11-night Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords Northbound Cruise/Land Package

Enjoy the appealing frontier atmosphere at this ancient whaling capital and base for expeditions to the North Pole.

Destination Guide

Bear Island, also known as Bjørnøya, is the southernmost island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. The island and surrounding waters are a natural reserve. The island is basically uninhabited by humans, except for personnel working at the meteorological station. However, visitors can see wildlife such as, arctic foxes, ringed seal, bearded seal, puffin and other seabirds and some polar bears.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Svalbard is an archipelago lying in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. It consists of a group of islands ranging from 74° to 81° North, and 10° to 35° East. The archipelago is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. Three islands are populated: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen. The largest settlement is Longyearbyen.

Known for its stark mountain peaks and spectacular glaciers, Longyearbyen was named for the American John Monroe Longyear, who established a mining operation here in 1906. In the summer season, many species of birds can be found nesting in the steep cliffs while the seaside harbors a number of marine animals from white whales, seals and walruses. In the small town, are museums, local shops and restaurants to explore at a leisurely pace.

Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. The city displays a mixture of several architectural styles. A full range of activities includes art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; imposing Åkershus Castle; and Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo’s most important museums. Many attractions can be explored on foot. Oslo's City Hall ranks as the most distinctive part of Oslo’s waterfront. The art portrays the country's different historical and domestic phases. Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life work of Norway’s famous painter, contains more than 5,000 drawings and paintings. National Gallery has the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and some of Munch’s best-known works. Åkershus Fortress & Castle, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 17th century, houses Norway’s Resistance Museum.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Oslo City Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
 
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
 
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
 
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
 

Basis:	Private tour.
Duration:	4 hours.
Start / End:	City center Hotel, address or Pier.
Vehicle:	01st Class.
Guide:	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:	Viking Ship Museum.
Meals:	None.
Difficulty:	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes:	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours — Optional Private Excursions

Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.

During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.

Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.

And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach. 

Basis	Private tour
Duration	3 hours
Start / End	Bicycle rental shop.
Vehicle	None
Inclusions	Bicycle and Helmet.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	None
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

 

Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours — Optional Private Excursions

We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.

Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.

On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores. 

During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station. 

A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.

Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020. 

Basis	Private tour
Duration	5 hours
Start / End	City center Hotel, address or Pier.
Vehicle	1st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
 
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle:        1^st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle:        01^st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals:         None.
Difficulty:    Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. The city displays a mixture of several architectural styles. A full range of activities includes art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; imposing Åkershus Castle; and Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo’s most important museums. Many attractions can be explored on foot. Oslo's City Hall ranks as the most distinctive part of Oslo’s waterfront. The art portrays the country's different historical and domestic phases. Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life work of Norway’s famous painter, contains more than 5,000 drawings and paintings. National Gallery has the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and some of Munch’s best-known works. Åkershus Fortress & Castle, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 17th century, houses Norway’s Resistance Museum.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Oslo City Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
 
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
 
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
 
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
 

Basis:	Private tour.
Duration:	4 hours.
Start / End:	City center Hotel, address or Pier.
Vehicle:	01st Class.
Guide:	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:	Viking Ship Museum.
Meals:	None.
Difficulty:	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes:	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours — Optional Private Excursions

Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.

During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.

Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.

And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach. 

Basis	Private tour
Duration	3 hours
Start / End	Bicycle rental shop.
Vehicle	None
Inclusions	Bicycle and Helmet.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	None
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

 

Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours — Optional Private Excursions

We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.

Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.

On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores. 

During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station. 

A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.

Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020. 

Basis	Private tour
Duration	5 hours
Start / End	City center Hotel, address or Pier.
Vehicle	1st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
 
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle:        1^st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle:        01^st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals:         None.
Difficulty:    Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.