Hurtigruten Announces 12 Cultural Voyage Sailings Along Norwegian Coast

 

Hurtigruten Announces 12 Cultural Voyage Sailings Along Norwegian Coast   Special Sailings Focus on Norwegian Art, Music and History; 30% Savings if booked by Jan. 15           Seattle, December 2015â€" For a country with a population of just more than 5 million, Norway has produced a surprising number of world-famous musicians, writers and artists. To celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, Hurtigruten has announced new Cultural Voyage sailings along the Norwegian Coast inspired by Norway’s national hero, classical composer Edvard Grieg (of “In the Hall of the Mountain King” fame). Cultural Voyages invite guests to experience an in-depth view of Norway’s music, art and cultural history while traveling along the breathtaking landscape that makes up the country’s coastline. Although the voyages will follow the same itinerary as Hurtigruten’s Classic Coastal Route, the addition of concerts, art tours and lectures bring a more in-depth educational element to the sailings. Booking by January 15 offers savings of up to 30% on any of the 12 departures in April and May, 2016.           These Cultural Voyages includes 17 exclusive music, art and cultural events not available on any of Hurtigruten’s other Norway Coastal sailings. Learn about “The Story of the Norwegian Witch Process” - the tale of the witch trials that took place in Vardø in the 1600s; enjoy a piano concert featuring Grieg’s music at his former Bergen home - Troldhaugen; and a unique opportunity to attend a concert in an old fish-oil tank in VesterÃ¥len. Other highlights include an organ concert at the beautiful Church of Ã…lesund; several onboard concerts during the course of the sailing; onboard lectures on “What Is Norwegian Culture?” and “Norwegian Legends and Myths”; a guided tour of the ship’s artwork; an excursion to Witch Monument in Vardø; and storytelling in Andersgrotto in Kirkenes, where locals took refuge during WWII.           Six optional culturally-focused excursions are also available for booking (either on board, or in advance). These include Classic Art excursions in Lofoten and Tromsø; a concert at the Nidaros Cathedral and trip to the Ringve Museum of Musical History in Trondheim; an Art, Music and History Tour in Harstad; a trip to KaviarFactory, an international venue of contemporary art located in Henningsvær; and a tour of the museum dedicated to 18th-century Norwegian poet, Petter Dass, in Alstahaug.           Seven out of the 12 Cultural Voyages departures will be on Hurtigruten’s newly renovated ships: MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp, or MS Kong Harald. These ships will feature a new design concept dubbed New Arctic Interior and will reflect the breath-taking coastal landscapes in a stylish and yet unpretentious manner. All of the ship’s common areas, reception foyers, cafes and bistro areas and the aft deck will be renovated. Designs and shapes are expected to bear a resemblance to those found in nature - such as the flow of the waves or the strength of the majestic fjords.           Hurtigruten is a world leader in exploration travel, sailing to the remote destinations of Antarctica, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland, as well as year-round along Norway's coast. The company’s fleet of intimate ships, each of which carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere.