| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Svalbard Odyssey | $19,895 | 12 | Join a 12-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer to explore the breathtaking Arctic landscapes of Svalbard. Experience exhilarating polar bear encounters, observe wildlife like beluga whales and arctic foxes, and navigate stunning fjords and pack ice. |
| Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys | $9,210 | 8 | Join this 8-day cruise aboard the Le Champlain featuring a special onboard talk by Nobel laureate Lech Walesa in Gdansk. Explore vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and stunning UNESCO sites from Helsinki to Copenhagen. |
| Northern Lights Explorer | $21,595 | 18 | Embark on an 18-day cruise from Tromso to Reykjavik aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring remote islands and villages along Norway, Iceland, and Greenland’s coastlines. Witness the northern lights and enjoy highlights like hiking the Westfjords, the Dynjandi waterfall, and exploring Scoresbysund’s vast fjord system. |
| Jewels of the Arctic - Spitsbergen & East Greenland | $22,995 | 15 | Experience the beauty of Svalbard and East Greenland on this 15-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. See polar bears, walruses, and guillemots in their natural habitats. Explore the world's largest fjord, Scoresbysund, and visit the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. |
| Jewels of the Arctic | $22,295 | 15 | Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Oslo. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs. |
| Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear | $13,895 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer. Discover the thrill of seeing walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, guillemots, and puffins. Cruise past blue glacier fronts and picturesque fjords, and relish tundra hikes in breathtaking landscapes. |
| Svalbard in Depth | $23,495 | 15 | Cruise to the island of Svalbard, which is known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes. Sylvia Earle explores Svalbard on a 15-day cruise. |
| Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway | $8,695 | 11 | Embark on an 11-day Arctic adventure starting in Helsinki and journeying to the remote wilderness of Spitsbergen aboard Ultramarine. Marvel at breathtaking glaciers, search for polar bears, and witness vibrant tundras. This journey includes visits to iconic sites like Alkefjellet, Hinlopen Strait, and the 14th of July Glacier. |
| Wild Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords | $16,995 | 14 | Embark on a 14-day voyage from Scotland to Norway aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring ancient sites in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Viking routes, and stunning Lofoten peaks. Experience the Arctic Circle's midnight sun, seabird colonies, and breathtaking fjords while delving into the region’s maritime heritage. |
| Captivating North Cape | $7,499 | 9 | Embark on a 9-day cruise beginning in Tromso and sail north aboard World Navigator through the Arctic waters of Norway. Visit Skarsvag, Hammerfest, Bear Island, and Svalbard. Experience dramatic fjords, glaciers, and rare wildlife, including puffins and polar bears. |
Scandinavia traditionally includes three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Sometimes, Finland and Iceland are also considered part of the broader Nordic region.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For warm weather and outdoor activities, visit between June and August. For winter sports and to experience the Northern Lights, plan your trip between December and March.
If you are from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), and Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK), while the currency used in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some local currency for smaller establishments.
Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in all Scandinavian countries. Most people, especially in urban areas and in the service industry, speak English fluently.
Scandinavia has an excellent public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect major cities and towns, providing reliable and efficient travel options. Domestic flights are also available for faster travel between distant locations. Renting a car is a good option for exploring remote areas and enjoying scenic drives at your own pace. However, cruises may be one of the best ways to explore multiple countries and gain direct access to more remote towns and natural sites. Scandinavian cruises often include stops in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and sometimes extend to Finland and Iceland. They offer the opportunity to see stunning fjords, picturesque coastal villages, and historic cities, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a floating hotel.
Pack layers to accommodate changing weather. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. If visiting in winter, bring thermal clothing, a warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for exploring cities and nature.
Many natural attractions are accessible year-round, but some may be best visited in specific seasons. For example, hiking and fjord tours are popular in summer, while winter sports and Northern Lights viewing are winter highlights.
Must-see attractions include Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid statue in Denmark. Norway’s fjords, Bergen, and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. Or Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, all located in Sweden.
Scandinavia is known for its high cost of living. Accommodation, dining, and activities can be pricey. To save money, consider staying in budget accommodations, eating at local markets or self-catering, and taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions.
Yes, mobile phone coverage is excellent. If you have an EU SIM card, you can use it without additional roaming charges. Otherwise, consider buying a local SIM card or checking with your provider about international plans.
Scandinavia has high healthcare standards. No special vaccinations are required. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The general emergency number for all official Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) is 112.
Scandinavians value punctuality and privacy. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Scandinavia uses Type C and F electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Make sure to bring a suitable adapter if your devices use a different plug type.