Norway
10 nights 1 Departure Available
View All Dates & BookAn expedition through untamed wilderness to undisturbed wildlife, this is an adventure in the Svalbard Archipelago, where Arctic scenery is the backdrop for sightings of whales, walruses, and polar bears, and a million seabirds’ calls provide the soundtrack
Rising out of the Arctic Ocean where three seas meet, the ice-age Svalbard archipelago has six national parks, 60% of its 62, 000sq.kms pressed beneath glaciers, and no roads. One of the world’s last true wilderness areas, its epic landscapes are home to hardy wildlife but few human inhabitants. See the seas and shores from your cabin window and the open deck, as you sail on the MS Spitsbergen, to stunning fjords, tundra greenery, snow-capped mountains, and gleaming glaciers; and cut through the ice packs for polar bear country, at 80° north. With place names that tell it how it is, the discovery of Svalbard (Cold Coast) is attributed to Dutch navigator, Willem Barentz, his first mooring logged on 21st June 1596, in an area he named Spitsbergen (Pointed Mountains). Steeped in the other-worldly aura of the archipelago, this is a voyage from Longyearbyen to the ice caps of far-flung Nordaustlandet (Northeast Land); revealing historic relics of Svalbard life in abandoned whaling stations and the old town of Ny-Alesund, the launch pad for Amundsen and Nobile’s expedition; and cruising amid the beauty and bird life of Kongsfjorden.
Fly from London to Oslo. Overnight at the 4-star Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
Fly to Longyearbyen, the world’s most northerly passenger airport, and transfer to the 4-star Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen for overnight. Within the Arctic Circle at just 1,300km from the North Pole, and set on the south shore of splendid Isfjorden, it is the largest settlement on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. (B, D)
After breakfast it is time to experience Longyearbyen. The former coal mining settlement is small enough to explore on foot. Stroll down the main street lined with an art gallery, restaurants and shops. You might even see a Svalbard reindeer saunter by. After lunch on the way to MS Spitsbergen, get to experience Spitsbergen with included visits to Camp Barentz, the Svalbard Museum and ‘Gammen’ a traditional round building. Embark on MS Spitsbergen and stary your seven-night cruise. (B, L, D)
Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. The cliffs here are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots and Northern Fulmars along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers reaching into the seat, and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the first female trapper to hunt in Svalbard. (B, L, D)
We head to admire the classic beauty of the snowcapped mountains of Bellsund – a historic area where you can see the evidence of former whaling and mining activity on the shoreline. (B, L, D)
Explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of the breathtaking Northwest Spitsbergen National Park where steep mountains, glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape. We will scout for some of the animals of the Arctic – seals, walruses and reindeer. There is a good chance we may spot polar bears too; we will always be on the lookout for these iconic but elusive predators. We may see whales returning to the region for summer and birdlife such as Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese. (B, L, D)
We will continue exploring the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park today. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as the best landing sites and activities will be decided on the day’s conditions. (B, L, D)
If conditions allow, we will sail north and cross the 80th parallel to explore the ever-changing ice edge. The transition zone between the ice cap and the sea is a magical yet ephemeral place where the waters are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From the ship, there are great opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge on the sparkling ice. The ice edge is not a fixed boundary, and it moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it will be an attempt rather than a certainty. (B, L, D)
Today you will discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distraction as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off WiFi and Bluetooth. One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund, was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see the remnants of the town’s history. You will be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we will seize any opportunity to launch our small expeditions boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers. (B, L, D)
Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, disembark the MS Spitsbergen and you will be transferred to the airport for a flight back to Oslo. Overnight at the 4-star Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.(B)
Return flight to London Heathrow. (B)
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
Excursions are by Zodiac or on foot, sometimes over uneven ground and with some incline, so a reasonable level of mobility is required. There will be a combination of wet and dry landings.
Animal sightings are not guaranteed.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Please note all cabins are double bedded, if a twin bed set up is required it is only possible for QJ Arctic Superior Outside Limited View the second bed would either be a sofa bed or an upper pull down berth.
The primary focus of expedition cruising is contact with your natural surroundings, visiting remote and isolated sites often only accessible by zodiacs. Zodiacs are used on scenic and adventurous excursions among icebergs, surfacing whales and seabirds. These heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and designed for Polar expeditions.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A comfortable 4-star hotel linked to Oslo Airport by a covered walkway. Oslo centre can be reached by Flytoget in 20 minutes from the airport. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 500 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A modern 4-star hotel in Longyearbyen with panoramic views of snowy peaks and glaciers. Restaurant, bar, sauna and WiFi (free). 128 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV
The MS Spitsbergen, part of HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, was built in 2009 rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025; she combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 170 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style – and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t. On every voyage, you’ll be joined by a dedicated Expedition Team — a close-knit group of naturalists,historians, and guides. They lead landings, host science lectures, and share stories that deepen your understanding of the places we explore. From spotting whales to discussing Norwegian friluftsliv, they make each encounter more meaningful. The vessel has 94 cabins with tea/coffee making facilities. The vessel has a gym, a sauna, hot tubs, Explorers lounge & bar, a bistro, an outside observation deck, a covered observation deck, a science centre, and the main restaurant Aune.
CABIN CATEGORIES: Polar Outside J2D double bed cabins with window but limited or no view - 118 sq. ft. on Deck 7, Polar Outside O2D double bed cabins with window – 139 sq. ft. on Deck 4, Arctic Superior QJ double bed cabins with tea/coffee making facilities and window but limited or no view -150 sq. ft. on Deck 6, Polar Outside U2D double bed cabins with tea/coffee making facilities and window – 139 sq. ft. on Deck 6 or 7.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
22 Nov 25, 7 Feb 26
From the maze of myriad inlets forming Bergen’s busy bays, to the top-of-the-world wilds of Nature at the North Cape, this classic Norwegian Hurtigruten cruise visits very varied ports of call as it follows Norway’s spectacular coast in search of the Northern Lights
From £2325 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Jun 26 (10 nights) |
£7695pp | £12990pp | Book Now |
Air travel and taxes, on board gratuities, 3 nights' hotel accommodation, 7-night cruise, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, full board on the cruise, most drinks included, Zodiac excursions and shore landings, on board activities, lectures, workshops and wildlife spotting, port fees, taxes, expert local guides and expedition leader. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.