See More of the World with Hurtigruten
Date Posted: 28/07/2023
Want to travel to parts of the world you’ve never seen before? Hurtigruten’s cruise expeditions offer you the chance to do just that as you explore unique destinations such as Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands! Create memories that will last a lifetime as you channel your inner explorer uncovering nature’s most breath-taking gems…
Pole to Pole Adventure
Heading off on The Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise, the Pole to Pole Adventure is 96 days of action-packed fun spanning across 13 different countries! Starting in Vancouver, you’ll set sail on MS Roald Amundsen as it paves the way towards a more sustainable means of travelling. The ship itself bodes a stylish interior reflecting all things nature with stunning elements of granite, oak, birch, and wool. With multiple restaurants on board there is no shortage of mouthwatering options to get your tastebuds tingling as you enjoy all the local flavours on offer. You can make the most of your days at sea by unwinding in the wellness centre, sweating it out in the fitness room or watching the sunset from the infinity pool.
Your first port of call will land you in the scenic state of Alaska, with beautiful waterfalls and stunning snow-capped peaks creating an enchanting view. Venture out on smaller expedition ships to more rural channels for the ultimate immersive tour. After 15 days of exploring, you’ll start to head east from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready as those of you who are lucky enough might just get the chance to see polar bears, whales, narwhals, and even more magnificent wildlife!
From Greenland to Canada, your trip will continue with a long list of culture rich destinations awaiting your arrival. The Ilulissat Icefjord is truly a once in a lifetime experience with the gleaming white icebergs and crystal blue waters creating a postcard worthy scene. But it’s not all just about the pretty pictures as there’s also a wealth of history to delve into along the way! Visit Canada’s oldest park, Halifax Common or head over to the Titanic exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Discover the best of New England, Central America, and the Chilean Fjords as you continue on your journey towards Antarctica. Weather permitting you’ll get the exciting opportunity to kayak among the icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a breathtaking viewpoint. Your tour guides will provide interesting lectures so you can learn more about the locations, the past that precedes them and the wildlife that inhabits them. Your cruise will come to an end as you sail across the Drake passage into Ushuaia ready for your journey home.
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Islands
Kick start your 13 day tour in Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed to the brim with historical locations to explore. Continue your journey and head back in time to a lost world where you can delve into the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo. From here you will head up to the infamous Machu Picchu on a guided tour of the ruins left behind by the ancient empire. The surrounding clouds and tropical jungle cast a magical atmosphere over the site, it really is an unmissable sight!
Your next destination will be Quito, better known as the beautiful city of eternal spring after which you’ll move onto one of Ecuador’s natural wonders, Cotopaxi Volcano. This is the last stop before you get ready to start cruising and enjoy a holiday filled with luxury onboard MS Santa Cruz II! The Scandinavian inspired décor provides not only style but comfort as you relax on the sky deck basking in the sun. Or why not head to the Expedition lounge and bar for an evening of indulgence followed by an exquisite meal prepared with locally sourced organic food in the Beagle restaurant.
Start your journey by setting sail towards Puerto Ayora where you’ll get the chance to visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre filled with scientists and volunteers who work tirelessly to conserve the Galapagos wildlife. Watch as the giant tortoises roam around the highland grounds, then finish off your day by trying your hand at snorkelling in the turquoise waters. If you’re an adventurous traveller maybe you’d prefer to hop on a kayak to explore the beauty of the island at your own pace.
Continuing on to Espanola, this ancient island is a hub for local wildlife from lava lizards to marine iguanas. A real highlight of the tour is the famous blowhole El Soplador which blasts water an impressive 75ft into the air! Your last stop on the cruise is Eden Islet where you’ll hopefully spot Galapagos green turtles and friendly reef sharks. Finally, after a fun filled few weeks exploring one of the world’s top nature destinations you’ll bid farewell and head back home.
Astronomy Voyage – Northern Light expedition from London
Head off on an adventure of a lifetime as you chase the Northern Lights along the Norwegian coastline! Sail away from the river Thames towards your first destination onboard MS Maud! Enjoy a warm and homely feel while at sea but with all the added extras this modern vessel has to offer giving you the ultimate chance of relaxation. After a long day of exploring, you can sit back and relax with a drink in hand in the Explorer lounge and bar, delve into tasty dishes at one of the onboard restaurants or spend the afternoon detoxing in the sauna.
Make the most of the time spent with The Expedition team as they will be your point of call for any questions you may have! Providing a series of lectures in the onboard science centre is only the start of what you can expect as they share engaging stories and facts about the destinations, history, and wildlife you may encounter on your travels. You can also chat with the expedition photographers to get their expert knowledge on how you can get the ultimate Pinterest worthy photos.
Make sure you have your top tips memorised and your camera at the ready as you enter the glacial beauty of Nordjrord, home to Europe’s highest sea cliff, Hornelen. Take the Loen Skylift up to the summit of Mount Hoven where the views are sure to take your breath away or enjoy a spot of sledding and winter kayaking if you’re feeling up to the challenge. You’ll then continue your cruise across the Arctic Circle under the magical ‘blue hour’ glow of the winter sun.
Moving through Lofoten Islands, where you can see the iconic red fishing huts, and onto Alta which sits right beneath the Auroral Oval. This location is renowned for showing impressive displays of the infamous Northern Lights. You can also stop by the Cathedral to discover more fun facts about Aurora and enjoy the interactive exhibitions on offer.
But your action-packed holiday doesn’t end there, there’s still so much more to see! Stop off at Tromso for a Norweigian beer with the friendly locals, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Narvik, enjoy free time looking out for local wildlife and explore Bergen, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities. Round off your trip in Egersund where the colourful homes in this cosy town will have you wishing you were staying another week!
