Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart Scotland
Dundee was once a centre for whaling and the jute industry and is today home of Scott’s Antarctic research vessel, the Discoverer. This afternoon we board the M/V Polar Star at Dundee and set sail.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2:
The Orkneys
Unravel the mysteries of ancient times, perhaps come up with your own theories – Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes, Skara Brae and Maes Howe.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
The Shetlands
The beautiful scenery of this island with its rich birdlife is also home to some significant archaeological sites – Jarlshoff and Scatness. The port town of Lerwick is also a lovely place to wander.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Landfall in Norway
Our landfall on the coast of Norway, is the university and cultural centre, Bergen. Explore the Hanseatic Houses and learn about the composer, Edvard Grieg.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Cruising an then to Alesund
Wake early to join the Zodiac cruising amongst the half a million birds of Runde Island, a marvelous experience. Then it is on to Ålesund to wander amongst the Art Nouveau architecture and learn about the local sea life at the aquarium.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Trondheim, the first capital of Norway
Heading north we come to Trondheim the first capital of Norway and rich medieval history. Our explorations include the 11th Century Nidaros Cathedral and nearby Monk Island.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
A day in the hills
This lovely day in the Norwegian countryside is a great day to stretch your legs with a gentle stroll or more energetic hike through “the hole in the hat” of Torghatten mountain
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Within the Arctic Circle
Today at the Arctic Circle, celebrate this symbolic crossing and visit Lovund and Sanna of the Træna Archipelago, home to a large puffin colony and Kirkhellen “Cathedral” (cave) where a 9000 year old cemetery was found.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Arctic charm
Bathed in Arctic light, the Lofotens are incredibly picturesque with glacier carved mountain peaks, sheltered bays, charming villages and gentle sheep pastures. Visit the museums of Å and go for a short hike then spend the afternoon cruising amongst the islands of this archipelago and in the evening Zodiac cruise into the dramatic Trollfjord.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Tromso
This gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø, features excellent Polar museums, the striking Arctic Cathedral and cable car ride to a dramatic tundra view.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Around the northernmost point of Europe
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise by Gjeasværstappen Islands where the air is filled with Little auks and puffins nesting on the shore or gathering in rafts on the water. Later we round 71°N Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12:
Bear Island
During this crossing between the Norwegian and Barents Seas stop at Bear Island to Zodiac cruise along the cliffs and sea caves filled with birds and weather/time permitting, land at the meteorological Station providing Polar Bears are not patrolling the shore.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 to 14:
Svalbard
Covered year round with snow and ice this fantastic Arctic archipelago is home to walrus, whale, seal, reindeer, Arctic fox, Little auk, kittiwake, puffin and of course, the mighty Polar Bear. There is no time to sleep as you constantly scan the fantastic landscape of Spitsbergen.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15:
Disembark in Longyearbyen
Disembark in this fascinating Arctic community.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast