HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
Honningsvåg, Norway's northernmost town, and one of the
smallest, with its population of 2,000 jammed into a mere one square
kilometer
- Explore
North Cape, or Nordkapp, often referred to as the 'end of the world'.
- Visit
Storstappen Island, a valuable nature reserve supporting colonies of
some 140 great cormorants, 100 European shags, 20,000 black-legged
kittiwakes, 5,000 razorbills and 100,000 puffins
- Get
the opportunity to Kayak on several water bodies along the way
- Get
a chance to see abundant birdlife nesting and sheltering in the cliffs,
rocky outcrops and grassy areas of the island of Storstappen
- Get
a VIP Helicopter ride to the North Cape
- Explore
the fishing villages of Mageroy Island
- Visit
Bjornoya (Bear Island), which is halfway between Europe's North Cape
and the Svalbard Archipelago
- Explore
Svalbard for five days visiting Tundra landscapes, watching polar
bears, visiting historic remains, enjoying Zodiac cruises and more
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
Day
0: Tromso, Norway
Tromsø
is the largest city in northern Norway and the ninth most populous
municipality in the country. It surprises visitors with its
sophisticated art scene, its contrasting modern and historical
architecture, international cuisine, multicultural events, and
festivals throughout the year.
Situated
200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is within the
land of the midnight sun during summer months and the elusive northern
lights in winter. However, thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf
Stream, the sea doesn't freeze here in winter, and there is no
permafrost in the vicinity. Tromsø is noticeably milder than
other towns at the same latitudes in other parts of the world.
Tromsø
is also 'The City of Explorers' and has seen a number of expeditions
set off from its shores to the probe the polar realm. Both Roald
Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen frequently recruited men in the city.
Nowadays home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø
continues a tradition of being one of the key centers in explorations
of the Arctic.
Day
1: Storstappen Island, Norway
Honningsvåg
is Norway's northernmost town, and one of the smallest, with its
population of 2,000 jammed into a mere one square kilometer. Devoid of
permafrost, this subarctic region displays scores of colorful mountain
landscapes carpeted during the summer in a lush tapestry of grasses and
mountain wildflowers. In this truly unique environment, many private
village gardens grow trees, despite the shortness of the Arctic summer.
Honningsvåg is also the gateway to the northernmost point of
continental Europe, the North Cape, or Nordkapp, often referred to as
the 'end of the world.'
Storstappen
Island, rising from the sea to a height of 928' (283 m), is a valuable
nature reserve supporting colonies of some 140 great cormorants, 100
European shags, 20,000 black-legged kittiwakes, 5,000 razorbills and an
impressive 100,000 puffins. To be here is a truly awe-inspiring sensory
experience, viewing thousands of birds flying to and fro overhead at
the same time, creating an almost deafening cacophony of sound with
their cries and wingbeats.
Seabourn
Expeditions: Seabird Paradise by Kayak - Starting at $199
Join
the Expedition Kayak Team for a scenic paddle around Storstappen
Island. This is a unique tour that provides the chance to see abundant
birdlife nesting and sheltering in the cliffs, rocky outcrops and
grassy areas of the island of Storstappen. Seabirds might be resting on
the water around the kayaks, paddling past them is a magical experience.
Please
note: (Dis)embarking the kayaks may take place from the ship, a Zodiac,
or other suitable location depending upon operational requirements. A
Zodiac follows the kayaks to lend assistance as required. This tour
operates weather permitting although rain does not deter us. As
temperatures and weather conditions can vary, please dress in layers. A
waterproof outer layer is provided in the form of a dry suit. Pogie
gloves are provided, along with booties and dry bags for your cameras
and extra gear. Bring a hat or beanie, camera and binoculars and wear
sunglasses and sunscreen. Please remove all rings, watches, bracelets
and earrings. No prior kayaking experience is required. A briefing and
instructions on how to paddle are given before your tour departs. All
kayaks are doubles. Maximum weight per kayak (2 persons) is 617lbs or
280kg. Minimum height for participants is 150 cm (5 ft). Guests under
18 must be accompanied by an adult. Your kayak tour will be
approximately 1.5 hours in duration, depending on the operational
requirements. The entire experience from start to finish will be about
2 – 2.5 hours.
Hornvika,
Norway
Until
the middle of the 20th century, the only way to reach the North Cape
was to arrive by sea. The tall plateau looming over the Arctic Ocean is
scalloped on the east side by a sheltered cove called the Hornvika. To
reach it, you will board a stable, rigid inflatable watercraft at the
fishing village of Skarsvåg. On the way to the Hornvika, your
boat will pass the free-standing rock feature called the Horn (Hornet
in Norwegian), a place sacred to the Sami people, who sacrificed
offerings there for good fortune. From the cove, a stairway and trail
leads up just over a thousand steps to the plateau 307 meters (over a
thousand feet) above and thus to the North Cape Monument. Once there
enjoy the views and the informational visitors center. And relax,
you'll go back to your ship overland by road! Others can sail to
Skarsvåg and drive to the Cape.
Skarsvag,
Norway
The
tall plateau looming over the Arctic Ocean is scalloped on the east
side by a sheltered cove called the Hornvika. To reach it, you will
board a stable, rigid inflatable watercraft at Norway's northernmost
fishing village of Skarsvåg. On the way to the Hornvika, your
boat will pass the free-standing rock feature called the Horn (Hornet
in Norwegian), a place sacred to the Sami people, who sacrificed
offerings there for good fortune. From the cove, a stairway and trail
leads up just over a thousand steps to the plateau 307 meters (over a
thousand feet) above and thus to the North Cape Monument. Once there
enjoy the views and the informational visitors center. And relax,
you'll go back to your ship overland by road! Others can drive to the
Cape from Skarsvåg.
VIP
Helicopter to the North Cape - Starting at $1339
Join
us on this unforgettable VIP helicopter flight where you will see where
the Atlantic meets the Arctic Ocean. You will land at the North Cape
and have time to explore the North Cape Hall on your own.
The
North Cape lies within the Arctic Circle at the tip of stunning Mageroy
Island and is considered the northernmost point of Europe. The island's
name comes from the Sami word makkaravjo, meaning "steep, barren
coast." You will see why as you soar above the 1000-foot-high North
Cape Plateau with its famous globe monument that faces out to the sea.
Flying above the island, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the rugged
headlands where more than 200 species of flora grow, colorful fishing
villages, bird rookeries, and the main city of Honningsvag.
Upon
arrival at the North Cape Hall you will be greeted with a glass of
champagne & caviar, before you have free time to explore on
your own.
The
North Cape Hall has shopping facilities, post office and a chapel, a
bar, restaurants and a cinema with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will
be an audio-visual presentation of Magerøya and the North
Cape, showing the magnitude of the area's breathtaking scenery during
the four seasons. Adjacent to the cinema is a Hall of Fame with models
of important events that have taken place at the North Cape Plateau,
and Cave of Lights with a terrace offering a view of the ocean further
north. There will be ample time for photo opportunities, shopping, or
simply finding the perfect overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Please note: Flight
time is approximately 35 minutes. This flight is not recommended for
guests with vertigo or motion sickness. Participants must be at least 6
years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to
flight weight restrictions, guests must register their body weight
beforehand and participants cannot weigh more than 260 pounds.
Operation of this tour is subject to favorable weather conditions and
visibility of sights may be affected in adverse weather conditions.
North
Cape Flight-Seeing by Helicopter - Starting at $509
Explore
the North Cape and its surroundings on this exhilarating helicopter
flight.
Take
in the spectacular views of the ocean, the cliff coast and landmarks
from above. You will circle the historic plateau, the famous globe and
have a spectacular bird's-eye view of Honningsvag. Fly over
Knivskjelodden, the northernmost point in Europe, as well as the
beautiful Tunes. See the famous Gjesaerstappane, a natural pearl in the
middle of the ocean, rich with bird life.
Please note: Flight
time is approximately 20 minutes. This excursion is not recommended for
guests with vertigo or motion sickness. Participants must be at least 6
years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to
flight weight restrictions, guests must register their body weight
beforehand and participants cannot weigh more than 260 pounds.
Operation of this tour is subject to favorable weather conditions and
visibility of sights may be affected in adverse weather conditions.
There will be no landing made at the North Cape.
Fishing
Villages of Mageroy Island - Starting at $249
Mageroy
Island begs to be explored with its quaint fishing villages and picture
perfect surroundings.
Your
adventure begins as you drive through the little town of Skarsvag,
passing through majestic scenery on your way to the fishing village of
Kamoyvær. Situated at the head of a narrow fjord, this town
offers splendid views. On arrival, proceed to the East of the Sun
Gallery. Welcomed by well-known artist Eva Schmutterer, she will
introduce you to her handicrafts and pictures, as well as explain her
artistic and creative methods in producing her items.
Continue
on to Honningsvag, the capital of Mageroy, and visit the quaint
& idyllic village of Sarnes. Here you will be introduced to the
King Crab which roam the waters in this fantastic arctic landscape. The
King Crab can measure up to 2 meters between its claws, and weigh as
much as 10 kilos. After a short presentation and a chance to handle
this 'monster,' your host welcomes you into a lavvo to enjoy this
delicacy the Norwegian way. Served with bread, lemon and mayonnaise,
savor the white meat of the legs and claws which are particularly juicy
and known for their naturally sweet taste.
Returning
to Skarsvag, your final stop will take you to the North Cape Christmas
House. Inside this tiny but inviting cottage, you will find a selection
of knitwear, textiles, wooden dolls and ceramics. Celebrate Christmas
during your visit and admire the cottage's splendid decorations.
Please
note: It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear
comfortable walking shoes. Comfort stop available at Gallery, Sarnes
& Christmas House.It is recommended that guests dress in
layered clothing and wear comfortable walking shoes. Comfort stop
available at Gallery, Sarnes & Christmas House.
A
Panoramic Journey to the North Cape: Included Experience
Take
in magnificent vistas along Europe's far northern shores and enjoy an
independent visit at the splendid North Cape.
Enjoy
a scenic drive to one of Europe's most stunning natural sights. Located
on the reaches of Mageroya Island where the Norwegian and Barents Seas
meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise more than 1,000 feet from the sea
waters and are topped by a large, flat plateau.
Upon
arrival at the North Cape Hall, you will have time to take in its
spectacular vista of barren tundra. The North Cape Hall has shopping
facilities, post office and a chapel, a bar, restaurants and a cinema
with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will be an audio-visual
presentation of Mageroya and the North Cape, showing the magnitude of
the areas breathtaking scenery during the four seasons. Adjacent to the
cinema is a Hall of Fame with models of important events that have
taken place at the North Cape Plateau, and Cave of Lights with a
terrace offering a view of the ocean further north. There will be ample
time for photo opportunities, shopping, or simply finding the perfect
overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Please
note: It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear
flat, comfortable walking shoes. Walking at North Cape Hall is optional
and involves uneven terrain to some of the sites. Comfort stop
available at North Cape Hall.
Seabourn
Expeditions: Exploring Skarsvag by Kayak - Starting at $199
Join
the Expedition Kayak Team for a scenic paddle north of the Arctic
Circle, along the waterways in the vicinity of Skarsvag, the world's
northernmost fishing village. Skarsvag is located in the Nordkapp
Municipality and is part of Troms og Finnmark county. You will explore
the coastline of the island of Magerøya whilst enjoying the
scenery and looking for birds.
Please note: (Dis)embarking
the kayaks may take place from the ship, a Zodiac, or other suitable
location depending upon operational requirements. A Zodiac follows the
kayaks to lend assistance as required. This tour operates weather
permitting although rain does not deter us. As temperatures and weather
conditions can vary, please dress in layers. A waterproof outer layer
is provided in the form of a dry suit. Pogie gloves are provided, along
with booties and dry bags for your cameras and extra gear. Bring a hat
or beanie, camera and binoculars and wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
Please remove all rings, watches, bracelets and earrings. No prior
kayaking experience is required. A briefing and instructions on how to
paddle are given before your tour departs. All kayaks are doubles.
Maximum weight per kayak (2 persons) is 617lbs or 280kg. Minimum height
for participants is 150 cm (5 ft). Guests under 18 must be accompanied
by an adult. Your kayak tour will be approximately 1.5 hours in
duration, depending on the operational requirements. The entire
experience from start to finish will be about 2 – 2.5 hours.
Seabourn
Expeditions: Diving Northern Norway by Submersible - Starting at $499
King
crabs and kelp are some of the wonders of the arctic seabed at the
northern end of Norway. What cold water currents bring, and display, is
for you to find out as you explore this underwater world. Take the time
to appreciate that whatever you might encounter knowing that you are in
a place on earth where very few people have ever been.
Please note: Submersibles
are sensitive to bad weather, and dives can be cancelled at a moment's
notice. You will need to be able to negotiate several steps on a
vertical ladder to enter and exit the sub. An accurate weight of each
participant including the gear (cameras etc.) being brought into the
sub is required for the pilot to calculate safe diving parameters.
Minimum age is 8. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an
adult. Your Sub dive will be approximately 45 minutes in duration. The
entire experience from start to finish will be about 90 min.
Scenic
Cruising North Cape
The
looming cliffs of Norway's North Cape rise directly from the sea 1007
ft/307m to a plateau as flat as a table. This impressive headland has
been selected to represent the northernmost point of Europe, even
though it is technically located on an island, Magerøya,
connected to the mainland by a bridge. At 71° 10' 20”
N latitude, it is just 1,306 mi/2012 km from the North Pole. At this
point, the Norwegian Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets
the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. Further north, the
mountainous archipelagoes of Franz Josef Land and Svalbard are the last
lands before the Polar Ice Pack. The Midnight Sun does not dip below
the horizon here at any time between May 14 and July 31 each year.
Sheer and formidable, the North Cape pays its role to the hilt,
emphatically declaring itself the end of Europe's landmass.
Day
2: At Sea
Day
3: Sorhamna, Bear Island, Norway
Despite
its name, polar bears are rare on Bear Island, although a few do arrive
in winter with the pack ice from the north. It more closely fits the
name Willem Barents gave it in 1596: Bird Island. The southern coast is
high and faced with sheer sea cliffs, attracting huge colonies of
kittiwakes, guillemots, fulmars, auks and other breeding seabirds.
Sørhamna is a cove on the coast offering us a place to
witness the bounty of birdlife that enlivens a Barents Sea summer. (See
also Herwighamna).
Herwighamna,
Bear Island, Norway
Isolated
in the Barents Sea about halfway between Spitsbergen and the North
Cape, little Bear Island is the southernmost island of the Svalbard
Archipelago. It has seen various occupations over the years, for coal
mining, fishing and whaling, but no endeavor lasted long, and the only
inhabitants now are technicians manning the meteorological station at
Herwighamna. They offer a few services, such as mailing postcards home
with a whimsical postmark, or an unofficial souvenir stamp for your
passport, but otherwise, having got there is pretty much the only point
of being there. They do apparently appreciate occasional visitors.
Day
4: Svalbard Experience
The
islands of Svalbard rise dramatically from the Arctic Ocean halfway
between Norway's North Cape and the North Pole. They give eloquent
evidence of Nature's slow but ceaseless industry, scored and corrugated
by glaciers that still cover 60 percent of their mass. Stony, sentinel
peaks soar above deeply carved fjords and sparkling bays. In summer,
the sparse tundra vegetation erupts under the endless encouragement of
the Midnight Sun. Migratory birds in their millions arrive from more
southerly realms, to nest and breed and nurture their young on steep,
striated cliffs, shingle beaches and tundra meadows.
Elaborately-antlered reindeer graze the slopes. Arctic foxes and
predatory gulls haunt the nursery edges, alert for opportunity. Seals
and walruses haul out to join the breeding season, and patient polar
bears patrol the rocky shorelines and floating ice, while whales roll
and breach offshore, feeding on the sea's summer abundance.
Here and there, bleached testaments to past human endeavors endure:
whalebones and weathered trypots from medieval whaling stations; the
wind-sanded timbers of an expedition's launching site; a hut where
someone whiled away a long-ago, dark winter. Riding in Zodiacs and
paddling kayaks, observing from the decks and trekking on the islands
themselves, we will experience and explore this isolated, unspoiled and
breathtakingly beautiful place, as it revels in the endless days of its
short, exuberant summer.
Days
5-9: Svalbard Experience
Seabourn
Expeditions: The SBN Svalbard Kayak Experience - Starting at $199
Join
your Kayak Team to paddle in the high Arctic along the shores of any of
our expedition stops around the Svalbard archipelago. Depending on
where we go you can anticipate huge open vistas, big terrain, glaciers,
variety of wildlife and overall impressive arctic scenery. You will
explore the rugged topography and coastline of this spectacular
& magical area from a unique water level perspective. A short
transfer by zodiac from the ship to a suitable embarkation point may be
required. A safety zodiac will follow the kayaks at all times to lend
assistance, and to allow the group to be picked up at a different
location than the starting point.
Day
10: Svalbard Experience
Svalbard
is a remote, vast and wild place, largely untouched by the human
presence. In visiting this destination, our plans and itinerary are not
set, as we allow the weather, conditions and wildlife to dictate each
day. Should a polar bear appear on the horizon we might stop the ship
or the Zodiacs in order to get a better look at it. Should ice choke
the waters in front of us, we might slow down and explore the edge of
this ice while admiring its colors and forms while searching for
wildlife, or else turn and choose another destination. Should storms
lash against the site we want to visit, we may opt to find a more
protected bay and explore a different spot. Whatever we do Svalbard
holds many beauties and mysteries and exciting discoveries are always
available for those whose eyes and hearts are open.
Some
of the highlights in visiting Svalbard include:
Tundra landscapes
– Hike across stark, seemingly barren landscapes with
Expedition Staff who will show you the delightful small plants and
flowers that thrive in this hostile environment. Admire rock formations
and landscapes created by frost and water over time. There is always a
chance to encounter arctic foxes, reindeer and interesting bird species
while exploring out on the tundra.
Polar bears
– This iconic species, the King of the Arctic, is a magical
creature to encounter. Whether seen as a tiny white speck in the
distance, or ambling slowly along a shoreline, a glimpse of this
special species is always awe-inspiring. We will never pursue polar
bears or allow our encounters to have any adverse impacts on them, so
we manage our activities carefully. Always on shore our walks are
carefully monitored by our Bear Guards who work to maintain the safety
of both visitors as well as the bears.
Historic remains
– Although the history of human endeavors in Svalbard is
minimal, some historic huts and remains from whaling eras linger on
shore to remind us of the hardy souls who ventures before us into this
hostile land and scraped a living from the resources they found here.
Trappers huts stand as lonely sentinels in this vast landscape and
provide visitors with the opportunity to contemplate a life of hardship
and beautiful isolation for those who inhabited them in the past.
Zodiac cruises
– To admire icebergs and glacier fronts a Zodiac cruise often
provides the best vantage. The blue color of the ice is mesmerizing and
the shapes the ice forms is captivating. While in the Zodiacs there is
always the chance to encounter fascinating marine life such as beluga
whales, humpback whales or elusive seals and walrus.
Optional
Expeditions will take place where possible. Join your Kayak Team to
paddle in the high Arctic along the shores of any of our expedition
stops around the Svalbard archipelago. Depending on where we go you can
anticipate huge open vistas, big terrain, glaciers, variety of wildlife
and overall impressive arctic scenery. You will explore the rugged
topography and coastline of this spectacular & magical area
from a unique water level perspective.
Seabourn
Expeditions: The SBN Svalbard Kayak Experience - Starting at $199
Day
11: Longyearbyen, Norway
Longyearbyen,
the seat of the Governor of Svalbard, is located in a narrow valley
along the shores of Adventfjorden a small tributary of Isfjord, the
largest fjord system in Svalbard. It extends 100 kilometers (60 miles)
into the island of Spitsbergen. Nine large tidewater glaciers, with a
combined ice-front of 21 kilometers (13 miles), as well as dozens
hanging glaciers drain into the fjord.
The
town's 2,100 inhabitants exist in one of the most northern settlements
on Earth, making their living by a combination of coal mining,
education and tourism. Because of the town's extreme isolation,
proximity to wildlife, and Svalbard's pristine environment, unique laws
exist that are found in few other places. All individuals venturing
outside of town are required to carry a rifle for protection against
polar bears, possessing a cat is illegal, no one is allowed to be
buried here and how much alcohol can be purchased each month is
restricted.
Longyearbyen
was named after the American industrialist John Longyear whose Arctic
Coal Company began mining here in 1906.
Longyearbyen
Sightseeing & Museum with Airport Transfer: Included Experience
Enjoy
this sightseeing drive around Longyearbyen, with a stop at the Svalbard
Museum.
The
Svalbard Museum offers a modern exhibition of a journey through the
history of Svalbard. It shares broad and comprehensive knowledge about
the natural environment and history in Svalbard; as well as an
understanding of the relationship between nature, culture, landscape,
and technology in the Arctic. Life in Svalbard is depicted in a
traditional form with models, reconstructed environments and authentic
artifacts.
In
the town center, enjoy some free time on your own to browse the local
shops with the essentials needed to live in the Arctic, stop by a local
cafe or join your guide for a historical walk.
On
your way to the airport, stop at the Global Seed Vault, one of the most
unique places on Svalbard. Carved deep into the permafrost, the Seed
Vault preserves an incredible array of the world's species of plants.
Your guide will share some insight about the Global Seed Vault and
Svalbard's important place in the world of science and conservation.
Please note: It is
recommended to dress in layered clothing and wear comfortable walking
shoes. Outdoor shoes or hiking boots are not permitted to be worn in
the museum, so bring indoor shoes or you will need to visit the
location in your socks. Comfort stop available at the museum.
Approximately one hour of free time. It is not permitted to enter the
Global Seed Vault.
Days
11-12: Oslo, Norway
Beautiful
Oslo was named as 'Europe's Green Capital.' As Norway's largest city,
it is a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class architecture,
museums, restaurants and shopping. Oslo buzzes with energy, from its
new neighborhoods to its cutting-edge food, fashion, art scene and
famous museums. The Oslo Opera House is a magnificent architectural
wonder, resembling a massive iceberg, while Frognerparken showcases the
work of Norway's best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, in an open-air
setting. The Astrup Fearnley Modern Art Museum is an exemplar of Oslo's
modern metropolitan atmosphere. Yet the city maintains a refreshing
closeness to nature that few other capital cities can match.
Founded
in 1049 by King Harold Sigurdsson, Olso celebrates its long-standing
traditional Norse heritage. Those with an interest in its history may
discover the sprawling castle-fortress of Akershus Slott, strategically
built along the shores of the fjord in 1299 by King Håkon V,
or explore Vikingskipshuset with its preserved Viking long-ships dating
from the year 1100.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Please Call Us to find out what is included in the fare
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Seabird Paradise by Kayak - Starting at $199
- VIP Helicopter to the North Cape - Starting at $1339
- North Cape Flight-Seeing by Helicopter - Starting at $509
- Fishing Villages of Mageroy Island - Starting at $249
- Exploring Skarsvag by Kayak - Starting at $199
- Diving Northern Norway by Submersible - Starting at $499
- The SBN Svalbard Kayak Experience - Starting at $199
- A Panoramic Journey to the North Cape: Free
- Longyearbyen Sightseeing & Museum with Airport Transfer: Free