Day 1: Edinburgh/Kirkwall
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.
Day 2: Kirkwall/Orkney
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.
Day 3: Shetland Islands
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.
Day 4: Olden
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.
Day 5: Geiranger
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.
Day 6: Trondheim
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.
Day 7: Torghatten/Vega
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.
The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.
Day 8: Svartisen/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at 90 meters above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.
Visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.
Day 9: Lofoten Islands
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.
Day 10: Tromso
Spend the day exploring Norway's largest northern city. Choose between hiking on the mountain top overlooking Tromsø, or wandering the city's streets before taking a cable car to the mountain top. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional open faced sandwiches while gazing over the city. Everyone will have a chance to visit some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums and (weather permitting) enjoy a stunning view from a cable car.
Day 11: At Sea/Bjornoya
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.
Day 12: Hornsund
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.
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.
Days 13-14: Svalbard
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.
Day 15: Longyearbyen
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
