A high Arctic archipelago situated beyond Norway’s fjord-fretted coast, a mere 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive sheets of ice glowing under the midnight sun. It’s a magnificent polar bear habitat that provides opportunities for thrilling up-close observations of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Embark on this 10-day voyage and experience Arctic nature in its purest form.
Highlights
View polar bears on the pack ice, their natural habitat, from the ship deck
Observe walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, fur seals, and a glory of birds
Actively explore: hike, walk, Zodiac cruise, and kayak in stunning scenery
Enjoy superlative photos opportunities and on-board photo assistance
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Oslo, the capital city where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the presence of the King of Norway. Check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Hotel. In the afternoon, your introduction to Oslo begins with a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures--hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced Frogner Park. Next you will visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is free.
Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn the story of Svalbard and its context in Norway and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern mining, research and tourism. Then tour the Gallery Svalbard to view the permanent art and cultural collections as well as studios of local artists. Embark National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days.
Your travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design, and your exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions.
Your main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruising in Svalbard’s fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. You will take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic. (B,L,D)
Disembark in Longyearbyen, meet up with a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Here, you’ll discover a unique collection of buildings including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center, and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the friendly, sled dog huskies that reside at camp. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the SAS Radisson Blue Airport Hotel.
Day 10: Oslo
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight home or continue on to other adventures.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350
Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
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!
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
1 day ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
3 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
3 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
4 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
