Arctic Explorer: Land of the Polar Bear

Day 2 Oslo

In the company of a knowledgeable local guide we’ll explore Oslo, Norway’s captivating capital. During the city tour you’ll visit architectural gems such as the striking Opera House, where you can walk on the roof for views of the stunning Oslo Fjord, and see the floating ‘She Lies’ sculpture. You’ll also visit the historic Akershus Castle, and wander along the bustling Karl Johans gate that leads to elegant Royal Palace.

We’ll venture to Holmenkollen, housing some of the world’s oldest ski collection and a spectacular viewing platform offering sweeping city vistas. Here, we'll discover Norway's rich skiing heritage and admire artifacts from legendary polar expeditions – including equipment used by Amundsen and Nansen – providing the perfect introduction to our upcoming Arctic journey.

Our tour culminates with a visit to the Fram Museum, where you'll step aboard the wooden ship that carried courageous Norwegian explorers to both North and South Poles. Walking on these historic decks, you'll feel the spirit of polar exploration that has captivated adventurers for generations. We’ll end the day with a dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 3 Oslo to Longyearbyen

Today we’ll travel the pristine Arctic wilderness, flying north to Longyearbyen located on Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard archipelago. During July, you'll experience the extraordinary phenomenon of the midnight sun. The sun never sets during this time and daylight stretches endlessly across the Arctic landscape. We’ll be transferred to our hotel for the night where there is time to enjoy dinner and rest before tomorrow's polar adventure begins.

Day 4 Longyearbyen

After breakfast, we’ll explore Longyearbyen, in the company of our Holiday Director. This unique Arctic settlement tells its compelling story at the excellent Svalbard Museum, where we’ll discover the remarkable culture and history of life at 78 degrees north.

Later we’ll board Expedition Ship, your home for the next seven nights, and prepare for the extraordinary wilderness experiences that lie ahead on your Arctic exploration.

Days 5 - 10 The Svalbard Archipelago

Over the next six-days, our polar expedition will unfold across one of Earth's most pristine and protected wilderness areas. We’ll navigate through ice-laden seas, penetrate deep fjords framed by dramatic mountain scenery, and see massive tidewater glaciers cascading dramatically into the ocean with thunderous roars that echo across the water.

Our flexible itinerary explores Svalbard's spectacular coastline. Our flexible itinerary, where each day is thoughtfully adapted to ice and weather conditions, explores Svalbard’s spectacular coastline. From the ship's deck, you’ll marvel at the constantly evolving seascape of sea ice, fjords leading to thundering glaciers, and sculptural icebergs carved by wind and waves. Wildlife encounters create unforgettable memories – look out for the elusive Arctic fox in its summer coat, hardy Svalbard reindeer grazing on sparse tundra vegetation, various marine mammals, and the region's most sought-after resident, the magnificent polar bear.

Your experienced expedition team strategically positions your ship near towering cliffs where hundreds and thousands of seabirds nest, and along continental edges where nutrient-rich waters attract various whale species. With only 128 passengers aboard, Expedition Ship can access remote locations that larger ships simply cannot reach. This might mean you’ll venture deep into glacier-fed fjords where the silence is broken only by the crack of shifting ice, or cruising the ice edge in sturdy Zodiac boats, bringing you close to seals, walruses and other Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. We aim for two off-ship experiences daily - whether landing ashore to explore historical sites and tundra landscapes or embarking on Zodiac excursions that reveal the Arctic up close. Your onboard expedition team includes enthusiastic specialists in ornithology, marine biology, glaciology, and polar history. These dedicated experts lead every Zodiac adventure and engaging lectures, sharing their extensive knowledge through thoughtfully designed educational programs that deepen your understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary environment.

Day 11 Longyearbyen to UK

After breakfast, your Arctic adventure comes to an end as you disembark your ship. Along with your luggage, you’ll carry treasured memories from one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers and its incredible wildlife. We’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Oslo.