Fly Stay Cruise - 20 Day Arctic Frontier Expedition: Norway Fjords & Svalbard

Today marks the beginning of your Arctic adventure. Board your international flight from Australia bound for Oslo, Norway. Sit back, relax, and prepare for an unforgettable journey to the top of the world.

Welcome to Norway! Arrive in Oslo and make your own way to the hotel. Despite its compact size, Oslo offers a wealth of experiences and sights to enjoy. If time permits, the Bygdøy Peninsula is home to a wonderful collection of museums, including the Norsk Folkemuseum, which showcases traditional Norwegian life through an open-air display of over 150 historic buildings. Vigeland Sculpture Park is another highlight, featuring over 200 sculptures set across a beautiful green space. Art lovers may also wish to visit the Munch Museum, which houses an extensive collection of works by the celebrated Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. Oslo is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it easy to get a feel for local life. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

This morning after breakfast, make your way to Oslo Central Railway Station to embark on the ‘Norway in a Nutshell' adventure. Board the train to Myrdal and begin one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. As you travel from Oslo, you will traverse lush farmland and pass forests and towering peaks. Upon reaching Myrdal, transfer to the famed Flåm Railway, a marvel of engineering that descends over 900 metres through dramatic scenery to the charming village of Flåm, nestled in the heart of the fjords. Once in Flåm, take your time to explore the village. You may wish to visit the Flåm Railway Museum to learn about the history of this incredible railway line, or unwind at the local brewery where you can sample craft beers with views of the surrounding fjord. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast, board the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, navigating through the narrow and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. This fjord is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including mountain peaks, deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers, and thundering waterfalls. As you cruise through these waters, you will be surrounded by some of Norway's most spectacular natural scenery. Arriving in Gudvangen, continue your journey by bus to Voss, before taking the train for the final stretch to Bergen. Once you arrive, take the afternoon to explore this colourful gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen retains a great deal of its character, charm and history. You may enjoy a stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century, wander the cobblestone alleyways, grab a bite at a local cafe, take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular, or visit the famous fish market. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning you will have some time to explore Bergen further before your transfer to the Hurtigruten terminal. Before boarding, visit the guest lounge where you can speak to staff about securing a spot on any optional excursions still available. Once welcomed aboard MS Trollfjord, meet your ship's Expedition Team, who will be your hosts and guides as you travel along the Norwegian coastline and onward to Svalbard. Get acquainted with your fellow travellers and take some time to settle into your new home for the next seven nights. Enjoy your first meal aboard the ship and watch Bergen fade into the distance as you set sail. Special Information Transfers in Bergen to the Hurtigruten terminal are included.

Today the ship docks at Åndalsnes, a picturesque coastal town located along the Isfjord, surrounded by towering mountains. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, a love of the outdoors. Take in the spectacular views of the Isfjord, Romsdalsfjord and the surrounding peaks.

Today the ship visits Træna, an archipelago along the Helgeland coast at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Made up of around 500 islands, islets and skerries, only four are inhabited year-round. The village will be open just for your group, including the church, Petter Dass chapel and the local museum. Back on board, you will cross the Arctic Circle as the ship continues heading north. This milestone will be commemorated with a traditional and fun ceremony.

Today you will explore the famed Lofoten Islands. Watch for steep mountains rising from the sea as the ship approaches from the south. The ship docks in Reine, an important fishing village since the mid-eighteenth century and one of the most photographed landscapes in all of Norway.

Tromsø is northern Norway's urban Arctic hotspot, boasting impressive architecture, vibrant restaurants, and the world's northernmost university. The ship aims to dock in the morning, giving you a full day to explore this historic Arctic city.

The ship arrives at Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway and the gateway to the North Cape.

Today is a day spent at sea as the ship crosses the Barents Sea heading towards the remote wilderness of Svalbard. There will be a lecture about Svalbard, and the Expedition Team will be on hand throughout the day to share points of interest. Out on deck, the ship's chefs will prepare a special tasting for you to enjoy. This is a day to relax and enjoy the ship's facilities. In the afternoon there will be a briefing about the special rules that must be followed to protect the delicate local ecology on Svalbard.

On the last day of the first sea voyage, the ship arrives at the Svalbard archipelago and makes its way to Spitsbergen. You are now at a latitude of more than 78 degrees north, under 1,500 kilometres from the North Pole itself. It is time to disembark the ship and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy an included Arctic tasting menu dinner at Huset, one of Longyearbyen's most renowned restaurants. Special Information Transfers in Longyearbyen from the ship to the hotel are included.

Begin the day with a quiet breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a journey into Svalbard's Arctic landscape. The highlight of the day is a wilderness and glacier tour aboard the hybrid-electric catamaran, MS Bard. This low-impact vessel offers a steady platform from which to observe the surrounding seascape and the possibility of encountering local wildlife. Following the return to Longyearbyen, there is some time to rest, explore the town, or visit a local cafe. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the Funktionærmessen Restaurant at Funken Lodge.

The morning begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time to explore Longyearbyen at your own pace. Later, enjoy an included lunch at Funken Lodge before transferring to your ship, MS Serenissima, to begin a voyage along the west coast of Spitsbergen. This small expedition ship offers access to areas inaccessible to larger vessels, allowing for closer views of glacial fronts and wildlife habitats.

Today marks the first full day of expedition cruising in Svalbard. The itinerary includes two landings or shore-based excursions, subject to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The day's route brings you into Magdalenefjorden, a striking inlet framed by steep, glacier-cut mountains. Special Information All landings and shore excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions, and may be adjusted by the Expedition Team at short notice.

This is the second full day of the expedition cruise. The itinerary includes time in Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden. Look out for walrus, seals, whales, and Arctic flora. If conditions remain favourable, the ship will continue beyond 80 degrees North. Special Information All landings and shore excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions.

Today's programme focuses on both natural landscapes and human presence in the High Arctic, with two scheduled landings including a visit to Ny-Ålesund, one of the world's northernmost research communities. There is also an opportunity to post mail from the world's northernmost post office. Special Information All landings and shore excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions.

This morning, the ship returns to Longyearbyen, marking the conclusion of your expedition voyage. Disembarkation takes place after arrival, with a transfer arranged to bring you from MS Serenissima into town. There may be a brief opportunity to revisit Longyearbyen before continuing to the airport for your flight to Oslo. Upon arrival in Oslo, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy a final evening in Norway's capital. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours (including flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo).

After breakfast at the hotel, your Arctic adventure comes to an end. You may have some free time this morning to enjoy a final stroll through Oslo before making your way to the airport for your return flight to Australia. We hope you have had a truly extraordinary experience travelling from Oslo all the way to the top of Svalbard and back. From the fjords of western Norway to the glaciers of the High Arctic, this has been a journey through some of the most remarkable landscapes on Earth. We look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure. Safe travels home! Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Arrive home in Australia today, bringing with you wonderful memories of your Arctic Norway frontier adventure. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.