Norway's Fjords And Arctic Svalbard (Southbound)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail into Norway's spectacular fjords and discover the pristine beauty of secluded inlets and coves by kayak or Zodiac
• Explore the northern fjords and ice-carved narrows, standing on the ship's bow as the captain noses up to towering glaciers and waterfalls
• Hike, walk, and kayak through stunning scenery and coastal fishing villages
• Survey the wilderness and ice of Svalbard to see Arctic wildlife, including polar bears in their natural habitat, plus reindeer, arctic foxes, fur seals, and rookeries teeming with thousands of birds
• Take advantage of superlative photo opportunities with help from a National Geographic Photography Expert

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway and polar exploration begins with a visit to 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 and dinner.

DAY 2

Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark Ship
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 National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution.

DAYS 3-7

Exploring Svalbard
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 beluga, fin, and minke whales. 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.

DAY 8

Bear Island
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.

DAY 9

Tromsø
Arrive in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated from here. Explore this charming coastal city through visits to either the Polar Museum, housed in a harbor warehouse dating from 1830, or the Arctic University Museum, which offers an overview of life in the Arctic regions, including an in-depth introduction to the Sami culture.

DAY 10

Tysfjorden
Our nimble ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of near-vertical walls ascend above us and a scant few villages manage to cling to the rocky shores. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise or kayak within this magical place alive with birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. Explore a hiking trail through Hellemobotn Valley that reaches almost to the Swedish border.

DAY 11

Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages ringed by jagged granite peaks. Enjoy village walks and island explorations as we venture through an area known for its dramatic landscapes and its cod fishing traditions throughout the centuries. A bit later, admire one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords from the deck as our ship navigates through Trollfjorden.

DAYS 12-14

Exploring the Fjords of Norway
Spend three days exploring the central Norway coast, revered by travelers worldwide for its mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Your expedition leader and captain will consult with local Norwegian pilots on landing spots offering optimal adventure options. Zodiac under vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for hikes with our naturalist staff. Visit local island communities protecting their cultural and natural heritage and go for walks with resident guides that have grown up surrounded by the ocean and these remote coastal islands.

DAY 15

Nordfjord
Arrive at the spectacular glacial mountain landscape of Nordfjord, a haven for adventurers and photographers. Travel up the Loen Valley by coach amidst picture-book beauty, surrounded by a turquoise lake and craggy peaks. Consider hiking a trail through the valley carved by the Briksdal Glacier. Alternatively, take a scenic boat ride across Kjenndal Lake to catch a glimpse of this retreating glacier and the striking geography of the region. Capture these scenic peaks and valleys from the railing as we sail back out of the fjord in the afternoon.

DAY 16

Bergen / Disembark Ship / Syttende Mai
Begin your morning with an introduction to Norwegian traditions and celebrations onboard before venturing out into the city for the Syttende Mai celebrations, Norway's Constitution Day. The city turns into a pedestrian zone today, allowing for parades, easy exploring by foot, and new sights around every corner. We will take a guided walk through the historic and colorful Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an included funicular ride up to Mt. Fløyen to overlook the surrounding fjords, before the festivities really get going. For the remainder of the day, enjoy your time at leisure experiencing the Syttende Mai holiday on the streets of Bergen. The local parade route passes directly by the hotel making it very accessible to take in the sights and sounds of the biggest celebration of the year in Norway. Walk the city streets and notice the variety of colors and designs of the national dress, witness performances in the city park, or learn a new song with the locals as they sing with friends and family throughout the day.

DAY 17

Bergen
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff 
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible. 
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll.  Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
• Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II 
• Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers 
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic 
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available 
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships) 
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes 

Pricing Does Not Include

• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.