Arrive in the charming port town of Bergen, the gateway to Norway's fjords. Ringed by 7 hills, this beautiful city was once an important Hanseatic trading center. Discover Bergen’s maritime history on a guided walk of Bryggen, the town’s colorful old wharf and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, settle into your accommodations aboard an ice-class expedition ship from the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet.

This morning, begin your exploration of Norway's dramatic waterways with the little-known but breathtaking Nordfjord. Hike overland to see the jagged peaks and turquoise lake of Loen Valley. Alternatively, take a tranquil boat ride across Kjenndal Lake to marvel at its retreating glacier and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, return to the ship and enjoy the striking countryside from the comfort of the lounge as you sail toward the coastline.

Spend three days exploring the central Norway coast, revered by travelers worldwide for its mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Your expedition leader and captain will consult local Norwegian pilots on landing spots offering optimal adventure options. Zodiac under vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls or venture ashore for hikes with a naturalist staff. Visit local island communities protecting their cultural and natural heritage and walk with resident guides who have grown up surrounded by the ocean and these remote coastal islands.

The Lofoten Archipelago is a captivating region of charming coastal villages nestled amidst rugged peaks. You can enjoy watching nesting seabirds such as Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots from a Zodiac. Later, you can disembark on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing still plays an important role in the local economy. As you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, be sure to watch the cliffs for Norway's mythical creatures, the trolls.

Your ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of near-vertical walls ascend above us and a scant few villages manage to cling to the rocky shores. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise or kayak within this magical place alive with birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. Explore a hiking trail through Hellemobotn Valley that reaches almost to the Swedish border.

Arrive in Tromso, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for numerous Arctic expeditions that originated from here. Explore this charming coastal city and its surrounding area: choose a visit to a local husky farm—known for its beautiful setting, friendly dogs, and world-caliber dog musher—or choose to stay in town and visit the waterfront museums, which offer a range of local food tastings and historical insights into the variable aspects of this dynamic region.

Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher's paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

Discover the polar wonders of Svalbard, which lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Extended daylight hours and a flexible itinerary will allow you to make the most of your time here in the far north. With a fully stabilized, ice-class ship, you’ll probe the floes in search of wildlife. Join spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for massive walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears. Or venture ashore with naturalists to hike tundra abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords to kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs or board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and ice formations up close. Enjoy nightly talks from a National Geographic Expert and review underwater video footage taken some 1,000 ft (305 m) below the ice’s surface by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers will be provided to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance.* Upon arrival, enjoy dinner with fellow guests, and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.

*If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.

Depart for the airport this morning and begin your journey home.