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Puffins hang out on the rocks.

Across the Arctic Circle: Scotland, Norway & Spitsbergen

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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Follow the Vikings’ way from northeast Scotland to the land of the midnight sun on this 14-day Arctic voyage. Enthusiastic historians and expert naturalists reveal the Orkney and Shetland islands, from Stone Age villages and Viking relics, to world class distilleries and spectacular birdlife, including cheeky puffins. Follow migrating whales along Norway’s dramatic coast, visit picturesque fishing villages, and toast your Arctic Circle crossing. In Spitsbergen, enter a polar wonderland, where delicate wildflowers adorn tundra and the summer sun never sets. This spectacular wilderness is the breeding ground of walrus, reindeer, millions of birds, and polar bear.
Mousa Broch on the Shetland Islands.Kayaking in Scotland.Travelers walking across the beaches of Spitsbergen.Walruses playing around on the beach.Puffins hang out on the rocks.
Highlights
  • Follow the Vikings’ way from northeast Scotland to Norway
  • Explore 5000-year-old World Heritage neolithic sites & Viking relics
  • Delight in majestic scenery, from romantic beaches to narrow fjords
  • Search for reindeer, ringed and bearded seals, and the mighty polar bear
  • Enjoy magnificent bird watching,for both common species and rarities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Aberdeen, West Scotland | Embark

Board the Polar Pioneer around mid-afternoon in Aberdeen. After settling in, set sail north.

Day 2-3: Orkney Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Among Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, lying 6 miles north of the Scottish mainland, a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife awaits. Follow the passage of time – from 5000 year old World Heritage neolithic sites, past relics from wandering Vikings and reminders of World War II occupation, to present day crofting communities. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds, inviting Zodiacs and kayakers to explore coastlines.

Mid-way between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About 3 miles by 2 miles, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mostly live in traditional crofts on the more fertile low-lying southern part of the island.

A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight-paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. It attracts common species and also eastern rarities such as the lanceolated warbler. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins, and it is an excellent place to view seabirds at close range, especially puffins. The island also has over 250 species of flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. Be welcomed by the hospitable villagers and take a hike or visit the museum.

Day 4: Shetland Isles

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 100 miles north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites, and offer a taste of traditional island life. These include the complex Stone, Bronze and Iron Age settlement of Jarlshof, the world’s best preserved broch (fortified Iron Age tower) on Mousa, and remnants of Viking conquest along the coast.

Day 5: North Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
While sailing towards the Norwegian coastline, the warmth of the bridge or the outer decks offer an excellent vantage point for birdwatching. Historians and naturalists delight you with their informative talks.

Day 6-9: Norwegian Coastline

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
The ship captain aims to spend three days exploring the superb Norwegian coastline, cruising the intricate maze of seldom-visited inlets and outer islands. The cod-fishing island of Sør Glaeslingan greets visitors with its delightful wooden houses and cheerful inhabitants, who search for nesting kittiwakes and reclusive sea otters. It provides fantastic birdlife, including kittiwakes, terns and skuas that migrate here each summer. Hunt for fabled trolls as you pass by Torgatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole through it, and learn the fable of lost love and a troll’s arrow. Majestic scenery delights in Lofoten Islands, from romantic beaches to narrow fjords hemmed by granite walls. Share the water with orcas, the skies with puffins.

Day 10-13: Bear Island | Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Cross the Barents Sea, past often fog-shrouded Bear Island, a favorite nesting ground for fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, and gulls. Beyond Spitsbergen’s South Cape, explore South Spitsbergen National Park, a sanctuary for barnacle geese and eider ducks, before entering the iceberg-laden waters of Hornsund. Surrounded by polar desert on a grand scale, search for reindeer, ringed and bearded seals, and the mighty polar bear. Learn of human history dating back 400 years and if lucky, encounter the elusive beluga whale.

Day 14: Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
On arrival in Longyearbyen, disembark and bid farewell to new-found friends.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,000
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
Select a Date
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Notes

Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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