On this small expedition roundtrip from Tromsø, you will experience adventure, unique activities and the raw beauty of Northern Norway. Search for the Northern Lights, experience arctic wildlife up close, taste Arctic cuisine, visit the Lofoten Islands, learn about Sami and Viking culture, Husky Safari in a winter wonderland and ride on the scenic Arctic Train.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tromsø Arrival - Narvik - Embark MV Quest
09:00 meet your guide and fellow travellers at base in Tromsø city centre. The expedition team will welcome you and introduce the planned itinerary for the journey. Travel by coach to a Wilderness Camp outside of Tromsø, where you will meet the adorable huskies and their mushers. Lunch will be served around a bonfire at the Wilderness Camp.
Continue by coach towards the city of Narvik, and embark MV Quest. The crew and expedition team welcome you aboard the ship, followed by an introduction to the full program, the ship and safety during the voyage. This will be followed by a welcome dinner where you will be served the finest of Arctic Cuisine. After dinner, join the Northern Lights Express on board the Arctic Train. This scenic railway journey takes us through raw landscapes and untouched wilderness. The end station is Katterat where you will visit the Northern Lights Basecamp. We will have our first search for the Aurora Borealis here, and an introduction to night vision photography. Return to the MV Quest.
Day 2 Skrova - Henningsvær
Wake this morning with a view of the stunning photo island, Skrova, the first sign that we have arrived at the beautiful Lofoten islands. Skrova is also known as Lofoten’s Hawaii because of its low rain days and long sunny days. Disembark from the ship to explore Skrova and it’s beautiful ocean and beach views and it’s unique outdoor photo exhibition.
After this small island experience, continue sailing to Henningsvær, “the Venice of the North”. Get a taste of the history of cod in this fishing village. Visit "Full Steam", a 200-year-old cod liver oil factory, now operating as a restaurant and museum.
Day 3 Henningsvær - Nusfjord - Svolvær
After breakfast, visit World Heritage Site Nusfjord Village. Nusfjord is one of the oldest preserved fishing villages in Norway, and the whole area is an open museum. Learn about the arctic lifestyle of the fishermen by your guide.
Then on to Lofotr Viking Museum - an experience that will take you back more than 1000 years. Meet the Vikings at the world's largest Viking Longhouse, and enjoy a Viking feast for lunch. After lunch, travel to “the gate of the Lofoten Islands” Svolvær. A town with a mix of surprising urban life with contrasting natural scenery that takes your breath away. After dinner, we will have a walk to explore and search for the Northern Lights.
Day 4 Trollfjord – Henningsvær - Sortland
Sail towards Raftesund and into the famously beautiful Trollfjord. If weather permits, launch the RIB boats to explore the majesty of the mountains on both sides on this narrow and beautiful path. We may even spot the rare White-Tailed Eagle. This evening, port in Sortland and visit a Sami Camp. Learn about reindeer herding, Sami culture and lifestyle. Keep searching for the Northern Lights, the location will be based on the weather and Aurora Borealis forecasts.
Day 5 Senja - Tromsø
During the night, MV Quest will have arrived northwest of Andøy, the leading whale watching destination in Norway. Here we will search, spot, and photograph whales. We also have the option of docking if conditions are unfavourable and still learn about whale migration patterns and other interesting facts at the local museum and by our expedition team. Continue sailing towards Tromsø, and enjoy educational lectures and amazing scenery from the ship. A farewell dinner with Arctic cuisine, followed by your last excursion in Tromsø. Take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain, for a spectacular view over the city and its fjords, and perhaps the Northern Lights.
Day 6 Disembark MV Quest - Tromsø Departure
Wake up in Tromsø City and disembark after breakfast. End of arrangements.
2024 departures:
17, 27 February
08 March
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 52 persons
The program may change and can be adjusted by the expedition team according to weather conditions and local information. The exact program for each day will be announced on board each morning
Pre and post night hotel accommodation can be added in Tromso - please enquire
A reasonable level of fitness is required
MV Quest: the ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018 the passenger area was renovated. MV Quest takes 52 passengers, and all 26 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. The Triple Cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you’ll find a desk with a chair, and a cupboard for storage. The Superior Cabins are spacious and have armchairs and TV. The Owner’s Cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area, and TV. MV Quest’s 6 zodiacs offers the possibility to go ashore everywhere, an unprecedented feature on a ship this size. The zodiacs can accommodate all passengers, with easy and safe access through the side port, suitable for all ages.
