Cruise: Norwegian Arctic Encompassed
Tailor Made Itinerary
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15 Days From £4,199
Overview
This captivating North Atlantic voyage explores the magnificent Northern Scottish islands and Norwegian coastline before heading across the Arctic Circle and on towards the spectacular landscapes of Spitsbergen. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the Norwegian Sea, you’ll discover a wealth of historic traditions, unique wildlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, glaciers, mountains and fjords.
The journey begins in the city of Edinburgh where the ship will head north to stop ...
This captivating North Atlantic voyage explores the magnificent Northern Scottish islands and Norwegian coastline before heading across the Arctic Circle and on towards the spectacular landscapes of Spitsbergen. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the Norwegian Sea, you’ll discover a wealth of historic traditions, unique wildlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, glaciers, mountains and fjords.
The journey begins in the city of Edinburgh where the ship will head north to stop at the Shetland and Orkney islands. Discover the interesting history here before travelling north to Norway. You’ll visit the glaciers, towns and the fjords of Alesund, Andalsnes, Vikingen, Svartisen and Trondheim for fantastic hiking and cultural adventures. Here you’ll find World Heritage Sites, Nordic culture and a dazzling array of wildlife. Voyaging through the breathtaking Lofoten archipelago, you’ll see the traditional fishing villages and famous fjords that make this region so picturesque. The next destination is the lively northern city of Tromsø to understand why it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’.
You then leave the Norwegian mainland behind and journey to the remote port of Longyearbyen amongst the spectacular vistas of Spitsbergen Island. It is here you will go in search of whales and polar bears between the vast ice sheets of Svalbard.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the Norwegian Sea
- Discover a wealth of historic traditions
- Discover the interesting history of the Orkney and Shetland islands
- Visit the glaciers, towns and the fjords of Norway
- See the traditional fishing villages and famous fjords
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: EDINBURGH
DAY 1: EDINBURGH
Embark the cruise ship in the late afternoon and depart Edinburgh heading towards Kirkwall.
DAY 2: KIRKWALL
DAY 2: KIRKWALL
The Orkney Islands are well known for their abundant marine birdlife and dramatic coastal scenery. Today you will explore the historic and mystical sights of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney archipelago. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, the ancient ceremonial Ring of Brodgar and the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Return to the ship and continue north.
DAY 3: KIRKWALL
DAY 3: KIRKWALL
There is the option to disembark today to hop onto the Puffin bus to Sumbrugh Head (weather dependent) or Jarlshof. Enjoy some time in Lerwick before embarking the ship once more.
DAY 4: ALESUND
DAY 4: ALESUND
The ship sails further north and to the Norwegian coast. This afternoon the aim is to explore the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Alesund. You can walk 418 steps up to the best viewpoint of the town and the nearby islands, Fjellstua. Alesund also has an interesting museum where you can learn more about the cultural history of the town as well as the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.
DAY 5: ANDALSNES
DAY 5: ANDALSNES
Further up the Norwegian coast, past dramatic fjords, is the town of Andalsnes. There is a railway which can take you deeper into the surrounding Romsdalen mountains. You can choose to explore the town on foot.
DAY 6: TRONDHEIM
DAY 6: TRONDHEIM
Disembark today in Trondheim. Before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, you may go for a hike in Bymarka Nature Reserve or go on a city tour, including the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral built between 1070 and 1300. The afternoon is then free to explore the area independently.
DAY 7: TORGHATTEN
DAY 7: TORGHATTEN
Today you will visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock mountains which is known for its characteristic hole or natural tunnel through its centre. The captain will decide where the best place for a Zodiac landing will be, aided by local Norwegian pilots. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain and be treated to fantastic views of the region. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander around the fishing villages or go on a guided nature hike.
DAY 8: SVARTISEN
DAY 8: SVARTISEN
Visit Svartisen and Vikingen to explore beautiful glaciers and find a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
DAY 9: LOFOTEN ISLANDS
DAY 9: LOFOTEN ISLANDS
The Lofoten islands are an enchanting region of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. These communities are known for cod fishing and their Viking heritage. Embark on a zodiac tour of the area, starting with the Tørrfiskmuseum, then visit the well-preserved Nusfjord for lunch before stopping in the quaint fishing village of Henningsvær to see local art. This evening cruise through one of Norway's most famous and striking fjords, Trollfjord.
DAY 10: TROMSO
DAY 10: TROMSO
Sail to Tromsø, known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' since so many Arctic expeditions originated from here. Spend the whole day learning about the history of past expeditions and exploring Norway's largest northern city. Be sure to visit the Arctic Cathedral whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs.
DAY 11: AT SEA
DAY 11: AT SEA
Today will be spent at sea, sailing past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island), a birdwatcher's paradise with spectacular views.
DAY 12: BJORNOYA
DAY 12: BJORNOYA
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep a look out for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.
DAY 13: SVALBARD
DAY 13: SVALBARD
Spend today soaking up the sights and sounds of Svalbard, the realm of the polar bear. Shore walks and zodiac adventures bring you up close to the icebergs and wildlife.
DAY 13: SVALBARD
DAY 13: SVALBARD
Continue exploring the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.
DAY 15: SVALBARD
DAY 15: SVALBARD
Disembark the ship this morning with the option to extend your stay in Svalbard.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Expedition - Longyearbyen, Longyearbyen Arctic
Refurbished in 2009, the Expedition holds a capacity of 134 passengers, with the option of quadruple, triple, twin and double category cabins. All rooms have private bathrooms and portholes or windows for viewing the passing landscapes and wildlife. The ship has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, especially felt when reading a book in the library or a sipping on a drink at the Polar Bear Pub. There is also a resident band and regular pub quizzes at the pub for added entertainment. Enjoy delicious meals alongside friendly service at the Albatross Dining Room, perfect for fuelling another day of activities. During cruising days, why not make use of the ship’s gym and sauna.
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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ACCOMMODATION
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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