Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard
Aboard the Explorer
From $9,680 per person, based on double occupancy; solo occupancy rates from $12,970
Trip Overview
As our ship sails north among the thousands of islands and skerries of Norway, the scenery suddenly becomes overpoweringly dramatic. This is the fjordlands—a region that stretches 1,000 miles. Then, just 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, lies the archipelago of Svalbard, a wilderness region that few Americans know: towering ice caps, deep fjords mountains and massive sheets of ice. And, of course, the masters of the Arctic, polar bears.
Trip Itinerary
Friday, August 7: Depart United States
Depart the United States en route to Norway.
Saturday, August 8: Bergen, Norway / Embark the Explorer
Arrive this morning in Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands and embark the Explorer. Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Once an important Hanseatic town, its maritime history is still evident at the exceptional Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, we have a guided walk of Bryggen before embarking our ship. (L,D)
Sunday, August 9: Nordfjord
Enter lovely Nordfjord—infrequently visited by tourists. We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we're transported via motor coach up the Loen Valley through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (More challenging hikes are also an option). Walk to a tongue of the large Jostedals Glacier. This afternoon, be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks. (B,L,D)
Monday & Tuesday, August 10 & 11: Exploring the Fjords of Norway
The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain will discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities. You then can Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls or venture ashore for a hike with the Naturalists. Over the years, we’ve discovered a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers and is one of the most spectacular spots on our voyage. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, August 12: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, we view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, we go ashore on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy, and we stop at two unusual cod museums. Be on deck as we cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls. (B,L,D)
Thursday, August 13: Tysfjorden
Today we enter Tysfjorden, a long fjord indenting the mainland of Norway so deeply it stretches inland almost to Sweden. This is an area devoid of roads, where a few small villages cling along the shore. We explore splendid Hellemobotn by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. The Tysfjord area has numerous side channels, which we explore later. (B,L,D)
Friday, August 14: Tromso
Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" because so many arctic expeditions originated here. We visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe. And we visit the Polar Museum, with excellent exhibits on arctic nature and environment. (B,L,D)
Saturday, August 15: Finnmark
We spend our last day in coastal Norway in the county of Finnmark, which is close to the extreme northeastern tip of Finland. Finnmark is also part of the Lapland region, which spans four counties. Most of the coastal area is above the tree line, giving us opportunities for hikes of different lengths and difficulties and the chance to photograph majestic vistas of rolling inland tundra. (B,L,D)
Sunday, August 16: Bear Island
Zodiac cruises take us around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise. (B,L,D)
Monday–Thursday, August 17-20: Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Our focus during our days here is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Our flexible itinerary allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs. (B,L,D)
Friday, August 21: Longyearbyen / Disembark / Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen and explore the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then proceed to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo, where we will spend the night. SAS Radisson Airport Hotel (B,L)
Saturday, August 22: Oslo / United States
After breakfast, depart for the United States, arriving the same day, or on to other adventures. (B)
Optional Extension
