Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After lunch, an introduction to Norway and polar exploration begins with a visit to the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.

Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world's northernmost settlement, which has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking on National Geographic Resolution. 

You operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate your day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Your fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walrus sun themselves, and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join your spotters on the bridge as you scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals, Arctic foxes, beluga, fin, and minke whales. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view. Sail deep into protected bays and fjords where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from your Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world 1,000 feet below you during Recaps with your multi-talented field staff.



 

Sitting at the Norwegian and Barents Seas confluence, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

Arrive in Tromso, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated from here. Explore this charming coastal city through visits to either the Polar Museum, housed in a harbor warehouse dating from 1830, or the Arctic University Museum, offering an overview of life in the Arctic regions, including an in-depth introduction to the Sami culture.

There’s no denying that the Norwegian fjords are beautiful, and today, explore places along the Norwegian coastline that raise the standard of landscape pulchritude to new heights. Your nimble ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of vertical walls surround you and only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Zodiac and kayak along steep-walled fjords, and find inspiration in the birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. The u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border.

The Lofoten Archipelago is a captivating region of charming coastal villages nestled amidst rugged peaks. You can enjoy watching nesting seabirds such as Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots from a Zodiac. Later, you can disembark on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing still plays an important role in the local economy. As you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, be sure to watch the cliffs for Norway's mythical creatures, the trolls.

Spend three days exploring the central Norway coast, revered by travelers worldwide for its mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Your expedition leader and captain will consult local Norwegian pilots on landing spots offering optimal adventure options. Zodiac under vertical rock faces, paddles serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls or venture ashore for hikes with a naturalist staff. Visit local island communities protecting their cultural and natural heritage and walk with resident guides who have grown up surrounded by the ocean and these remote coastal islands.

Arrive at the spectacular glacial mountain landscape of Nordfjord, a haven for adventurers and photographers. Travel up the Loen Valley by coach amidst picture-book beauty, surrounded by a turquoise lake and craggy peaks. Consider hiking a trail through the valley carved by the Briksdal Glacier. Alternatively, take a scenic boat ride across Kjenndal Lake to catch a glimpse of this retreating glacier and the striking geography of the region. Capture these scenic peaks and valleys from the railing as you sail back out of the fjord in the afternoon.

Begin your morning with an introduction to Norwegian traditions and celebrations onboard before venturing out into the city for the Syttende Mai celebrations, Norway's Constitution Day. The city turns into a pedestrian zone today, allowing for parades, easy exploring by foot, and new sights around every corner. Take a guided walk through the historic and colorful Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an included funicular ride up to Mt. Fløyen to overlook the surrounding fjords, before the festivities really get going. For the remainder of the day, enjoy your time at leisure experiencing the Syttende Mai holiday on the streets of Bergen. The local parade route passes directly by the hotel making it very accessible to take in the sights and sounds of the biggest celebration of the year in Norway. Walk the city streets and notice the variety of colors and designs of the national dress, witness performances in the city park, or learn a new song with the locals as they sing with friends and family throughout the day.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.