Norwegian Fjords and Realm of the Polar Bear

The expedition begins near Scotland's incomparable capital city. Board the ship this afternoon in the suburb Port of Leith, to embark on a voyage to the Arctic. The G Expedition departs in the evening through a lock which leads down to sea level, before heading out to sail down the Firth of Forth. While on deck, keep a lookout for common eiders and northern gannets.

There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only six miles off the coast of Scotland, the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the ancient history of the people of these Scottish Isles.

Continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Opt to visit Jarlshof or join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffins and seabird photography at Sumbrugh Head (weather dependent). Enjoy additional time to explore Lerwick.

Cruise into the Olden Fjord before a short bus ride to the Birksdal area. Enjoy a moderate hike to Briksdalbreen glacier, or, for an easier option, take a trolley ride with a shorter walk to make it to the glacier lake.

Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy a coach tour to Dalsnibba, soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site. For the more adventurous, opt for a 10km mountain hike exploring the area and taking in amazing views of the fjord from above.

Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.

The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages, go on a guided nature hike, and appreciate the slow pace of life.

Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.

The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac for a day trip of the area. Start by visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands before visiting Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. After, stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.

Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Learn about past Arctic expeditions and opt for some hiking or to explore the city on your own.

Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac - the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.

Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.

Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the Arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.

Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.

Spend your day relaxing on board the G Expedition or head out to explore Longyearbyen, the starting point for many early explorers on expedition to the North Pole. Embark on your journey to Spitsbergen in the late afternoon.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings. Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea. Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.

On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.