High Arctic Of Svalbard

ITINERARY

DAY 1
TROMSØ
Known as the Arctic gateway, Tromso is a remote Norwegian city at 69° north, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the soft glow of the midnight sun. Learn more about early polar explorations at the Polar Museum. Famed for the Northern Lights on winter nights, you can find out more about this natural spectacle at the Science Centre.

DAY 2
BEAR ISLAND
The greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, Svalbard’s southernmost island. Thousands of breeding seabirds - Atlantic puffin, northern gannet, glaucous gull, great skua, black-legged kittiwake, little auk, common guillemot and Brünnich’s guillemot colonies nest on the steep cliffs south of Sørhamna around Kapp Kolthoff. Only Zodiacs can come alongside, where distinctive sea stack rock columns, impressive sea caves and tunnels, such as Perleporten, have been created by the battering seas.

DAY 3-8
SVALBARD
Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard archipelago feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world. Known as the kingdom of the polar bears, we’ll be hoping to spot some of its subjects as we explore some of the most varied polar landscapes in the Arctic. Down in our Zodiac boats, we’ll get close to the gargantuan glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans that they feed. In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent fjords, the remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, the landscape is punctuated with large areas devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and exposed beaches. Alongside Svalbard’s 600 polar bears, this Arctic wildlife hotspot is also home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seal, the arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds.

DAY 9
SKARSVAG (NORDKAPP)
North Cape located Just a little further north from the Skarsvåg, the northernmost point of Europe above the Arctic Circle. From here the only thing standing between you and the North Pole 2,100km away is the Svalbard archipelago. If you have some energy to burn, the hike to the Cape Knivskjellodden, the northernmost point on Magreøya, is worth the effort for the incredible cliff face views of the North Cape Plateau.

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 9
CRUISING NORTH CAPE
North Cape is a headland in northern Norway commonly known as the northernmost point in Europe. Cruising North Cape is an experience that offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes.

DAY 10
ALTA
Alta, or the city of Arctic light, sits above the Arctic Circle at 70° N. From mid-May to the end of July, as with many places north of here, the midnight sun glows and it never gets dark. Even with long summer days, the temperature rarely reaches above 10° C. Stop by the distinctive Alta Church - or Northern Lights Cathedral - that represents the waving aurora borealis. Nearby, at the head of the Alta Fjord, learn about the thousands of UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock carvings and paintings found here.

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 11
TROMSØ
Known as the Arctic gateway, Tromso is a remote Norwegian city at 69° north, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the soft glow of the midnight sun. Learn more about early polar explorations at the Polar Museum. Famed for the Northern Lights on winter nights, you can find out more about this natural spectacle at the Science Centre.


ITINERARY FOR 2025 DEPARTURE

DAY 1  TROMSO

The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storstei­nen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.

DAY 2  BEAR ISLAND

The greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, Svalbard’s southernmost island. Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls, great skuas, black-legged kittiwakes, little auks, common guillemots, and Brünnich's guillemots, nest on the steep cliffs near Kapp Kolthoff, south of Sørhamna. The ocean has sculpted sea stack rock columns, sea caves and tunnels, with a notable tunnel at Perleporten.

SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

DAY 3-8  SVALBARD

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

DAY 9  DAY AT SEA

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 10  SKARSVAG (NORDKAPP)

Skarsvåg, Europe’s northernmost fishing village on Magerøya Island, is a short journey from Nordkapp (North Cape)—Europe's northernmost point above the Arctic Circle, marked by a striking globe monument. Only Svalbard stands between here and the North Pole. Along the coast, Atlantic puffin colonies and over a million seabirds nest, including arctic skuas, razorbills, northern gannets, white-tailed eagles, common eider ducks and great cormorants.

DAY 10  CRUISING NORTH CAPE

North Cape (Nordkapp), the northernmost tip of Europe in Norway, where the Arctic Ocean meets the rugged coast, is a majestic headland that has fascinated explorers for centuries. Cruising to North Cape promises an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's grandeur and a glimpse into the Arctic's captivating allure. In summer, North Cape basks in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, a surreal phenomenon where the sun never fully sets.

DAY 11  TROMSO

The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storstei­nen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 9
SKARSVAG (NORDKAPP)
Shore Excursion

Hike to Kirkeporten Rock
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
If the weather permits, witness the awe-inspiring view of the North Cape Horn through the opening of Kirkeporten rock
Learn the history of the island of Magerøya and the cultural practices of its inhabitants
Chat with your guide about the plants and wildlife that live throughout the mountains and fjord

King Crab Safari at Sarnes
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Bring home memories to last a lifetime with this real taste of Northern Norwegian wildlife
Take part in this authentic culinary experience by preparing and cooking your very own crab over an open fire
While you indulge in your freshly caught King Crab, you'll be surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the North Norwegian coast

North Cape Transfer
Duration: 02 h 15 m
Included
Catch a film showcasing the area’s different seasons and changing scenery throughout the year
Weather permitting, get panoramic views overlooking the Arctic Ocean from the Globe near the edge of the cliff
Don't miss the "stone-wheels" displaying children's drawings from around the world

DAY 10
ALTA
Shore Excursion

Tirpitz War Museum - N/A 2023
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Admire the wooden Kåfjord church was built in the style of an English village church in 1837
Visit the small Tirpitz Museum which displays a unique range of objects that have been collected over a period of time by Even Blomkvist
Enjoy the beautiful landscape from the viewpoint overlooking the Fjord

World-Famous Slate at Paeskatun N/A 2023
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional
Enjoy the panoramic drive passing by landmarks of recent and historical significance as your guide tells you stories about life in this arctic town
Stop in Pæskatun, to look at a demonstration of slate-cutting techniques and learn about the history of the area

Alta Museum & Sightseeing
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Visit The World Heritage Rock Art Centre, Alta Museum, and see some of the roughly 6,000 UNESCO-listed rock art paintings
Have a short City Sightseeing passing by the most important buildings of the small town

FOR 2025 DEPARTURE

DAY 2  BEAR ISLAND

ZODIAC TOUR WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM
Included