Right at tippity top of the Oslofjord inlet and backed by forested foothills, Norway’s capital city has natural surroundings that really set the tone for your adventure. It’s the most urban the trip will get but with that comes plenty to see, do, eat and drink; parks, cultural landmarks, theatres, opera houses, bars, restaurants and coffee shops galore are all right on your doorstep.

The ‘Arctic capital’ of Tromsø couldn’t wish for a better scenic setting: it sits pretty on the island of Tromsoya and is surrounded by peaks. For a few days post-cruise you can soak up the small city vibes downtown, head up Mount Storsteinen by gondola (or 1200 steps) for the best views, or head out onto the water by kayak or canoe.

It’s believed that about 300 polar bears call the archipelago of Svalbard home. During your days exploring the northern coast of Spitsbergen, you’ll be the prime ‘isbjørn’ (ice bear) spotting territory. Any encounter will be from a safe distance for both the bear and the viewer so be sure to pack a good zoom lens to capture the best snaps.

Your time in Svalbard is an adventure that’s dictated by time, tide, weather and ice. You’ll go with the flow, seeing where Mother Nature takes you and seeing what she wants you to. Your Expedition Experts will tailor a trip through the wilderness so embrace the unknown and you’ll be surprised by every sight, every wildlife spotting and every moment.

Oslo

A shortish hop over the North Sea takes you to the Norwegian capital city. Spend the rest of the day taking in the views Opera House roof, taking a boat trip to the islands, or heading up to the one-of-a-kind Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Longyearbyen

It’s time to fly up to the far, far north on a charter flight from Oslo. Land in Longyearbyen, the main town on the Svalbard island of Spitsbergen, where you’ll board the Silver Endeavour (transfers may be by Zodiac).

Svalbard’s Northern Region

For the next six days the northern coast of Spitsbergen, with its striking fjords and bays, are your oyster. You’ll head out on Zodiac cruises and landings curated and led by the incredible Expedition Experts. The conditions will shape your adventures, but the plan will be to see glaciers, cliffs rich with bird life, important historic landing sites and of course, seek out polar bears, walruses and other local wildlife. If you’re up for a more active experience, you could explore the coast by kayak or take to the hiking trails for an extra cost.

Bear Island

The journey back to mainland Norway includes a pit stop in the most southerly reaches of Svalbard, Bear Island (Bjørnøya). It’s a great spot for bird watchers as its soaring cliffs are home to seemingly countless sea birds; if conditions allow, you’ll hop into the Zodiacs and follow the base of the cliffs to take in the extraordinary natural beauty.

Skarsvag (Nordkapp)

The focus flips to the far-flung North Cape, the ‘top of Europe’, where you can look back north towards across the Barents Sea and reminisce on all the incredible moments of your voyage. You’ll dock off the village of Skarsvag on the sparsely populated island of Magerøya and make your way out on adventures from there.

Tromsø

You’ll leave the Silver Endeavour today but that doesn’t have to mean the end of the trip – we recommend spending a couple of days in the Arctic capital before heading home.