Compare Spitsbergen and Svalbard Explorer by Adventure Unbound vs Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords by Trafalgar

Day 1: Longyearbyen

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

Embark your expedition ship in Longyearbyen and take in the views on deck as we set sail through Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden. From here we’ll enter the vast expanse of the Greenland Sea, then head south along the coast of Spitsbergen. 

Day 2: Bourbonhamna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

This morning we will transit the narrow sound near Bourbonhamna where some of Svalbard’s thousands of white beluga whales are frequently spotted. Jump aboard the zodiacs to get up close to these unique creatures then step ashore at Ingebrigstenbukta to explore its old hunting cabin. Wander around the huge piles of beluga whale bones which are now protected by the state and hopefully catch a glimpse of the wild reindeer which inhabit the region.

Day 3: Storfjorden

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

As we reach the southernmost point of Spitsbergen, we’ll continue into Storfjorden to explore Dolerittneset near Kapp Lee. Ancient whale bones here have been sculpted by the elements into unique works of art, providing fantastic photographic opportunities in all colors of moss and lichen.

Day 4: Hornsund

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

We’ll cruise along the west coast of Spitsbergen to explore its glacier-filled bays as we sail into Hornsund. Your onboard experts will lead you on hikes and zodiac cruises to gain a better understanding of the region’s glacial history and how this spectacular landscape was formed. 

Day 5: Lilliehock Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

We’ll cruise along the rocky shores of Krossfjorden and anchor in a protected harbor to explore the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier. Keep an eye out for bearded and ringed seals which often play in the dark waters of the fjord, before continuing on to Lilliehook Glacier at the northwestern head of Krossfjorden. The face of this glacier stretches almost seven kilometers in length and 80 meters high, making for a spectacular sight. 

As we sail out of the fjord, keep an eye out for the historic airship anchor pylon near Ny Ålesund which was used as the starting point for North Pole aviation exploration. We will also visit Smeerenburgfjorden which boasts a 400-year-old whaling history.

Day 6: Phippsoya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

Over the next couple of days we will venture 81 degrees north to Phippsoya which lies just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. We’ll navigate its ice pack in comfort and safety while keeping an eye out for polar bears, walrus, bearded and ringed seals which often frequent these waters. 

Day 7: Hinlopen Strait

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

Cruise through Hinlopen Strait which separates Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet, and past the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet where 60,000 pairs of Brünnich’s Guillemot nest, together with thousands of kittiwakes and black guillemots. We’ll also visit nearby Murchison Fjord to go kayaking or on a zodiac excursion between the two islands, then hike to an elevated viewpoint to take in the staggering views. 

Day 8: Liefdefjorden and Monaco Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

We’ll enter Liefjefjorden and cruise towards the Monaco Glacier which offers a spectacular setting for kayaking and zodiac excursions. The seven kilometer-wide face features ice caves and tumbling seracs, together with thousands of black-legged kittiwakes which feed on the nutrient-rich glacial outflow. 

The tundra at the mouth of Liefdefjorden also provides a superb hiking destination. Purple sandpipers and red phalaropes can be spotted amidst the remains of fox traps and sun bleached seal bones which are reminders of the human history here. 

Day 9: Alkehornet

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

Cruise to Alkehornet at the mouth of Isfjord for a spectacular tundra walk to spot Arctic fox and reindeer. A horn-shaped mount dominates the landscape here, with guillemots and kittiwakes among the myriad of bird species spotted. 

Then return to the ship to celebrate your final night on board with a special dinner attended by your Captain as you reflect on the wild and remote landscapes you have encountered. 

Day 10: Longyearbyen

We will arrive back in Longyearbyen in the morning to disembark the ship and be transferred either into town or to the airport for your return flight to Tromso or Oslo.

Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen

Embrace the enchanting Danish capital that inspired Hans Christian Andersen to share tales of mermaids, queens and ugly ducklings with the world. Spend the day discovering the quintessential hygge found throughout its charming streets before enjoying an orientation drive at 17:00 followed by a light supper with your Travel Director and travel companions.

Marriott

Dinner

Day 2: Explore Historic Copenhagen

Join a Local Specialist today for a fascinating sightseeing tour of the iconic sights of Copenhagen. The Amalienborg Palace Quarter takes center stage as you admire its 18th century façades and equine statue of King Frederik V at its center. We'll see the 17th century Stock Exchange, Christiansborg Palace and the Neoclassical Cathedral before paying tribute to the tragic Little Mermaid who was willing to give up her life in the sea to become human. Enjoy time to explore on your own, strolling through the city's streets, or embrace your inner child in Europe's oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens.

Marriott

Breakfast

Day 3: Journey past Stunning Scenery to Randers Stays With Stories Make Travel Matter

Start the day with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Amager Fælled, a small neighborhood of Copenhagen. With a local guide, visit this nature reserve threatened by urbanisation and support a local organization working to protect this area. Leave Copenhagen bound for the Danish island of Funen and the city of Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. This afternoon our journey continues across the pastoral landscapes of the Jutland Peninsula to Randers, with its cozy half-timbered merchant houses and narrow medieval streets. Tonight, we stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hotel Randers, one of the most established hotels in the area, stylishly decorated with original artwork.

Randers

Breakfast

Day 4: Set Sail for Stavanger

Set sail from Hirtshals to the port of Kristiansand in Norway. Drive north past fjords, lakes and forests to the port city of Stavanger, one of Norway's oldest settlements – its heritage still evident in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings that date back to the 18th century.

Scandic Stavanger City

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Onwards to Colorful Bergen Connect with Locals

Norway's spellbinding natural landscapes provide an inspiring backdrop for our island hop from Stavanger. Arriving in Bergen this afternoon, we delve into the city's Hanseatic heritage, enjoying an orientation tour past the 13th-century Haakon's Hall, the bustling fish market and colorful Bryggen Quarter. This evening, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a special Be My Guest experience, visiting the Øvre-Eide farm, worked for five generations by the same family.

Thon Orion

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Bergen Your Way

Enjoy a full free day in the cultural center of Bergen or perhaps have lunch in the fish market.

Thon Orion

Breakfast

Day 7: Enjoy the Spectacular Flåm Railway and on to Sognefjord Dive Into Culture

We drive east to the popular ski resort of Voss, where we'll board a train ascending over 2800 feet (860 m) above sea level. Dive Into Culture on one of the world's most exciting train journeys, through the Flåm Valley past the Kjosfossen Falls and legendary forest spirit who dances there to lure men into the mountains. Later, arrive in Sognefjord, the 'King of the Fjords', where we will stay overnight at the Sognefjord Hotel located on a peninsula stretching into the deep waters of the fjord. Step straight from your hotel into the great outdoors and soak up the breathtaking views.

Sognefjord

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Continue to Geirangerfjord

Norway's incredible glacier countryside surrounds us as we skirt the immense Nordfjord on the way to Geiranger – its deep blue waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes, which we will have an opportunity to explore. Tonight, we stay on the shores of the fjord at one of Trafalgar's most spectacularly located hotels.

Havila

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: A Day at the Breathtaking Geirangerfjord Make Travel Matter

Spend a full day admiring this spectacular natural wonder. Cascading waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs into the glacial waters below, which you can explore by kayak or boat, soaking up the crisp, clean mountain air. Consider an Optional Experience to the Trollstigen and see Norway's most famous mountain road, traveling past steep mountain slopes, tumbling cascades and fertile valleys. After a day in intoxicating natural surrounds, we dine in our hotel this evening.

Havila

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Venture to Historic Lom and Lillehammer Dive Into Culture

A scenic drive from Geiranger past high peaks brings us to Lom, the gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains. Here we will Dive Into Culture and visit a 12th-century wooden stave church, adorned with Runic inscriptions, paintings and carved dragon figures that are said to protect it against evil. We continue through the Gudbrands Valley, the inspiration for Ibsen's 'Peer Gynt', before arriving in Lillehammer, the proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. This evening before dinner, consider a walk along Storgata or visit the open-air museum at Maihaugen.

Scandic Victoria

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: On to Oslo

See the unusual Olympic ice arena beside the lake at Hamar as we travel to Norway's cultural capital, Oslo. Join a Local Specialist who will share the city's iconic sights, including views of the medieval fortress of Akershus, the Opera and 19th-century Royal Palace. We visit the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park, before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a leisurely coffee in the Akker Bryge District or explore the nation's rich seafaring heritage.

Scandic Solli

Breakfast

Day 12: Journey to Stockholm

We cross the border into Sweden today and continue via Karlstad on Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the European Union. Passing Örebro, we arrive in the island-ringed capital of Stockholm for a two-night stay. Tonight perhaps consider an Optional Experience to the beautiful and atmospheric Old Town - Gamla Stan.

Clarion Hotel Stockholm

Breakfast

Day 13: Discover Beautiful Stockholm

We meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the waterside City Hall and see the medieval Storkyrkan, Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner this evening to toast to an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure.

Clarion Hotel Stockholm

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Farewell Scandinavia

Our epic journey has come to an end. Bid Stockholm and your newfound friends a fond farewell.

Breakfast