NORWEGIAN DISCOVERY: SVALBARD AND THE NORTHERN FJORDS
__________________
12 DAYS
From the remarkable wilderness of the high Arctic to the fabled fjords of Norway, explore two distinct but intertwined regions. Spend several days amid the ice floes and islands of Svalbard, and keep a lookout for the wildlife that calls this region home, including polar bears, walruses, seals and myriad seabirds. Kayak, Zodiac cruise, and go ashore to hike. Then head south to the indented coastline of Norway, where nature flourishes.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tromsø, Norway | Enjoy a tour of Norway's capital city before embarking the ship |
| Days 2 - 3 | Sørøya and Senja Islands | Stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes, protected fjords |
| Day 4 | Bear Island | Birdwatcher's paradise, thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots |
| Days 5 - 10 | Svalbard | Iconic wildlife: reindeer, walrus, seals, Arctic fox, whales and polar bears, sail or kayak deep into protected bays and fjords |
| Day 11 | Longyearbyen to Oslo | Fly to Oslo and spend the night in a hotel |
| Day 12 | Oslo | Say goodbye and transfer to the airport |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Resolution was launched in 2021 and is purpose-built for polar navigation for 128 guests. She is a fully stabilised, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel. She is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. Restaurants on board feature local, sustainable choice and unassigned seating for flexible inclusive dining. All cabins face outside with large windows and private facilities, with 53 of them having balconies. Cabins are equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi connection and hair dryers. There is a focus on wellness on board, featuring a glass-enclosed yoga studio, a gym, treatment rooms and high and low-heat saunas with ocean views.
Day 1 Tromsø, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and check into the Hotel Bristol (or similar) upon arrival. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Norway’s capital city. Stroll through Frogner Park among the famed Vigeland sculptures–hundreds of life-size human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Then visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian polar explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen.
Days 2 – 3 Sørøya and Senja Islands
Off Norway’s coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes you to its shores. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county, head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your Certified Photo Instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak or explore village streets and shops as you get to know Norway’s second largest island.
Day 4 Bear Island
Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots.
Days 5 – 10 Svalbard
Operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. The fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walrus sun themselves and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join spotters on the bridge as you scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home like beluga, fin and minke. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view. Sail deep into protected bays and fjords, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below during recaps with your multi-talented field staff.
Day 11 Longyearbyen to Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
Day 12 Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight home.