The itinerary is set, but you can make it your own. A voyage along Norway’s pristine coastline with Hurtigruten takes you into quaint coastal communities, through stunning fjords and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and along more than 1600 kilometres of diverse nature. Not convinced? Let us break down why this 11-day adventure is a must for your bucket list.
Beginning in Bergen, you’ll marvel at the colourful houses that populate this charming city. Though a popular destination for modern day travellers, Bergen still retains much of its local character and history. Next navigate through skerries and islands before reaching the Art Nouveau port town of Ålesund, the gateway to the jewel in Norway’s crown, Geirangerfjord. With its cascading waterfalls, sugar-white peaks and sheer cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord could have been lifted straight from the land of fairy itself, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience during the summer months. Days three and four will see you exploring Trondheim which was founded in 997 A.D, followed by the crossing of the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees 33 minutes north.
Now you’re approaching Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic and one of the best places to experience the magic and wonder of the northern lights dancing across the skies. Take advantage of the many optional excursions for the next few days as you continue to sail north – from whale watching, husky dog sledding and kayaking to delving into Sami culture and visiting the northern-most point on the continent at the North Cape.
Day seven marks the turning point of the 11-day voyage but not before a stop in Kirkenes, located just a few miles from the Russian border. Here, the scenery changes quite dramatically. Southbound, you’ll sail past Fruholmen, home to Europe’s northernmost lighthouse, towards the contrasting landscapes of the Vesterålen archipelago, renowned as a year-round whale-spotting destination, and the equally stunning Lofoten, both a stunning stand-out for many. With much reluctance, you’ll have to tear yourself away from Lofoten – yes, we know, it’s tough! – but you’ll be rewarded for your sacrifice as you sail onwards towards the Helgeland coast and pass by the Seven Sisters mountain range, a vast bastion of remarkable jagged peaks scores with hiking trails and imbued with local legends. The last day of your unforgettable journey gives you another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim as you disembark and wave farewell to your travel companions.
Connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through the Canadian Arctic, the Northwest Passage has become the stuff of legends. The fabled route, a holy grail for explorers, was once virtually impenetrable thanks to a thick year-round cover of sea ice. It did little to deter explorers, though. Records show that almost 40 expeditions have sailed these waters, either to explore this unknown territory or to find the sea route to Asia, since the late fifteenth century (the first recorded attempt was by John Cabot in 1497, and the most famous (and failed) one was by James Cook in 1776). Even today, with improved conditions, crossing the Passage calls for enormous skill and the best equipment. And Hurtigruten’s The Northwest Passage – In the Wake of Great Explorers expedition, complete with state-of-the-art vessel, offers you the opportunity to sail in the wake of the great explorers of the past.
This is a journey for hardy explorers who seek an adventure unlike anything else. Being at the top of the world means sailing where the ice allows and you’ll gain some insight into what Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first person to successfully conquer the Northwest Passage between 1903 to 1906, felt and experienced – both in the unforgettable sights and challenging waters – to cross the passage. No matter where you sail or what you see, a journey aboard a Hurtigruten vessel is a safe and thrilling expedition (and unlike Amundsens’s expedition on Gjoa, a converted herring boat, a vastly more comfortable one)
The highlights of this 19-day expedition include visiting some of the world’s northernmost communities, exploring legendary inlets and channels and partaking in exciting small boat cruises and landings. Heading east across Davis Strait, you will reach Greenland and have the chance to discover some of the Greenlandic Inuit settlements and the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, before the expedition ends in Kangerlussuaq.
If you’ve got a thing for adventure on two wheels, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region is calling your name. Grosse Scheidegg, one of Europe’s most stunning passes, is waiting for you to jump on your bike and hit the pavement. Reaching a peak altitude of 1962 metres, flanked by snow-capped glaciers and lush mountains, the journey is captivating one. You won’t have to worry about dodging traffic to enjoy it either – aside from the famous yellow PostBuses the roads here are car-free.
Take a deep breath as you head off – the Grosse Scheidegg is not for the faint-hearted. Starting from Meiringen, it’s a 16-kilometre journey up to the summit, tackling steep gradients along the way as you pump up the 1300-metre incline. At the top you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that make the climb well worth it.
The somewhat dizzying descent from the summit will see you cruising into the quaint village of Grindelwald where you can rest at the foothills of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif. Continue on through the winding roads along the Lütschine River to Interlaken, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, before looping back along the sparkling shores of the Brienz Lake to Meiringen.
Having conquered 79 kilometres of terrain – most of which remains almost untouched by explorers – you’ll be well deserving of a cold drink and a long sleep at the end of it.
If the saying ‘silence is golden’ glimmers with hope, a month-long meditation trek may be just what the doctor ordered.
Journey to the secluded peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees in search of personal reconnection and understanding. In a small group you’ll trek in silence for days, following nature, not a guru, and become attuned to the beating of your heart and the rhythm of your breath.
Camp in solitude in the wild mountains where you’ll discover true spontaneity and the value of social interaction in its absence. Find your own form of spirituality, explore your darkest thoughts and desires and feel the vibrancy of your dreams as your self-awareness kicks in.
Travel lean and practise ‘spiritual fasting’, carrying no more fuel than you need to sustain life as you trek through grass-lined gorges and over frosted mountain passes. Some find hiking as a hermit cathartic, others relaxing, but it’ll sure cure your craving for quiet.
The High Roller Observation Wheel is a – dare we say it – revolutionary experience, providing 360 degree views from 170 metres above LINQ’s shopping, dining and entertainment promenade in the heart of Las Vegas. Kick off a night on the town with Happy Half Hour, with an open bar and a private bartender for up to 25 guests.
Belt out your favourite tunes via the karaoke option or just bask in the dazzling lights of the Strip far below. For chocoholics there’s the Ethel M Chocolate tasting extravaganza, or elevate your mind with a bout of Yoga in the Sky.
After a short flight south from Vanuatu’s main island Efate and a slightly longer boat ride along Pentecost Island’s wild coastline we arrive at an unspoiled beach with a small opening in the trees. There are only a handful of other travellers wandering up a well-worn path to sit within the shadows of a near 30-metre-high wooden tower.
The villagers have gathered for the Naghol, an ancient local land diving ritual that gave birth to the world wide bungee craze. They are chanting and swaying as one of the villagers, wearing nothing more than a penis gourd, climbs to the top.
There he stands and proclaims all his wants and grievances before leaping outwards and down towards the earth. The vines are supple at this time of year, but they still crack as they snap the land diver forward. His head only slightly grazing the dirt, bringing good luck for the coming yam harvest.
As one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world, Switzerland sees almost two million visitors hop on two wheels during their holiday – 45% jump on city bikes, almost 30% go for e-bikes and road bicycles, and the reminder traverse trails by mountain bike – and it’s easy to see why. Featuring a series of bike hotels, bike-storing facilities on public transport and a comprehensive network of cycling routes, Switzerland’s rising popularity among cyclists was inevitable.
Now Switzerland Tourism has launched Ride the Alps, a website dedicated to the various cycling events around the country between May and September. Avid riders will find a full run-down of the selected mountain passes that will be closed off to motorists during the five-month period, featuring 13 set dates for cyclists to take advantage of car-free roads.
Some of the traditionally popular alpine cycling routes include the Gotthard region, the Valais, and the Vaud Alps. Now, cyclists can fully explore other alpine regions around the country sans pesky motor traffic.
You’ve probably seen the photographs of surprised guests eating breakfast while a tall intruder pokes its head through the window. The venue is Giraffe Manor, a stately home converted into a boutique hotel in the lush suburb of Lang’ata in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. There are, however, only a dozen rooms, so it’s not always easy to get a booking, particularly if you’re on a last-minute jaunt.
Never fear, you can still commune with these amazing animals as the sun sets behind the Ngong Hills and afternoon tea is served on the terrace. Cups of tea in fine china, tiny finger sandwiches, scones with jam and fresh cream and trays of sweet delicacies are laid out for the two-legged guests.
As tasty as the morsels might be, they definitely play second fiddle to the main attraction. The residents of the neighbouring Giraffe Center – a group of 10 endangered Rothschild giraffes – lope across to nibble at the pellets their trusty keepers have on hand. Everyone gets a go to hand them over to Daisy, Betty and friends, as well as have a photograph or 10 taken with the very friendly giraffes.
It’s tempting to want to spend your entire time getting to know your new tall acquaintances, but put a few cakes on your plate, take a seat beneath an umbrella and take in the whole scene. Cheeky warthogs, who quite clearly know they’re not allowed near the terrace, wait until the keepers aren’t watching and try to make a sneaky entrance.
Few creatures have been so fascinating to humans as the polar bear. The unofficial symbol of the Arctic, these critters – a cross between soft-and-cuddly giant and fearsome predator – are so prolific in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard that they outnumber people, making it the perfect destination to encounter them in their natural habitat, and ensures you’ll tick off this bucket list experience in all its wonder and glory.
Cast off in a Hurtigruten ship from the shores of Longyearbyen and cruise through the icy seas towards the archipelago’s southernmost tip, marvelling at the monolithic glaciers of Kongsfjorden and the ruins of whaling settlements in Mitrahalvøya before sailing through the Hornsund fjord to Gnålodden, renowned for its bird and polar bear populations.
Thanks to its unique geology, the landscape here is a motley of mossy tundra and towering cliffs where a cacophony of nesting black-legged kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots – along with thousands of other bird species – can be seen and heard (the name, gnål, literally means ‘nagging’ in Norwegian) and ice pushed into the fjord draws out the polar bears seeking the perfect hunting block to launch from. Accompanied by your expedition leader, you’ll disembark for an excursion on land where you’ll learn about the area’s fascinating history and topography and feel that heady rush as you stumble upon a polar bear’s enormous paw prints trailing through the snow. The expedition team leader confirms what you already know – a polar bear was here not so long ago.
In between keeping an eye out for these majestic creatures you’ll sail past bobbing icebergs, spot herds of wild reindeer and admire beautiful alpine flora, all while soaking up the rays of the midnight sun. Keep your camera at the ready, though – this is polar bear country and you can expect to hear sudden cries of excitement from the deck and the loudspeaker crackling into action, both announcing the sighting of a streak of golden fur amongst the blankets of snow and Arctic ice, sending you and your fellow adventurers into an excited frenzy as you spot a bear snoozing peacefully or a cub playfully snuggling in close to its mother. It’s a moment that inspires a collective and heartfelt wave of awe and wonder; once you’ve captured a few snaps with your camera you’ll revel in simply watching them in this epic landscape.
There’s more to Cornwall’s most westerly major town than the story of a leap-year born pirate. The comedic tale of a young pirate, only able to celebrate his birthday every four years and duty-bound to the Pirates of Penzance until his true age of 21 when he is reunited with his true love, may have put Cornwall’s most westerly major town on the map, but there’s more to this historic port than just singing pirates.
Penzance, where the Gilbert and Sullivan classic opera is set, is a picturesque seaside town on the south-west coast of England on Mount’s Bay, which is a body of water dominated by the splendour the medieval tidal island called St Michael’s Mount.
In a sheltered position close to the sea and just 10 miles from Land’s End, Penzance enjoys the most temperate climate of the UK – you can expect to see some sunshine, here. Home of pirates, smugglers, beautiful churches, Victorian markets and UNESCO Heritage Listed Roman baths, it demands to be on your list of destinations to visit.
For the journey, begin with the Tarka Line to Barnstaple, Britain’s most scenic train journey through lush green fields and imposing pine forests with sandy beached coastal views. In Barnstaple, experience the trade of a time immemorial in the Victorian Market Hall with its high vaulted glass and timber ceiling supported by iron columns. From here, jump on the Great Western Railway to the star attraction, Penzance. Founded in 1833 with a restoration returning it to its former glory, the Great Western Railway will deliver breathtakingly scenic views the whole way.
If you want to extend your journey, jump back on the train north-east of Penzance and make your way to the beautiful limestone landscapes of Bath. Set in the rolling countryside of southwest England, Bath is aptly known for its hot springs and stunning architecture. It is home to rows upon rows of Georgian style buildings and the Roman Bath Museum is a must-see, containing the original mineral springs that have proved so healing throughout the ages. Make sure you don’t skip Bath Abbey, a truly magnificent building with its fan-vaulting, tower and large stained-glass windows.
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