Land of the Polar Bears

11 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
57%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard the National Geographic Explorer and experience nature in its purest form.
From$9,440
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Search for the very symbol of the Arctic—the polar bear—and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
    • Take naturalist-led shore walks, and cruise among beautiful passing icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak.
    • Experience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, when the sun never sets.
    • Watch for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer.

What's this trip about?

    A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard the National Geographic Explorer and experience nature in its purest form.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOslo
End CityOslo

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • National Parks
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Wildlife Viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Oslo, Norway

Depart on an overnight flight to Oslo. Upon arrival, check into our hotel. On an afternoon tour of this charming city, stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced parklands. Visit the Fram Museum, showcasing the polar...

Day 3: Oslo/Longyearbyen

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Depart Oslo on a private charter flight, and enjoy breath taking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark the National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days.

Days 4 to 9: Exploring Svalbard

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ( Daily)

This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery, and our travel in the archipelago is exploratory by design. In a region ruled not by humans but by polar bears, we let nature guide our course. Svalbard lies north...

Day 10: Longyearbyen/Oslo

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel

In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time to explore. Founded by an American coal executive in 1906, this is one of the northernmost human settlements on Earth. Fly back to Oslo this afternoon.

Day 11: Oslo/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $9,440
Price per day$858
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2016, add $2,620 in Category 2 and $2,720 in Category 3.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

3.5/5  Great
Excellent
16
Great
0
Average
3
Disappointing
5
Terrible
6
Write a Review

Other National Geographic Expeditions Reviews

E

Engedu

Oct 2023

National Geographic Expeditions Company Reviewsby National Geographic Expeditions

Inconsistent information, No Refund

We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marke...

C

CaliforniaSlug

Jul 2023

National Geographic Expeditions Company Reviewsby National Geographic Expeditions

How to Ruin a Trip to Norway

My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ...

W

WORLDWEARY

Nov 2022

Written on

TOO MUCH TOO FAST

Firstly, it was my understanding, and confirmed in a phone conversation with the company’s representative prior to our departure, that the schedule of events would g...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary)
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage, accident, cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
    • Any other items not specifically noted as included

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
National Geographic Explorer
The National Geographic Explorer is the newest ship in our fleet and arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. A state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, the Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views; private bathrooms; and sleek, modern furnishings. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 309-312 and 310-332. Single cabins in Category 3 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 105, 106, 203 and 208. The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar; a library; a spa; a fitness center; a sauna; and a selection of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an Internet cafe.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
nation-lanthenat

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save