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ARNE & CARLOS Knitting under the Midnight Sun onboard the Svalbard Express

  • ARNE & CARLOS Knitting under the Midnight Sun onboard the Svalbard Express
  • Price from
    NOK 64,000
  • Duration
    16 days

Welcome onboard MS Trollfjord and ARNE & CARLOS’ Knitting under the Midnight Sun Cruise! 

In 2023 Hurtigruten celebrates its 130th anniversary, and we have the unique opportunity to take part in the iconic Svalbard Express sailing, which has been reinstated to celebrate the history of Hurtigruten. A nostalgic cruise along the Norwegian coast up to the edge of the world, all the way to the Svalbard archipelago in the High Arctic, then back again down the Norwegian coast. The beautiful Trollfjord has been renovated for us to enjoy life aboard, with the finest materials and craftsmanship. This cruise will take us to a range of charming coastal communities on mainland Norway and on to Svalbard, in the High Arctic, a few hundred miles from the North Pole. The archipelago of Svalbard is a silent wilderness of jaw-dropping beauty. This is a realm of pristine fjords and jagged mountain peaks where polar bears are known to roam - keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the ‘Lord of the Arctic’ - in Svalbard, where there are more polar bears than humans.

Experience variations of summer along the entire length of Norway, including 24 hours of daylight from the glorious Midnight Sun at the height of the season. Feel the energy when being surrounded by daylight and sun around the clock: it is difficult to go to bed and there is even more time to knit!

During the cruise, you will enjoy the company of your hosts ARNE&CARLOS, attend their interesting lectures, and take part in the exciting mystery knitalong! There will be visits to a yarn factory and a local sheep farms. The trip of a lifetime – you don’t want to miss this opportunity! The tour starts and ends in Bergen, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its famous fish market and colorful wooden wharves.

 

Highlights:

  • 16 days Midnight Sun cruise exploring the Norwegian coast and the Arctic Svalbard
  • Arctic wildlife - lookout for polar bears, humpback whales, walruses, and Arctic fox
  • Excursions to Hillesvåg Yarn factory  and Lofoten Wool - yarn shopping opportunities!
  • Call at Ny-Ålesund  - the world's most remote settlement - by invitation only!
  • All meals onboard included, with beverages (beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks)  
  • Complimentary tea and coffee and unlimited WIFI
  • Lectures and mystery knitalong with your hosts ARNE & CARLOS

ARNE & CARLOS

Scandinavians Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrisson are highly regarded fashion designers, textile artists, YouTubers and authors. They are best known for their original, colourful and visually striking designs as well as their knitwear and their books. Their work is highly influenced by their Scandinavian background and their everyday life in rural Norway. They work under their artist name ARNE & CARLOS, which they established in 2001.

Read more about ARNE & CARLOS here.

Program

B = Breakfast    L = Lunch    D = Dinner

Please note program is subject to changes

Day 1     Arrival Bergen 9 Aug 2024 (D)

Arrival Bergen, Norway from your home destination, by own arrangement. Check in at your hotel in Bergen – Hotel Havnekontoret. Welcome drinks in the lobby where you will meet your hosts ARNE & CARLOS. Welcome dinner in a nice traditional restaurant in Bryggen area.
 

Day 2     Bergen visit to Hillesvåg – embarkation - 10 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

After a lovely breakfast at Hotel Havnekontoret, it is time to check out. We will be picked up by bus and enjoy a very interesting visit to Norway’s oldest yarn factory Hillesvåg, with an opportunity to buy their products at the factory outlet. At Hillesvåg we will have a traditional Norwegian lunch before we make our way to the cruise terminal for embarkation on MS Trollfjord. The ship will sail from Bergen at 14.30. Dinner will be served in the Flora Restaurant.

Day 3     Åndalsnes - 11 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

Our first port of call is Åndalsnes, located along Isfjord at the end of Romsdalfjord. The town was completely rebuilt after an attack during World War II. Åndalsnes is now a modern town in one of Norway’s most stunning natural locations. The highlights (literally) of Åndalsnes are the mountains towering over the town. From here an excursion to the Troll’s Ladder road is recommended - a unique road pass with hairpin bends surrounded by majestic mountains.

Day 4     Træna  12 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

Træna is an archipelago that sits at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Made up of around 500 islands, islets and skerries - only four of which are inhabited year-round. Træna is a quiet municipality, with a thriving birdlife. Though small, this archipelago has a long history. Archeological finds indicate that the islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age. With a large population of sea eagles, birdwatching is an activity not to be missed. For a truly authentic experience, step into the age-old shoes of a Norwegian fisherman and cast a line under the summer sun. Heading north we will cross the Arctic circle and continue our voyage in Arctic waters.

Day 5     Stokmarknes - 13 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

Today we sail through spectacular Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. This island chain is the namesake of the very first Coastal Express ship to sail Norway’s rugged coastline in 1893. The port of call is in the historic town of Stokmarknes. This town is special, being the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express and where it all began. In 1893, shipping pioneer Richard With founded the Original Coastal Express, revolutionizing both coastal passenger travel and Norwegian shipping. Hurtigruten quickly became a lifeline for Svalbard and Norway’s remote communities and boosted their economies by carrying exports to and from the ports. Stokmarknes is a fitting location for the Hurtigruten Museum at the waterfront, where the retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken, stands proudly encased in a glass building.  It is well worth a visit with archives, photographs, and artifacts displayed in a range of interactive exhibitions.

 

Day 6     Tromsø - The Gateway to the Arctic - 14 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

Tromsø is Northern Norway’s urban Arctic hotspot, boasting impressive architecture, hip restaurants, and the world’s northernmost university. Rich in polar history, it makes for a natural stopping point before we go farther north into the High Arctic. This modern city has a long legacy, with artifacts found dating back to the Ice Age. It became a center of Arctic hunting in the mid-1800s. By the end of the 19th century, Tromsø was an established Arctic trade center. The ship docks here in the morning, with a whole day at your disposal to explore this historic Arctic city and its surroundings. The ship can offer several optional excursions. On the city walk you can learn about the culture and polar history of Tromsø.

Day 7     Honningsvåg – at the top of Europe - 15 Aug 2024  (B, L, D)

Arrival Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway. Honningsvåg is a fairly young city, and one of Norway’s smallest. The city is also the gateway to the North Cape, the famed ‘northernmost point of Europe’. The plateau stands 1007 feet above the sea, and is just over 1,000 miles south of the geographical North Pole. An iconic globe monument stands atop the cliffs, which is perfect for snapping a quick selfie. The North Cape Hall hosts a variety of exhibits and a short film that tells the Cape’s history. Hurtigruten offers several excursions for you to experience this fascinating area.

Sailing away from Honningsvåg, we enjoy dramatic views of the plateau from the sea. The ship will head further into the Barents Sea, leaving the mainland of the Norwegian coast behind.


 

Day 8     At sea between Norway and Svalbard - 16 Aug  2024 (B, L, D)                                                      

The southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago, Bjørnøya, sits just past the halfway point between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen. We will be viewing this inaccessible land from the ship in the afternoon, as the prologue to your Svalbard adventure. Contrary to its name, which means ‘Bear Island’, the only native mammals are Arctic foxes. The island was named after a polar bear that was spotted swimming in the waters nearby, but this is an unlikely sight this far south.

Day 9     Longyearbyen – at the edge of the world - 17 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

Today we arrive at the Svalbard archipelago and make our way up to Spitsbergen, the largest of the three main islands. Magnificent brown and green mountains rise and ripple up from the High Arctic tundra while rivers of snow-melt trickle through the valley plains, glistening under the summer sun. Svalbard is at a latitude of more than 78°N and less than 820 miles from the North Pole. Home to some 2,000 inhabitants from across the world, it originally sprang up as a coal mining colony in 1906. Today, it is a hub for adventure travelers, scientists, and engineers attached to local research projects like the famous Global Seed Vault.

Day 10     Ny-Ålesund - science on the Arctic frontier - 20 Aug 2023 (B, L, D)  

Sailing from Longyearbyen, we enjoy impressive views of Kongsfjord, one of the largest fjords in the area. Its entrance is guarded by two colossal creaking glaciers that regularly deposit ice into the fjord. This stretch is great for spotting walruses basking on shore and for spotting different species of migrating birds, including puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots. Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land, while the white beluga whale has also been known to surface in the waters here. We might even see a polar bear prowling the coast for bearded and ringed seals. At the tip of Brøgger peninsula, on one of Kongsfjord’s shores, is Ny-Ålesund. Like Longyearbyen, it began as a coal mine but transitioned into a host for scientific stations from the mid-20th century. During the summer, there are many researchers based in the town, representing 20 glaciology and climate institutes from more than 10 countries. We are very privileged to be able to visit this most remote settlement in the world, which is not accessible to visitors normally – only a selected few from MS Trollfjord!

Day 11     At sea leaving Svalbard - 19 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

It is time for us to say farewell to Svalbard and to Spitsbergen and today will be a relaxing day at sea. If the skies are clear, enjoy some summer sun on the deck and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Throughout the cruise, the Coastal Experience Team will give lectures and fascinating insight into local history and wildlife. They also offer a photography workshop to help sharpen your eye to capture stunning shots in the days to come.

Today is a good day to catch up with your knitting, and ARNE & CARLOS will give a lecture.


Day 12     Tromsø and Senja - 20 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)                                                            

Back on mainland Norway our first stop of the day is Tromsø. The ship will drop off cargo from Svalbard and pick up cargo bound for ports to the south. Calling back into Tromsø after reaching Svalbard follows in the footsteps of history. Most explorers and sailors returning from their Arctic expeditions would stop back in the city. From Tromsø, the ship will continue south to the fairytale island of Senja, one of Norway’s largest islands. Senja was on CNN’s top ten list of the most beautiful islands in the world. The island seems to have a concentration of landscapes inspired by different parts of the Norwegian coast.

Day 13     Svolvær - Lofoten Islands - 23 Aug 2023 (B, L, D)        

Today is all about exploring the Lofoten archipelago. With its jagged green cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean, it is hailed as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway. Pretty fishing villages made up of red-roofed houses on stilts that cling to the edges of mountainous islands. The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær, where the ship will be based for most of the day. Today’s attraction is the visit to Lofoten Wool! We will visit Ragnhild Lie at her sheep farm, and hear all about the process of making this beautiful yarn. The drive to Stamsund goes through the wonderful coastal landscapes of Lofoten and we will also stop for lunch in a nice local restaurant. We anticipate you will not leave empty-handed from Lofoten Wool – and we think you will fall in love with Lofoten!                                                     

Day 14     The Helgeland Coast - 22 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)

The Helgeland Coast is a stretch full of distinctive mountains that have inspired charming myths and local folklore. One highlight of the area is visiting the Vega archipelago, a cluster of some 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. A UNESCO world heritage center on the island of Gardsøy showcases how highly prized eiderdown is harvested from the local eider ducks by providing little huts for them to build their nests in.

Further along from Brønnøysund is the unique Torghatten Mountain. The first thing to notice about Torghatten is the hole that pierces right through its center. Legend has it that a spurned troll fired an arrow at his would-be lover after she rejected him, and Torghatten Mountain is the fossilized hat of a Troll King who attempted to block the arrow. Hurtigruten arranges a great hike up to the whole in Torghatten, which we highly recommend, the views are astonishing!

Day 15     The Sunnmøre Alps and Hjørundfjord - 23 Aug 2024 (B, L, D)                     

The ship will make a brief stop in the town of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque position on a peninsula below Mount Aksla.

The magnificent Hjørundfjord stands some 5,570 feet high near Ålesund, cutting through the peaks of the Sunmøre Alps. Its deep blue waters and verdant mountainsides seem perfectly proportionate and aligned, as if sculpted deliberately by nature’s artistry.

This will be our last evening on the Svalbard Express and we will meet for cocktails and enjoy a farewell dinner together.

 

Day 16     The home stretch to Bergen and disembarkation - 24 Aug 2024 (B)                    

MS Trollfjord arrives in Bergen at 07.00 in the morning and it is time to say goodbye to the ship’s crew, new friends and ARNE&CARLOS after a wonderful time with lots of lovely memories!


 

Hurtigruten

MS TROLLFJORD - THE SVALBARD EXPRESS

This ship is named after the spectacular Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands, and provides exquisite indoor comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. MS Trollfjord has its own onboard Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside as well as out on the ship´s sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. MS Trollfjord will undergo a complete refurbishment in spring 2023. The ship is an homage to both Norwegian nature and Hurtigruten’s 130-year heritage sailing the Norwegian coast. The décor is classic, timeless, and unique in their fleet. The details flourish and evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to a golden era when small ships were the only ships on the seas. 

Read about MS Trollfjord here

 

 

Cabins

Polar Inside cabin (standard inside cabin, twin or dbl beds)

Polar Outside cabin cat. O2 (porthole window, twin or dbl bed)

Artic Superior cabin cat. U2D (better location, double bed)

Grand suite cat. MG (large, double bed with or without balcony ) - price on request

Hotels

Clarion Hotel Havnekontoret
Slottsgaten 1, Bergenhus, 5835 Bergen

The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret enjoys beautiful surroundings in Bergen's Bryggen area, just a short walk from Fisketorget, the Fløibanen funicular and St Mary's Church.

Read about Havnekontoret here

Tour leader

Your tour leader for the journey will be Githa Kristensen from Aller Travel. Githa has been arranging knitting and garden tours with ARNE&CARLOS for several years. Githa has always worked in the travel industry as a tour leader, on cruise ships, and as a travel agent. Githa will meet you at Hotel Havnekontoret in Bergen - together with ARNE & CARLOS, and she will be assisting the group with all practical matters throughout the tour. Githa is also a keen knitter as well as a sailor, so the combination of being at sea and knitting is quite perfect, and Svalbard is a favorite destination.

 

 

Travel and cancellation conditions

Terms and Conditions Aller Travel AS

The terms and conditions of this contract apply to all products or services of any kind whatsoever provided for or arranged by Aller Travel. These terms and conditions represent the entire agreement and a binding contract between Aller Travel AS and the customer.

The terms and conditions of this contract are drawn up in accordance with the Package Tours Act, and the regulations laid down by the Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion. However, in case of conflict between this contract and Package Tours Act, this contract shall take precedence.

1. CONTRACT

Your contract partner is Aller Travel AS. When used in this contract, «you,» or «customer» means each person whose name appears on the face of the ticket and/or who uses the ticket for passage on the tour described in the ticket.

When you book travel with us, this contract is regarded as binding once Aller Travel AS receives the first payment of deposit. Aller Travel AS is then responsible for delivering the products/arrangements you have booked while you are financially responsible for the booking. The moment you make a booking you are confirming at that you have the authority to accept these terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and any travel companions. You accept responsibility for payment to us for all customers in your booking. The customer is solely responsible for ensuring that the actual reservation corresponds with the booking made.

As the person making the booking you are also responsible for ensuring that the names on all documents are correct and in accordance with the passports of all customers for whom you are making the booking. As the person making the booking you will also be responsible for ensuring that all travel companions in the booking are kept fully informed of what was booked and any changes that may arise.

2. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE

Any disputes and matters of whatsoever nature between the customer and Aller Travel AS shall be governed by Norwegian law. Such disputes and matters shall be litigated in and before a court of law in the city of Oslo, Norway.

3. GUARANTEE

Aller Travel AS at all times provides the statutory guarantee for package tours from:

The Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund
Post box 227
N4001 STAVANGER
Norway

4. PAYMENT

Payment of deposit NOK 4000 per person is due immediately for all bookings.

The full amount due must be paid at least 12 weeks before departure.
If the booking is made less than 12 weeks prior to departure, the full amount is due immediately.

If you fail to make any payment by the date on which it is due under this contract, Aller Travel AS reserves the right to cancel the booking, keep the deposit and demand a cancellation fee.

For online purchases made by credit cards, Aller travel follows the EU regulations which require 3D Secure banking system for credit card transactions.
 
In order to pay by credit card, please check the following:
 
•         Check the limit on your credit card
•         Check that your card is open for transactions in EU
•         Preferably use browsers Chrome or Firefox, from a stationary computer
•         Check that your bank and credit card are enrolled in the 3D Secure banking system
 

5. PRICES

The tour fare set forth in this contract is stated Norwegian kroner (NOK), which is per person based on double occupancy. The fare does not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, laundry, liquor, beer, or wine. The full and correct price of the trip is given before a booking is confirmed, except as set forth below.

The tour fare includes all applicable and known taxes, surcharges and government-imposed fees.

6. TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

We recommend that all passengers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment from unexpected events such as cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies. Please read the cancellation policy below.

7. CANCELLATION BY CUSTOMER

You or anyone in the booking have/has the right to cancel the booking at any time. All cancellations must be done in writing by the person who has made the booking. The cancellation is effective on the date that Aller Travel AS receives the cancellation request.

Cancellation fees are calculated according to the following schedule:

Number of days prior to departure

Cancellation fees

Less than 45 days before

100 %

45 – 180 days before

50 %

More than 180 days before

Deposit is non refundable

 

8. CANCELLATION BY ALLER TRAVEL AS

Aller Travel AS reserves the right to cancel any booking without liability or compensation to you, provided such cancellation is due to circumstances that are beyond Aller Travel’s control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, piracy, terrorism, civil strife, labor conflicts, weather conditions, perils of the sea, mechanical breakdown, or collisions («force majeure events»).

Aller Travel reserves the right to omit, alter, or curtail any tour excursions at its sole discretion. If a change to a tour is minor, of a kind that the customer should have anticipated occasionally occurring or the occurrence of which is beyond Aller Travel’s reasonable control, then Aller Travel shall have no obligation to pay a refund to the customer. If a deviation is not minor, or Aller Travel cancels a tour, a full refund will be given the customer.

9. MEDICAL CARE AND NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Prior to traveling, you must notify us of any medical condition for which you or any person accompanying you may require either medical attention or accommodation during the tour, including but not limited to food allergies, or for which the use of a wheelchair is required. The customer assumes all risks arising out of the customer’s personal medical condition prior to the tour, whether or not that condition is disclosed to Aller Travel.

10. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Your specific passport and visa requirements as well as any other immigration requirements are your own responsibility and you must clarify this with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. We do not accept any responsibility in situations where you cannot travel because you do not meet the latest requirements.

11. CONTACT INFORMATION

Aller Travel AS
PB 1169 Sentrum 

0107 Oslo, Norway

TEL: + 47 917 93 754

Githa Kristensen
githa.kristensen@allertravel.no

  • 1-night accommodation in a double room incl breakfast, at Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen
  • Welcome drinks and dinner in Bergen
  • Excursion to Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk including lunch
  • Cruise onboard MS Trollfjord in your chosen cabin, including all meals and beverages (beer, wine, cocktails,soft drinks, tea and coffee in all bars and restaurants onboard)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Limited coverage in Svalbard, except in Longyearbyen.
  • Lofoten Excursion is included
  • Mystery Knitalong Kit and lectures by ARNE&CARLOS
    CANCELLATION TERMS:
    More than 180 days before departure Deposit is non refundable
    45 - 180 days 50% cancellation fee
    Less than 45 days 100% cancellation fee

    Prices in USD

    Price specification per person:

    Polar Inside cat. K2 twin/dbl bed:                        NOK 64 000,-  (USD 6000)  

    Polar Outside cat. O2 twin/dbl bed:                    NOK 86 000,-  (USD 8100)

    Arctic Superior cat. U2D dbl bed:                       NOK 105 000,-  (USD 9950)   
     

    Polar Inside cabin single use:                               NOK 91 000,-  (USD 8550)

    Polar Outside cabin single use:                            NOK 123 000,- (USD 11500)

    Other cabin categories for single use - on request.

    Suites  - on request
     

     

    Departures & booking

    DateMeeting pointDestinationDurationSpots leftFrom price

    August 2024

    9/8Meet at Clarion Bergen HotelARNE & CARLOS Knitting under the Midnight Sun onboard the Svalbard Express16 daysSold outNOK 64,000Book on waiting listMore information