NORWEGIAN DISCOVERY:
SVALBARD & THE NORTHERN FJORDS
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10 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day Place Highlights
Days 1 & 2 Oslo-Longyearbyen Explore the capital of Norway before boarding a chartered flight to Longyearbyen
Days 3 - 5 Exploring Svalbard Enjoy 24 hours of light looking at the beautiful wildlife and landscapes
Day 6 Bjørnøya (Bear Island) Explore this southernmost island of the archipelago
Day 7 Sørøya Island Enjoy this mountainous Island’s pristine nature
Day 8 Senja Island Hike the pristine wilderness of Norway’s second largest island in the mainland
Day 9 Tromsø Disembark in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic board flight to Oslo
Day 10 Oslo After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward journey
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
National Geographic Endurance
Launching in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. Designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions, reduced spray on deck and wave-splicing action making for superior observation.
Days 1-2 Oslo to Longyearbyen
As the capital of Norway, Oslo delights its visitors with an abundance of cultural and culinary adventures. Known for its world class museums and cuisine, Oslo’s architecture and chic Norwegian influence would excite even the most seasoned traveller. Oslo is a world leader in sustainability, reflected through its lush green city spaces and surrounded by the nationally protected Marka Forest. In addition to its architecture, restaurants and greenery, Oslo is situated at the head of the Oslofjord, offering stunning views of both the mountains and the sea. Spend the night in the Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar. In the morning board a chartered flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard where you will embark on the National Geographic Endurance.
Days 3-5 Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, your nature guide will be the learder. The flexible itinerary and years of experience in the archipelago allow the team to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With a fully stabilized, ice-class ship, probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. Join spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. Venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations. With a National Geographic photographer, experts, and seasoned naturalists, the most of every day is made. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders you encounter, and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different, and every day is an adventure.
Day 6 Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
Sail south to isolated Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Board a Zodiac to explore the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island. Gaze up at sheer cliffs and use your binoculars to take in the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and murres.
Day 7 Sørøya Island
Off Norway’s northern coast lies the mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and long sandy beaches. It also is renowned for its large populations of skrei, or cod, which migrate to these waters during winter and spring. The plan is to make an in-depth visit to this beautiful island, with opportunities to explore its surrounding fjords by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.
Day 8 Senja Island
Senja, the second largest island in mainland Norway, is characterized by dramatic mountains, colorful fishing villages, and a coastline split by beautiful fjords. In the southern part of the island, you’ll find Ånderdalen National Park —more than 180 square kilometres of pristine wilderness that is home to reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more. Spend a day exploring the island and fjords, and, if you wish, join the naturalists on a spectacular hike.
Day 9 Tromsø
Disembark in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board your charter flight to Oslo.
Day 10 Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward journey