7-Day Norwegian Coastal Voyage Watercolors and Art

BERGEN, NORTHBOUND NORWAY CRUISE, KIRKENES - Enjoy a 7-day Norwegian Coastal Voyage with a watercolor workshop for an additional $399*.

Wintertime polar light creates an inspiring setting for deck-side watercolor painting workshops and art forums, including talks on artists and their influences. Immerse yourself in the ever-changing polar scenery of your Norwegian Coastal Voyage and forever capture Norway's beauty in your own watercolor paintings, bringing home the ultimate souvenir of your Norway cruise.

Beginning in Bergen on your northbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage, we gently sail through the wonders of winter Norway. The awe inspiring scenery and changes of light during each day of your cruise will provide ample subject matter to capture on paper. An experienced art teacher will lend a guiding hand as you recreate the winter landscapes you encounter. A second lecturer will give informal talks on art and painting.

Your journey will be enhanced by illuminating watercolor workshops and lessons on painting techniques as well as lectures on art. If you have an interest in art or wish to discover or develop your skills in watercolor or still-life painting, make the most of this wonderful opportunity. In addition to many happy memories, you will be taking home a truly individual memento of your Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

*Guests who wish to participate in the Watercolors Workshop Program must purchase it as an additional stage based on the supplements noted. This stimulating voyage will appeal to travelers who wish to learn to paint, people with a general interest in art, and also to accomplished watercolor artists.

No previous experience is necessary; basic painting equipment will be provided.

Bergen is the bustling capital of Norway's fjord region. Before boarding, stroll among the old wooden buildings in the Bryggen wharf, an ancient remnant from Bergen's days as a leading medieval port. You board the Norwegian Costal Voyage this evening for your polar cruise. [B/L/D]

When you awake, the ship will be crossing the stretch of open sea known as Stadthavet, heading for Torvik. Farther on, you'll stop in the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Alesund. After a call at Molde-its magnificent view of the Romsdal Alps made it a favorite vacation spot of famous Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen-the ship will carefully navigate the Hustadvika, a belt of islets and skerries, before docking at Kristiansund. Optional shore excursions are available. [B/L/D]

The ship arrives early this morning in historical Trondheim, Norway's first capital. Walk the charming streets; sit by the peaceful harbor or cross the old city bridge to see the restored wooden buildings in Bakklandet and the great Gothic cathedral of Nidaros, where the kings of ancient Norway once received their official blessings. From Trondheim, the ship sails on to Rorvik, where the southbound and northbound coastal ships meet. Optional shore excursions available. [B/L/D]

Today you'll cross the Arctic Circle. Of course, you can't actually see this imaginary cartographic line, but on our portside, a globe on the island of Vikingen serves as a helpful marker. Ahead lie spectacular sights, such as islands and skerries of majestic rock formations, their origins the stuff of legend. After Bodo, the ship heads out to open sea, bound for the Lofoten Islands, with their picturesque cabins on stilts and weathered wooden racks of drying cod. In the evening, you'll navigate the narrow Raftsund Strait, passing the looming crags of the Trollfjord. Optional shore excursions are available. [B/L/D]

This morning, you'll pass the medieval Trondenes church before calling at Harstad for breakfast. Afterward, you'll sail across the Vagsfjord, past the great island of Senja with its diverse countryside of farmland, pine trees, and plunging peaks. Later you'll stop at the city of Tromso, Norway's "Paris of the North." In the 19th century, Russian, British, Dutch, and German ships called here before heading off on Arctic expeditions for hunting whales, walruses, and seals. Optional shore excursions are available. [B/L/D]

Finnmark's landscape, austere in its beauty, teems with wildlife. Watch for rookeries of puffins and gannets along the cliffs, and pods of orca, or Killer whales, hunting for herring. After calling at Honningsvag, the capital of the North Cape, the ship heads east toward the pretty fishing villages of Kjollefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevag. On the seventh day or your polar cruise, you'll arrive at Kirkenes, the journey's northern terminus and turning point. Optional shore excursions are available for both days. [B]

Hurtigruten explorations, including a Norwegian Coastal Voyage and watercolor workshop await. Request a brochure, contact a travel agent, or book online. Embark on a journey of exploration, adventure and luxury with Hurtigruten, authentic voyages to pristine lands.