Norwegian coastal voyage - 'once in a lifetime experience'

For more than a century the ‘Norwegian Coastal Voyage’ - a 4000km journey along the beautiful, rugged coastline of Norway - has entranced visitors. From the historic ‘fjord’ city of Bergen to the remote town of Kirkenes in the far north - and the 34 ports in either direction - The voyage is a once in a lifetime experience.
MyPlanet’s 9 day ‘Best of Norway’ non-escorted tour, priced from $3410 per person twin share for bookings between May 30-July 29, incorporates five nights aboard the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship and the chance to explore the fjords and villages that line this incredible coastline.
There are also repeat passenger discounts of $320 for the full round trip and $160 for the half round trip for the 2008 season.
The tour begins in Norway’s capital Oslo - the Viking capital - exploring its host of attractions (including the Viking Ship Museum, National Gallery, Vigeland Sculpture Park and Polar vessel ‘Fram’) before flying to Kirkenes for the Norwegian Coastal Voyage to Bergen.
First port of call is Vardo - Western Europe’s most eastern town - then it is on to Batsfjord and Berlevag before rounding the windswept North Cape to the remote outposts of Havoysund and Hammerfest.
From there, on day 4, the ship heads to the Oksford, arriving in the ‘Paris of the North’ - Tromso - just before midnight. The next day the ship makes its way to Harstad - set midst some of Norway’s most stunning scenery - before it winds its way through the islands of Vesteralen and Lofoten and, if time permits, the breathtaking, wild Trollfjord. From Harstad there is an optional overland excursion through rugged, remote scenery to the town of Sortland.
On day 6, the ship crosses the Arctic Circle and calls in at the port of Sandnessjoen which is the ancient seat of Viking chieftains. This is a landscape of rugged mountains and snow-tipped peaks - the home of Viking legends.
From there it is on to the towns of Trondheim and Mould before the final day’s voyage back to Bergen where the ship weaves its way through the skerries of the west coast before arriving into Bergen.
After an afternoon exploring the historic Bryggen Harbour with its maze of old wooden buildings, St Mary’s Church (Bergen’s oldest building) and a trip by funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, the trip visiting some of Norway’s most isolated and beautiful landscapes comes to a close. But the experiences will last a lifetime!
For more information on MyPlanet please visit www.myplanetaustralia.com.au