Hurtigruten recently hosted a group of Irish travel agents on a trip deep into the Arctic Circle, onboard MS Trollfjord. The trip previewed what will be on offer when Hurtigruten operates a direct charter from Dublin in February 2015 with highlights including a trip to the North Cape – the northernmost point on mainland Europe, a visit to the Snowhotel in Kirkenes, and a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso.
Hurtigruten’s five-day ‘Arctic Highlights’ adventure spends its entirety within the Arctic Circle, giving the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The trip combines a voyage from Tromso in Norway, up to Kirkenes on the Russian border and back, with one night also spent in Tromso itself. The trip is now available direct from Dublin for the first time ever, departing on 16th February 2015.
As well as exploring this fascinating part of the world, your clients will get the chance to take part in some winter excursions to areas that are seldom seen by tourists. Optional trips include a Whale Safari, Snowmobiling in Lapland, the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Dog Sledging, and a trip to The North Cape, one of the most northern points in Europe.
The Arctic Highlights costs from €1,237pps including direct flights from Dublin, transfers, one night in a hotel in Tromso on bed and breakfast basis, and the three-day voyage on half board basis. Excursions are offered for an additional cost.
Other new highlights in Hurtigruten’s next winter programme include:
Snow Cabins: For those who want to visit the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, there is now the choice of staying inside the hotel itself or in one of the brand new ‘Gamme’ snow cabins. The wooden cabins are based at the hotel but offer contemporary style accommodation with en-suite facilities, from where you can watch the skies for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Prices start from €240pps per night, including dinner and breakfast.
Whale Safari in Tromso: Get up close to the giants of the deep on an Arctic whale-watching voyage, during which you may spot humpback, Minke and orca as you journey to their feeding ground off the coast of Troms county. The trip is available in November and December and costs from €193pp.
Kathryn Beadle, Managing Director, said: “The essence of Hurtigruten is about having real experiences in this wonderful part of the world. We want our customers to get involved and feel they have truly experienced what Norway has to offer.”
