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Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh
Our expedition begins near Scotland's incomparable capital city. The royal capital of Scotland since the 11th century, Edinburgh, is home to an extraordinary range of architectural contrast. From dark, medieval 16th century block towers to classical Georgian and Victorian masterpieces. A World Heritage Site Edinburgh is home to over 16,000 buildings that are listed as being historically or architecturally important. We board the expedition ship this afternoon in the suburb of Leith, to embark on our voyage to the Arctic. Ship departs in the evening.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kirkwall
There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only six miles off the coast of Scotland the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Our excursions for today will focus not only on this but also on many of the mystical historical sites of the area. These excursions will include coach visits to the Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes and the 4500 year old village of Skara Brae. You will also see a famous Italian chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lerwick
We continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. The islands were under Norse rule until 1469, when they were given to Scotland as part of a Danish princesses dowry. The Shetlands are a engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia, with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant bird life and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years. We will stop at the ancient sites of Jarlshof and Scatness via Zodiac, where we will learn more about the Bronze-age, Iron-age, Pictish, Vikings and Medieval history. In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided coach tour of the largest town on Mainland Shetland, Lerwick. There we will see Scalloway Castle, Clickimin Broch, and the Shetland Museum.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Sognefjorden
We reach the Norwegian coast in the morning and spend half the day sailing through the Sognefjorden, the longest fjord in the world next to Scoresbysund in Greenland. Time permitting we may visit Flam, Naerofjorden or a World Heritage site.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Nordfjorden
Depending on time, we may stop in Olden for a short bus ride to the Birksdal area and a walk to a glacier. There is a trolly-like car available for people who are unable to walk the full distance.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Torghatten & Alstahaug
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world's most beautiful nature. The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking scenery and our Captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac shore landing options. Our goal is to visit Torghatten one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also try to move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Traena, Selsøyvik and Vikingen
Traena has the famous Cathedral Cave where you can walk through the tunnel to the top of the mountain. Selsøyvik includes a visit to a salmon farm. Vikingen has the globe marking the Arctic Circle.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Rødøy and Svartisen
Rødøy has several 4,000 year old cave drawings, including the skier that became the symbol for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Svartisen has a beautiful walk to a glacier with the chance of an easy walk along a road. It also has a more demanding walk all the way around a lake below the glacier.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Today we go ashore via coach on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. In the evening be sure to be on deck as we cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bleiksøya & Andenes
The morning we will try to have a Zodiac cruise to one of the biggest bird colonies in Norway. Be on the lookout for White-tailed Eagles. In the afternoon we sail through an area known for whale watching and then visit the whale museum and other exhibits at Andenes.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Tromso
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many Arctic expeditions originated from here. We will spend the whole day learning about the history of past expeditions and exploring Norway's largest northern city. We will enjoy a coach tour to some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums and weather permitting enjoy a stunning view from a cable car. We will also visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Bear Island
Explore around mist-shrouded Bear Island (Bjørnøya), populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise and the views are spectacular. We also plan a landing to see take in the views from shore.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 to 14: Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, high mountains and massive glaciers. Our focus during our time here is searching for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, the polar bear. Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Longyearbyen
Disembarkation will take place after breakfast. A transfer will take you into the center of the town where you are free to enjoy a walk around town. Longyearbyen boasts an outstanding Arctic museum, an art gallery and a number of other cultural attractions for you to enjoy. Do not book any flights departing Longyearbyen earlier than the afternoon of disembarkation day.
Included meals: Breakfast
