Northern Lights Themed Voyages - Astronomy Voyage
Astronomy Voyage
5 days from £999pp
including flights
Departs 26 February 09
Accompanied by the renowned
astronomer Dr John Mason
Following the popularity of this year’s Astronomy Voyage, we are delighted to offer this fascinating trip again in 2009. The voyage will be accompanied by the renowned astronomer Dr John Mason and hopefully the greatest lightshow on Earth, the Northern Lights.
Through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the Arctic night sky from the deck of the ship, Dr Mason will bring the world of stars, planets and meteors closer whilst also exploring the numerous myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies.
During the four day voyage we will also hope to see the magic Aurora Borealis or “Dawn of the North” as it’s poetically called. It is here above the Arctic Circle that the chances of catching a glimpse of this most spectacular celestial display are best.
Voyage itinerary
26 February
Arrive in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Tromsø is a lively university town and has been the starting point of many polar expeditions. It is blessed with a girdle of peaks reminiscent of Switzerland making it one of the most pleasant coastal towns in the region. In the afternoon you will join the MS Trollfjord for a four day voyage to Kirkenes and back.
27 February
An early morning call brings you to Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town. Hammerfest was built on fur trade and fishing. Remaining largely ice free during the winter months due to the effect of the Gulf Stream, it was an ideal base during WWII for the German Navy. From Hammerfest you will continue to Honningsvåg, from where you can join an excursion to Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape. Honningsvåg, the largest fishing village in the region of Finnmark, was completely rebuilt after the Second World War and is the nearest port of call to the North Cape at 71° north.
28 February
The vistas become more dramatic as the ship approaches the most northerly port of call, Kirkenes. Just 10 kilometres from the Russian border, this vibrant little town survives quite well in these remote regions on the proceeds of mining, sawmills and by catering for the Russian fishing fleet. Take the opportunity to join an excursion to the Russian border or try your hand at snowmobiling before we bid farewell to Kirkenes and start our return voyage to Tromsø.
1 March
Enjoy another day sailing along the dramatic Arctic coastline. Along the way we will make stops at remote settlements and re-visit Honningsvåg and Hammerfest enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. You will reach Tromsø just before Midnight where you will be transferred to a comfortable centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.
2 March
In the morning there is the option of joining a thrilling dog sledging excursion across the open plains of Tromsø (pre-bookable, see detailed dossier for details). Alternatively you can visit the Polar Museum or Polaria, a centre that enables you to explore Arctic life. In the afternoon your transfer brings you back to Tromsø airport for the return flight to the UK.
Voyage Prices
Inside Cabin £999
Outside Cabin £1099
No single supplements.
Above prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin/ room.
Your holiday price includes:
Economy class return flights between London Heathrow and Tromsø (via Oslo) including applicable taxes and surcharges, voyage Tromsø-Kirkenes-Tromsø in chosen cabin type including half board, 1 night in Tromsø including breakfast, transfers as applicable.
Not included: Travel insurance, optional excursions, luggage handling, optional carbon balancing fee (£5.00).
Flights from Manchester are also available. Departing 25 Feb 09 including one extra night in Tromsø pre voyage supplements. From £60 per person. All prices include current fuel surcharges.
For more details on this Astronomy Voyage download the dossier here
For a printed copy or booking information please call our reservations team
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