HEART OF SVALBARD CRUISE 

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Swan Hellenic Diana

Making her maiden voyage in July 2023, the newest addition to the Swan Hellenic fleet, SH Diana, combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design. The ship’s special ice-resistant PC6 hull means it’s able to visit some of the world’s most inaccessible regions. This new generation polar class ship features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views, a spectacular grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, so you can explore the world in style and comfort. Whether you’re taking in remarkable scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, this outstanding 5-star ship has you covered.

Day 1 Bergen

Overnight Bergen, the magnificent gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a medieval port surrounded by mountains. From the beauty of Bryggen, the seafront maze of ancient timber buildings, to the modern Fløibanen Funicular that soars up Fløyen peak, no one would want to miss this city. Other highlights are the aquarium, the KODE art museum encompassing Norway’s Edvard Munch, as well as Picasso, while outside town is composer Edvard Grieg’s enchanting house.

Day 2 Bergen to Nordfjordeid

Transfer and board your ship after exploring the magnificent gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a medieval port surrounded by mountains. From the beauty of Bryggen, the seafront maze of ancient timber buildings, to the modern Fløibanen Funicular that soars up Fløyen peak, no one would want to miss this city. Other highlights are the aquarium, the KODE art museum encompassing Norway’s Edvard Munch, as well as Picasso, while outside town is composer Edvard Grieg’s enchanting house.

Day 3 Nordfjordeid

The Eidsfjorden village of Nordfjordeid has a craftsman-built replica of Myklebust, Norway’s largest known Viking ship. The surroundings boast rich Viking burial mounds. Nordfjordeid is also the gateway to Briksdalsbreen Glacier, an accessible arm of the expansive Jostedalsbreen glacier. At the end of Innvikfjorden, the Loen Skylift gondola ascends 1,011 metres, offering breathtaking views.

Days 4 and 5 Geiranger and Trondheim

Geiranger is a small village at the head of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO heritage site for its staggering mix of snow-capped peaks, clear blue waters, lush greenery, and magnificent waterfalls. The mighty Seven Sisters are a series of seven waterfalls cascading down a steep cliff face. The 1,500 m Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba offers panoramic vistas. In Geiranger, the Norwegian Fjord Centre is the visitor and education hub of the fjord region.

Tucked away amongst the hills of Trondheim fjord, Trondheim is a Viking city founded in the 11th century that is filled with colourful timber buildings. Nidaros Cathedral is the burial site of Viking king St Olav (c. 995 – 29 July 1030). The mighty 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress is the country’s best preserved fortification. Stiftsgården, the Norwegian royal residence, is believed to be one of the largest wooden buildings in northern Europe.

Day 6 Svartisen

The mighty Svartisen glacier, Norway’s second biggest, pours down the mountain almost to Svartisvatnet lake. The glacier visitor centre is a fascinating place with access to hikes along the edge of the ice flow, up to 200 m thick. Glorious Holandsfjord is just the other end of a short channel from the lake and the ship has stirring views. The little village of Holandsvika sits across the fjord, with an 18-km lakeside path and boat trips.

Day 7  Leknes and Trollfjorden

In the Lofoten Islands, Leknes, the main town on Vestvågøya island above the Arctic Circle, is nestled on the bay-like Buksnesfjorden. The surreal landscape features red-painted houses against craggy, mountainous isles. In summer, the white sand beaches resemble the South Seas, while the region experiences almost two months of the Midnight Sun.

Trollfjorden is unbelievable. A 100m-wide entrance to a narrow fjord with near-vertical mountainous sides up to 1,100 m high, the passage slices through Austvågøya, on the edge of the Lofoten Islands. As the ship enters the fjord, the silence is only broken by the gentle sound of the ship’s engines and the occasional cry of a white-tailed eagle soaring overhead. At the end of the fjord, the ship slowly spins, offering a final captivating view.

Day 8  Tromso

The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storstei­nen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso’s charm.

Days 9 – 11 Svalbard

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox. A zodiac tour with the expedition team is included.

Day 12 Longyearbyen

On the final morning of your expedition, we arrive in Longyearbyen.

Please note:

This itinerary provides general information about each destination and is weather dependent and some venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting us closer to your departure date.