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: Alesund
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.
Day 5: Andalsnes
Enjoy a full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the train in Åndalsnes and settle in for a journey into the Romsdalen valley, surrounded by the staggering Romsdalshorn and Trolltidene mountains on either side. See the "Troll Wall," a climbers' favourite, and cross the majestic Kylling bru bridge over the Rauma River. Upon arrival at Bjorli station, transfer to a coach for the scenic drive back to town, with ample photo stops along the way.
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. Erected over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.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: 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 14: Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard, and head to Longyearbyen in the afternoon.
Day 15-21: Spitsbergen
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.
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear lives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!
Day 22: Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.
