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Arctic Circle Northern Lights

 

November 9 – 17, 2009

From 69 degrees north, your cruise aboard the ms Midnatsol weaves among Norway’s riches archipelago from Kirkenes to Bergen. Join astronomer/photographer, Dennis Mammana, along the Norwegian coast for ample dark sky and nightly aurora hunting.

Tour includes:

  • Roundtrip air on SAS from San Francisco or Los Angeles
  • Flight: Oslo-Kirkenes
  • Airport/hotel/vessel/transfers
  • 1-night hotel Oslo; 1-night Bergen
  • 6-day cruise aboard the Norwegian ms Midnatsol
  • Government fees and taxes for cruise
  • Meals: Breakfasts daily and all meals aboard the vessel
  • Astronomical enrichment lecturers
  • Northern lights hunt each night

ITINERARY

November 09/10, 2009USA -Oslo, Norway
A transatlantic flight takes you to Oslo, Norway where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.

November 11, 2009Oslo – Kirkenes – Vardo – Batsfjord – Berlevag
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Kirkenes 69 degrees north of the Arctic Circle. The voyage crosses Varangerfjord, Norway’s only east-facing fjord and a fabled bird-watching site; you’ll arrive in Vardo, the easternmost point of the country. Next the ship will round the Varanger peninsula, where archaeologists excavated a community believed to date from 9000 B.C. The ship calls at Batsfjord, which also boasts the remains of a Stone Age settlement, and Berlevag. Look for the Tanahorn Mountain, which long ago was a Sami sacrifice site. (B/D)

November 12, 2009Honningsvag – Hammerfest – Tromso
Continuing southward this morning the ship will call at Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost town of more than 5,000 people. The ship then heads south to Oksfjord, whose glacier calves directly into the sea. Tonight be on deck in search of the green curtains of the aurora. (B/L/D)

November 13, 2009Harstad – Sortland – Stokmarknes – Svolvaer - Stamsund
The archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesteralen have some of the most stunning scenery on this journey. The ship will negotiate the narrow Raftsund Strait leading into the breathtaking Trollfjord before arriving in Svolvaer and Stamsund. The ship head east across Vestfjord toward Bodo. Join your leader on deck for aurora watching later tonight. (B/L/D)

November 14, 2009Ornes – Nesna – Sandnessjoen - Bronnoysund - Rorvik
From Ornes, you’ll travel through crystalline waters past jagged snow-clad peaks rising sharply from the sea. Cross the Arctic Circle you’ll pass the idyllic island of Sandnessjoen. On the approach to Bronnoysund you’ll spy the mythical Seven Sisters Mountains. (B/L/D)

November 15, 2009Trondheim – Kristiansund - Molde
Arrive in Trondheim early, the Viking captital, with time to visit Norway’s largest medieval church, Indoors Cathedral, and the restored Archbishop’s Residence. You’ll then sail out through the beautiful Trondheimsfjord, past Hitra, island of deer and lonely Grip. A t the days’ end, you’ll call at Molde, before arriving in Alesund late in the evening. (B/L/D)

November 16, 2009Torvik – Maloy – Floro – Bergen
One more night in search of the Northern Lights before reaching Bergen after sailing through the spectacular west Norway scenery, holly trees on Svanoy, the mouth of Sognefjord, and the archipelago on the approach to Bergen. Enjoy sightseeing in Bergen and an overnight. (B)

November 17, 2009Oslo – USA
Transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.

For a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates at tours@melitatrips.com or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com

Please note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email us with a request to be removed. You can also view our privacy policy for additional information.

 
 
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