Norway

Norway – Voyage to the Arctic

An Arctic expedition has to be the ultimate adventure for any family looking for a unique experience. This is a holiday to bring families together, for those looking to spend perhaps a last hurrah before the kids are off to university or just simply for all ages to enjoy some ever-decreasing wilderness and wildlife in a truly remote setting. A fabulous mix of mainland activities and polar maritime exploration – this is an adventure to remember.

Highlights

  Tromso wildlife cruise
  Midnight sun kayak
  Svalbard huskies, ATV & hike
  Arctic voyage to see polar bears
  Glaciers, reindeer, walrus & whales
  Oslo bike tour & museums

14 days from £6,725 pp

Plus international & internal flights from £950

A two-week holiday for a family of four including a 3-night cruise with the rest of the time spent in Svalbard, Tromso and Oslo, will cost around £26,200 (excluding internal & international flights).

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Norway – Voyage to the Arctic day-by-day itinerary

Day 1, Tromsø
Welcome to the Arctic Circle! When you arrive in Tromsø, make your own way to your hotel. Situated high above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is surrounded by mountains, fjords, and islands with majestic views in all directions.

During the summer months you will enjoy the Midnight Sun, or 24 hours of daylight, meaning you can maximise your time here – just make sure that you do get some shut-eye in the Land that Never Sleeps…


Day 2, Tromsø
This morning you will experience the stunning scenery around Tromsø on a wildlife cruise out into the Arctic Sea. Spot sea birds such as sea eagles, eider ducks, and puffins as well as seals, otters and dolphins whilst cruising around the beautiful fjords.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Tromsø. There is an excellent polar museum as well as the Fjellheisen cable car which offers spectacular panoramic views of Tromso (you can choose to hike or take the easy way).

This evening you can enjoy the unique experience of a Midnight Sun Kayak Expedition. While paddling you may enjoy the rich wildlife found in these waters including small porpoise whales that bob up next to your kayak. From white, sandy beaches to high mountainous peaks, this is a picturesque setting that will leave you with lasting memories of this charming coastal world.


Day 3, Longyearbyen – Isfjorden
Today you will fly further north to Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitzbergen, the main island of the Svalbard Archipelago. Welcome to the Arctic proper! Svalbard is one of the world’s most northerly inhabited regions. It is a magical land of polar bears (there are more polar bears than people in Svalbard), arctic fox and reindeer; a landscape of tundra, glaciers and icy mountains.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred by boat to your remote lodge located on the dramatic Isfjorden. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and far removed from any civilisation, this will be an incredible introduction to the Arctic world.  Spend your first evening enjoying a sea cliff sauna keeping an eye out for reindeer, whales, and, of course, polar bears.

The Midnight Sun is present during the earlier months of the summer so it can be hard to retire to your room (black-out blinds are built in!) when you are surrounded by such constantly jaw-dropping scenery – and peace.


Day 4 & 5 Isfjorden
Enjoy two days of magical Arctic wilderness. On the first day you will take a 10-16km hike towards beautiful Griegfjellet. There are various route choices – either to the walrus pack at Båtodden with lunch at an old hunting lodge or up into the mountains at Linnevannet where Svalbard grouse and polar fox thrive. Whale bones and fossils line the routes as well as tiny wildflowers. Return to the lodge and brave an Arctic dip before dinner!

The next day you will enjoy a memorable 5-hour RIB boat safari motoring to the eye-catching landmark of Alkhornet, home to puffin, sandpipers, Arctic tern and kittiwakes. Continue to the scenic Esmark glacier where you will meander the green glacial water between small icebergs. Hearing the ice crack around you is the only thing to break the silence…..

Later that day you will transfer back to the ‘relative’ hustle and bustle of Longyearbyen.


Day 6 & 7 Longyearbyen
Two days to enjoy the landscapes of this very unique settlement. Dress warmly and drive ATVs into Advent Valley stopping at historical sites along the way. It is common to see Svalbard reindeer grazing on the tundra and there is a rich birdlife present. You will also visit the dogs at Svalbard Husky where many eager dogs are waiting for your full attention – maybe meet Obelix, Nansen, Gandhi and Chaplin (the puppy litters are often named after films or famous people).

You will also head off on a dramatic kayak adventure. Adventfjorden is beautiful in the warm summer light and the best way to experience the surrounding area around Hiortfjellet is by kayak. Along the coastline, you can find old buildings from the mining era, such as the cable car station and mining trestle. The area is rich in history, but you will also experience the beautiful, magnificent nature and wildlife including seabirds, arctic foxes, and reindeer. Later in the season, the belugas also tend to visit.

The rest of your time is free. There are options to head off on a mining tour, take a husky ride on wheels, go ice fishing or hike to the iconic summit of Platafjellet (464m) known as the Roof of Longyearbyen for incredible views over the town and environs. Warning – do not go beyond the town limits without a guide, the polar bear warning signs will give you a clue as to why…

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Day 8, Embarkation
A leisurely morning is followed by a guided tour of the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz, just beyond the outskirts of town. You will then embark on the ultimate Arctic experience – a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through Svalbard’s breathtaking landscapes, encountering glaciers, fjords and diverse wildlife along the way. During this cruise you will journey to the top of the world, crossing the 80th parallel to explore the breathtaking wonders of the Arctic. Sail past dramatic fjords, towering mountain peaks and vast glaciers keeping your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, whales and an array of Arctic birdlife.

You will set sail this evening and head out of the fjord ready to work your way up the west coast of Spitzbergen.


Days 9-10 Arctic Voyage
Following in the footsteps of so many polar explorers, you will head towards the north of the archipelago in the company of numerous seabirds, surrounded by stunning glacial scenery, in search of the star of the show – the polar bear.

You will explore Magdalenefjorden with its historical whaling sites and possibly sail near Moffen Island, known for its walrus population.

The scenic Kongsfjorden is home to glaciers and rich birdlife and you have a good chance of spotting minke whales here.  You will also visit the research settlement of Ny-Alesund, a former mining town, where you can learn about Arctic exploration history and send a postcard from the northernmost post office.

On arrival at Ny-Alesund, the ship will dock at the pier and you will be able to disembark onto land to explore further on a guided walking tour. During your cruise, you will enjoy a series of lectures from expert guides as well as shore landings using zodiac boats in order to maximise your experience of the Arctic.  Please note the exact itinerary will depend on the icepack and climatic conditions.


Day 11, Disembarkation
A sad farewell to your ship and crew as you disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel. Time to get your land legs back!

The afternoon is free to enjoy this very unique little town at leisure. The outdoor clothing shops are excellent and there are plenty of shops where you could pick up some souvenirs of your Arctic experience.  Svalbard enjoys a unique duty-free status in Norway so this is the time to get a little spending done.


Day 12, Oslo
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo (usually via Tromso). On arrival in Oslo, you will make your own way to your hotel.

With a population of just 500,000, Oslo may be Norway’s capital, but it is a fraction of the size of many European cities. It is wonderfully compact and sits in a picturesque location on the banks of Oslo Fjord, backed by forested hills. It’s an eclectic mix of old and modern, with futuristic structures towering above medieval buildings and churches. There are pavement cafes, chic boutiques and extensive parks.


Day 13, Oslo

Enjoy a morning guided bike tour of Oslo. On this 3-hour city tour, you’ll cover more ground on two wheels than you could on foot and get a complete picture of Norway’s capital.

Afterward, you could choose to visit the Norwegian Maritime Museum (by ferry of course!) or the Kon-Tiki Museum which houses Thor Heyerdahl’s raft, and the Fram Museum where you can actually step aboard the original vessel that took Amundsen to the Antarctic for his successful journey to the South Pole. You can also take the light rail up Holmenkollen, to see the extraordinary ski jump.

This evening perhaps head down to the docks, which have been recently revitalised and offer many superb restaurants. Or you could head to Mathallen for an early dinner. This is a huge food hall where adventurous eaters can sample Norwegian delicacies including whale steaks and cured meat. Fussier kids may prefer the wood-fired pizza stall but there’s something for everyone!


Day 14, Departure
Make your own way to the airport for your flight home.

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