Svalbard and the Northern Fjords - Endurance
Combining the spectacular, fairytale-green Norwegian Fjords with icy Svalbard and polar bears is a real treat. Travel there on a state-of-the-art ship with National Geographic-level guiding.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
126
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Discover the remote islands and fjords of northern Norway on an expedition that balances the region’s iconic wildlife with Norway’s legendary beauty. In the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, spend several remarkable days amid the ice floes and follow nature’s rhythms in search of the most famous creature of the north—the polar bear—plus see walrus, seals, and myriad seabirds. Kayak and Zodiac cruise for water-level exploration, and, conditions and wildlife permitting, go ashore to hike. Continue to mist-shrouded Bear Island to encounter towering cliffs populated with thousands of seabirds. Then head further south to the coast of Norway and spectacular isles of Sørøya and Senja, where nature flourishes amid vibrant coastal cultures.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • On Senja Island visit pristine Ånderdalen National Park to search for reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more!
• Zodiac cruise along the towering cliffs of Bear Island that rise straight from the sea and are home to tens of thousands of raucous seabirds.
• Explore this region with one of the world's most skilled expedition teams on one of the world's most cutting-edge ships.
SPECIAL OFFER
Rates:
From $12,000 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
June 13-25, 2024
Ask us for later dates.
May, June 2022, 2023
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Itinerary
Days 1-2: U.S./Oslo, Norway
Depart on an overnight flight to Oslo and check into the Hotel Bristol (or similar) upon arrival. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Norway’s capital city. Stroll through Frogner Park among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Then visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. (Day 2 includes Lunch.)
Day 3: Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark
Depart Oslo on a private charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of Svalbard and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Explore the Svalbard Art Gallery, home to a permanent collection of historic items as well as contemporary exhibitions of local artists. Later, embark the National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution, your floating base camp for the next six days.
Days 4-6: Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Here, in true expedition style, we let nature guide our course. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience in the archipelago allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. With our fully stabilized, ice-class ship, we probe deep into the ice in search of wildlife. Join our spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. Venture ashore to hike the tundra, abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords and kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs. Board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and spectacular ice formations.
With our photographers, experts, and seasoned naturalists, we make the most of our days here. Enjoy nightly recaps and talks about the natural wonders we encounter and view underwater video footage taken some 1,000 feet below the surface by our remotely operated vehicle (ROV). On this extraordinary voyage, every day is different, and every day is an adventure.
Day 7: Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
Sail south to isolated Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. Board a Zodiac to explore the coves and inlets of this mist-shrouded island. Gaze up at sheer cliffs and use your binoculars to take in the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and murres.
Day 8: Sørøya Island
Off Norway’s northern coast lies the mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves, and long sandy beaches. It also is renowned for its large populations of skrei, or cod, which migrate to these waters during winter and spring. We plan to make an in-depth visit to this beautiful island, with opportunities to explore its surrounding fjords by Zodiac and kayak, and hike on shore.
Day 9: Senja Island
Senja, the second largest island in mainland Norway, is characterized by dramatic mountains, colorful fishing villages, and a coastline split by beautiful fjords. In the southern part of the island, you’ll find Ånderdalen National Park—more than 70 square miles of pristine wilderness that is home to reindeer, elk, red foxes, and more. Spend a day exploring the island and fjords, and, if you wish, join our naturalists on a spectacular hike.
Day 10: Tromsø / Disembark / Oslo
Disembark in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for the numerous Arctic expeditions that originated here. Explore this charming coastal city, then board our charter flight to Oslo and check in to the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
Day 11: Oslo/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (This day includes Breakfast.)
This itinerary operates on twin sister ship, the National Geographic Endurance on June 21, 2022.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of this operator.
Sample Airfares in USD:
Economy: from $1,150pp
Business: from $3,250pp
Charter(Oslo/Longyearbyen and Tromso/Oslo): from $850pp
Airfares are subject to change.
Children: Take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
Group Rates: Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from regular policies.
Rates
Questions?
You'll see so many breathtaking landscapes on this program. Seeing polar bears and the Norwegian Fjords in one trip will be hugely thrilling, plus shorten your bucket list by 2!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Two hotel nights in Oslo; accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance (recommended) Air transportation; Charter(Oslo/Longyearbyen and Tromso/Oslo): from $850pp; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD.
