Norway & West Spitsbergen Explorer Voyage
12 Days
from
$7, 048 pp*
Highlights:
Norway
(Oslo, Longyearbyen)
,
Arctic Cruises
(Spitsbergen Cruise)
Trip Start/End:
Oslo
/
Oslo
Trip Schedule:
Departs on
22-Aug-2013, 29-Aug-2013, 05-Aug-2013
Sail along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, Norway, and journey through a landscape of breathtaking fjords and gigantic glaciers, all set before a magical backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. This coastline is surprisingly rich in wildlife and historical remains, offering a fascinating insight into the heroic efforts of the polar explorers of old times. This adventure will take you on board skiff excursions, separating from your main cruise vessel, in order to get right up close to the dramatic scenery in this northern periphery. Sightings of walrus, polar bears, Minke whales, arctic fox and other polar wildlife are all possibilities, while small town life in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg will paint a picture of what daily life in these northern extremities is all about.
Available Cruise Departure Dates (2013):
Jul 24, Jul 31, Aug 7
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
| | Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Oslo
| - Shared - Oslo Experience Cruise & Tour (5hrs) - Coach/Boat/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Oslo - Longyearbyen
| - Air - Oslo - Longyearbyen [4 hours] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Spitsbergen Hotel (3.5*)
[] (B)
|
- Day 4
- Longyearbyen - Barentsburg - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Breakfast (included)
- Lunch Included
- Port (with Sightseeing Tour) - Coach/Driver
- Embarkation
- Barentsburg, Spitsbergen
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Hornsund - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Hornsund, Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Bellsund - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Bellsund, Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Ny-Alesund - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Cruising Ny-Alesund and Kongsfjord, Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Woodfjorden - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Woodfjord and Liefdefjord, Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Northwest Spitsbergen National Park - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Isfjorden - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Isfjord, Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| M/S Fram (7N)
Category N2 Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Longyearbyen - Oslo
| - Breakfast on Board
- Disembarkation
- Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Longyearbyen - Oslo [4 hours] - Economy
| Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
| | Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Accommodations
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Lobby
Radisson Blu Scandinavia (4*) - Oslo
The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Oslo near the Royal Palace, with spectacular views overlooking the city and the fjord. Major attractions such as Aker Brygge, City Hall, the Karl Johans Gate and the Vigeland Sculpture Park are within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel offers 488 rooms and suites on 22 floors. The majority of rooms offer direct views to the Oslo Fjord or the landmark Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Free wireless high-speed internet access is available to guests throughout the building. On the 21st floor of the hotel you will find the Summit bar, combining breathtaking views with excellent cocktails. The intimate ENZO Bar & Restaurant serves a menu inspired by the Mediterranean. All guests have complimentary access to the Lagoon, featuring a swimming pool, fitness room, and saunas.
Spitsbergen Hotel
Spitsbergen Hotel (3.5*) - Longyearbyen
The historic Spitsbergen Hotel is centrally located in Haugen in Longyeardalen, with superb views across the waters of Adventfjorden and the striking peak of Hiortfjellet. The hotel has preserved its historic character from the time when it was a staff centre and entertainment venue for the mining company Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani. Spitsbergen Hotel is within easy reach of the town centre, local attractions and tax-free stores.
M/S Fram
M/S Fram (7N) - Spitsbergen Cruise
M/S Fram is named after the ship used by famous Norwegian Explorer Fridtjof Nansen, M/S Fram’s interior has been inspired by Greenland and the Arctic region; with a glass-enclosed observation lounge and excellent leisure facilities including a gym, sauna and two heated outdoor Jacuzzis. M/S Fram is a purpose built 12,700-ton vessel that incorporates all the best of both practical and traditional design. Items of the original Fram are also be displayed throughout the vessel, linking the present MS Fram with the rich history of its illustrious past.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Norway
VISA/PASSPORT
Norway is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Norway for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/norway.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Oslo.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Declared independence from Sweden in 1905.
Language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk). Sami is spoken by the Sami population in the north. English is widely spoken.
Religion: Approximately 86% Evangelical Lutherans; plus other Christian denominations.
Time: Norway Mainland: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). Jan Mayen Islands, Svalbard: GMT + 1.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50/60Hz. Plugs are of the European round two-pin type.
Telephone: Country code +47.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Mobile phones cannot be hired. Coverage is mostly good, but may be patchy in rural areas.
Internet: There are many Internet cafes throughout Norway and the Internet can also be accessed via public libraries.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Hotel & Cruise Accommodation, Activities, Meals as mentioned, Internal flights and fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialized and personalized services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $1340). The balance is due 95 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 95 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 61-94 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-60 days will be subject to loss of 75% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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