Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears
Introduction
A mystical north Atlantic journey alongside various medieval towns of the Norwegian coast. Then head north among the icebergs of Spitsbergen. This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to ply the Norwegian Sea keeping your eyes open for unique wildlife while searching for the elusive polar bear.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh (D)
This afternoon, board the expedition ship in Leith the port suburb of Edinburgh.
Day 2 The Orkneys (B,L,D)
Few places in the world have the impact of the Stone Age sites of Orkney. Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island such as the standing stones of Stennes, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar and the village of Skara Brae.
Day 3 The Shetland Islands (B,L,D)
Continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. The Shetlands are a engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia, with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant bird life and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.
Day 4 Bergen (B,L,D)
Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Explore the city by coach and by foot, spending time around the Bryggen Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a fascinating museum or exploring the ancient architecture of the city’s old quarter.
Day 5 Runde Ålesund (B,L,D)
Runde offers us some fantastic Zodiac explorations in the morning, where seabirds are plentiful. In Ålesund we spend the afternoon visiting a local aquarium, via coach to take a deeper look into the marine life of the area.
Day 6 Trondheim (B,L,D)
The medieval history of Trondheim is most evident with a visit to the ominous Nidaros Cathedral, erected in the 11th Century and is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. We spend a day exploring this classical city by coach and foot.
Day 7-8 Torghatten & the Lofoten Islands (2B,2L,2D)
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful views. The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking scenery. Our Captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best shore landing options. We will go ashore in the Lofoten Islands and get a taste of the ancient Viking history of the area.
Day 9 Tromsø (B,L,D)
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” since many Arctic expeditions originated from here. Explore this northern haven and be sure to visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs.
Day 10 Cruising towards Spitsbergen, Svalbard (B,L,D)
Today we say farewell to continental Norway as we head north to Spitsbergen, which some may consider the highlight of your voyage.
Day 11 Bear Island (B,L,D)
Explore around mist-shrouded Bear Island (Bjørnøya), populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the views are spectacular.
Days 12-14 Svalbard (3B,3L,3D)
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeers, Arctic foxes, and of course polar bears.