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DAY 1: Bergen, Norway
Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, and transfer to your centrally located hotel. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, experiencing Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or a funicular ride up to Mt. Fløyen overlooking the surrounding fjords. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
DAY 2: Nordfjord
Today we enter lovely Nordfjord, the "gateway to the glaciers". We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we are transported up the Loen Valley via coach 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 strenuous hikes are also an option). And, we walk to a tongue of the large Kjenndal Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks.
DAY 3-5: 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 our landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. 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.
DAY 6: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages ringed by jagged, granite peaks. Head ashore at Værøy, where fishing is still a major part of the economy; and search for Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots on a Zodiac cruise. Later, head to the ship deck as we glide through Trollfjorden, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Tysfjorden
There’s no denying that the Norwegian fjords are beautiful, and today we explore places along the Norwegian coastline that raise the standard of landscape-pulchritude to new heights. Our nimble ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of vertical walls surround us and only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Zodiac and kayak along steep-walled fjords, and find inspiration in the birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. The u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border.
DAY 8: Tromso
Tromso is known as the “gateway to the Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes snow and icebergs.
DAY 9: Bear Island
Zodiac around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls. This is a birdwatcher's paradise.
DAY 10-14: Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun never sets. In true expedition style, we let nature dictate our day-to-day movements here and this is one of the great attractions of this expedition. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe deep into the ice where polar bears hunt. Join our spotters on the Bridge, scanning the ice and islands for huge walrus, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, some of the largest whales on Earth — and polar bears. A sighting brings everyone rushing in excitement to the ship’s bow! Depending on conditions, we may land on Edgeøya to hike the tundra, abloom with summer wildflowers. We often sail deep into Hornsund, where even first-time kayakers can paddle in a quiet cove surrounded by sparkling bergs. We may venture to the stunning Monacobreen glacier, or get close-up views of the iconic creatures of the ice by Zodiac. Back aboard, view underwater video from our ROV taken 1,000 feet below the surface, or spend time on deck with a photographer getting tips in an inspiring landscape. Every day is different, every day an adventure.
DAY 15: Longyearbyen / Disembark Ship / Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided.* Upon arrival, overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel with dinner on your own.
*If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.
Day 16 Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
