Norway Summer & Sami Stitching Cruise
Join Karin Hellaby on an exciting voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline followed by the chance to discover Norway’s Sami Culture as you venture inland to Karasjok and Kautokeino. You’ll enjoy 6-nights on board MS Polarlys cruising from Bergen to Kirkenes discovering countless fjords, mountains, islands and waterfalls. There will be ample time to capture breath-taking scenery as well as enjoy workshops led by Karin. After the cruise, you’ll stay in the Norwegian towns of Kirkenes, Karasjok and Kautokeino where you will visit a number of museums and learn about the Sami Culture, from their traditional dress, crafts and food!
Your Tour Includes
- Flights from London to Bergen and Alta to London
- 6 nights full board on board the MS Polarlys
- 4 nights accommodation on a half-board basis and 1 night bed and breakfast
- Workshops with Karin Hellaby
- Services of an experienced Arena Travel Tour Manager
Karin Hellaby
Karin Hellaby is an internationally known quilt teacher and author of 11 quilting books and numerous patterns. She is a regular teacher at the Houston International Quilt Show and has also been invited to teach at quilting symposiums in New Zealand, Dubai, Paducah and the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Oregon.
Her teaching travels have taken her all over North America, the Middle East and several European countries. Her style is very much multi technique always finding ways to make patchwork simple, quick and fun to learn. Karin started Quilters Haven in 1993. It became one of the largest quilt shops in the UK and she sold it in 2016. This has given her more time to teach and travel, especially in SE Asia where two of her sons are based.
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
Meet Karin Hellaby and your Arena Travel Tour Manager at London Gatwick for your flight to Bergen. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Overview
Today we will enjoy exploring Bergen, the second largest city in Norway and the gateway to the fjords. Join Karin on a walking tour or venture into Bergen independently. We recommend visiting the fish market or taking a trip up the funicular railway. In the early evening we embark MS Polarlys to start our northbound coastal voyage. We depart from Bergen and sail north along Hjeltefjord, the same route taken by the Vikings as they ventured to the Shetland Islands and beyond.
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Our day starts in the breathtakingly beautiful Nordfjord, near Torvik. Stitch with Karin as we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord. We will sail past magnificent scenery and once in the fjord, you may catch a glimpse of the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls.
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This morning we have the opportunity to explore Trondheim, seeing the imposing Gothic-spired Nidaras Cathedral that is the centerpiece of this ancient city founded by Norway’s Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997. Today, it is Norway’s third largest city and there are a number of yarn stores for us to visit here.In the afternoon, we continue sewing with Karin as the ship sets a northwest course passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, we sail towards charming Rorvik.
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Overview
Early this morning we will cross the Arctic circle. Look for trolls in the steep-sided mountains at the entrance of Trollfjord, step ashore in Bodo and cruise alongside the magnificent granite peaks of the Lofoten Wall. And there’s still time to sew and chat with Karin and your fellow stitchers.
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During the morning hours, we briefly dock at Harstad and Finnsnes. The ship then continues to Tromsø, ‘Capital of the Arctic’, for a longer stay. 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. We continue our northbound journey.
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Early in the morning the ship reaches the town of Hammerfest, then we call at Honningsvag. 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
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At 30° East, Kirkenes lies just a few miles from the Russian border. The town marks the end of this wonderful voyage. After disembarking the ship, we head to The Borderland Museum where you can learn about the war history and daily life of the border people through the ages on a guided tour. Our day continues as we learn about the Skolt Sami people at the Ävv Skolt Sami Museum. The Skolt Sami are the indigenous people of the border area between Norway, Finland and Russia. Next, we visit the Snowhotel, the only hotel in the world completely made of snow and ice!
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Today we make our way to Karasjok, where approximately 90% of the local population speak Sami. On route we will stop at the Varanger Sami Museum, where we will learn about the history of coastal Sami. We end our day at our hotel in Karasjok.
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The Sami Centre of Contemporary Art was established in 1986 and is the international centre for Sami artists in contemporary art. When we visit, there will be two exhibitions displayed by Sami artists, Hilde A. Danielsen and Geir Nustad. We will enjoy a guided tour of the artistic productions that are themed around Sami culture and heritage. This afternoon, we visit the Sami Museum in Karasjok for a guided tour of their collection of traditional Sami dresses and clothing.
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This morning, we will check out of our hotel in Karasjok and transfer by coach to Kautokeino, another area known for its Sami culture. Upon arrival we will visit the Kautokeino farmyard and museum. Explore both the open-air museum and building where you will find a variety of objects from the local Sami culture. We then visit Juhls Silvergallery and enjoy a guided tour around the house, learning about the different jewellery collections, the house’s architecture, and the story behind the start up of the gallery. You will then have the opportunity to explore the gallery independently and browse the shop. We will end our day at our hotel in Kautokeino, where we will enjoy a traditional Sami dinner!
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Overview
This morning we will check out of our hotel after breakfast and head to Alta airport for our return flight back to the UK
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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.
Perfect for Textile Lovers
Uniquely created for textile lovers, this Stitchtopia textile holiday is the perfect way to discover fascinating fabrics and cultures, whilst travelling to some of the world’s most inspiring places. Our talented stitching expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host creative workshops with beautifully designed projects inspired by your travels.
Accommodation
You will stay for 1 night at the 4-star Clarion Admiral in Bergen, 6 nights aboard the MS Polarlys, 1 night at the 3-star Thon Hotel in Kirkenes, 2 nights at the 3-star Scandic Hotel in Karasjok and then 1 night at the 3-star Thon Hotel in Kautokeino.
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 Polarlys
Refurbished in 2016 the MS Polarlys now features a modern, Arctic inspired interior. On board you’ll find 3 restaurants and out on deck you can enjoy the views from one of the 2 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
Scandic Hotel Karasjok
This 3-star hotel is in Karasjok, home to the Sami population, and is in an ideal location for learning about the Sami culture and traditions. The hotel is in walking distance to the Sapmi Park and Sami Parliament.
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
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Sauna or Steam Room
Room
- Hairdryer
- Shower
- Free Wifi
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Thon Hotel Kautokeino
Centrally located in Kautokeino this 3-star modern hotel offers a tasty breakfast buffet, a gym, jacuzzi and sauna. The hotel is in a short distance to the Finnmark plateau.
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
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- Sauna or Steam Room
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Fridge
- Shower
- Telephone
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
