Heart of the Arctic: Norway to Greenland

Day 1 Arrive in Oslo, Norway

This capital city is situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord. Today stroll amid Oslo’s famed Vigeland sculptures — hundreds of life-size human figures set in parkland. Next, visit the Polarship Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. Check in to the Continental Hotel. Overnight in Oslo.

Day 2 Tromsø / Embark Ship

Tromsø is the “Gateway to the Arctic” since so many arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs, and the Polar Museum, with its excellent exhibits on arctic nature, before embarking National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Tysfjorden

Begin your exploration of Norway’s glaciated coast in a classic fjord, entering Tysfjorden where only a few small villages cling to rocky shores. Venture to Hellemobotn where you will hike on boreal forest trails or explore by Zodiac or kayak. Be on deck as your ship enters dramatic Trollfjord. One of Norway’s most famous fjords, it is only 300 feet wide and a staggering 1,000 feet high, with delicate waterfalls. Your ship navigates the narrow passageway and pauses near the base of the falls so you may listen to the rushing water. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archpelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages, backed by jagged, glacier-carved peaks with a layer of clouds obscuring the mountaintops. Visit Reine, a tiny village of red houses built on stilts perched above the sea with a colorful harbor. Scattered over the rocky shores are racks still used for drying the abundant codfish that occur in the waters during late winter and spring. Stop at Vaeroya, a small community tenaciously perched below high mountain ridges. Go ashore to walk on an old wagon trail, or Zodiac cruise along the rugged coast to view seabirds and search for sea eagles. (B,L,D)

Day 5 At Sea / Hitra

A leisurely morning at sea takes your expedition ship to the beautiful isle of Hitra, steeped in Viking history and lifestyle, which was introduced by Sisse Brimberg, the National Geographic photographer aboard. When Sisse was shooting the cover story, "In Search of Vikings," for NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magaine in May 2000, she met Amy Lightfoot, who proved to be a critical component of the story. Amy had found an old piece of Viking sail, and was able to discern how traditional sails were woven and the type of woolen fiber used. She then identified the breed of sheep, began producing the wool and wove the sails for the replica Viking ship at the Danish Viking Museum. You will meet Amy and see a demonstration of how Viking sails were originally prepared and how the wool is pulled from sheep by hand. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Runde & Selje Islands

Runde is home to an estimated 500-700,000 seabirds. Take a Zodiac cruise near the nesting cliffs and enjoy the cacophony of hundreds of thousands of screeching personalities. There are also numerous opportunities for trekking on the island.

Later, stop by Selja Island to see the ruins of Selja Abbey, situated by the cave of Saint Sunniva, the guardian saint of Western Norway. According to legend, Sunniva, daughter of an Irish king, fled when her country was conquered by heathens and the new king wanted to marry her. She came ashore on the island of Selja and, holed up with followers in her cave, was beset by pagan locals. She prayed that they not fall into heathen hands, whereupon rocks fell, sealing the cave’s entrance. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease! Up a steep hill, from her cave you can enjoy Saint Sunniva’s last view — an impressive vista of island and sea. (B,L,D)

Day 7 At Sea / Shetlands Islands, Scotland

After a morning at sea, your journey takes you to the Shetland Islands of Scotland known for the endearing little ponies. At the isle of Noss, your ship glides past the towering bird cliffs, and in the afternoon, go ashore at Lerwick, the capital city of the Shetlands filled with quaint homes and stone-made buildings. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Lerwick & Foula Islands, Shetlands

Today explore Lerwick, a town sturdy in stone built with its back to the wind. You will begin to see the transition of being in a land from a traditionally Norse culture to that of a Gaelic culture. Visit the splendid new museum, opened just a few years ago by the Queen of Norway. The museum gives a taste for the varied history and cultural expressions of the Shetland people, with artifacts dating from the Stone Age, including tools, jewelry, fishing boats, stories and music.

In the afternoon, explore Foula Island, introduced to your team by National Geographic photographer Kevin Schafer (and former Lindblad naturalist) who was on assignment here several years ago. With a population of about 40 people, Foula has been privately owned by the Holbourn family since the beginning of the 19th century. The island boasts mile after mile of cliffs, including Britain’s highest cliff, the Kame. Puffins nest all along here — at least 50,000 pairs — in grassy banks and in cracks on the cliff face. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Torshavn, Faroe Islands

The legacy of the Vikings persists in the Faroe Islands. Though citizens of Denmark, the rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking ancestry, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. Your intrepid ship ties up alongside the tiny capital of Tórshavn. Beautiful wooden boats bob at anchor in the harbor, their curling stems and sterns proudly proclaiming their Viking ancestry. Explore the historic town, mingling with the modern-day Vikings. Visit the surprising little natural history museum, 12th-century St. Olav’s Church; and the archaeological site of Kirkjubøur, a medieval farming and religious center. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Mykines Island, Faroe Islands

Zodiacs take you ashore to tranquil Mykines, known for its overwhelming number of puffins. Take a walk to the nesting grounds, where thousands of puffins take off, land and sit in their burrows — seemingly waiting for you to take their photos. Continue to the tiny lighthouse, tethered down with steel cords, an indicator of winter storms. Then stroll the village with its whimsical turf-roofed houses and church. This afternoon relax at sea as your ship heads toward the next leg of your adventure: Iceland. (B,L,D)

Day 11 At Sea / Westman Isles, Iceland

After a leisurely morning at sea with presentations on Iceland’s extraordinary geology and long history, arrive in Iceland. Here mighty forces have shaped the land. The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, which you will see as you cruise past the coast. It was declared a UNECO World Heritage Site for its importance as a pristine natural laboratory. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)

Days 12-13 Exploring the West Coast of Iceland

National Geographic Explorer sails past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area famous for egg collecting: the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Next, visit Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. Continue to Isafjordur, located in the western fjords and a great place for a hike. Visit a working eiderdown farm, where the farmer shows you how the feathers are collected from the huge number of nesting eider ducks here. (B,L,D)

Day 14 At Sea / Exploring Eastern Greeland

For centuries, Greenland has held an almost mystical allure among explorers. Follow the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator as you cross the Denmark Strait to Greenland. With more sled dogs than people, the 3,500 inhabitants of East Greenland are settled into only two towns and six villages on the entire 1,600-mile coastline. Today explore the eastern coast of Greenland’s vast coastline; the high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. The Greenland ice sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic Ice Sheet. You’ll use your tools for exploration to the fullest, taking forays among the icebergs via Zodiac and kayak, deploying the underwater cameras and exploring with the ROV. (B,L,D)

Days 15-16 Scoresbysund / Ittoqqortoormiit

Your quest today is to enter Scoresbysund, the largest and longest fjord complex in the world. The staff has been dreaming of the chance to explore here for years. Be on deck as Captain Skog navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers, taking you deep into the arctic wilderness! At the northern entrance of the fjord, plan to visit the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, where the East Greenlanders — Inuit descendants with a proud history — maintain their traditions, artwork and lifestyles with a friendly smile. (B,L,D)

Days 17-18 Exploring Northeast Greenland

Traveling by agile Zodiac, hope to land along the coast, and get an intimate view of this rarely visited outpost in the North Atlantic. The world’s biggest national park is located in Northeast Greenland, famous for its rich wildlife, which is found on land, on ice and in the sea. Here the polar bears are king, and 40% of Greenland’s musk ox population is here. Along the coast, keep watch for many different whale species including, if you are lucky, narwhals and belugas. (B,L,D)

Days 19-20 Exploring the Ice's Edge

Leaving Greenland in your wake, National Geographic Explorer sails along the ice’s edge to Arctic Svalbard, Norway — utilizing the ship’s amazing ice capabilities to the utmost. Standing on the foredeck as your ship pushes her way through ice — hearing the satisfying crunch — is an unforgettable experience. You’ll have time to enjoy the ship’s amenities and learn more about the natural history of this vast region — all while on the lookout for whales, seals, walruses and, of course, polar bears. (B,L,D)

Days 21-23 Exploring Svalbard

The finale of your extraordinary journey is the High Arctic of Norway. Only 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Your quest is for arctic wildlife: walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes — and polar bears. The flexible itinerary allows your expedition team to take best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Venture to the foot of spectacular glaciers, walk on the tundra, and Zodiac and kayak among the icebergs. (B,L,D)

Days 24-25 Longyearbyen / Oslo / Return Home

Today complete your epic adventure, disembarking in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, in time for your private charter flight to Oslo. Overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, and then transfer to the airport for your independent return flights home. (B,L & B)