondheim to Hammerfest and later from Bergen to Kirkenes in only seven days. He called this important connection ‘Hurtigruten’ (the fast route).

120 years later, we still carry freight and passengers. Our captains use their extensive maritime expertise to ensure that guests and goods are safely carried from port to port. Today, as then, the Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life. One of the fleet’s 11 ships departs Bergen daily, sailing to Kirkenes and back in 12 days at an average speed of 15 knots.

Hurtigruten's Ships

Hurtigruten ships have been a staple along the Norwegian coast since 1893. The current fleet consists of classic ships, ships built in the late nineties, and ships built after the millennium.

MS Fram:

Many boast of their “ultimate” expedition ships. But none, save the MS Fram, contains two critical features which deliver adventure in a more safe and comfortable way. MS Fram is a purpose-build expedition ship built especially for comfortable Explorer voyages, with emphasis on relaxation and discovery.

MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Luggage handling
    • Optional excursions and gratuities
Ship & cabin information
MS Fram
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions. Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. The spacious outside decks include access to the very front of the ship – a great place to observe marine wildlife. The ship is purpose built as an expedition vessel with a higher ice-class, chart drawing tools,ship depth sounding database, extractable forward sounding sonar, iceberg search lights, autonomous tracking system, oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency, and a full ‘expedition tools-deck’ equivalent to a car-deck that holds 25 vehicles. We believe that as an explorer you need an ‘expedition base-camp’ that is comfortable – something that combines ‘all oceans capabilities’ with safety, flexibility and environmental friendliness. That’s Fram – simply the best expedition ship imaginable.
Year built 2007 Shipyard Fincantieri, Italy Passenger capacity 318 Beds 276 Car capacity 0 Gross tonnage 11647 Length 114 Beam 20.2 Speed 13
Expedition Suite Cabin: Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles.  Some of the suites do have more facilities than others. Grand Suite: Enjoy these exclusive suites with one or two rooms, seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo and mini-bar. Some of them also have bathtub. Most of these suites have a private balcony or bay window. Suite: These elegant suites are situated on upper deck with one or two rooms, seating area, TV and mini-bar.
Cancellation policy

You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the person who made the booking or your travel agent must be received at our offices. We recommend ‘Recorded Delivery’. Cancellation takes effect the day we receive your letter or email. Since we incur costs in relation to your arrangements from the time we confirm your booking you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges as shown in the table below (which also applies if we cancel because you have failed to make payments on time - see ‘Payment’ section) together with the cost of any air fare for which we have had to pay at the time of the booking and will be payable immediately on cancellation.

When the cancellation letter is received by us before departure

Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums)

60 or more days Retention of deposit

42–59 days is 30%

28–41 days will be 60%

14–27 days is 90%

Less than 14 days is 100%

If you have to cancel for a reason covered by your travel insurance you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges, less applicable excess. Insurance premiums are not refundable.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information

Note:

  • All planned landings are subject to weather – and ice conditions
  • All itineraries are subject to change
  • Medical questionnaire mandatory
  • Free rubber boot rental service on board
Trip ID
hurtig-ExpTheHur

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