Spitsbergen and Norway by Sea and Rail

Make your own way to the pier for embarkation in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As the ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.

During your adventure your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of northern Spitsbergen. Northwest Spitsbergen is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe where tiny Arctic poppies and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief summer. As you sail further north, you’ll get as close as possible to the pack ice north of Svalbard – a constantly shifting wilderness of ice and sea which stretches to the North Pole and beyond. Wildlife encounters are possible throughout your expedition, especially as you venture into remote areas. Look out for Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds, and, with luck, the elusive polar bear. Depending on conditions, you may cruise past towering glaciers and drifting icebergs or explore fjords teeming with birdlife. With a fleet of sturdy Zodiacs, you’ll enjoy frequent shore landings to visit historical sites and experience the tundra up close, as well as mini cruises through the stunning glacial landscapes.

Voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!

Your Arctic voyage ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Fly to Oslo to continue your adventure by rail through Norway’s most breathtaking scenery (flight cost not included). Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your hotel in the city centre by train or airport coach (payable locally). Check in for a two-night stay at your chosen hotel on a breakfast basis.

Enjoy a day in Oslo – you’ll be spoilt for choice with a huge array of museums, galleries, shops and restaurants to visit. Must see places include Vigeland Park – home of many sculptures, the Resistance Museum and the Akershus Fortress dating from World War II. An Oslo Card is available to buy and offers unlimited free travel on all kinds of public transport (boats, buses, trams and trains) and free admission to most museums and sights.

After breakfast make your way to the train station (payable locally) for the journey to Myrdal (included). Enjoy the wonderful rail journey through some spectacular scenery ‘Over the Roof of Norway’ to the mountain station of Myrdal. Change to the Flamsbana Corkscrew Railway one of the world’s steepest railways, which spirals it way down to Flam along an incredible route past cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. The total journey time is approximately 6 hours. Stay in Flam for two nights.

Situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, Flam is surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys. Explore this beautiful area by bike, kayak or hiking. There are several activities which can be pre-booked.

Return on the Flamsbana railway to Myrdal (included), change trains and continue to Bergen (included). The journey time approximately 4 hours. On arrival in Bergen please make your way to your chosen hotel (payable locally) where you spend two nights on a breakfast basis.

Spend the day discovering the delights of Bergen. With its vibrant mix of chic cafes, the atmospheric Hanseatic quarter Bryggen and some excellent musuems and galleries, Bergen is best explored on foot. Stroll around the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, take in the colourful and quirky Hansa warehouses that line the harbourside, explore the old fortress at Bergenhus and stop off at the Fish Market to enjoy its delicacies. End the day at one of the many eateries, from fish restaurants to coffee bars.

Depending on your flight departure, you may have time to explore more of Bergen before making your way back to the airport by the Flybus service or light railway (payable locally) to catch your flight.