World Wildlife Fund

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, 2009: U.S. / Oslo
Fly to Norway from Newark on an overnight flight.

Saturday, August 8: Oslo
Arrive in Oslo. This afternoon, stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in parklands and visit the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of Arctic exploration. This evening, try one of the nearby harbor restaurants or turn in early. Continental Hotel

Sunday, August 9: Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark
Take a private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen, gateway to the High Arctic. Explore this northern community, including its small but informative museum and shops. Embark the Explorer. (B,L,D)

Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13: Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. During our days here, search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Our flexible itinerary allows us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Shore walks, along with Zodiac and kayaking adventures, bring us up close to rugged landscapes and passing icebergs. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 14: Bear Island
Zodiac cruises take us around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls; this is a bird watcher's paradise. (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 15: Exploring coastal Norway
Today will be left open to take advantage of weather conditions and wildlife opportunities before continuing our voyage south to coastal Norway. (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 16: Tromso
Spend the day in the capital of northern Norway, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Visit the Arctic Cathedral, with architecture evocative of snow and icebergs, and the Polar Museum in the historic Skansen area. (B,L,D)

Monday, August 17: Tysfjorden
This morning, enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden, where small villages cling to the rocky shores. Explore Hellemobotn and the area’s numerous side channels by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, August 18: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages surrounded by jagged peaks. Travel by Zodiac to view Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Go ashore at the fishing village of Aa and visit two museums. Later, cruise into the dramatic Trollfjord, one of the most famous fjords in Norway. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20: Exploring Norway's fjords
Explore a variety of landing possibilities among central Norway’s rugged, mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle a kayak through a deep fjord surrounded by waterfalls or hike with our naturalists. Discover a number of special places, including Melfjord, which is a narrow channel surrounded by steep granite cliffs. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 21: Nordfjord
Travel through the lovely, little-touristed Nordfjord and transfer for a breathtaking ride via motor coach through Olden Valley, which is surrounded by jagged mountains and a vibrant turquoise lake. Hike through deep glacially carved valleys to massive Briksdal Glacier. (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 22: Bergen / Home
Disembark in the Hanseatic town of Bergen and proceed to the airport for flights home. (B)

Optional Extension

Iceland's Natural Wonders

Saturday, August 22: Bergen, Norway / Keflavik, Iceland / Akureyri
Fly from Bergen to Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. Have an early dinner at a local restaurant and return to the airport for a connecting flight to the northern city of Akureyri. Edda Hotel (D)

Sunday, August 23: Akureyri / Lake Myvatn
The geothermal waters at Lake Myvatn are a sanctuary for bird life, especially ducks; there are 13 species found here including Barrow's goldeneyes, red-breasted mergansers, wigeons and gadwalls. Look for them while exploring the region, and admire the surrounding lava fields dotted with natural sculptures. After a day of exploration, enjoy dinner at an Akureyri restaurant. Edda Hotel (B,L,D)

Monday, August 24: Akureyri / Reykjavik
In the morning, fly to Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. After checking in to your hotel, go on an afternoon tour of the city Albingi Parliament House, Government House and the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church are among the stops. Centrum Hotel (B,L,D)

Tuesday, August 25: Golden Circle: Gullfoss and Geysir / Reykjavik
Observe Iceland’s wild and natural side, including thundering Gullfoss Falls and Geysir Hot Springs. At Thingvellir National Park, see nature and history converge at the open-air site of the ancient Parliament. Have dinner at a local restaurant. Centrum Hotel (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 26: Reykjavik / Keflavik / U.S.
Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to Keflavik Airport for your flight home. (B,L)

Extension cost: $3,290 per person, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is $3,840.