Across the Arctic Circle: Scotland to Svalbard - 15 Days - $5,101
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 2 days in the Scottish isles, 7 days in Norway & 3 days in Svalbard
- Only one spring departure per season
- Set sail from Edinburgh, Scotland and finish in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- We like this 134-guest ship for its spaciousness and top-notch staff
- Complimentary parka jacket & rubber boot loan
Start from Edinburgh and end at Longyearbyen
Landmarks potentially visited on Across the Arctic Circle: Scotland to Svalbard
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh/Kirkwall
The ship departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kirkwall/Orkney
Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island. Explore the Standing Stones of Sternness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Shetland Islands
Continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Opt to visit Jarlshof or join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffins and seabird photography at Sumbrugh Head (weather dependent). Enjoy additional time to explore Lerwick.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Ålesund
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Åndalsnes
A full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in "The Alp town by the fjord".
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Trondheim
Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Torghatten/Vega
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. 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, go on a guided nature hike, and appreciate the slow pace of life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Svartisen/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac for a day trip of the area. Start by visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands before visiting Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant.
After, stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11: At Sea/Bjørnøya
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12: Hornsund
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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13: Svalbard
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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14: Svalbard/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15: Longyearbyen
Disembark the ship in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.
About The Ship
Sea kayaking in Svalbard waters
Walruses on the Svalbard coast
- A 3-4* expedition vessel for 134 guests
- 360 degree Observation Deck
- 1B ice class rating
- Optional kayaking available
- Sauna and large heated mudroom
- Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
Some ships just feel solid and capable and this definitely is one of them. I particularly love the atmosphere onboard that can only be created by a team that know each other so well.
Ben Rowley Arctic Consultant
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 1.6 times the cost of a single berth. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Child Policy: Children aged 10 years old or over can join this voyage.
Includes
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Arrival transfer to ship
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
Excludes
- Flights to & from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional services before & after your voyage
- Transfers not specific to the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Optional adventure activities
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc.
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
