Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard
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| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| May 25 '13 |
$13,820 | $14,590 | $15,290 | $16,470 | $18,820 | $21,960 | $25,320 | $18,240 | $19,110 |
| Special 18 day itinerary starting in Copenhagen | |||||||||
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Bergen, Norway/Embark Ship
Arrive this morning in Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands, and embark our ship. 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)
Day 2 Nordfjord
Today we enter lovely Nordfjord, included on our itinerary since it is less touristed. We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we're 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 Jostedals Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks. (B,L,D)
Days 3-4 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 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5 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)
Day 6 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)
Day 7 Tromso
Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many arctic expeditions originated here. We visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique 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.
Day 8 Finnmark
We spend our last day in coastal Norway at the extreme northeastern tip of Finland in the county of Finnmark. Finnmark is also part of the Lapland region, which spans four counties. Most of the coastal area is above the treeline, giving us opportunities for hikes of different lengths and difficulties and the chance to photograph majestic vistas of rolling inland tundra.
Day 9 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)
Days 10-13 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 and years of experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we are discovering new landing sites to explore, giving meaning to being on an expedition. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo
Disembark our ship in Longyearbyen and explore the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then proceed to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Airport Hotel for overnight. (B,L)
Day 15 Oslo/Home
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight home, or on to other adventures. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
National Geographic Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
 | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
 | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
 | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
 | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
 | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
 | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
 | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
 | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
