Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears

Leith, The Orkneys, the Shetland Islands, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Bear Island (Bjørnøya), Svalbard and Longyearbyen.

Description:

Take part in a mystical north Atlantic journey and explore the various medieval towns of the Norwegian coast before heading 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.

Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh, Leith (D)

Ship departs in the evening.

Day 2 Kirkwall (B,L,D)

Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island—the standing stones of Stennes, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar and the village of Skara Brae.

Day 3 Lerwick (B,L,D)

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 Nordfjorden (B,L,D)

We may stop in Olden for a short bus ride to the Birksdal area and a walk to a glacier. A trolly-like car is available for people who are unable to walk the full distance.

Day 5 Geiranger (B,L,D)

Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful fjords, deep towards the mainland. The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6 Monks Island and Austratt (B,L,D)

Today you will sail towards Monks Island which is just off the shore of Trondheim. The Benedictine monks built a monastery in the 11th century. Today it is a recreational area. Later we visit Austratt, which has been a residence for many noblemen and noblewomen who played a significant role in Norway's development.

Day 7 Torghatten & Alstahaug (B,L,D)

The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful nature. The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking scenery and our Captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac shore landing options. Our goal is to visit Torghatten one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also try to move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands.

Day 8 Svartisen & Vikingen (B,L,D)

Svartisen has a beautiful walk to a glacier with the chance of an easy walk along a road. It also has a more demanding walk all the way around a lake below the glacier. Vikingen has the globe marking the Arctic Circle.

Day 9 Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer & Trollfjord (B,L,D)

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Today we go ashore via coach on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. In the evening be sure to 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.

Day 10 Bleiksøya and Andenes (B,L,D)

The morning we will try to have a Zodiac cruise to one of the biggest bird colonies in Norway. Be on the lookout for White-tailed Eagles. In the afternoon we sail through an area known for whale watching and then visit the whale museum and other exhibits at Andenes.

Day 11 Tromso (B,L,D)

Explore this northern haven and be sure to visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs.

Day 12 Bear Island (B,L,D)

Explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya—a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.

Days 13-14 Hornsund and Bellsund (2B,2L,2D)

Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeers, Arctic foxes, and of course polar bears.

Day 15 Depart Longyearbyen (B)

Morning disembarkation.