The Undiscovered Islands of Lofoten

A magnificent 8 night voyage through a land of legends sailing through the magnificent Lofoten archipelago, north of Bodø in the Arctic Circle, we discover why this land has been such a rich source of folk tales and stories.

This is a region that inspired Edgar Allen Poe and Knut Hamsun, a land of surreal rock formations and mountains flowing with sand, where eagles soar high above the islands and whales silently patrol the waters off shore. But it is also a land of traditional fishing villages and coastal communities, where life has gone on untroubled by the outside world for generations. Weaving our way through this intricate network of islands on board the popular MS Lofoten, we take full advantage of the opportunity to explore this dramatic and unspoilt region.

Arriving in Bodø, we transfer to MS Lofoten and set sail, heading south for the fascinating mountain of Gildeskål, where we will encounter the bizarre sight of sand streaming from an Arctic peak. Moving on to Brønnøysund, we enjoy some time visiting the town and there is the option of walking up to Torghatten Mountain, famous for the hole through its centre “formed by the arrow of a Troll King” and some fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Sailing past the towering Seven Sisters we arrive at Lovund Island with its fabulous bird cliff. Later, there may be the opportunity to try to catch some fish for our chef to cook for dinner.

Making the most of the breathtaking scenery we sail beside the fabulous rock formations and islands of Helgeland and Rødøy. Stopping at Træna, we can explore the nearby grottoes courtesy of our Polar Cirkel Boats, or walk amidst the tranquil landscape, before sailing on to Nordfjord to see the famous Svartisen Glacier, where seals are a common sight. Crossing the Arctic Circle we head for the Lofoten Islands, an area famed for its bird life and Norwegian puffin dogs. Visiting traditional fishermen’s cottages at Reine we then continue to the picturesque village of Kabelvåg.

We hope to sail along the outer coast of the Vesterålen archipelago, an incredible journey that gives some indication as to the harsh conditions of life this far north. Arriving at “Eggakanten” we reach the edge of the Norwegian continental shelf, where we may see whales. We visit the old trading stations of Narvik and Kjerringøy, something of a renowned Norwegian film set, where we will have the opportunity to spend some time enjoying the delights of these traditional towns before returning to Bodø, from where we fly to Oslo for an evening in Norway’s capital.

NEW: take a virtual cruise along the Norwegian Coast using the special Google Earth tours we have created

More about the Hurtigruten fleet

Departure Dates from UK for 2007 Jun 8 - Jul 27 (Every Friday) Aug 3, 10, 17

N362 Cruise 2007 £ price per person The price below includes return flights from London Heathrow Cruise packages from your local airport are also available** Please call us on 01756 693609 (+44 1756 693609 from outside the UK) or localflights@bluewaterholidays.com   Jun 8 - Jul 27 2007 Aug 3, 10, 27 2007 Cabins Twin Supp* Twin Supp*  D 1735 0 1635 0 I 2055 655 1935 595 A 2260 745 2120 680 L 2395 770 2255 695 N 2730 895 2545 830 Q 2885 980 2685 895 * Single supplement All above prices are in £s, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin cabin/room. Departures & Flight Information: every Friday 4 - 25 May & 31 Aug 2007 Daytime flights with Scandinavion Airlines between London Heathrow and Bodø (via Oslo) return from Oslo. **Departures and supplements from other UK airports and Business class supplements are available on request

Call us to check availability:
UK: 01756 706510
Overseas: +44 1756 706510

Go to Explorer Collection Cruises Index

Call us to check availability:
UK: 01756 706510
Overseas: +44 1756 706510

Go to Explorer Collection Cruises Index

Itinerary
DAY 1	Fly from the UK to Bodø and transfer to the MS Lofoten for embarkation. Sail to Gildeskål, south of Bodø.
DAY 2	Arrive at Brønnøysund. Visit the town and an option to walk up to Torghatten Mountain. Visit Alstahaug church and vicarage before sailing to Lovund Island via the Seven Sisters.
DAY 3	Sail to Helgeland and Rødøy en route to Træna. Visit grottoes or enjoy a short walk, then sail to Nordfjord. Cross Arctic Circle and visit Svartisen Glacier. Overnight sail to Bodø.
DAY 4	Sail to the Lofoten Islands and land on Værøy. Sail past the island of Mosken and along the Lofoten Wall before dropping anchor at Reine. Visit fishermen’s cottages.
DAY 5	Continue along the Lofoten Wall to Henningsvær. Optional visit to gallery then depart for Trollfjord and sail on into the Raftsund sound and to Kabelvåg.
DAY 6	Weather dependent, sail along the outer coast of the Vesterålen archipelago to “Eggakanten”, continue to Andenes where you can visit the whale museum. Sail to Nyksund.
DAY 7	Arrive at Narvik in the morning. Sail early evening for Skjomenfjord.
DAY 8	Visit to Kjerringøy and afternoon sailing back to Bodø. Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Oslo. Overnight stay at a centrally located hotel.
DAY 9	Free time before transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

The cruise price includes • Economy flights between London Heathrow and Bodø, return from Oslo incl. all applicable airport taxes and service charges • Transfers as applicable • Voyage in cabin of your choice incl. full board • 1 Night in Oslo incl. breakfast