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 - Embark MV Quest
16:00 meet your guide and fellow travellers at base in Tromsø city centre. The expedition team will drive you to MV Quest for embarkation. The expedition team will welcome you and introduce the planned itinerary for the journey, followed by dinner on board. After dinner, be transported on a Northern Lights excursion. Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain for a spectacular view over Tromsø city and your first chance to search for Northern Lights begins at the top. Back on the ship, set course towards the Lofoten Islands.
Day 2 Tromsø - Sortland
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 Sortland. Transport to a Sami camp to learn more about reindeer herding and Sami culture and lifestyle. Hopefully the Northern Lights will make an appearance before returning to the ship.
Day 3 Trollfjord – Henningsvær
After breakfast, Sail towards Raftsundet 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. Arrive at the authentic fishing village of Henningsvær. Visit "Full Steam", a 200-year-old cod liver oil factory, now operating as a restaurant and museum. In the evening, experience Henningsvær by night and a photography session.
Day 4 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 5 Narvik
Wake up close to Barøy Lighthouse and continue towards the city of Narvik - an important location during WW2. 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 and search for the Aurora Borealis. Return to the MV Quest.
Day 6 Narvik - Disembark MV Quest - Tromsø Departure
Disembark MV Quest in Narvik after breakfast, and 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. Coach transfer to Tromsø city, where your journey concludes late afternoon at approximately 17:00hrs. End of arrangements.
2024 departures:
02 (on request), 12 (on request), 22 February
13 March (on request)
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
A reasonable level of fitness is required
Pre and post night hotel accommodation can be added in Tromso - please enquire
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.
