On this small group round trip from Oslo, you will fly to Evenes and explore the picturesque Lofoten Islands from Svolvær. This scenic journey continues to Vesterålen, Andenes, Senja and Tromso - the Arctic Capital. Fly to Longyearbyen, where you will experience a wildlife cruise to Billefjorden and the Nordenskiöld Glacier front, a coal mine tour and a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz. Optional Walrus Safari to Borebukta Bay. Return flight to Oslo.
Itinerary
Day 1 Oslo Arrival
Welcome to the Kingdom of Norway – a country with the most beautiful fjords on Earth. Arrival at Oslo Airport and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the city at your own pace. Walk along the streets and explore the city of the royal family, and the main Karl Johan’s Street, with many shops, bars, and cafes. Meet with your tour leader at the hotel reception at 17:00 this evening. Overnight at Thon Opera Hotel or similar.
Day 2 Oslo - Evenes - Svolvær
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Evenes. Coach transport from Evenes Airport to Svolvær, gateway to the picturesque Lofoten Islands. Consisting of around 80 islands, Lofoten is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Norway. Archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen are well known for their dramatic sceneray and spectacular nature. Separated from the mainland by the Vestfjord, they form a chain about 150 km long from South-West to North-East, consisting of more than eighty mountain ranges above the sea, often vertically. The archipelago consists of a myriad of islets, dominated by high jagged peaks that plunge directly into the sea. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Lofoten or similar, idyllically located in Svolvær harbour.
Day 3 Lofoten Islands
Today enjoy Lofoten a panoramic tour of Norway's untamed Lofoten Islands, draped across the Norwegian Sea, 300km above the Arctic Circle. The islands are famous for fishing, nature, small villages and incredible landscapes. Today you will visit Henningsvær, Ramberg, Reine and Å, located at the end of peninsula. Dinner and second overnight at Thon Hotel Lofoten or similar.
Day 4 Svolvær - Vesterålen - Andenes: Optional Whale Safari
Today you will travel to Vesterålen by coach. Along the coast you will see charming old fishing villages with colourful "rorbuer" huts, where fishermen and traders have lived for centuries.
Afternoon optional Whale Safari in Andenes - 4hrs duration. Andenes is close to the edge of the continental shelf where whales and orcas are often feeding.
Overnight at Thon Hotel Andrikken Andenes or similar.
Day 5 Andenes - Senja - Tromso
This morning, you will take the ferry from Andenes to Senja, approximately 2 hours journey. Continue by coach through dramatic scenery and winding roads dotted with small fishing villages and houses. Arrive in Tromso, a university town with a lively atmosphere and friendly locals. Time at leisure. Perhaps visit the Arctic Cathedral for it's daring architecture, the Polaria Aquarium or the Polar Museum to learn about the role Tromso has played in Arctic exploration, and the MS Polstjerna, a well preserved sailing vessel from 1949. Overnight at Scandic Grand Hotel Tromso or similar.
Day 6 Tromso - Longyearbyen
Transfer to Tromso Airport for your flight to Longyearbyen. Transfer from Longyearbyen Airport to your hotel. Join a locally guided tour to discover Longyearbyen, the main city of the Svalbard archipelago. Explore the town before visiting Adventdalen and one of the first Norwegian mining towns in the area. You may be lucky to spot the local Svalbard reindeer along the way. Pass by the coal mines in Adventdalen and Mine 7, before visiting the Hotellneset area. Learn about the attractions, fauna, flora and landscape during the tour, with photo stops along the way. Dinner and overnight at Radisson BLU Polar Spitsbergen or similar.
Day 7 Longyearbyen: Wildlife and Glacier Cruise
Today enjoy a unique full day trip through the beautiful coastal landscapes of Svalbard on board a hybrid-electric catamaran. The journey takes you through beautiful landscapes to Billefjorden and Nordenskiöld Glacier front. Silently follow the edge of the ice where there is a chance to spot wildlife. See the ghost town of Pyramiden from afar (the boat does not dock) and pass Skansbukta Bay. The catamaran's hybrid electric motor and specially designed propellers minimise noise and vibration. This not only brings you closer to nature; more importantly, the surrounding wildlife is less disturbed by our presence. Roam freely on multiple outdoor decks or enjoy the view from inside through panoramic windows. Comfortable lounges are available both outdoors and indoors. On board you will find a café and a bar with a diverse selection of snacks and drinks for purchase. A light lunch meal of vegetarian soup is included. Return to Longyearbyen and second overnight at Radisson BLU Polar Spitsbergen or similar.
Day 8 Longyearbyen: Mine 3 and Camp Barentz, Optional Walrus Safari
Today, step into the history of Longyearbyen and its extensive coal mining industry. Discover Mine 3, active from 1971 to 1996, where everything has been left almost untouched since the closure. The walls of the building are steeped in history and give the impression that there is still life. You will be kitted out with a miner's suit, headlamp and helmet before starting your guided tour.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional afternoon Walrus Safari to Borebukta Bay - 4hrs duration. Search for walrus colonies lounging on beaches and small islets. As with all wild animals, we can't guarantee we'll see them, but the odds are good.
In the evening experience the magic of being in the wilderness at Camp Barentz. Leave the city and drive to the Advent Valley, where the mountains on either side of the valley tower above like giants, lit by the midnight sun. At Camp Barentz we often see Svalbard reindeer and with a bit of luck even grouse and foxes. Our knowledgeable hosts are also on the lookout should a polar bear appear. After arriving at the cosy wooden cabins, we will be welcomed by the host of the evening. A delicious homemade stew await you, along with campfire coffee and dessert. Welcome to a real Svalbard experience. After dinner, it is time to learn more about the King of the Arctic. With everyone sitting around the open fire in the cabin, the host will share information and photos about polar bears. There will be time to take photos of the stark landscape, before returning to civilisation. Third overnight at Radisson BLU Polar Spitsbergen or similar.
Day 9 Longyearbyen - Oslo
You have time this morning to catch one last glimpse of glorious Svalbard, breathe in the fresh icy air, enjoy the views and the tranquility before transferring to Longyearbyen Airport for your flight back to Oslo. Transfer from Oslo Airport to your hotel. Overnight at Thon Opera Hotel or similar.
Day 10 Oslo Departure
Transfer from hotel to Oslo Airport and end of arrangements.
2024 departures: (sold out)
13 June
04 July
14 August
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 22 passengers
All optional excursions must be pre-booked.
Pre and post nights can be added in Oslo city or Oslo Gardermoen Airport area - please enquire.
