Norway & Svalbard Encompassed

Days 1-2  Oslo  
Arrive in Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital, and make your way to your hotel before setting off to the explore the city. Blending old with new, you will find many architectural delights as you wander the compact city centre including the imposing Norwegian National Opera House positioned along the harbour. Learn about Oslo's history at the Akershus Fortress or perhaps visit the Fram Muesum and learn about fascinating polar exploration.                

Day 3  Oslo to Bergen            
This morning head to Oslo’s central train station to board the Bergen Railway. You will pass incredible scenery, including the remote wilderness of Finse, a filming location for Star Wars with its stark glaciers and mountainscape.  

Day 4  Bergen            
Spend the day in the historical area of Bryggen, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture through narrow cobblestoned lanes adorned with museums, shops and galleries that leads to the picturesque harbour front. Take the Fløibanen funicular up Mt Fløyen for beautiful panoramas of the city and beyond to the ocean.      

Days 5-8  Bergen to Svolvaer  
Board your Hurtigruten cruise and set sail along Norway’s spectacular coastline. You will briefly stop in several wonderful ports along the journey including the scenic Hjorundfjord, the Viking capital of Trondheim, and as you cross the Arctic circle, the compact city of Bodo. Arrive into Svolvaer, your base for exploring the mighty Lofoten Islands.

Day 9  Svolvaer            
This morning, collect your car and set off to explore the Lofoten Islands. Known for unspoilt white sandy beaches, with turquoise waters and mountainous backdrops, head along the coast to admire some of the Lofoten Islands’ best. Drive to the beautiful Haukland Beach and from there set off on a scenic hike along the winding coast or via Mount Mannen for views from above, to Uttakleiv Beach. Or perhaps continue further along the archipelago to the dramatic landscapes of Reine and Hamnoy. Here you will find the iconic views with traditional red rorbu cabins. If you do not want to drive, there is a selection of local tours available from Svolvaer.                  

Days 10-11  Svolvaer to Tromso        
Spend another day exploring the Lofoten Islands before dropping your car back at the depot. In the evening board your Hurtigruten cruise to Tromso. Settle into your cabin and wake up in the Arctic capital.  

Day 12  Tromso                
Enjoy a full day to explore the highlights. Perhaps pay a visit to the fascinating Polar Museum, explore Tromso Cathedral, or take the Fjellheisen cable car for fantastic views of the city. Maybe take a fjord day cruise to see more of the north’s spectacular scenery.  

Day 13  Tromso to Svalbard                
Continue your adventure by flying to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the world’s northernmost settlement for a once in a lifetime experience. Transfer to your hotel in the town centre. Once you’ve checked in, head out to explore the local shops and restaurants or, if there’s time, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history, flora and fauna of this fascinating region.

Days 14-15  Svalbard              
During your stay enjoy action-packed Arctic activities under the Midnight Sun. You’ll enjoy a full day trip aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran to Billefjorden and the incredible glacier front of Nordenskiöldbreen. Scan for polar bears and other arctic wildlife as you soak up the views. Take an educational tour of the town where you will see Adventdalen before visiting the site of the Global Seed Vault. Spend an evening around the fire learning about the ‘King of the Arctic’, the regal polar bear on an evening excursion to the wilderness cabin at Camp Barentz. Perhaps add additional tours such as a walrus boat safari or kayaking in the arctic sea.                  

Day 16  Svalbard      
Enjoy one final morning in this unique part of the world before returning to the airport for your onward flight.