Svalbard and the Northern Fjords

You’ll arrive today in Oslo, and transfer to the Hotel Bristol with a panoramic drive through the city. After check in, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax. Early evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Depart Oslo on a private charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of Svalbard and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Explore the Svalbard Art Gallery, home to a permanent collection of historic items as well as contemporary exhibitions of local artists. Later, embark the National Geographic Endurance, your floating base camp for the next six days. 

Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, let nature guide the course. Its flexible itinerary and years of experience in the archipelago allows you to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With this fully stabilized, ice-class ship, we probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. Join the spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. Venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations.

With the National Geographic photographer, experts, and seasoned naturalists, make the most of your days here. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders we encounter, and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by our remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different, and every day is an adventure.

Sail south to isolated Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Board a Zodiac to explore the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island. Gaze up at sheer cliffs and use your binoculars to take in the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and murres. 

Off Norway’s northern coast lies the mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and long sandy beaches. It also is renowned for its large populations of skrei, or cod, which migrate to these waters during winter and spring. Make an in-depth visit to this beautiful island, with opportunities to explore its surrounding fjords by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.

Senja, the second largest island in mainland Norway, is characterized by dramatic mountains, colorful fishing villages, and a coastline split by beautiful fjords. In the southern part of the island, you’ll find Anderdalen National Park—more than 70 square miles of pristine wilderness that is home to reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more. Spend a day exploring the island and fjords, and, if you wish, join our naturalists on a spectacular hike. 

Disembark in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board our charter flight to Oslo and check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel before flying home the next morning. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.