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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Upper Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 115 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
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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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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