Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords & Arctic Svalbard

Itinerary

Day 1: USA/Bergen, Norway

Fly overnight from Newark to Bergen, Norway (via Copenhagen) aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Day 2: Bergen, Norway/Embark Ship

Arrive this morning in Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands, and embark National Geographic Endeavour. Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Once an important Hanseatic town, its maritime history is still evident at the exceptional Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, there is a guided walk of Bryggen before embarking the ship.

Day 3: Nordfjord

Today, enter lovely Nordfjord, included on the itinerary since it is less touristed. Spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where you are transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (more strenuous hikes are also an option). And, walk to a tongue of the large Jostedals Glacier. This afternoon, be on deck as the ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks.

Days 4-5: Exploring the Fjords of Norway

The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain will discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with the naturalist staff. You can discover a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on the voyage.

Day 6: Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, go ashore on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy, and stop at two unusual cod museums. Be on deck to cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls.

Day 7: Tysfjorden

Today you enter Tysfjorden, a long fjord indenting the mainland of Norway so deeply it stretches inland almost to Sweden. This is an area devoid of roads where a few small villages cling along the shore. Explore splendid Hellemobotn by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. The Tysfjord area has numerous side channels, which you can explore later.

Day 8: Tromso

Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe. And visit the Polar Museum, with excellent exhibits on arctic nature and environment.

Day 9: Finnmark

Your last day in coastal Norway is spent at the extreme northeastern tip of Finland in the county of Finnmark. Finnmark is also part of the Lapland region, which spans four counties. Most of the coastal area is above the treeline, creating the opportunity for amazing hikes of different lengths and difficulties along with the chance to photograph majestic vistas of rolling inland tundra.

Day 10: Bear Island

Zodiac cruises take you around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise.

Days 11-14: Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. The focus during your days here is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring you up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs.

Day 15: Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo

Disembark the ship in Longyearbyen and explore the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then proceed to the airport for a charter flight to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Airport Hotel for overnight.

Day 16: Oslo/Home

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight to Newark aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines, or on to other adventures.

Trip Details

Ship	National Geographic Endeavour
Highlights	Kayaking through Norway's famous fjords, polar bears, birdwatching, hiking along massive glaciers, Lofoten Islands
Trip Notes	Reverse Itinerary: 7/16/2008 (Longyearbyen to Bergen)Travel with National Geographic Photographers: Michael Melford (May 23) & Jim Richardson (Jul 16)The photo team can enhance everyone's voyage with useful tips for improving your travel and wildlife images, strategies for being in the right place at the right time, and time-saving hints for editing and storing digital images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field. About Michael MelfordNational Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler Magazine, including 8 covers. He has been on assignment the past five years celebrating the marvels of our National Parks and working to preserve their beauty.About Jim RichardsonJim is proud of his Celtic roots. A veteran of more than 40 articles for National Geographic and Traveler, Jim spent two years photographing the Celtic realm for the March 2006 National Geographic article "Celt Appeal." His photography has been featured on CBS News Sunday Morning and ABC Nightline. Included: Charter flight Longyearbyen/Oslo; ship and hotel accommodations; all meals on National Geographic Endeavour.Not Included:Airfare from Newark/Bergen, return from Oslo/Newark, meals in Oslo, items of a personal nature, gratuities to ship's crew are left to the discretion of the passenger; fuel surcharge ($10 per person per night).
Payment Policy	The deposit amount required to confirm your reservation varies by itinerary (see trip brochure). Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.** Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/5/2009, 1/16/2009, 1/27/2009.Payment MethodsCredit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-07-16	2008-07-31	+

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