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July 3 to 15, 2009
Norway, Russia
aboard the M.S. LE DIAMANT
In the far reaches of northern Europe, Norway’s North Cape and Russia’s White Sea straddle two frontiers—the physical boundary between the Arctic and the European mainland, and the cultural boundary between East and West. Here, a magical wonderland of Arctic mountains and soaring fjords interspersed with quiet fishing villages and old Russian monasteries has remained virtually untraveled due in part to the region’s vast natural barriers, and also the Iron Curtain that divided Europe for nearly 50 years.
Join us on this rare and exclusive opportunity to discover the long-obscured jewels of the Land of the Midnight Sun during the magical White Nights of Summer, when the sun never sets on the region’s spectacular landscapes of fjords, bays, mountains and islands. Sail from the medieval port of Bergen along the unspoiled coastline of northern Norway across the Arctic Circle to the remote reaches of Russia’s White Sea aboard the chartered, deluxe M.S. LE DIAMANT, one of the very few passenger vessels permitted to cruise these northern waters. During this extraordinary journey, admire the fairytale settings of Norway’s legendary fjords, visit traditional Nordic fishing villages and explore the seldom-seen side of a newly emergent Russia, including the ancient monasteries of the rarely visited Solovetsky Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This custom-designed itinerary offers once in a lifetime opportunities to experience the living heritage and ancient cultural riches of Europe’s far North, including the proud history of the Vikings and the ancient customs of the Sami, the famous “reindeer people” indigenous to the northern reaches of Scandinavia. We also invite you to complement your cruise with an optional two-night Pre-Program in the picturesque medieval port of Bergen, and/or a two-night Post-Program in Helsinki, Finland.
In the company of fellow friends old and new, be among the few to blaze this trail north into the Land of the Midnight Sun. Make your reservation today, while Early Booking Savings are still available!
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Solovetsky Island, Russia
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