Day 1 - Thursday - Jul 13, 2023
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark the ship and set out to discover the High Arctic of Svalbard.
Day 2 - Friday - Jul 14, 2023
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage. Join our spotters on the bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with huge walrus, bearded and ringed seals, Arctic fox, reindeer, and immense whales. There's no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view. We often sail deep into Hornsund, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle in a cove surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. A venture to Monacobreen glacier delivers a classic High Arctic sensory experience: the booming sound of ice calving off the glacier cliff, heard even miles away. Video from the high-tech remotely operated vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us.
Day 3 - Saturday - Jul 15, 2023
Day 4 - Sunday - Jul 16, 2023
Day 5 - Monday - Jul 17, 2023
Day 6 - Tuesday - Jul 18, 2023
Day 7 - Wednesday - Jul 19, 2023
| Cruising Bear Island, Norway |
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Zodiac cruise around mist-shrouded Bear Island, a remote birdwatcher's paradise housing one lonely meteorological station-and countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, and gulls. It's the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and definitely sets the stage for the spectacularly wild environment yet to come on our expedition.
Day 8 - Thursday - Jul 20, 2023
Spend today in a city spread over 627 islands. At the Polar Museum, gain adventurous perspectives on the milestone Arctic expeditions that have originated here in Tromso. And learn about immensely colorful characters like Henry Rudi (the Polar Bear King) and Wanny Wolstad (first female trapper to overwinter in Svalbard). At the Arctic Cathedral, a daring modern architectural landmark evoking the shape of Arctic nature, gaze up at Europe's largest stained-glass window.
Day 9 - Friday - Jul 21, 2023
| Cruising Tysfjorden, Norway |
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Our nimble ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of near-vertical walls ascend above us and a scant few villages manage to cling to the rocky shores. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise or kayak within this magical place alive with birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. Explore a hiking trail through Hellemobotn Valley that reaches almost to the Swedish border.
Day 10 - Saturday - Jul 22, 2023
The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages ringed by jagged, granite peaks. Head ashore at Vaeroy, where fishing remains a backbone of the economy, and look for Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots as your Zodiac driver investigates the coastline. Admire also one of Norway's most dramatic fjords from the deck as we glide through Trollfjorden.
Day 11 - Sunday - Jul 23, 2023
Day 12 - Monday - Jul 24, 2023
Day 13 - Tuesday - Jul 25, 2023
| Coastal Navigation, United States |
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Spend three days exploring the central Norway coast, revered by travelers worldwide for its mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Your expedition leader and captain will consult with local Norwegian pilots on landing spots offering optimal adventure options. Zodiac under vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for hikes with the naturalist guides. One of our journey's most photogenic spots is Melfjord, a narrow channel walled by steep granite cliffs polished smooth by glaciers.
Day 14 - Wednesday - Jul 26, 2023
Arrive at the spectacular glacial mountain landscape of Nordfjord, a haven for adventurers. Travel up the Loen Valley by motorcoach amidst picture-book beauty, surrounded by a turquoise lake and craggy peaks. Consider walking one of several relatively gentle trails through valleys shaped by massive glaciers; more strenuous hikes are also available. Walk with a naturalist along a tongue of the vast Kjenndal Glacier. By afternoon, view these scenic peaks from the deck as we sail back out of the fjord.
Day 15 - Thursday - Jul 27, 2023
Disembark the ship in Bergen, set on a lovely fjord, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.
