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Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen

Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen

From $6,999 AUD

Description

Set sail from Bergen – the gateway to Norway’s fjords – to the remote shores of Svalbard on this dazzling 15-day odyssey across the Norwegian Sea. Walk across the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, explore subarctic islands by Zodiac in search of polar bears, walk through history at UNESCO-protected historical sites, and much more. Don’t merely pine for the fjords; find them.

Trip Name
Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 105 metres Passenger Capacity: 140 Built: refurbished 2009 The MS Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines can hold up to 140 passengers. Fast – spend less time in transit and more time exploring Sturdy – excellent stability and performance in rough weather Safe – designed with safety in mind Responsible – environmental policies that meet and exceed industry regulations Facilities and Amenities 360° Top Observation Deck All cabins with private ensuite and outside views Raised Forward Observation Deck Large fleet of Zodiacs with four stroke engines Complimentary Wellington Boots for duration of your cruise Complimentary destination guides for every passenger Large headed Mud Room Lonely Planet Library Discovery Lounge Fine dining – international cuisine in one sitting Large aft deck with barbeque facilities Polar Bear Pub Gift Shop Medical Clinic Sauna Computer Room with internet where available Gym

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Bergen
The MS Expedition departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Flåm.Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Day 2 - Day 2 Bergen/Flåm
Hop on the Flåm Railway, travelling through valleys and mountain passes to reach the scenic fjord of the Flåm district.
Day 3 - Day 3 Flåm/Olden
Cross the famous North Sea - through one of the largest offshore oil fields in the world. Depending on time and weather, stop in Olden for a short bus ride to the Birksdal area and a walk to a glacier.
Day 4 - Day 4 Olden/Geiranger
Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5 - Day 5 Geiranger/Torghatten
Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between taking an afternoon hike to the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoy a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300.
Day 6 - Day 6 Torghatten/Svartisen
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. The captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac landing options. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages and appreciate the slow pace of life.The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.
Day 7 - Day 7 Svartisen/Lofoten
Visit Svartisen and Vikingen, for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle. After, continue to Sanna, a remote island that offers great walking opportunities and a chance to see some sea eagles.
Day 8 - Day 8 Lofoten
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore to the island of Å, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.
Day 9 - Day 9 Lofoten
Continue exploring the beautiful Lofoten Islands, spending time on Andenes Island, a spectacular location for spotting marine wildlife.
Day 10 - Day 10 Lofoten/Tromsø
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Spend the day learning about the history of past expeditions and exploring Norway's largest northern city.
Day 11 - Day 11 Tromsø/Hornsund
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac - the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.
Day 12 - Day 12 Hornsund
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.
Day 13 - Day 13 Hornsund/Bellsund
Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like walruses and whales plus land mammals like polar bears, the arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.
Day 14 - Day 14 Bellsund/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Day 15 - Day 15 Longyearbyen
Disembark the MS Expedition in the morning.Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
Day 16 - Please Note:
While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. On the first day of your tour, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-201814-06-2018AUD$9,399Cat 2 - Twin
31-05-201814-06-2018AUD$10,999Cat 3 - Twin
31-05-201814-06-2018AUD$7,699Cat 1 - Triple
31-05-201814-06-2018AUD$6,999Cat 1A - Quad
31-05-201814-06-2018AUD$12,099Cat 4 - Twin

Inclusions

    • Ship cruise around Bjørnøya – a birdwatcher’s paradise
    • Discover Torghatten – one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway
    • Explore the mysteriously beautiful Træna archipelago
    • Visit Geirangerfjord
    • one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Enjoy Vega Island Visit. Vega is a small island in Norway's Nordland, filled with tiny, picturesque fishing villages.

Map