Discover the Northern Lights with one of the world’s greatest living explorers

Traveller invites readers to experience the wonder of Aurora Borealis with legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes on an exclusive adventure along the Norwegian fiords.

The magical Northern Lights have intrigued and enchanted Arctic adventurers for centuries. And what better way to experience them for yourself than on a Traveller Tours exclusive 18-day adventure along the stunning Norwegian fiords.

As well as enjoying one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places on Earth, you will have the chance to meet one of the world’s greatest living explorers, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has completed record-breaking missions to both the North and South Poles, Mount Everest and the north face of the Eiger.

Sir Ranulph will host two special talks and a Q&A during your trip, and join you on a special included excursion to see the spectacular North Cape, the most northerly point of Europe.

You will also have a choice of several optional Arctic excursions, including snowmobiling, kayaking, husky sledding and sea eagle spotting. Or visit the Snowhotel in Kirkenes - carved each season out of ice and snow, where each room has been individually designed by artists. You will also meet huskies and reindeer at the Gabba Reindeeer Park.

On board, you can enjoy insights from a Northern Lights expert who will explain the science behind this natural phenomenon, as well as a range of talks and lectures from the Hurtigruten Expedition Team on subjects including Sami culture, Polar exploration, Norse myths and legends, and Viking history.

Added to this is the chance of a four-night stay in Bergen which will give you time to explore this historic Norwegian city. Opt for outdoor adventures, such as hiking, walking, boat rides on the fiords or riding up the funicular for stellar views. Or visit the famous fish market, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen (famed for its coloured houses on the Old Haneastic wharf), see the home of composer Evard Greig, and unwind in one of the city’s myriad microbreweries.

You will sail on the MS Finnmarken with Hurtigruten, a leading operator of voyages along the Norwegian coast.

What is more, Hurtigruten are so confident that you will see the Northern Lights* during your trip that they will offer you another six-night cruise, free of charge, if you fail to see them.

This is a unique and unmissable opportunity to explore the majestic Norwegian coast and star-filled Arctic skies.

"I look forward to joining you and revealing some of my highs and lows from 50 years of exploration." SIR RANULPH FIENNES

The Munich Residence — Colourful Bergen.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 MARCH 26
FLY TO BERGEN
Board your overnight flight from Australia to Bergen where your Norwegian adventure begins.

DAY 2-5 MARCH 27-30
BERGEN
Arrive in Bergen and check in at the Radisson Blu, by the historic wharf, for a four-night stay. You can enjoy an array of activities, from nature hikes and boating trips on the fiords, to funicular rides. Or go on a tour showcasing the city’s maritime history or visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, and taste wonderful local seafood. B

DAY 6 MARCH 31
SET SAIL FROM BERGEN
Board the MS Finnmarken in Bergen for the start of your 11-night voyage down the mighty fiords. BD

DAY 7 APRIL 1
ÅLESUND
Today you’ll have the chance to explore Ålesund, famous for its stylish Art Nouveau architecture. Optional excursion: a scenic drive to take in wonderful views from the top of Mount Aksla. BLD

DAY 8 APRIL 2
TRONDHEIM

You will explore the city of Trondheim, a former Viking trading post and Norway’s first capital. Optional excursion: a visit to the country’s most famous church, Nidaros Cathedral. BLD

DAY 9 APRIL 3
CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE - BODØ

Join the crew on deck for a traditional ceremony to mark your first crossing of the Arctic Circle. Tonight, listen to a fascinating on-board talk explaining the science behind the Northern Lights. Optional excursions: a nature hike in beautiful Bodø. BLD

DAY 10 APRIL 4
TROMSØ

You will have more chances to see the Northern Lights as you sail north towards Tromsø, known as the ‘capital of the Arctic’. Today our special guest, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will give an exclusive talk and Q&A on board the ship. Optional activities include a huskysledding adventure. BLD

DAY 11 APRIL 5
NORDKAPP

Today, join Sir Ranulph on a journey to the spectacular North Cape, the northernmost point in mainland Europe, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views from the ‘end of the earth’, as your voyage continues through the snow-covered homelands of the Sámi people. BLD

DAY 12 APRIL 6
KIRKENES

You have the option of joining a fantastic excursion to visit the famous sculpted ice rooms of the Snowhotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar and then meet the huskies and reindeer at nearby Gabba Reindeer Park. BLD

DAY 13 APRIL 7
HAMMERFEST - TROMSØ

TYour highlights will include the pretty waterfront buildings of colourful Hammerfest and views from your ship of the snow-capped Lyngen Alps. One of the optional excursions is a midnight concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral. BLD

DAY 14 APRIL 8
LOFOTEN ISLANDS

The islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen are among the most beautiful in Norway. Your optional activities include exploring Vesterålen’s medieval past. BLD

DAY 15 APRIL 9
RØRVIK

Today your unique arctic voyage will take you past The Seven Sisters mountain range and the distinctively shaped Torghatten, the ‘mountain with a hole in it’. BLD

DAY 16 APRIL 10
TRONDHEIM

On your last full day of this remarkable journey, you will return to the former Viking outpost of Trondheim, where your optional excursion includes a fascinating trip to the magnificent marble mine at Bergtatt. Tonight, after dinner, relax and enjoy your last night on board. BLD

DAY 17-18 APRIL 11-12 DEPART
BERGEN

After breakfast, you will disembark MS Finnmarken and be transferred to the airport for your flight home. B

WHERE, WHEN AND HOW MUCH

YOUR TOUR: DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS

Departure date March 26, 2020
Tour name and code Traveller Tours – Northern Lights 20-20 with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Prices From $6,875 per person twin share*; Outside cabin from $7,330pp; Superior Cabins from $8,210pp
Duration 18 days
Bookings Phone The Traveller Group 1800 848 940 Mon-Fri 9-5pm (AEST time)
E-mail sales@thetravellergroup.net

International return flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth, including taxes
Return transfers from Bergen airport, ship and hotel
4 nights’ in the Radisson Blu in Bergen
11 nights’ full-board accommodation on MS Finnmarken
Two exclusive talks and Q&A with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Special excursion to the North Cape with Sir Ranulph
*Your Northern Lights promise
One on-board talk explaining the science behind the Northern Lights
All port fees and taxes

*Supplements apply for single travellers, upgrades, other departure dates and optional activities.

*Optional activities have limited capacities and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

IMPORTANT NOTE IMPORTANT NOTE: Circumstances beyond Traveller’s control may affect the guest line-up. Any operational or logistical changes or issues arising from the itinerary before, during or after the tour will be addressed by The Traveller Group. Minimum numbers are required. If minimum numbers are not reached then a credit of $800 will be issued.

*For full booking terms and conditions, including the Northern Lights promise, visit hurtigruten.co.uk

BOOKINGS
Phone The Traveller Group 1800 848 940
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am to 5pm (AEST time)
E-mail: sales@thetravellergroup.net

WHAT YOU'LL SEE, DO AND DISCOVER

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• MEET THE GREATEST LIVING EXPLORER This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about Sir Ranulph’s remarkable feats of courage and endurance in two talks and a Q&A.

• AWE-INSPIRING ACTIVITIES Choose from a wide range of optional activities including guided nature walks, husky-sledding, concerts in the Arctic cathedral, whale watching and a Viking feast.

• *NORTHERN LIGHTS GUARANTEE Hurtigruten is confident that you will see the Northern Lights on your trip, and if you don’t, Hurtigruten will offer you another six- or seven-day Northern Lights voyage free of charge*.

• SEE THE SPECTACULAR NORTH CAPE Your cruise includes an excursion with Sir Ranulph Fiennes in which you will visit Norway’s remote and beautiful North Cape, the most northerly point on the European mainland.

• THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VOYAGE See 4,000 kilometres of Norway’s beautiful coastline, 30 historic ports, thundering waterfalls, towering cliffs and tranquil fiords, as you spend seven days in the auroral zone.

• CRUISE WITH STYLE AND SUBSTANCE View the sights from the comfort of MS Finnmarken’s panoramic lounge or the sauna with a view, and enjoy daily expert lectures and wonderful cuisine.

MEET YOUR EXPERT HOST

ADVENTURER AND EXPLORER
SIR RANULPH FIENNES

SIR RANULPH FIENNES

Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ extraordinary achievements as an adventurer and explorer have seen him widely recognised as the world’s greatest living explorer. He served in the British Army for eight years, as a member of the Royal Scots Greys and the SAS, and later embarked on a series of pioneering missions to many of the most remote and inhospitable places on the planet. He was the first person (with Charles Burton) to conquer both the North and South Poles on foot, and was the first (with Mike Stroud) to cross the Antarctic continent on foot. In 2009, Sir Ranulph climbed Mount Everest at the age of 65, becoming the oldest Briton to reach the summit.

To book phone The Traveller Group 1800 848 940 Mon-Fri 9-5pm (AEST time)