15-day Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Discovery – Bergen to Longyearbyen
Expedition ship: G Expedition
15% savings. Fares from $8,075*
Departure May 31, 2017
*Based on cat 3 double cabin. Availability subject to change.
Limited quads and triples also available from $4,675
Set sail from Bergen – the gateway to Norway’s fjords – to the remote shores of Svalbard on this dazzling 15-day odyssey along the fjord coastline of Norway. Explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit subarctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, walk through history at UNESCO-protected historical sites, and much more. Don’t merely pine for the fjords; find them.
Itinerary
Day 1Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, in Norway’s fjordland. Embark in the afternoon to begin your adventure. We recommend arriving to Bergen early to explore on your own. Landing in Oslo? Travel to Bergen the scenic way by combining this itinerary with the 3-day “Oslo to Bergen Add-on”.
There will be a welcome desk set up to greet passengers on arrival day between 09:00 and 12:00 at the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret. We can assist with baggage drop-off and provide information on what to do in Bergen for the morning.
Combine this adventure with the “Oslo to Bergen Add-on” to help you get from Oslo to Bergen. This 3-day trip includes one night in each city, with a train ride from Oslo to Bergen along the famous Bergensbanen railway. This itinerary gives you free time to explore both cities, with the addition of a half-day tour of Bergen guided by a G Adventures Representative. Airport arrival transfer and ship embarkation transfer is included. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book this add-on.
Oslo to Bergen Add-on
Oslo – Bergen
Combine this adventure with the 3-day “Oslo to Bergen Add-on” to help you get from Oslo to Bergen the scenic way. You’ll have time to explore Oslo before beginning your journey to Bergen along the Bergensbanen railway – considered to be one of Europe’s most picturesque train journeys. Sit back and marvel at the incredible terrain, passing rolling mountains and rivers. Spend time in Bergen getting to know the city, then enjoy a half-day city tour with a G Adventures Representative the next morning, before transferring to the G Expedition ship in the evening. Arrival transfer is included. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book this add-on.
Day 2Bergen/Flåm
Hop on the Flåm Railway, travelling through valleys and mountain passes to reach the scenic fjord of the Flåm district.
Flåmsbana Railway
Flåm1h
The Flåm Line is a 20km (12.4 mi) route between Myrdal and Flåm. The line is used most often as a tourist train as it passes through gorgeous landscapes. It also boasts an incredibly steep gradient, with an elevation different of 863m (2,831 ft).
Day 3Flåm/Olden
Cruise into the Olden Fjord before a short bus ride to the Birksdal area. Enjoy a moderate walk to the glacier, or, for an easier option, take a trolley ride with a shorter walk to make it to the glacier lake.
Glacier Walk
Nordfjord
Stretch out your legs on a walk from the Birksdal area to a nearby glacier. For the first 20-30 mins of this walk (moderate to strenuous), the grade is slightly uphill but the footing is easy. If you’d rather not make the trek, hop on the trolley to take you most of the way. As you approach, you’ll need to walk the last quarter mile to reach the glacier lake. The views are worth the effort!
Day 4Olden/Geiranger
Sail deep into one of Norway’s most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Geirangerfjord Visit
Geirangerfjorden
The fjord is one of Norway’s most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is 15 km (9.3 mi) long, surrounded by spectacular mountains, lush green trees, waterfalls, and several farms. Have a camera ready for some spectacular photo opportunities.
Day 5Trondheim
Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking to the Sverresborg Folk Museum or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Opt to explore the area on your own, perhaps visiting Munkholmen.
Trondheim Visit
Trondheim
Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.
Day 6Torghatten/Svartisen
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. The captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac landing options. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway’s mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages and appreciate the slow pace of life.
The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.
Zodiac Excursion
Torghatten
Enjoy a zodiac excursion to Torghatten and the Treana archipelago. The Captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine the 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. Expedition leaders will provide information on the local areas, and the ships photography experts will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.
Vega Island Visit
Vega
Vega is a small island in Norway’s Nordland, filled with tiny, picturesque fishing villages. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site with a history of eider down harvesting.
Day 7Svartisen/Sanna/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, Sanna and Vikingen, for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
Svartisen Land Excursion
Svartisen
Visit Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at 20 meters above sea level (in 2007). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.
Vikingen Visit
Vikingen Island
Visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Article Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.
Sanna Island Visit
Sanna
Explore Sanna, with walking opportunities for the energetic. Opt for a bit of a hill climb over easy terrain looking for views of white-tailed sea eagles or a more gentle walk through lowland meadow wildflowers to a cave lookout. The island has an abandoned fishing village which is now used mostly as summer homes.
Day 8Lofoten
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac to the village of Å. Visit Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway’s most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.
Å Village Visit
Lofoten
Enjoy a coach tour across the Lofoten Islands visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum (Stockfish Museum) and Svolvær. Stop for photos and other visits along the way including the Viking Museum at Bøstad.
Day 9Lofoten
Continue exploring the beautiful Lofoten Islands, spending time on Andenes Island, a spectacular location for spotting marine wildlife.
Day 10Lofoten/Tromsø
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Learn about past Arctic expeditions and opt for some hiking or to explore the city on your own.
Tromsø Guided Tour
Tromsø
Spend the day exploring Norway’s largest northern city. Choose between hiking on the mountain top overlooking Tromsø, or wandering the city’s streets before taking a cable car to the mountain top. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional open faced sandwiches while gazing over the city. Everyone will have a chance to visit some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums and (weather permitting) enjoy a stunning view from a cable car.
Day 11Tromsø/Hornsund
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher’s paradise featuring spectacular views.
Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac – the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.
Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.
Day 12Hornsund
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.
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.
Hornsund Shore Walks and Zodiac Adventures
Hornsund
Explore the natural beauty of Hornsund and take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities. The Expedition team will select the best areas to explore by Zodiac depending on weather conditions.
Day 13Hornsund/Bellsund
Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.
Day 14Bellsund/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Day 15Longyearbyen
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.
We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
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