Norwegian Fjords & Svalbard Explorer

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Arrive at Tromsø Airport and transfer to our Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). After completing check-in and storing your luggage, enjoy time to explore this lively Arctic city before returning at the designated time for the group transfer to Sylvia Earle.

Important information

·        Complimentary airport arrival transfers are available as group transfers for passengers arriving at Tromsø Airport before 12.00 pm on Day 1 only.

·        If you arrive after the airport-transfer cut-off, please make your own way to the Embarkation Suite before 2.00 pm to complete mandatory check-in.

·        If you are already in Tromsø, please bring all your luggage to our centrally located Embarkation Suite and complete mandatory check-in between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm.

·        At the Embarkation Suite, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and light refreshments are available, along with assistance from Aurora Expeditions staff regarding your voyage and time in the city.

·        Embarkation Suite location: To be advised approximately six months before departure.

·        Your main luggage will be transferred to the ship at 2.30 pm. Please keep passports, medication, money, cards and anything else you may need during the day in your hand luggage.

In the late afternoon, join the group transfer to Sylvia Earle. Once onboard, settle into your cabin and attend the mandatory safety briefings as we prepare to sail south-west through the channels and islands of Norway’s dramatic northern coast.

This evening, meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner and raise a toast to the Arctic journey ahead.

Lofoten Islands are considered to be in “another world” and for good reason. The archipelago with its jagged coastline is a majestic setting of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and spectacular fjords. Many of the fjords are UNESCO listed, so whichever you manage to see will be a treat. Reine is a picture-perfect village surrounded by blue waters, lush greenery and speckled colour from the fishermen’s cottages. Enjoy hiking, whale-watching and birdwatching from this idyllic setting.

Today we explore the landscapes and stories of western Lofoten. Reine’s red rorbuer cabins, sheltered harbour and sharply rising mountains form one of Norway’s most recognisable coastal scenes, while nearby communities retain strong connections to fishing, craft and seafaring life.

Travel through a succession of narrow valleys, white-sand beaches and fishing villages to Sund, where the local fisheries museum preserves traditional skills associated with life at sea. Meet a blacksmith whose hand-forged seabirds have become a distinctive symbol of the village.

Continue across the island to the beaches of Uttakleiv and Haukland. Weather permitting, walk the coastal route between them, following a gentle trail beneath steep mountains to one of Lofoten’s celebrated white-sand bays. The clear turquoise water and dramatic Arctic setting offer wonderful photographic opportunities.

At the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, step inside a reconstructed longhouse built near the site of an important chieftain’s farm. Archaeological finds, traditional crafts and recreated interiors reveal how people lived, traded and travelled here a thousand years ago. Complete the visit with a simple soup inspired by historic North Norwegian ingredients and prepared over an open fire.

Blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway (and goodness only know that this is land blessed with rolling hills, soaring peaks, valleys, tranquil fjords and white sandy beaches, so the competition is high!), Leknes is what Norway is meant to be. Pretty red houses lay dotted on the green covered hills, and the midnight sun is rises above the horizon from 26th May to 17th July, (while in winter the sun does not rise from 9th December to 4th January). Part of the stunning Lofoten islands, this pretty port offers much in the way of recreation, although understandably most of this is outdoor based. Take a boat ride around the archipelago, try your hand at some deep sea fishing, or simply stroll thought the city centre, perhaps rent a bicycle and discover the hinterland at your own pace. Bikes can be easily rented and note that hybrid and electric bikes are a great option for those who might be a bit out of practice with their pedal power. Gastronomes with a sweet tooth will be rewarded with one simple pleasure: a fresh-from-the-oven skillingsbolle – or big, fluffy cinnamon rolls, fit for indulging in if all the fresh air has made you hungry! Look out for the quirky coffee shops, settle down for some Norwegian kos, say takk for maten and enjoy!

Set against the steep mountains and deep fjords of western Senja, Torsken is a small fishing community with immediate access to some of northern Norway’s most compelling landscapes. Choose a relaxed village discovery or take to the trails for elevated views across this rugged island.

Personalise your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and level of fitness.

Option 1: Torsken village walk

Duration: 3 hours

Level of difficulty: Easy

Stroll through Torsken’s quiet lanes with a local guide and discover how fishing has shaped the village over many generations. Colourful homes sit between the waterfront and the mountains, creating a vivid sense of life on Senja’s exposed western coast. Visit the 18th-century Torsken Church and conclude with a taste of local delicacies that reflect the region’s coastal heritage.

Option 2: Trek to Ravnfløy

Duration: 3 hours

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Hike into the rugged terrain above Torsken towards Ravnfløy. As the trail gains height, the view opens across Senja’s indented coastline, mountain ridges and surrounding fjords. Pause beside a fire pit to enjoy local tastes before continuing towards the high point, where expansive panoramas reward the climb.

Note: Approximately 4 km return with an elevation gain of 548 metres, over gravel, loose rock and boulders. The route includes sustained steep sections and a short exposed passage. Layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential; participants should be in good physical condition.

Option 3: Hike to Midtertinden

Duration: 4.5 hours

Level of difficulty: Strenuous

Take on a demanding ascent through the wild landscapes above Torsken. The trail climbs towards Midtertinden, revealing ever-wider views across the Norwegian Sea, offshore islands, fjords and Senja’s serrated mountains. Reaching the 623-metre summit is a rewarding achievement, with a striking 360-degree Arctic panorama.

Note: Approximately 4.4 km return with an elevation gain of 623 metres, over gravel, loose rock and boulders. The route includes sustained steep sections and a short exposed passage. Layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential; participants should be in excellent physical condition.

Over the next five days, Spitsbergen offers a thrilling introduction to true Arctic expedition travel. There is no fixed schedule: the Expedition Team will shape each day around weather, sea ice, wildlife and the latest local information, choosing the strongest available opportunities for Zodiac cruising, shore landings and guided walks.

Early in the season, lingering snow and sea ice transform the fjords into striking polar landscapes. We may explore the glacier-filled west coast or sail north towards the pack-ice edge, always guided by conditions. Zodiac cruises can take us beneath sculpted glacier fronts and among drifting ice, while landings may reveal snow-fringed beaches, historic remains and the first tundra emerging from winter.

This is an important time for returning birdlife. Guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and little auks gather around cliffs and scree slopes to breed, while walrus and seals may be encountered near coastal haul-outs or ice. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes leave tracks across the thawing ground. Polar bears can occur anywhere in the archipelago and, if encountered, are observed from a safe distance without influencing their behaviour.

If you have selected an optional activity such as kayaking, we will aim to offer it whenever conditions allow. Guided walks, Zodiac excursions, time on deck and the possibility of a polar plunge create an active and varied introduction to the High Arctic.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

During the early morning, we cruise into Longyearbyen. After saying farewell to your Expedition Team and disembarking, enjoy some free time in the world’s northernmost town before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo, where your voyage concludes on arrival.

Note: the arrival time in Oslo is contingent on the approved allocated slot for our charter flight to and from Longyearbyen, which we expect to receive in March 2028. We recommend allowing flexibility when arranging onward travel.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.