Embark on the small polar ship Ocean Nova for this 15-day cruise from Scotland to Spitsbergen. Begin in Edinburgh and sail for Kirkwall, Lerwick, Bergen, and more! This magnificent expedition off the northern Atlantic offers a fascinating blend of Scottish and Norse history, and provides rich culture and wildlife experiences, including unique opportunities that will delight birders. Explore the medieval art, architecture and archaeology of Britain’s northernmost archipelagos of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and discover contemporary life and Viking history there, before continuing to picturesque Bergen. Continue north into the Norwegian Sea toward UNESCO-protected Vega Island, a veritable ornithologists’ dream.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Edinburgh and board the Ocean Nova. Consider arriving a few days early to explore all this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. Surrounded by stunning scenery, historic buildings and wonderful architecture, it is one of Europe’s favorite tourist destinations. The ship will depart in the afternoon sail north towards the Scottish Isles.
This morning finds you in Orkney, an archipelago of almost 70 islands, with a history dating back 8,500 years to the first Mesolithic tribe that inhabited the area. Travel back in time here, with visits planned to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, Skaill House and the Italian Chapel. You also have a chance to pay your respects to polar explorer John Rae, who rests in the shadow of the impressive St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. You may even have a chance to experience the vibrant and lively culture of today at a local pub.
Today, take the opportunity to visit a few of the most impressive famous archeological sites in the Shetland Islands. Visit Jarlshof, a prehistoric Norse settlement which dates back 2,500 years. Here you can see the progression of human civilization through the late Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Pictish and Norse eras and the Middle Ages. Return back to modern times as you visit Lerwick, the capital and main port of the Shetlands. After the excursion, return to the ship for lunch and head towards Norway.
After crossing the North Sea, arrive in Norway's second-largest city, Bergen. Here, have you first taste of Norwegian culture, which has a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. Enjoy a tour of the city, complete with world heritage sties, medieval houses, and some of the best street art in Norway.
This morning, arrive in Alesund at the mouth of the Geiranger Fjord. Take time to explore this gorgeous city and its famous Art Nouveau architecture. You may also have the opportunity to travel to the top of Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the town.
In the morning, explore Trondheim, the historic capital of Norway. Stroll through the quaint historic district, characterized by wooden architecture, where you can visit small specialty shops and enjoy a coffee at one of the pleasant cafés. Also visit the cathedral of the national sanctuary of Norway, Nidaris Cathedral, built over the grave of St. Olav. Work began in 1070, but the oldest parts still in existence date from the middle of the 12th century.
Spend today on the UNESCO-protected Vega Island archipelago as you head northward. Vega is an ornithologist’s dream. Be sure to keep an eye out for eider ducks and their nests that are nestled around lighthouses, fishing villages and incredible landscapes. The archipelago reflects the way fishermen and farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living from eiderdown harvesting.
Spend the day exploring Reine, located on Moskenesøy Island. Reine is one of the wildest and most intriguing spots in Norway, where the landscape is characterized by majestic mountains and narrow shorelines, sculpted by glaciers. The island is one of the most beautiful and tranquil fishing villages in Norway. Despite its remote location, its beauty draws in thousands of visitors annually.
In the morning, arrive in Bleiksøya, and take a Zodiac ride around one of the most prolific bird populations in Norway. Here we should find large numbers of puffins, razorbills, sea eagles, cormorants and others in thousands. Navigate some of Norway’s northern fjords and appreciate the views of this unspoiled region. The waters approaching the Lofoten Islands are well known for whale sightings, so the Expedition Team will be at watch on deck. You may also see cormorants, sea eagles, and puffins.
Tromsø is a fascinating cultural center known for its festivals, museums, galleries, theaters, and a thriving music scene. While a multicultural and modern retreat for visitors, it is rich in history, with many traditional Norwegian wooden houses. Tromsø also has botanical gardens, as the warming Gulf Stream gives the city a more temperate climate than surrounding areas.
The potential landing sites at Hornsund are steeped in history and the glaciers are massive. At Gashamna, explore the old science station. En route, you may have a chance to discover old whale bones, or hike the magnificent glacier.
At Isbjornhamna, you may see the Polish research station, colonies of delightful, stout little auks, and reindeer. As you cruise by Brepollen, be on the lookout for polar bears - Hornsund is one of their preferred hunting areas.
About a century ago, miners came to the Bellsund region for its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbanhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites, hike along the flower-strewn tundra, and admire beautiful vistas.
Poolepynton is great for photography and walrus watching. Spotting a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t forget. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create a humorous scene, as each walrus vies for a choice spot in the blubbery pile.
Alkhornet, a mountain on the western coast of Spitsbergen, is classified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Reindeer can often be seen grazing on the rich tundra at the foot of the mountain.
Day 15: Depart Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
1 Breakfast
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or choose to spend some extra time in Longyearbyen.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Quad
Averaging 157 sq ft. Equipped with 4 twin beds (two lower berths, two upper berths). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Select a Date
Triple
Averaging 140 sq ft. Equipped with 3 twin beds (two lower berths, one upper berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Select a Date
Upper (Lower Berth) Deck Twin
Averaging 90 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds (one upper berth and one lower berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Select a Date
Upper Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 115 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Select a Date
Bridge Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 105 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Bridge Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate.
Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1450), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.