Overview
From the remarkable wilderness of the high Arctic to the fabled fjords of Norway, explore two distinct but intertwined regions. Spend several days amid the ice floes and islands of Svalbard in search of the polar bear, plus see walruses, seals, and myriad seabirds. Kayak, Zodiac cruise, and go ashore to hike. Then head south to the indented coastline of Norway, where nature flourishes.
Trip Highlights
- Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard under the midnight sun in search of polar bears hunting along the pack ice
- Zodiac cruise along the towering cliffs of Bear Island that rise straight from the sea and are home to tens of thousands of raucous seabirds
- On Senja Island visit pristine Ånderdalen National Park to search for reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more
- Explore the lovely fjords of Sørøya by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore
- Experience the beauty and majesty of the Arctic aboard National Geographic Endurance, a state-of-the-art expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the polar regions
Itinerary
Arrive in Oslo, and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea enroute 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 the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our 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 our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. 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 our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Off Norway's coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes, and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes us to its shores as we make our way south from Bear Island. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, we head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your certified photo instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak, or explore village streets and shops as we get to know Norway's second-largest island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Off Norway's coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes, and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes us to its shores as we make our way south from Bear Island. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, we head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your certified photo instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak, or explore village streets and shops as we get to know Norway's second-largest island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, where we will check in to our airport hotel for the night and enjoy dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please fill out the form below to request a quote for rates.
What's included
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary;
- all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and
- onshore; beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship
- (except certain super premium brands which are available
- for purchase); hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks,
- premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and
- filtered water; excursions and airport transfers to and from
- recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary; crew
- gratuities; exploration tools curated to destination, such as
- Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis; guidance
- and company of our leading expedition staff; assistance
- by the National Geographic Photography Expert and
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo
- instructor; access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker;
- presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers;
- complimentary reusable water bottle; services of a physician,
- physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic;
- morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise
- equipment; 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks,
- library, and other shared spaces; park and site entrance fees,
- special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or
- items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Not included in price
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); pre- and
- post-expedition extensions; additional hotel nights (except
- when indicated as included); private transfers; laundry,
- spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when
- indicated as included); travel protection plans; and passport,
- visa, and immigration fees.
