Itinerary

Welcome to Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago where dramatic mountains, vast glaciers and roaming polar wildlife shape everyday life. After arriving in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, transfer to your hotel and settle into your surroundings. As evening approaches, you’ll leave the town behind and journey into the wilderness of Adventdalen. Beneath the dark peaks of the Polar Night, travel to Camp Barentz, a cosy outpost named after the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, who overwintered in the Arctic more than 400 years ago. Gather around a crackling fire inside a warm timber cabin and enjoy a traditional dinner of reindeer bidos, followed by coffee and dessert. Throughout the evening, your host will share stories of Arctic life and reveal the science, myths and wonder behind the Northern Lights. Far from the artificial lights of Longyearbyen, the camp offers excellent conditions for viewing the aurora. Weather permitting, you may step outside to witness ribbons of colour dancing across the polar sky before returning to Longyearbyen for the night.

Today is yours to experience more of Longyearbyen at your own pace. Wander the quiet streets, browse local shops and galleries, or visit the excellent Svalbard Museum to learn about the archipelago’s wildlife, exploration history and mining heritage. You may also wish to stop for lunch at one of the town’s welcoming cafés or restaurants before the afternoon's adventure. Later, you’ll leave Longyearbyen behind and travel to a husky centre nestled among Svalbard’s dramatic landscapes. Here, hundreds of eager dogs await, ready to introduce you to one of the Arctic’s most beloved traditions. For departures in December, you'll venture into the mysterious Polar Night by dog sled or wheeled cart, depending on snow conditions. Beneath dark Arctic skies, the valleys take on an otherworldly beauty and, with luck, you may even glimpse the Northern Lights dancing overhead. For departures from January to March, you'll drive your own dog sled through beautiful Bolterdalen, a broad valley surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Working together with your team of huskies, you'll glide across the winter landscape, keeping watch for Svalbard reindeer, ptarmigan and perhaps even an Arctic fox. Afterwards, warm up with waffles and a hot drink, share some well-earned puppy cuddles, and reflect on an unforgettable day in the High Arctic.

Enjoy a final morning in Longyearbyen before leaving the High Arctic archipelago behind. After breakfast and check-out, you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps pick up a souvenir from one of the town’s independent shops or simply take a final stroll around the world’s northernmost town and see if you can spot any reindeer. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight south to Tromsø. As you leave Svalbard behind, enjoy one last glimpse of the archipelago’s dramatic mountains, glaciers and frozen wilderness from above. Upon arrival in Tromsø, transfer to your centrally located hotel and settle in for the evening. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø combines a rich polar heritage with a lively cultural scene. The city is home to excellent restaurants, cosy cafés and striking architecture, all framed by snow-capped mountains and Arctic waters. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps take an evening walk along the waterfront, sample local cuisine, or simply relax ahead of the next stage of your journey.

Today is yours to enjoy in Tromsø. With a full day at leisure, you may wish to explore the city’s museums, browse its independent shops and galleries, or simply soak up the atmosphere. A visit to the striking Arctic Cathedral is highly recommended. Completed in 1965, its dramatic triangular design is inspired by the surrounding mountains and Arctic landscape, while its magnificent stained-glass window fills the interior with colour and light. In the early evening, make your own way to the sea terminal and step aboard your Coastal Express ship. Settle into your cabin and take time to explore your new home at sea. Enjoy your first meal in the ship’s restaurant, where Norway’s Coastal Kitchen showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from communities along the route. Afterwards, perhaps visit the panoramic lounge and enjoy a drink as you watch the city lights fade into the distance. Leaving Tromsø, we sail north through waters that have connected coastal communities for generations. Ahead lies the historic trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. Along the way, look out for the contours of the dramatic Lyngen Alps, whose snow-covered peaks rise steeply from the sea.

As the ship continues north, the landscapes become increasingly dramatic and remote. Early this morning we call at Hammerfest, one of the world's northernmost towns, before continuing through Arctic waters towards the far reaches of mainland Europe. Later, we arrive in Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape, which can be visited on an optional excursion. Perched high above the Barents Sea, this iconic plateau is often considered the northernmost point of continental Europe. Throughout the day, you'll be sailing through Sámi country. Near Kjøllefjord, keep watch for Finnkirka, a striking rock formation that served as an ancient Sámi ritual site. The coastline here feels wild and elemental, shaped by millennia of wind and sea. In the evening, we reach Mehamn, our northernmost port of call. As darkness falls, the ship continues towards Berlevåg, passing the solitary beam of Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth, standing watch over the rugged Arctic coast.

This stretch of coastline forms part of the Varanger Peninsula, one of the Arctic’s most important bird migration routes. Keep watch for Sea Eagles and other birdlife that thrives in these remote northern landscapes. As we continue east, the scenery becomes increasingly stark and beautiful. Windswept shores, wide Arctic skies and the twinkling lights of fishing communities accompany us towards our final destination. In the morning we arrive in Kirkenes, our final port of call and one of Norway’s most intriguing frontier towns. Located just a few miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes has long been shaped by its position at the crossroads of cultures, trade routes and history. Sadly, this means we have come to the end of our voyage. Over the past six days, you have journeyed from the frozen wilderness of Svalbard to the far reaches of mainland Norway. Perhaps you'll remember the thrill of dog sledding beneath dark polar skies, the warmth of a wilderness cabin, setting foot on the North Cape above the Barents Sea, or the quiet rhythm of life along the coast. We hope this journey has brought you closer to the people, nature and stories of the north. We wish you a safe onward journey and hope to welcome you back on board soon. If you would like to extend your time in Kirkenes, we recommend staying in the Snow Hotel, which can be booked as a post-programme with us. At the hotel you can stay in a cosy Snow Suite, or perhaps you’d prefer a traditional wooden Gamme Cabin.