SVALBARD & NORWAY - Wild Earth Expeditions
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SVALBARD & NORWAY
NORWAY
OSLO, LOFOTEN ISLANDS & TROMSØ
30 JUL – 07 AUG 2022 ● 09 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Start your Polar expedition in Norway’s capital Oslo, where you’ll enjoy the city highlights
including a visit to the iconic Fram Museum. See how intrepid explorers before you have
conquered the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic paving the way for your voyage. Visit
an ancient fortress dating back over 700 years and stand where Nobel Peace award winners
have stood before you at the ornate Town hall. Explore the unique Scandinavian architecture
coupled with the bustling city life of Norway’s capital.
Venture well inside the Arctic Circle to the dramatic, jagged ridges, wild coastlines, and
sunny beaches of the granite-mountain islands in the Lofoten archipelago. In the ‘Land of
the midnight sun’, where cod is king, visit tiny fishing settlements with colourful houses, cod
drying racks and kittiwakes nesting on roof tops. Using a series of underground tunnels and
bridges that connect the islands, ‘island hop’, see Viking artifacts and listen to the stories
and history of the fishing communities; explore the pristine landscape and spot sea eagles,
puffins, and seals. Visit the quaint village of Nusfjord which is so beautiful it has earned the
distinction of being elected a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We end our Pre-Extension at 69.6492° North, in Tromsø, a spirited town with street music,
cultural happenings and more ‘pubs’ per capita than any other place in Norway. Take an
electric bike to see some of the vibrant cities’ secrets and stunning scenery, explore the
historical sites and visit the Arctic cathedral before sampling some of the local nightlife. From
Tromsø fly to Longyearbyen to meet our ship and enter the realm of the Polar bear with our
main expedition to Svalbard.
SVALBARD
POLAR BEARS & ARCTIC ADVENTURES
06 – 18 AUG 2022 ● 11 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Take a journey on a genuine Arctic fairy tale. Sail through dramatic landscapes dominated
by tundra, with majestic mountain formations, fjords and towering glaciers that are host to
wildlife that is both rich and extremely varied. A place where the iconic Polar bear
outnumbers people, walrus are seen along the shoreline, millions of Sea bird’s nest on
towering cliffs and Arctic foxes and reindeer roam freely. Follow pods of whales and watch
the seals at play on our private small ship charter. Be prepared for a life-changing journey
sailing the isles and inlets of the Svalbard archipelago.
Our expedition starts just north of the Arctic Circle at 78° N Latitude in the small coal-mining
town of Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen island in the Svalbard archipelago. Here we will
embark on our elegant, little ship catering to only 12 guests for an entirely different
experience compared to that onboard the conventional larger cruise ships; small and strong,
she is able to reach some of the most inaccessible and remote areas of Svalbard giving us
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the most intimate experience, in order to maximize our time onshore and out on the zodiacs.
Spend an incredible eleven days sailing through small fjords, cruising past glacier fronts,
keeping an eye out for the marine mammals found in these waters, Beluga- and Minke
whales, ringed seals and bearded seals to name but a few. See iconic Arctic wildlife
including the regal and iconic Polar bear, largest of the land carnivores, to the wallowing
walrus with their long-curved tusks. Hike across the Arctic tundra in search of Arctic foxes
and reindeer and marvel at the surprisingly beautiful flora, including purple saxifrage and
the bright yellow Arctic poppy. Svalbard has some of the world’s largest colonies of nesting
sea birds numbering 3-5 million birds; experience the sights, smells and sounds of
thousands of nesting Brunnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes as you drift along immense rocky
cliffs and dolerite towers standing 100metres tall in a zodiac.
With a flexible itinerary, a small, maneuverable ship, along with the expertise and experience
of the Captain and Expedition Leaders, this is a trip of a lifetime. Breathtaking landscapes,
shimmering ice-bergs, and magnificent wildlife under the Midnight sun.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Sail in comfort on our elegant, intimate and highly maneuverable exclusively
chartered ship.
• Explore dramatic and unique landscapes, with mountain formations, fjords and
glaciers.
• See Polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes and reindeer.
• Observe Beluga and Minke whales as well as ringed- and bearded seals.
• Watch thousands of nesting birds including Brunnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes.
• Take zodiacs on along jaw dropping rocky cliffs and dolerite towers filled with birds
• Visit traditional fishing communities and learn how early explorers travelled through
the polar areas.
• Kayak under the ‘midnight sun’ to remote beaches
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CLICK TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS NORWAY – Oslo, Lofoten Islands & Tromsø 30 JUL – 07 AUG 2022 ● 09 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS Day 01 | July 30 Depart home / En route to Oslo, Norway Day 02 | July 31 Arrive Oslo / Welcome dinner Day 03 | Aug 01 Oslo historical walk / Museums Day 04 | Aug 02 Oslo to Svolvaer / Ice Sculptures Day 05 | Aug 03 Henningsær Day 06 | Aug 04 Lofoten Islands / Fjords - rib safari Day 07 | Aug 05 Lofoten Islands / Flight to Tromsø Day 08 | Aug 06 Explore Tromsø Day 09 | Aug 07 Fly to Longyearbyen for Svalbard expedition SVALBARD – Polar Bears & Arctic Adventures 06 – 18 AUG 2022 ● 12 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS Day 01 | Aug 06 Depart Home / En route to Longyearbyen Day 02 | Aug 07 Arrive Longyearbyen / Embark MS Stockholm Day 03-11 | Aug 08-16 Exploring the Svalbard Archipelago Day 12 | Aug 17 Disembark Longyearbyen / Fly to Oslo and continue home Day 13 | Aug 18 Arrive home WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 4 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
NORWAY ITINERARY
OSLO, LOFOTEN ISLANDS & TROMSØ
Day 01. Jul 30, 2022. Depart Home / En route to Oslo, Norway
Depart your home and journey to Norway. We highly recommend arriving into Oslo at least a
day before the expedition departure, so you can acclimatize, are well rested and most
importantly, don’t miss the trip. We can assist you with making a booking for additional hotel
nights at the Grand Hotel, Oslo.
Day 02. Jul 31, 2022. Arrive Oslo / Welcome dinner
On arrival at Oslo international airport, you will be met and transferred to the nearby Grand
Hotel, Oslo. Situated in the center of Oslo this beautiful hotel is the perfect place for us to explore
Norway’s capital. Enjoy a swim in the pool, relax in the spa or enjoy the breath-taking views from
the bar, before meeting your fellow Wild Earth Explorers for a special welcome dinner over-
looking the surrounding fjords and the city.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Oslo (D)
Day 03. Aug 01, 2022. Oslo Historical walk / Museums
After breakfast join our local expert on a city walk of Oslo to visit the most significant and historic
sites. See the ornate City Hall, that plays host to the Nobel Peace Prize winner ceremony, the
Royal Palace, Parliament and the Opera House in the center of the city. Cross the water to
Bygdøy to visit the world famous Fram Museum and walk the deck of the legendary polar ship
the ‘Fram’, explore the Kon-Tiki museum dedicated to the world-renowned expedition of 1947
and explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s legacy and learn all about the traditions and culture of this
Scandinavian nation at the Folk Museum. After a day of exploration enjoy a delicious Norwegian
dinner surrounded by the vibrancy and energy of a summer evening in the picturesque city of
Oslo.
Overnight: Grand Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 04. Aug 02, 2022. Fly to Svolvær / Hike / Ice Sculptures
After breakfast take a short flight from Oslo to Svalvær. Situated in the heart of the Lofoten
islands, Svolvær is the biggest town in the archipelago with a picturesque bustling harbour, a
panoramic backdrop of high mountains, beautiful beaches and sheltered bays, all scattered with
a mix of modern shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants a perfect place for our first night in the
islands. Explore the village and hear the stories and history of this picturesque and unique fishing
community. After lunch enjoy a nice walk through the mountains and idyllic landscape
surrounding you before enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail at the Magic Ice Bar, one of the largest
galleries of ice sculptures in the world, with professionally and intricately sculpted exhibits, which
are both breath-taking and unique before finishing your day with a delicious dinner made from
fresh, local ingredients at one of the most renowned and distinctive restaurants in the area.
Overnight: Anker Brygge (B, L, D)
Day 05. Aug 03, 2022. Henningsær
After breakfast enjoy the morning light on the pristine and glistening waters surrounded by some
of the most spectacular mountains and seascapes in the world, as you take a kayak to explore
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this breathtaking scenery. Back on dry land take a short drive to Henningsær, a picturesque and quaint fishing village located on several small islands. Learn more about the Norwegian culture as the local fisherman and guide take you through this traditional village. Stroll through the Caviar Factory gallery and around the Museum of modern art, before venturing into the highland areas on a horseback safari. From Henningsær travel a short distance to Hov, enjoy hearty lunch at a picturesque horse farm before exploring the incredible landscape around by horse back in typical Viking style. Head on to the Lofotr Museum and visit a traditional Chieftain’s house as you let the Vikings guide you on a journey back 1000’s of years to the Viking age and experience the sights, sounds, smells and feel the history come alive in this replica village. Finish the day with the crisp air and sunshine on a walk to an incredible panoramic view of the stunning sheer cliffs, majestic mountains, sandy beaches and narrow fjords surrounding you in this magical area before a well-deserved dinner at Rorbuer, a historical waterfront fisherman’s cabin overlooking the beautiful fjords of Reine, a tiny village with a long heritage of fishing culture. Overnight: Reine Rorbuer (B, L, D) Day 06. Aug 04, 2022. Lofoten Islands / Rib-Safari Fjords After breakfast take to the waters on our Rib-Safari through the magestic Fjords. Visit the most famous of the Lofoten Islands. Back on land travel to meet the Blacksmith of Sund and see or purchase a traditional wrought-iron cormorant, learn about the legends and mysteries of the area at the Fishkeri museum and visit Å, situated at the southern end of the Lofoten Islands, the views from Å will make you feel like you are at the end of the world. Continue with your exploration of the Lofotens with a visit to Sakrisøry and the Flakstad municipality, a place filled with rich history and traditions. After a scrumptious dinner enjoy the midnight sun and the mystical lighting on the crystalline waters as you paddle a kayak around Reine before retiring for some well-earned rest. Overnight: Reine Rorbuer (B, L, D) Day 07. Aug 05, 2022. Lofotens to Tromsø After breakfast, visit the most photographed and picturesque village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and hailed as a ‘living museum’ and is the oldest fishing village in Norway. A secluded and tranquil fishing village surrounded by spectacular mountain passes. Enjoy lunch on the colorful port, before heading towards Leknes and the airport. Before flying to Tromsø, take a small hike for some breathtaking panoramic last views of the Lofotens. Head to the airport for the short flight to Tromsø, the “Arctic capital” of Norway. Enjoying your first views of the stunning Arctic landscape as you fly in. Transfer to the IshavsHotel on the quayside of Tromsø, to refresh and relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Overnight: IshavsHotel (B, L, D) Day 08. Aug 06, 2022. Tromsø Soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant town with a rich and diverse cultural scene on a walking tour with a local expert as you unlock the city’s secrets and visit the Polar Museum and the breath-taking Arctic cathedral. After lunch take an electric bike tour and explore places off the beaten track and enjoy the beautiful Arctic environment from a different perspective. After freshening up, it is time for dinner with a twist as you hear the stories of the fisherman and enjoy a local sourced feast before retiring for the evening. Overnight: IshavsHotel (B, L, D) Day 09. Aug 07, 2022. Fly to Longyearbyen to Svalbard Expedition After breakfast bid farewell to the energy of Tromsø and take a short flight to Longyearbyen for the start of the main Expedition. (B,L) WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 6 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
SVALBARD ITINERARY
POLAR BEARS & ARCTIC ADVENTURES
Day 01. Aug 06, 2022. Depart Home / En Route to Longyearbyen
Depart your home and journey to Norway, arriving at Longyearbyen airport via Oslo or Tromsø.
We highly recommend arriving at least a day before the expedition start, so you can acclimatize,
are well rested and most importantly, don’t miss the trip. We can assist you with making a
booking for additional hotel nights.
Day 02. Aug 07, 2022. Arrive Longyearbyen / Embark on M/S Stockholm
Embark on the M/S Stockholm, our elegant little ship for an entirely different experience
compared to that onboard the conventional large cruise ships; small and strong she is able to
reach some of the most inaccessible and remote areas of Svalbard giving us the most intimate
experience for the ultimate Arctic Adventure.
Overnight: MS Stockholm (D)
Day 03-11. Aug 08-16, 2022. Exploring the Svalbard Archipelago
Spend 11 days exploring this incredible Arctic Archipelago that invites you to experience
midnight sun, glaciers, and dramatic mountain ranges. In summer, millions of seabirds arrive
here to breed, and whales can be spotted in the waters. Other wildlife include walrus, Arctic fox,
endemic Svalbard reindeer and last, but certainly not least, the king of the Arctic – the Polar
bear. To travel onboard the 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm is a truly unique experience. After
20 years in Svalbard, she has the experience and track record of being able to reach sites that
are inaccessible to other ships. In summer the midnight sun reigns supreme, and the purple
saxifrage decorates the slopes. The ice is slowly starting to loosen its grip, which offers good
opportunities to explore the seldom visited eastern parts of the archipelago. We have plenty of
time for grand nature experiences and wildlife encounters.
Svalbard is a part of the world where our itinerary will be dictated by the ice and weather
conditions. The exact itinerary will very much depend on these factors and on the wildlife
encountered along the way. The goal is to make landings and zodiac cruises every day and in
using MS Stockholm, we have the best available vessel to navigate the area, due to her size
and strength it gives us flexibility and maneuverability that other vessels simply do not have.
Here are some examples of places we may visit:
Northwest Spitsbergen
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen
and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to
reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an
attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There
are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.
Magnificent Fjords
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few
of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain
WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 7 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COMpeaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brunnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity. Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet If the ice allows, we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, which is the home to an estimated 200,000 Brunnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet. Eastern Svalbard The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walrus, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are very good in this area. Southwest Spitsbergen The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, at an altitude of 1431m. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice. PLEASE NOTE: Our exact route will very much depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition! Day 12. Aug 17, 2022 Disembark Longyearbean / Depart After breakfast disembark in Longyearbean and transfer to the airport for your international flights home via Oslo. End of services. Meals: B Day 13. Aug 18, 2022 Arrive home. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 8 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
M/S STOCKHOLM The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable Polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). The ship is a marvelous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! After 20 years of navigating the waters in Svalbard she has the experience and track-record of being able to access difficult to reach sites that are inaccessible to other ships. Onboard you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travelers, who are all fascinated by the Arctic nature, wildlife and history. The food onboard is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on our own private yacht. The crew on board M/S Stockholm are also great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature, is an experience of a lifetime! There are two Zodiacs onboard M/S Stockholm. VIEW SHIP IMAGES ON WEBSITE WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 9 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
COST & INFO
SVALBARD – POLAR BEARS & ARCTIC ADVENTURES
Double Occupancy: USD $13,990 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $12’580 per person
NORWAY EXTENSION – OSLO, LOFOTEN ISLANDS & TROMSØ
Double Occupancy: USD $7,880 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $1,570 per person
INCLUDED
All accommodations in twin/double share rooms/cabins as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive
MS Stockholm charter, all group meals; Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; Soft drinks,
drinking water, tea and regular filter coffee during lunch and dinner at all hotels and onboard the
M/S Stockholm (please note, we have managed to arrange that alcoholic beverages are also
included onboard the M/S Stockholm with meals); All group transfers and baggage handling; All
tours, excursions, and activities as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive services of English
speaking professional guides and naturalists; Services of 2 Wild Earth Expedition Leaders; All
gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, ship crew-, resort- and wait staff; Government- Service-
and Room taxes; All permits, Harbor fees, Entrance and landing fees; Complimentary videos
and photos; Photographic and wildlife talks; Donation to local conservation project.
NOT INCLUDED
All international and domestic airfares (please note Domestic flights for the Pre-extension Oslo-
Svolvaer, Leknes-Tromsø, Tromsø-Longyearbyen, Longyearbyen-Oslo at a cost of USD$1390
must be purchased through Wild Earth Expeditions); Any airport arrival and departure taxes;
Passport and visa fees; Immunization costs; Meals outside the group travel itinerary; Mandatory
Travel insurance (including medical, medical evacuation and accident); Excess baggage
charges; Personal items, such as laundry, any alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless
specified above), WiFi, telephone, fax calls; Tips for your 2 Wild Earth Leaders and any non-
group services.
Any sudden increase in price, due to currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in
government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control, will be adjusted with the final invoice
due 4 months prior to the expedition.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
We only have 2 single spaces available on this expedition and single occupancy rates apply. If
you are wanting to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you and double
occupancy rates apply. If we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement surcharge
applies.
WHAT TO EXPECT
All Wild Earth Expeditions are very active, and participants need to be in good general health.
For most activities a good level of fitness is required. This expedition is very active; walking
nature trails on sometimes rough terrain, potentially icy conditions; climbing in and out of
WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 10 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COMzodiacs, kayaking and other physical activities. Accommodations we have chosen are at
upmarket lodges. Onboard the MS Stockholm cabins are intimate and comfortable with bunk
beds and ensuite bathroom facilities with hot water.
Detailed Pre-departure information will be sent to you 4 months prior to the expedition.
Your expedition will be led by 2 Wild Earth Expeditions leaders (Thomas and Natalia Baechtold
our founders) and the most experienced local guides.
ITINERARIES
Wild Earth Expeditions will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised,
but alterations may occur, usually due to weather, wildlife sightings, ice, or flight schedule
changes. We will discuss our planned itinerary daily with the captain and our local expert guides
and will always choose the best available option. Accommodations and arranged tours are
subject to change or cancellation at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances
beyond Wild Earth Expeditions control.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Although we have reported honestly and accurately about our sightings and experiences, we
would like to point out that we are working in the wilderness and despite all our good intentions
and utmost preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us at times. We believe that with
good planning and a realistic approach, you will have a successful time witnessing the natural
behavior of the wildlife we have set out to see.
PHOTO CREDIT © Adam Rheborg and Adobe Stock
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