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Northern Lights Tour in Northern Norway

Northern Lights Tour in Northern Norway

From USD $2,490

Description

Join the expedition ship M/S Quest on a brand new adventure in true expedition style! In the middle of January, we will head into the fjords outside Tromsø to enjoy a grand natural wonderland and hopefully experience the magical Northern Lights. We will also visit the little coastal town of Alta to see the spectacular Northern Lights cathedral and learn more about the Sami culture. If we are lucky this expedition will also offer exclusive encounters with orcas and humpbacks!

Trip Name
Northern Lights Tour in Northern Norway
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 66 metres Passenger Capacity: 53 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2005 / 2018 Normal 0 false false false EN-NZ X-NONE X-NONE M/S Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland`s west-coast. In 2004/2005 she was redesigned as an expedition ship and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition vessel. She was extensively renovated in 2018. Quest takes 53 passengers in 26 cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. The superior cabins on deck 3 and 4 are spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The Owner`s cabin, next to the Captain`s cabin, on deck 4 has a double bed, two large picture windows, a sitting area and TV/DVD. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks, where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew and the atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on board M/S Quest.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Tromsø, Norway
We arrive in the Norwegian city of Tromsø, located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, and beautifully framed by fjords and mountains peaks. The city has been the starting point for many polar expeditions and was referred to as “the Gateway to the Arctic” in the 1800s. During the afternoon we board the ship and settle into our comfortable cabins. After our first tasty dinner on board, we visit the Arctic Cathedral and take the cable car up to Fjellheisen, where we enjoy the magnificent view of Tromsø sparkling in the night. Back on board, it is time to head out in the fjord system – the expedition cruise has started!
Day 2 - Day 2 - 3: Expedition
We are now on an expedition cruise and our itinerary the following days is flexible due to weather and wildlife. We will travel in the middle of January, when the sun has only just returned, giving us direct sunlight for a short period each day. For those who are interested in photography, the light at this time of year is captivating. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy enchanting dusks and dawns.In clear weather we have good chances to see the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) dance in the sky. Tromsø is known as one of the best destinations if you dream about watching this fascinating phenomenon. Watching the greenish light dancing above from our ship in the smooth, protected waters of the fjords is an extraordinary experience!Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords around Tromsø, which has attracted many orcas, but also humpbacks. As with any wild animals, it is hard to predict if they will return the 2018-2019 season, but with some luck we will experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible marine mammals.During the trip, we hope to be fortunate to see both Northern Lights and whales, but when the opportunity arises, we will head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and go ashore to explore Tromsø’s dramatic islands up close. Perhaps the first snow has fallen and settled over the high mountain peaks, offering marvellous sceneries together with the small picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords. The area is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles. Rebbenesøya, Gjossøya, Ringvassøya and Seiland are examples on places we hope to explore. On board, we will listen to inspiring lectures, enjoy delicious food and keep a lookout for wildlife and Northern Lights out on deck.
Day 3 - Day 4: Alta – Sami culture and the Northern Lights Cathedral
Today we head out on a full day outing to explore Alta and its surroundings. This little costal town, framed by high mountains and beautiful fjords, can be reached with an overnight journey on board our ship from Tromsø. Alta is also known as the city of the Northern Lights. Here you have great chances of seeing the Northern Lights, but it was also in Alta that Kristian Birkeland in 1899 built the world's first Northern Lights observatory. After breakfast, we leave the ship and after a couple of hours bus drive we reach a Sami camp, located in the heart of Sápmi - the region traditionally inhabited by the Sami people. Here we learn more about the Sami culture and enjoy a typical Sami lunch in a Lavvu. We then return to Alta, where we get guided tour in the spectacular Northern Lights Cathedral. In connection to the cathedral we also find an interesting exhibition that tells us more about this colourful natural phenomenon.
Day 4 - Day 5: Tromsø
In the morning we disembark our ship and start the journey home or you may be continuing on to further adventures.
Day 5 - Please note:
The exact route will depend on weather and possible wildlife encounters. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will do everything to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Triple Cabin
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin Plus
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Double Cabin
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Double Cabin Superior
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Owner’s Cabin
14-01-201918-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin For Single Use
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin Plus
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Double Cabin Superior
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Owner’s Cabin
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin For Single Use
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Triple Cabin
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Twin Cabin
18-01-201922-01-2019USD $0Double Cabin

Inclusions

    • Visit Tromso, beautifully framed by fjords and mountains peaks
    • See the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) dance in the sky
    • Discover Rebbenesøya, Gjossøya, Ringvassøya and Seiland

Map