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2009 Optional Shore Excursions

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North Bound Excursions

DAY 2: Geiranger Panorama 1 (Geiranger-Alesund)

April 16-May 31, 4 � hours, $119 per person: National Geographic magazine has deemed the Norwegian fjords the world's most untouched holiday destination. It's easy to see why when you're in the village of Geiranger. You'll enjoy a dizzying view of long, silvery waterfalls cascading into the deep, emerald waters of the fjords. You'll then take a heart-in-the-throat ride down switchback roads to gentler terrain. A ferry from Eidsdal will take you to the surprisingly urbane town of Alesund. From there, travel up to the top of Aksla Mountain for a panoramic view of Alesund, the surrouding archipelago, and the magnificent Sunnmore Alps.

DAY 2: Geiranger Panorama 2 (Geiranger-Molde)

June 1-September 15, 7-1/2 hours, $196 per person: Travel up the Eagle's Way, passing through the valley of Valldal. Saint Olav, Norway's patron saint, also trekked through this beautiful valley, so you're in good company. You'll then drive down the hairpin bends of the Trollstigen road to the lush valley of Romsdal, which lies in gentle contrast to the surrounding grey peaks. Conclude with a short sightseeing tour of Molde.

DAY 2: Art Nouveau Tour (Alesund)

January 1-April 15, September 16-December 31, 2 hours, $39 per person: After the fire of 1904, Alesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. This guided walking tour provides a good insight into the city's history and cultural life.

DAY 3: Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

January 1-April 16, October 3-December 31, 2 hours, $62 per person: Founded by a Viking king in 997, Trondheim was, for many centuries, Norway's capital. New kings still come to Nidaros Cathedral for a blessing ceremony. Its many elegant wooden buildings imbue the city with a rare intimacy and charm. Visit the Royal Residence, on of the largest wooden buildings in all of Scandinavia, and the brilliant white Kristiansten Fortress, which towers over the town. You might also want to walk along the wharves by the River Nid, some of which date back to the 18th century. Note: Excursion can be purchased on board only.

DAY 3: Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve (Trondheim)

April 17-October 2, 3 hours, $72 per person: Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine, and the Ringve Museum, a series of well-preserved timber buildings that house a unique collection of historical musical instruments.

DAY 3: Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum (Trondheim)

May 1-September 30, 2 hours, $ 56 per person: The Sverresborg, Trondelag Folk Museum surrounds the ruins of medieval Zion castle. Here, you'll learn what Norwegian life was like, in both town and country, from the 18th to 20th centuries. Highlights include a stave church built in 1170; a traditional farmstead; the "Old Town," with historical buildings from Trondheim; the 18th century Gramgarden, for a krumkake tasting; and the visitor center/handicrafts gift shop.

DAY 4: Glacier Adventure, Svartisen (Ornes-Bodo)

May 1-September 30, 5-3/4 hours, $184 per person: On this excursion, you'll visit Svartisen, Norway's second- largest glacier. Just south of Ornes, you'll board a small boat to take you through narrow straits to the Glacier Visitor Center, where you'll learn how melted glacial water is collected and used for hydropower. As you travel toward Bodo, you'll pass gorgeous pastoral landscapes and stunning views of the ocean and fjords.

DAY 4: RIB Safari, Saltstraumen (Bodo)

April 1-October 31, 2 hours, $159: Travel by inflatable boat out to this wild, majestic seascape for a chance to glimpse some White-tailed eagles hovering in the sky as they hunt their prey. These sea eagles are Europe's largest predatory bird, with wingspans of more than six feet. This fully-guided tour should not be confused with extreme sea rafting. The objective is to bring passengers as close as possible to the eagles and the sea. You will be provided with the necessary clothing.

DAY 4: Lofotr Viking Feast (Stamsund-Svolvaer)

January 1-April 15, October 15-December 31, 3 hours, $139 per person: From Stamsund or Svolvaer, we travel by bus to Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are invited to experience the largest house known from the Viking Age. The chieftain's house has been recreated in full size, with exhibits of finds from the Viking era. The chieftain and the lady of the house want to give you an unforgettable night, as they invite you to join in on a real Viking feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic and excitement as they make sacrifices to the Norse gods, hoping that the sun will turn to avoid Armageddon. Will we receive a sign from above? After a meal fit for the gods, served with real mead, you travel by bus to Svolvaer or Stamsund, where you board your Hurtigruten ship.

DAY 5: The Arctic Capital Tromso

All year, 2-1/2 hours, $72 per person: Called the "Paris of the North," Tromso is stunningly situated on an island set amid mountains and fjords. Learn about Arctic flora and fauna at Polaria, a museum and aquarium built to resemble huge blocks of ice thrown ashore by the mighty ocean. Next, visit one of the city's icons, the Arctic Cathedral, which rises some 120 feet into the air like a mountain of ice. Its fa�ade is a huge stained-glass window with a grid of clear glass strips through which daylight filters with mystical effect. It's an experience not to be missed.

DAY 5: Dogsledding (Tromso)

January 1-April 30, November 1-December 31, 3-1/2 hours, $198 per person: After a short drive to Kvaloya Island near Tromso, you'll change into warmer clothes and meet your sled dogs. They're eager to carry you over a bleak, beautiful landscape of open seaside plains. In the dark of winter, you'll be equipped with head lamps, which create a magical atmosphere as the dogs run almost silently through the snow. At the end of the trip, you'll visit a cozy lavvo-a traditional Sami tent-where you will enjoy refreshments around the open fire.

DAY 5: Scenery and Huskies (Tromso)

June 1-August 31, 3-1/2 hours, $76 per person: If you love animals, this is the trip for you. We head to the Tromso Wilderness Center, where we greet 150 huskies and puppies, and learn about the challenges of dogsledding and Finnmarkslopet, Europe's longest dogsled race. We are also welcome to join the center's tour guide to explore local plant and bird life on foot. We end in a Sami lavvo, for beverages and dessert.

DAY 5: Polar History City Walk (Tromso)

January 1-April 15, October 15-December 31, 3 hours, $59 per person: Tromso is not just the largest town in northern Norway, but also one with a lot of history. Today, we will experience some of it. We meet at the quay, from which a guide will take us to the Polar Museum. On the way, we will see the statue of explorer Roald Amundsen and the Hunting Monument. There is a wonderful view of the sound and the Arctic Cathedral from the marketplace. The Polar Museum is located in an old customs house from the 1830s; this charming attraction has exhibits of our proud polar history of Arctic Ocean hunting and polar expeditions. We will also see a film about the polar region made by hunters.

DAY 6: The North Cape (Honningsvag)

All year, 3-1/2 hours, $138 per person: Travel by bus from Honningsvag, The northernmost community in Finnmark, toward the 71st parallel and North Cape. In summer, you may glimpse reindeer grazing by the roadside, or perhaps you'll catch sight of a red fox. The region's flora and fauna are rare and exceptional. Look out for the Chamorchis alpina, a dwarf orchid, and the brilliant yellow globe flower. You'll be able to sample the delicious cloudberry-if it's in season. By the sea, cliffs and skerries abound with puffins, gannets and cormorants. Your trip ends at North Cape, a fabled cliff formation rising a sheer 920 feet out of the icy ocean. This is Europe's most northerly point.

DAY 6: Birdwatching Safari (Honningsvag)

May 1-August 31, 3-1/2 hours, $184 per person: Set out by motorcoach from Honningsvag for the fishing hamlet of Gjesvaer. Continue by boat to a nature reserve teeming with bird life. Conditions permitting, you'll spot the Red-beaked puffin and Razor-billed auk, flocks of kittiwake, and, perhaps, a mighty Sea eagle.

DAY 6: A Taste of Lapland (Kjollefjord-Mehamn)

May 1-September 10, 2-1/2 hours, $116 per person: Discover the exciting history of Norway's multiethnic Arctic coast on this fascinating and informative excursion in Finnmark. Our visit begins at the Coastal Center at Foldalbruket, a former fish processing plant where we learn about whaling and Sami, Russian, and Norwegian trade and settlement. Next, we visit the highland summer camp of a family of Sami reindeer herders. In their lavvo, we enjoy reindeer bouillon and coffee, and listen to Sami songs; outside, we visit reindeer and even try throwing a traditional lasso. We then head to the Finnmark Plateau, where we hope to spot grazing reindeer herds. On the way to Mehamn, our guide explains Arctic ecosystems, geology and lifestyles.

DAY 6: Scooter Trip in Lapland (Kjollefjord-Mehamn)

January 1-April 30, December 15-31, 2-1/4 hours, $399 per person: The group will be met quayside by the guide. We go indoors to don thermal suits, shoes, hats, and gloves. Helmets are handed out and we are ready for the trip up to the mountain by jeep or bus. On the way, our guide will tell us about the Sami people, geographical and climatic conditions, what it's like to live on the coast of Finnmark and how the locals make use of the nature all year round. As we approach the snow line, an introduction to scooter driving will be given. Then it's time for the scooter trip, with some of Norway's most experienced instructors. Everyone may drive his or her own scooter. The trip goes partly along paved highway and partly across open terrain, dependent on weather conditions.

DAY 7: The Russian Border (Kirkenes)

All year, 2 hours, $60 per person: At Kirkenes, the only Norwegian town where East meets West, the ship turns around and starts its southward journey. If you like, you may travel to Storskog, the Norwegian border station on the Russian frontier. On the way back, you'll stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to look out over Kirkenes and the fjord.

DAY 7: Riverboat Safari (Kirkenes)

June 1-September 10, 2-1/2 hours, $160 per person: On Pasvik River in a river boat, your guide will tell stories about the eastern Sami people, the saintly Russian princes Boris and Gleb, and the holy Orthodox monk Trifon of Pechenga. You'll also pass the Trifon Cave and Kjerringstupet Cliff.

DAY 7: Snowmobile Safari (Kirkenes)

January 1-May 5, December 15-31, 2-1/2 hours, $220 per person: What do you do when the plains are buried in snow? Ride snowmobiles! Or maybe try chair-sledding. You'll be dressed in good, warm clothes and plied with piping-hot coffee, dried reindeer meat and Russian sweets in the warmth of a lavvo.

DAY 7: Kirkenes Snow Hotel (Kirkenes)

January 1-May 1, December 15-31, 2-1/2 hours, $79 per person: We depart Kirkenes quay with our guide for the snow hotel, idyllically located beside Gabba Reindeer Park. There, we visit Norway's biggest ice bar-40 square feet in area, 26 feet high, and beautifully decorated-for an ice-cold crowberry shot called "Rudolph's Revenge." We tour the hotel's snow suites, featuring snow and ice art. Then it's time to meet reindeer, which run free in a large enclosure. You can get very close and have them eat from your hand-a great photo op. We then head to Gabba Kennel, home to many Siberian Husky dogs. At the Gabba Restaurant, we gather around an open fire to roast sausages, served with mustard and potato pancakes. After warming up, it's back to the quay, stopping at Prestefjell for viewsover Kirkenes and more photos.

DAY 7: ATV/Quad Safari to the Russian Border (Kirkenes)

June 1-September 30, 2-1/2 hours, $188 per person: The trip goes up to the viewpoint Kjerringstupet near Kirkenes. The story of Kjerringstupet is presented and we look at settlements first occupied more than 10,000 years ago. We drive along the road through the town center, and stop to have a look at the A/S Sydvaranger mines. A short history of the mines is presented. Farther on, we drive to the Norwegian-Russian border by Skafferhullet/ Elvenes. By the frontier, the guide tells us about the history and culture of the area. We also visit a Norwegian military watch tower that is often manned. From the tower, we can see Boris Gleb on the Russian side. We continue to another viewpoint, where we can see the Russian Orthodox chapel in Boris Gleb. Next, we go to see the official border crossing to Russia at Storskog. We stop to have coffee/tea and muffins. You may also buy local souvenirs here. We return to Kirkenes via the viewpoint Prestefjellet, overlooking the town and harbor where the ship docks.

Southbound Excursions

DAY 8: Breakfast at the North Cape (Honningsvag-Hammerfest)

May 8-0ctober 7, 6 hours, $184 per person: There is something very special about experiencing the North Cape early in the morning. After enjoying breakfast and spending some time on the Finnmark plateau, board a motorcoach to head southward along the mighty Porsangerfjord. This part of Finnmark is characterized by fishing and agriculture. In the summer, reindeer graze the plains. Rejoin your ship in Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town.

DAY 8: Hammerfest: The northernmost town in the world

June 1-September 15, 1 hour, $44 per person: Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world. From headquarters of the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a bus takes us to the Meridian monument, a UNE SCO World Heritage site. The column commemorates the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. We stop for photos, a brief description, and spectacular views of Melkoya island and the Snohvit liquid natural gas (LNG ) field. In 1891, Hammerfest became the first town in northern Europe to get electric street lighting, thanks to hydropower. You will hear a bit about Europe's first LNG factory, on Melkoya. On the way up Salen mountain, you'll also hear more about Hammerfest's hunting and fishing traditions as well as its history, including its total destruction in World War II . You will also learn about Sami history and culture and, perhaps, will spot some reindeer. Before we return to the quay, we will drive past the local church, with its unique architecture inspired by fish flakes.

DAY 8: Midnight Concert (Tromso)

April 22-September 30, 1� hours, $72 per person: In Tromso, enjoy a nighttime concert at the Arctic Cathedral. If you're lucky, the Midnight Sun will come streaming in as the church resounds with Norwegian folk melodies, psalms, and classical song. A truly memorable experience.

DAY 8: The Sami Experience (Hammerfest)

June 20-August 15, 1-1/2 hours, $66 per person: Immerse yourself in Sami culture. Compare gamme, the turf huts Sami live in today, with goahti, the traditional versions. Listen to Sami folk stories and the singing known as joik, while you sample Sami delicacies. You'll also learn about duodji, Sami handicrafts, and will have the chance to purchase some souvenirs if you like.

DAY 9: A Taste of Vesteralen (Harstad-Sortland)

All year, 4-1/4 hours, $97 per person: This excursion takes you on a journey from Viking times, through the Middle Ages, up to present day. First, you'll visit Trondenes Church, Norway's northernmost medieval church, then on to the local historical center, where a millennium's worth of history is presented in original objects, as well as smells and sounds. Feast your eyes on the everchanging landscape on the drive across Hinnoya from Harstad to Sortland. Hidden between the peaks of Vesteralen lie rich, fertile pockets of farmland. While idyllic in summer, they are just as pretty covered in snow.

DAY 9: Lofoten (Svolvaer-Stamsund)

April 1-September 8, 3 hours, $100 per person: Take a motorcoach journey from Svolvaer through the lovely Lofoten Islands. You will stop at an art gallery in Henningsvaer, perhaps the most charming fishing village in this archipelago, where you can see the works of Norwegian artists who have depicted what life at sea was like in the old days. You'll also have the chance to view a fascinating display of photographs of this island chain in all its atmospheric beauty. But don't content yourself with photos; look around and enjoy the stunning vistas that surround you. The trip continues through Lofoten's famous mountain landscapes. Enjoy the views!

DAY 9: Sea Eagle Safari (Svolvaer)

April 1-September 15, 2 hours, $118 per person: After exploring the spectacular Trollfjord onboard the MS Orca, your Sea eagle safari begins. Fish is brought onboard to feed these magnificent birds. Keep your camera ready for this up-closeand- personal experience. The eagle safari lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, and if you're lucky, five or six majestic birds circle the boat at the same time. Then we set our course for Svolvaer, arriving at the quay about five minutes ahead of your Hurtigruten ship. This is an excursion you will remember for the rest of your life!

DAY 9: Lofotr Viking Feast (Stamsund-Svolvaer)

DAY 10: UNESCO Islands Vega

July 1-September 15, 4 hours, $220 per person: The Vega Archipelago was inscribed on UNE SCO's World Heritage List in 2004, in recognition of the unique interaction of islanders and their domesticated ducks. We tour the islands, home to a distinctive, frugal way of life in an inhospitable environment, based on fishing as well as harvesting Eiderdown, or the down of the Eider duck. Departing Sandnessjoen by boat, we transit the "island kingdom" of Vesteroyan en route to the fishing village of Nes, on main island Vega. Here, we visit the "E-house," a Eider duck museum and documentation center, to learn about Eider duck domestication, Eider duck nest architecture, and how Eiderdown is cleaned and made into quilts. Nes also has a cafe and World Heritage exhibit. We stay for an hour before heading for Bronnoysund, where we reboard our Hurtigruten ship.

DAY 11: Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

All year, 2 hours, $62 per person: Visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine, and the Ringve Museum, a series of well-preserved timber buildings that house a unique collection of historical musical instruments.

DAY 11: Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum (Trondheim)

June 1-September 30, 2 hours, $56 per person: The Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum surrounds the ruins of medieval Zion castle. Here, you'll learn what Norwegian life was like, in town and country, from the 18th to 20th centuries. Highlights include a stave church built in 1170; a traditional farmstead; the "Old Town," with historical buildings from Trondheim; the 18th century Gramgarden, for a krumkake tasting; and the visitor center/handicrafts gift shop.

DAY 11: The Atlantic Road (Kristainsund-Molde)

May 1-September 15, 4-1/2 hours, $139 per person: The Atlantic Road, one of Norway's most visited tourist destinations, was the winner of the "Engineering Feat of the Century" prize in 2005. The road is five miles long and built on eight bridges in picturesque surroundings. We start with a short city sightseeing tour in the port of Kristiansund before taking the ferry to Bremsnes. We are now going to visit Kvernes Stave Church, which is thought to have been built in the first part of the 13th century. The church, which is a one-nave stave church of the "More-type," is beautifully located on Averoy and is rich in ornaments. Afterwards, we go to the tavern "Bjarmars Favorittkro," where we are served the specialty of the house: Bacalao-or cooked dried codfish-prepared with local ingredients and served with bread. We finish with a caramel pudding and coffee/tea, before we continuing along the Atlantic Road. Photo opportunities. We finish with a short sightseeing tour in Molde. The famous Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen called Molde "the town of flowers," but today it's better known as "the town of roses."