On this National Geographic Norway Fjords and Arctic Svalbard expedition, follow Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the charming town of Bergen, past the North Cape to the ice and wildness of the Svalbard archipelago, for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Explore Tromso and Bear Island on the way to Svalbard in the high arctic, where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores.

DAY 1: Oslo, Norway

Arrive in Oslo, the capital city where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the presence of the King of Norway. Our introduction to Oslo begins with a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures–hundreds of life-size human figures set in rolling parklands. Next we visit the Polar Ship Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is free to try one of the harbour restaurants or turn in early.

DAY 2: Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark

Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark our ship and set out to discover the High Arctic of Svalbard. (B,L,D)

DAY 3-7: Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun never sets. In true expedition style,  let nature dictate our day-to-day movements here and this, by the way, is one of the great attractions of this expedition.. With our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe deep into the ice where polar bears hunt. Join our spotters on the Bridge, scanning the ice and islands for huge walrus, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, some of the largest whales on Earth — and polar bears. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: Bear Island

Zodiac around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: Tromso

Tromso is known as the “gateway to the Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes snow and icebergs. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: Tysfjorden

There’s no denying that the Norwegian fjords are beautiful, and today we explore places along the Norwegian coastline that raise the standard of landscape-pulchritude to new heights. Our nimble ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of vertical walls surround us and only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Zodiac and kayak along steep-walled fjords, and find inspiration in the birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. The u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, we view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, we go ashore on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 12-13: Exploring the Fjords of Norway

The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain will discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. Over the years, we’ve discovered a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on our voyage. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: Smola

After over 30 years of exploring this extraordinary coastline, we still find new and exciting places to explore. Visit the scenic little island of Smola, where we have been specially invited by the locals to make a rare ship call. (B,L,D)

DAY 15: Nordfjord

Today we enter lovely Nordfjord. We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we are transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (more strenuous hikes are also an option). And, we walk to a tongue of the large Briksdal Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: Bergen/Home

Disembark our ship in Bergen, set on a lovely fjord, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights. (B)

Pricing from $19,910 per person twin share