NORWEGIAN FJORDS, SVALBARD WILDLIFE AND THE ARCTIC
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16 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bergen, Norway | Embark in this 1,000 year old Hanseatic fishing port, tucked between stunning mountains and fjords |
| Day 2 | Flam and Gudvangen | Take the spectacular 20km Flam Railway, cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord, cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs |
| Day 3 | Ålesund | Streets lined with some of the best period architecture in Europe, learn the city’s unique history at the Art Nouveau Centre |
| Day 4 | Hellesylt and Geiranger | Sail over sparkling waters beneath 800-metre cliffs, look out for the jaw-dropping Seven Sisters Waterfall |
| Day 5 | At Sea | Take this time to relax and enjoy your new floating haven |
| Day 6 | Leknes, Lofoten Island | Tall, craggy outcrops with impossibly blue water, sheltered coves and pristine beaches |
| Day 7 | Tromsø | Endless sunlight, fresh seafood on the docks, learn the stories of legendary explorers at the museum |
| Day 8 | At Sea | Sail past the 307 metre tall Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost point of Europe |
| Days 9 - 14 | Svalbard | Rugged glaciers, frozen tundra, craggy mountain peaks, countless seabirds, iconic wildlife: Svalbard reindeer, wolverines, Arctic rabbits and polar bears |
| Day 15 | Longyearbyen to Oslo | Disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to Oslo for an overnight hotel stay |
| Day 16 | Oslo, Norway | Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and depart Norway |
This itinerary operates in reverse for select voyages.
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Scenic Eclipse I
The Scenic Eclipse I was launched in 2018. She is a purpose built luxury ship designed with very high standards to explore the Polar regions. She is Polar Class 6-rated, featuring a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, and a cutting-edge electronic Azipod propulsion system for comfortable and secure navigation. She also has customised stabilisers, ensuring greater stability on the open sea. Scenic Eclipse I also operates an Advanced Wastewater Treatment system and highly effective engines to reduce emissions, noise, and vibrations, safeguarding the pristine environments we visit.
Day 1 Bergen, Norway
Begin your Expedition Voyage in Norway and the World Heritage-listed city of Bergen. This Hanseatic fishing port is almost 1,000 years old and considered one of the prettiest cities in Scandinavia, tucked between majestic mountains and a breathtaking fjord.
This afternoon, you will meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. On board, be greeted with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink at the Sky Bar and toast to the start of an epic journey as you set sail into the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord.
Day 2 Flam and Gudvangen
Nestled at the heart of Sognefjord and flanked by steep mountains, the tiny village of Flam is one of Norway’s most popular destinations. Here you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, the 20km Flam Railway, which offers views of the valley as it winds gently through the peaks towards town.
Depart after lunch for an awe-inspiring scenic cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord. This World Heritage-listed site is the most wild and beautiful arm of Sognefjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Later, be immersed in the charming village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes.
Day 3 Ålesund
An Art Nouveau gem at the entrance to Geirangerfjord, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. It was completely reborn after a devastating fire in 1904, and its gorgeous architecture acts like a living time capsule.
Wander the streets lined with some of the best period architecture in Europe or learn about the city’s unique history at the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE. A late departure lets you experience the vibrant nightlife in a place where the sun does not set.
Day 4 Hellesylt and Geiranger
Make a short stop this morning in the small village of Hellesylt. Then you’ll cruise into the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord, sailing over sparkling waters beneath 800-metre cliffs. Look out for the jaw-dropping Seven Sisters Waterfall. Perhaps join the Discovery Team on kayaking excursions or other discovery experiences. For more information, don’t miss the evening recaps hosted by the Discovery Team.
Day 5 At Sea
After a busy start to your expedition voyage, it’s time to relax and enjoy your new floating haven. You may choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, enjoy a soothing massage in one of the therapy lounges, or book an indulgent treatment# in the Senses Spa. Meet new friends at the Scenic Lounge Bar or Sky Deck or ask the butler to bring your favourite cocktail to your private verandah.
The Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.
Day 6 Leknes, Lofoten Islands
This morning, head to your private verandah or join the other guests on the Observation Terrace and prepare to be amazed as you sail into the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. Rising dramatically from the sea, these tall, craggy outcrops with impossibly blue water, sheltered coves and pristine beaches are a must-see. Leknes is the gateway to the islands’ outdoor adventures with sea kayaking, hiking and surfing available nearby. Tonight, under the glow of the midnight sun, Scenic Eclipse will sail through the majestic Trollfjord.
Day 7 Tromsø
Known as the cultural hub of the Arctic, Tromsø sits 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Surprisingly cosmopolitan for its remote location, during the summer Tromsø is full of locals basking in the endless sunlight, tucking into fresh seafood on the docks, enjoying a drink at the world’s northernmost brewery or taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the local beach.
Tromsø has been the point of origin for many Arctic expeditions over the past two centuries, and you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers through the town or learn their stories at the museum.
Day 8 At Sea
Today, a remarkable sight awaits you on the Observation Deck or with a drink at the Sky Bar after lunch. Scenic Eclipse will sail past Nordkapp, or North Cape, soaring 307 metres from the sea into the sky. This is the northernmost point of Europe, where the sun does not set for up to three months over summer.
Use your time today to dive into Norwegian history and the legends of the fjords with engaging lectures from the Discovery Team. Your Discovery Yacht will sail north tonight, across the Barents Sea towards Svalbard.
Days 9 – 14 Svalbard
Welcome to the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra, and craggy mountain peaks.
Due to the extraordinary nature of Svalbard, your itinerary will be flexible over the next five days. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long hours, weather, and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.
Daily Scenic discovery excursions include Zodiac cruises, kayak tours and nature walks where you can discover majestic Arctic scenery, native wildlife, and marine life. Then join the Discovery Team for insightful lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre.
There may be opportunities to see whales, Arctic foxes, seals, and seabirds, along with sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines, and Arctic rabbits. Witness calving glaciers and partake in the polar plunge.
Day 15 Longyearbyen to Oslo
Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew who have shared this once-in-a-lifetime journey with you. As you disembark, share the highlights of your Expedition Voyage in this spectacular part of the world with your new friends, knowing you have created memories to last a lifetime. You will be transferred to Oslo for an overnight stay, the final part of your journey.
Day 16 Oslo, Norway
After breakfast in your hotel, take the time to say goodbye to your fellow Arctic travellers.
As you fly out of Norway, treasure all the memories made on your voyage on board the Scenic Eclipse I.