This post is sponsored by Hurtigruten, but all of the opinions are my own. Adventure is the name of our game and I really want to investigate all of the possibilities! Please click on the sponsored links and photos so you can learn the details!
When the representatives for the intriguing travel company, Hurtigruten, asked me if I was interested in sharing a post introducing their company to all of you, I jumped at the chance. I spent time researching so many types of amazing trips I had a hard time narrowing my interest down to one. So I didn’t! I opted to include highlights of two complete opposite geographic destinations. I want to see the Northern Lights and travel to Antarctica.
Hurtigruten is a travel company that has been carrying passengers and goods along the coast of Norway for 120 years. They expanded their voyages to include Antarctica and Greenland in 2010. They offer adventures of the most interesting kind and if you visit the website Hurtigruten.com, you will find many different types of outdoor adventures and cruises. Consider this an initial introduction to this phenominal bucket list item and who better to do the research for you than me, the Empty Nester Adventurer!
The Northern Lights
Once in Norway, a journey from Bergen to Tromsø or from Tromsø to Bergen gives you a taste of the Arctic. Depending upon which direction you choose to sail, you will experience many of the highlights of a Classic Round Voyage including sailing through the beautiful Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, the Seven Sisters mountains and visits to fascinating towns such as Bergen, Tromsø, Ålesund and Trondheim.
Check out this video and you will see why I was excited to discover this cruise!
Look at these photos ~ they are breathtaking!
Now…from the very north at the Arctic Circle all the way south to icy Antarctica!
Although this may surprise you, I am actually super serious about visiting Antarctica as well. I have always been intrigued by the icy terrain and the remoteness of it all. Walking on the edge of the earth is intriguing, not to mention seeing penguins and whales in their natural habitat, instead of Sea World’s Penguin Encounter!
Craig and I included a trip to Antarctica to our list of possible destinations and future adventures, but to be completely honest, I had no idea where to even begin to learn how to get to the remote and frozen continent of Antarctica, nor what was required. After reviewing these trips via the Hurtigruten website – I believe we understand the possibilities and have found what we are looking for!
I watched this video and I was hooked…
On the voyage in Antarctica we can discover the magnificent scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and it’s abundant summer wildlife of seals, penguins and whales. Just imagine going ashore for a close-up look at penguin colonies, modern research facilities and historic sites. Additionally they offer lectures, special hikes, kayaking. And for the greatest adventurers we are even allowed the opportunity to spend the night in a tent on land.
As I pursued this quest for adventure travel I have come to realize there is whole big world of people who are out in nature, discovering the wonders of this incredible earth we inhabit. Adventure travel intrigues me and I find it very exciting to contemplate going where curious adventurers are traveling! Craig and I haven’t really experienced anything like this, but now as empty nesters, we have more time to focus on what we want to do, it’s time to plan a trip like this. They are offering substantial discounts this Winter, don’t miss taking a look!
Do you have an adventurous side to you? Have you already experienced a trip like this? We would love to hear about it!
WOW, that would be some adventure!! Beautiful!!
Wouldn’t it be the quintessential adventure? Wow!
If I were to go on a cruise, this would be one of my top choices! Thanks for sharing Suzanne. The videos are fantastic.
Thank you Karin – The photos are amazing! I am truly considering going!
Packing my bags now! Sounds like a phenomenal adventure…placing it on my bucket list now!
Edie: I think my bucket list gets longer and longer!
I don’t have any great desire to visit Antarctica, but the northern lights fascinate me. I’ve been fortunate to have unexpectedly witnessed the beauty of the lights in my home province of Manitoba a few times, but I know they would be more dramatic and awe-inspiring if I went farther north.
Donna – I think you hit the nail on the head with the word “dramatic” – The Northern Lights I think would be breathtaking in person!
So Jon and I have booked an “iTrip” for next June: Iceland and Ireland. We’ll be in Iceland for 8 nights–5 of them on a very cool, guided Backroads hiking/walking trip (think crampons strapped to our hiking shoes–at least for one of the morning’s adventures on a glacier)–and we’ll be there for summer solstice so those Northern Lights should be something for us Lights. 🙂 Then onto 9 nights in Ireland at some pretty amazing properties as we get in most of the sites on my Ireland bucket list. I’ve been having great fun planning it! Can’t wait!
Super exciting Angela! You are visiting two beautiful places, what a trip! Can’t wait to see the photos and hear all of the details! The Lights should definitely see the Lights!
Both look amazing. The Northern Lights have always intrigued me, and I would probably do that trip before the Antarctica. Although, my arm could be twisted to do both! 🙂
The only thing I worry about on each of the trips is the cold… I am not good with that.
The furthest north I’ve been is Iceland but I found the landscape fascinating. Antarctica is high on my bucket list (as is Greenland).
Karen: You have been farther north than me! The landscape is fascinating, especially for someone who grew up and lives in Southern California!
I would love to see both the Northern Lights and Antarctica and spend time mulling how to raise the money because Antarctica isn’t exactly a budget tour destination. Hurtigruten would definitely be a company I would be interested in traveling with – they know all about cold!
Yes! I am a true adventurer and would LOVE to do these cruises! Antarctica has long been on my list, and the northern lights are incredible! When do we leave?
I knew this would appeal to you Tam!
It was very exciting to see your post since we are headed to Bergen, and the up above the arctic circle to Bodo next week. Sure hope we get to see the lights!
What great timing! I can’t wait to see your posts!
These two cruises with Hurtigruten sound like perfect additions to most bucket lists.
They have a lot to offer!! I enjoyed reading about Hurtigruten.
Carole is sure seems like an amazing bucket list item! I really do want to plan a trip! Thank you for reading and commenting!
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