Embark on an amazing 16-day Arctic journey from Norway to Iceland. Begin in Oslo with a tour of the Fram Museum celebrating polar explorers. Then, fly to Tromso for a look at its unique architecture and maritime history at the Polar Museum where you will board National Geographic Endurance. In Tysfjorden, glide on Zodiacs and kayaks beneath towering fjords. Explore the stunning Lofoten Islands with their dramatic landscapes. Cruise along Norway's northern coast, taking in the majestic cliffs and calm fjords. Sail to the Shetland Islands to see incredible seabird colonies and explore Lerwick's history. Then, head to Foula, a remote island home to puffins. Discover the Viking heritage and beauty of the Faroe Islands before arriving in Seydisfjordur, Iceland. Explore Isafjorđur's Westfjords and visit the historic trading post on Flatey Island. Spend a day in the Westman Islands, known for their volcanic landscapes, and an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon or geothermal sites in Reykjavik
Highlights
Explore secluded inlets and coves of the Arctic by kayak or Zodiac
Encounter the Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses of Jarlshof
Explore the unique culture of the Faroe Islands
Observe nesting seabirds in Latrabjarg cliffs and Lofoten islands
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Upon arrival in Oslo, make your way to a conveniently situated hotel. Later in the day, embark on an exploration of Norway starting with a guided tour of Oslo, featuring a visit to the Fram Museum. This museum pays homage to the iconic wooden vessel that carried Norwegian polar explorers like Nansen and Amundsen. In the evening, mingle with fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at your own pace.
Board a charter flight bound for Tromso, renowned as the "gateway to the Arctic" for its historic role in launching numerous Arctic expeditions. Explore the distinctive architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, reminiscent of icebergs, and delve into the seafaring heritage of early Arctic settlers at the Polar Museum. Later in the day, set sail aboard the ship to commence the Arctic adventure.
This morning, you will enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden where only few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Glide beneath the fjord’s steep walls on Zodiac and kayak excursions and explore the U-shaped valley whose fjord reaches far inland, ending just a few miles from the border of Sweden.
Start your day on deck as you glide into Trollfjorden, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords. The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages framed by jagged, granite peaks that rise straight from the sea. Explore the many islets, and go ashore at Værøy to hike and kayak. Seek out Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots on a Zodiac cruise.
Carved by glaciers over millions of years, Norway’s northern coast is laced with steep-walled fjords, mountainous islands, and chiseled peaks. Cruise in a Zodiac along vertical rock faces, kayak through serene fjords, or go ashore on a secluded sandy beach to hike amid verdant valleys and birch forests.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea as you sail toward the Shetland Islands, an archipelago of about one hundred islands and islets located north of the Scottish mainland. Glide past the towering cliffs of Noss to view murres, puffins, kittiwakes, and other seabirds.
Lerwick is a town where Norse and Gaelic cultures intermingle. Explore the town, delve into local culture and history at the Shetland Museum & Archives, or embark on a bird-watching or geology walk. Alternatively, venture to the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof to examine its Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. In the afternoon, continue to Foula, a stark but spectacular island edged with towering cliffs and blanketed with peat bogs, where people are drastically outnumbered by puffins.
This morning, arrive in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. The legacy of the Vikings persists here, reflected in the language of the Faroese and their love of the sea. Visit Torshavn, the colorful capital of the Faroe Islands, where even the government buildings are crafted in the traditional design of wooden siding with a turf roof. Visit the 12th-century St. Olav’s Church alongside the ruins of Kirkjubour's Magnus Cathedral, which was never completed. Navigate through the islands to one of the local communities on Eysturoy, the second-largest island in the Faroes. Enjoy a day in the village experiencing the warm hospitality and stunning landscapes of their beautiful fjord.
Day 11-12: At Sea / Seydisfjordur, Iceland / Grímsey
After a day at sea, you awake along Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, an unspoiled stretch of rocky outcrops, hidden coves, and hills that beckon hikers. You visit Seydisfjordur, a charming fishing village located at the mouth of a majestic fjord and surrounded by dramatic mountains. Choose to explore the town or visit Skálanes Nature Reserve to see its colorful wildflowers and bird cliffs. Continue to Grímsey on the Arctic Circle.
Located in the Westfjords region, the town of Isafjorđur lies on a tiny spit jutting out into the water against a backdrop of steep hills. Spend time hiking and watching for nesting seabirds in this remote setting. The next day, visit Flatey Island, a fishing and trading post for centuries.
Spend the day in the Westman Islands, one of the world’s younger archipelagos, formed by undersea volcanos some 11,000 years ago. In 1973, the isle of Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off the harbor. Visit the Eldfell volcanic crater, where the earth is still hot, and take in views over landscapes engulfed in lava rock. Observe Surtsey, one of the world’s youngest islands, which was formed by volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1967.
Day 16: Reykjavík | Disembark
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Reykjavík and choose to either soak in the geothermal waters of the famed Blue Lagoon; or visit hot springs, a geothermal power plant, and a horse farm. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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.
$20,2652-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
15 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 15 Dinners
15 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)
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
kevin Moore, our agent, is very knowledgeable about the tours and details, and researches quickly any follow up ?s.
Emory
3 months ago
Tilly was thorough and efficient in answering questions and getting us the right information to make a trip decision.
Nancy Turner
3 months ago
Clara Tort was fantastic to work with, very professional.
Dan Twomey
3 months ago
I've been working w/ Franny and Phen on the Heart of the Arctic Cruise next year. They've both been very friendly and helpful in answering my many questions as we work out the details for the trip. Thank you!
Nita Hoops
9 months ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.