Compare North Spitsbergen: 7-night cruise by Audley Travel vs Country Roads of Scandinavia - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 9 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 4,354 | $ 4,375 |
Price Per Day | $ 484 | $ 365 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
The Arctic’s scenic extremes have long beguiled visitors. In the far north of Svalbard, in the Norwegian Arctic, you’ll see glacier fronts, icebergs and mountainscapes. Thousands of guillemots turn towering cliffs into a riot of movement. In other parts, it’s the encompassing stillness that can stagger you — lonely bays dotted with icebergs, or an unbroken bed of sea ice engulfing the horizon line. Our Polar cruising team have experienced Svalbard on their own voyages, and they’re well-placed to help you choose the ideal itinerary and vessel for your Arctic expedition cruise. Polar bear sightings, understandably, receive much fanfare. But, as our specialists will tell you, there are also walruses and numerous whale species to look out for, not to mention a host of birdlife. They’ll also recommend you explore Longyearbyen, a permanent human settlement whose existence and history are a surprising and enriching aspect of Arctic travel. |
Treat your senses to a tour of Scandinavia’s towering mountains, crystalline fjords and Viking history. This immersive itinerary showcases the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle in Oslo, the humming seaside economy of the Bergen Fish Markets and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The delights of the Fjords are front and center on the Lysefjord Cruise, with panoramic views and a close encounter with the iconic, 2000-foot tall, Pulpit Rock. In Denmark, pause for a little local dining in Aarhus where a farm-to-table feast of Danish delicacies is whipped up from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Across the Jutland Peninsula on the island of Fyn, the Hans Christian Andersen House tells the story of the famous fairytale writer—charting his life, loves and travels. |
Day 1 : Longyearbyen
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Longyearbyen. Arrive in Longyearbyen and make your way to your hotel.
Day 2 : Polar Cruise
After a morning to explore Longyearbyen and the excellent Polar Museum you will board the ship and set sail along the fjord.This entry level option is based on a berth in a same sex quadruple shared cabin.
Day 3 : Polar Cruise
Each and every day will be different as you explore the coast. Polar bear sightings can happen anywhere at any time.
Day 4 : Polar Cruise
Spend time out on deck watching for belugas and other wildlife.
Day 5 : Polar Cruise
Visit an old whaling station and imagine what it must have felt like to live there.
Day 6 : Polar Cruise
Pay a visit to Ny Alesund, the most northerly permanent research base in the world.
Day 7 : Polar Cruise
Go for a long hike across the Arctic tundra, keeping an eye open for arctic foxes.
Day 8 : Polar Cruise
Absorb the scenery of Spitsbergen and listen to the sound of ice against the hull.
Day 9 : International return flight
Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly south to Oslo to begin your journey home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo
On arrival at Oslo airport, your transfer will leave for the hotel at 09:30, 12:00 or 14:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 17:30, to enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Cosmopolitan Oslo Relaxed Start
Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the stricking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held, or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House.
Day 3: Oslo City to Coastal Bergen
Journey across the Hardanger Plateau, Europe's greatest mountain plateau and the largest national park in the Nordic countries, before arriving at your hotel in the historic port of Bergen. Join your Travel Director for a city orientation and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at local restaurant.
Day 4: Ancient Hanseatic Port of Bergen Relaxed Start
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen with a visit to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Explore its beautiful wooden houses, see the 14th century Haakon's Hall and stroll through the lively fish market with its many stalls. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon on the traditional train of the Flåm Railway?
Day 5: A Coastline Like No Other Relaxed Start
Enjoy the morning at leisure to ascend Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia or alternatively visit the home of composer Edward Grieg, located alongside the beautiful lake Nordås. Afterwards, travel along this incredible coastline and sail across fjords passing an abundance of islands. Arrive in Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest cities founded almost 900 years ago. The city has continued to evolve with changing times and now the headquarters of the Norwegian oil industry, Stavanger is a fusion of old world charm and cosmopolitan flair.
Day 6: The Wonders of Lysefjord Relaxed Start
Cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords and be charmed by its stunning natural beauty. See the Preikestolen plateau and Pulpit Rock, a plunging cliff face and one of the most iconic places in Norway. You will also see the mysterious Vagabond's Cave and enjoy the fjord landscape through panoramic windows or from the sundeck. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or continue exploring Stavanger.
Day 7: Lyngdal and Kristiansand
In Lyngdal, tour the Wild Salmon Centre with a biologist guide, learn about protecting salmon populations and the local ecosystem. Observe the majestic fish in their own environment, via a unique indoor 'staircase' and viewing area. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive around the southern cape of Norway. Upon arrival in Kristiansand, your orientation walk of the city centre will show you the Dom Kirke and the Nupen Fountain. Savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Kristiansand to Aarhus
Say farewell to Norway as you sail across the Skagerrak to Hirtshals, Denmark. Your journey continues to Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city and one of Europe's cultural treasures with world-class museums and modern art. Explore Aarhus with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert and visit Den Gamle By Open-Air Museum, offering a trip through 300 years of Danish culture. Walk among historic houses relocated from all over the country and see traditional workshops. Alternatively, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens with your Local Expert and learn about Danish nature and flora, as well as international plants in the Tropical Houses. Join your fellow travellers for a Farm-to-Table dinner of delicious regional specialties, made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Day 9: Historic Aarhus Relaxed Start
A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat of the pulse. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. See the City Hall, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum — topped with an immense and interactive artwork — and Dokk1, the largest public library in Scandinavia. Walk through the cathedral neighbourhood and visit the new township for splendid views of Aarhus Bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 10: Odense and the Fairytales of Fyn Relaxed Start
Cross the Jutland Peninsula to the town of Odense, on the island of Fyn.Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House and explore the author's creative universe. The newly opened, innovative exhibition is a remarkable homage to one of the most famous Danes. In the evening, visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
Day 11: Wonderful Copenhagen Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert and pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's iconic Little Mermaid statue. Later, see Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, the unusual Round Tower and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. The afternoon is at your leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cofoco restaurant and enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of sustainable ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure.
Day 12: Depart Copenhagen
Departure transfers arrive at Copenhagen airport at 06:30, 09:00 and 12:00.