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polar regions: arctic

Beyond the North Cape: Norway\'s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard

Few places remain in the world where you can be assured that nature will provide highlight after unexpected highlight. The majestic fjords of Norway and the stunning glaciers of Arctic Svalbard are just such a wilderness.

Then high above coastal Norway under the midnight sun lies the archipelago of Svalbard, a wilderness region that few Americans know: towering ice caps, deep fjords mountains and massive sheets of ice, just 600 miles from the North Pole.

Day 1 - U.S./Bergen, Norway

Fly overnight from Newark to Bergen, Norway (via Copenhagen) aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Bergen Norway, Embark Ship

Arrive this morning in Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands, and embark National Geographic Explorer. Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Once an important Hanseatic town, its maritime history is still evident at the exceptional Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, we have a guided walk of Bryggen before embarking our ship.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Nordfjord

Today we enter lovely Nordfjord, included on our itinerary since it is less touristed. We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we're transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (more strenuous hikes are also an option). And, we walk to a tongue of the large Jostedals Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-5 - Exploring the Fjords of Norway

The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain will discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. Over the years, we’ve discovered a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on our voyage.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, we view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, we go ashore on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy, and we stop at two unusual cod museums. Be on deck as we cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Tysfjorden

Today we enter Tysfjorden, a long fjord indenting the mainland of Norway so deeply it stretches inland almost to Sweden. This is an area devoid of roads where a few small villages cling along the shore. We explore splendid Hellemobotn by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. The Tysfjord area has numerous side channels, which we explore later.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Tromso

Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many arctic expeditions originated here. We visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe. And we visit the Polar Museum, with excellent exhibits on arctic nature and environment.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Exploring

Having spent a full week in coastal Norway, we'll now set our sights toward the High Arctic. We'll leave this day open to take advantage of weather conditions and wildlife opportunities, before heading for Bear Island, or maybe venturing immediately north to see what wildlife awaits.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Bear Island

Zodiac cruises take us around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 11-14 - Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Our focus during our days here is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we are discovering new landing sites to explore, giving meaning to being on an expedition. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 - Disembark Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo

Disembark our ship in Longyearbyen and explore the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then proceed to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Airport Hotel for overnight.

Accommodations: SAS Radisson Airport Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 16 - Oslo/Fly to U.S. aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight to Newark aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines, or on to other adventures.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Extend Your Arctic Cruise

Optional post voyage extension Exploring Iceland. Iceland is the land of contrasts: the land of fire and ice. Only here to volcanoes, boiling hot springs, bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers coexist with massive icecaps and glaciers. Let the adventure continue with a journey to Iceland's geological wonders. Please call for details.


Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Land Cost Includes: Flights from Longyearbyen to Oslo. One night pre-cruise and one night post cruise hotel in Oslo; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Arctic handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: International airfare, required charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals in Oslo; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Arrival/Departure: The Beyond the North Cape cruise begins in Bergen and ends in Oslo, Norway. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from Los Angeles, California. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 16 of the outlined itinerary.

Family Cruises: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing.
Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $250 per person ($150 of which is a Travel Certificate). Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited. Between 89-60 days, per person cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost. Between 59-30 days, per person cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost. Between 29-0 days, no refund.
For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.



Accommodations Aboard: The 148 passenger National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.


Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com