Northern Lights Knitting Cruise
Experience the magical mix of colours that form in the Arctic sky, cruise among the Norwegian fjords and enjoy time ashore among the beautiful landscapes on our Northern Lights tour! There’s plenty of time for workshops with your Stitchtopia expert as you journey amongst the islands, islets and skerries that make up a coastline considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Though days may be short, Norway’s remarkable landscapes take on a special beauty at this time of year. Each day you can step-ashore and explore, or relax and take in the snow-cloaked scenery and wintry lifestyle of Norway’s remotest coastal communities.
Your Tour Includes
- Flights from London to Bergen and Kirkenes to London (via Oslo)
- 6 nights' accommodation on MS Polarlys (2023) or MS Nordlys (2024)
- A full programme of workshops with Anna (2023) or Carol (2024) – knitting kit included
- 1 night accommodation on a half-board basis in both Bergen & Kirkenes
- Services of an experienced Arena Travel Tour Manager
- Half-day sightseeing tours of Bergen & Kirkenes
Anna Nikipirowicz
Anna is a crochet and knit designer, tutor and author of several crochet books. Her designs are regularly featured in craft magazines such as Inside Crochet and she also is a regular on Yarn Lane TV where she shares her designs and techniques. She works closely with West Yorkshire Spinners, LoveCrafts and other yarn brands.
Anna attributes her love of knitting and crochet to her very talented mother whose stranded colourwork jumpers and hats were legendary. Even though she admits herself she really didn’t appreciate the skills in her childhood.
She is an experienced tutor who started her knit and crochet career as a Rowan Design Consultant. She teaches regularly at John Lewis Partnership and independent yarns stores, and also virtually. Anna constantly explores new techniques and incorporates them in her classes. Confidence and skill-building is very important to her, she wants everyone who takes her class to learn something new and leave with feeling self-assured that they have unlocked their creative potential with new skills.
Carol Meldrum
Carol Meldrum is a textile designer, workshop tutor and author of many popular knitting and crochet titles. She is also the creative force behind the fashion accessories label Beatknit. She has worked within the textile industry as a designer for many High Street fashion outlets as well as internationally renowned hand knit label Rowan. Carol is also a successful workshop tutor teaching all aspects of knit and crochet on an informal basis to both groups and individuals.
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
Meet your Stitchtopia expert and your Tour Manager at London Gatwick airport for your flight to Bergen (via Oslo) where we will transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner.
Includes Dinner
Overview
This morning’s guided sightseeing tour of Bergen will introduce us to the highlights of Norway’s charming second city known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. We will enjoy time at leisure for lunch and explore the traditional handicraft stores on the historic Bryggen waterfront. In the late afternoon, we embark on the MS Polarlys (2023) or MS Nordlys (2024) to start our northbound coastal voyage. This evening’s dinner is a buffet of delicious Norwegian dishes. This is served as we sail along Hjeltefjord, the same route taken by Vikings as they ventured to the Shetland Islands and beyond.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Our day starts in the beautiful Nordford with a delicious breakfast. Knit with your expert as we sail past West Cape into the open sea before navigating through skerries and islands to reach Ålesund. Today is a chance to admire the highly ornate buildings decorated with turrets, spires and gargoyles in Norway’s Art Nouveau town. Here we will visit Husfliden, a shop specialising in Norwegian and Nordic arts and crafts.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning we will have the opportunity to explore Trondheim. There are a number of yarn shops for us to visit, as well as Nidaros Cathedral that is the centrepiece of this ancient city, founded by Norway’s Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997. In the afternoon, we continue knitting with your expert as the ship sets a northwest course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through Stokksund, the ship will set sail towards charming Rorvik.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Today we cross the Arctic Circle! This invisible line is situated at 66 degrees and 33 minutes north, marking the border to the Arctic region, where the hunt for the Northern Lights begins! We will step ashore in Bodo and cruise alongside the magnificent granite peaks of the Lofoten Wall that reaches up to 1000m high. Tucked between majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches, Lofoten is a truly unique experience. The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian ambience.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
During the morning hours, we briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes. The ship then continues to Tromsø, also known as the ‘Capital of the Arctic’. Many epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point, and you may like to take your own mini polar expedition on an optional husky dog ride. After an afternoon in Tromsø, we will continue our journey. Whilst the ship sails, you will be able to continue knitting with your expert whilst waiting for the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Knit at ‘the top of the world’ before calling into Honningsvåg. This small, remote town is the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. The ship then continues north, sailing into the heartland of the indigenous Sami people. We will pass their ancient sacred site, Finnkirka rock formation, as we approach the tiny fishing village of Kjollefjord.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
The vistas become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes. We arrive in nearby Vadsø early in the morning and, just after breakfast, we arrive in Kirkenes. Kirkenes lies just a few miles from the Russian border. The town marks the end of this wonderful voyage and, after disembarking the ship, we will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the area, where local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. In Kirkenes we stop for lunch at the famous Snow Hotel. We check into our hotel this afternoon where this evening’s farewell dinner is served.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning we bid farewell to Norway, taking our return flights to London.
Includes Breakfast
Tour Notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. On excursion days you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
Knitting Holidays
Specially designed for knitters, this Stitchtopia knitting holiday is the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded knitters and indulge in your favourite hobby. Our talented knitting expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host inspirational workshops with a beautifully designed project to get those needles clicking!
Accommodation
You will be staying at the 4-star Clarion Admiral Hotel (2023) or the 4-star Clarion Hotel Bergen (2024) for 1 night, before boarding the MS Polarlys (2023) or MS Nordlys (2024) for 6 nights, and then going on to stay at the 3-star Thon Hotel for 1 night.
Thon Hotel, Kirkenes
This 4-star hotel is perched on the quay in central Kirkenes, with unimpeded views of the fjord. The bright and modern guest rooms come equipped with hairdryer, TV and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- 3 Star
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Safe Box
- Telephone
- Iron or Trouser Press
- Ensuite Facilities
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Restaurant
- Lift
Clarion Hotel Admiral
This 4-star hotel is housed in old warehouse buildings that date back to 1904. The hotel is in central Bergen and enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the historic Bryggen quayside, and the mountains.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Fridge
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
- Ensuite Facilities
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Ms Nordlys
The ships name, art, décor and colours have been inspired by the spectacular northern lights. On this modern expedition ship the guests are invited to relax after a day of exploration. It has its own Expedition Team that serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities make this an exciting and educational journey. The Expedition Team hosts both a lecture and presentation programme and evening gatherings daily.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- Sauna or Steam Room
Room
- Free Wifi
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
MS Polarlys
The MS Polarlys features a modern, Arctic inspired interior. On board you’ll find three restaurants and out on deck you can enjoy the views from one of the two hot tubs. It has its own Expedition Team that serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities make this an exciting and educational journey. The Expedition Team hosts both a lecture and presentation programme and evening gatherings daily.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Shower
- Free Wifi
General
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- Sauna or Steam Room
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Clarion Hotel Bergen
The Clarion Hotel Bergen is located in the heart of Bergen in the middle of historic Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 4-star hotel has recently been renovated and the elegant, classic style has been preserved to bring out the beautiful stone building.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Free Wifi
General
- Restaurant
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
