Olso & Spitsbergen Arctic Discovery
13 Days
from
$ 8,160 pp*
Highlights:
Norway
(Oslo)
,
Arctic Cruises
(Spitsbergen Cruise)
Trip Start/End:
Oslo
/
Longyearbyen
Discover the beauty of Oslo, before you embark on an adventure cruise to the Arctic. If Polar Bears top your list of must-see Arctic wildlife, choose this arctic cruise to Spitsbergen. This remarkable island hosts an astonishing array of Arctic wildlife, protected within six national parks. The island itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This expedition is perfect if you prefer short sea voyages with frequent shore landings and Zodiac cruises. Here you'll find enough Polar Bears, Reindeer, Walrus and Whales to keep your camera constantly clicking. A bounty of seabirds, including Arctic Terns, Skua, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings are found here as well. With Arctic wildlife and sweeping vistas in the fjords, this is an expedition cruise which will truly inspire.
Cruise Departures (2013):
June 14 & 24
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Oslo
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Rica Grand Hotel (5*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Oslo
| - Private - City Tour & Viking Ship Museum (3hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
| Rica Grand Hotel (5*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Oslo - Longyearbyen - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Transfer - Private - Airport Taxi - Taxi/Driver
- Flight Olso- Longyerbyen (Not included)
- Port
- Departure
- Embarkation
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Exploring Spitsbergen
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Unique Expeditions
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Phippsøya - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Polar Bear Viewing
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Hinlopen Strait - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Bird Cliffs of Alkefjellet
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Phippsøya - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Walrus Spotting
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Optional Kayaking Excursions
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Smeerenburg - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Wailer Memorial
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Spitsbergen Cruise
| - New Sights
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Alkhornet - Spitsbergen Cruise
| - Colorful Tundra
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (10N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 13
- Longyearbyen
| - Breakfast on Board
- Disembarkation
- Airport- Coach/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
National Theater of Oslo
Rica Grand Hotel Oslo
Day 1: Oslo
Relax on a private Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver in Oslo.
Accommodation: Rica Grand Hotel (5*) The Rica Grand Hotel Oslo (5*) is a deluxe, full-service, commercial hotel, in a very central location on Oslo's main thoroughfare, the famous Karl Johans Gate, between the Norwegian parliament building and the Royal Palace, within walking distance of Oslo's main shopping and cultural areas, as well as its sights. The hotel`s excellent location makes it the ideal base from which to explore everything Oslo has to offer visitors. The nearest airport to the hotel is Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which is located 45km away. It is a destination favoured by international stars and Nobel Peace Prize winners alike, and remains the city's top address owing to its elegant furnishings in its 290 rooms and 52 suites, a splendid location and complete range of services that includes 18 function rooms, two bars and three fine restaurants. Artesia Spa Grand Hotel is owned and run by Artesia, the most exclusive fitness and wellbeing club in Norway, situated at Majorstuen in Oslo.
Viking Ship Museum
Day 2: Oslo
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour in the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by the fjord. You will enjoy a magnificent view of Oslo from Holmenkollen Hill, with the famous ski kimps where the Winter Games were held in 1952. Among other high lights you will visit the Viking Ship Museum, with its three Viking vessels. The Vigeland's Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome you with the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to this Park. You will also pass by the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan as well. Entrance fee to Viking Ship Museum is included in tour cost.
Accommodation: Rica Grand Hotel (5*) 
Spitsbergen
Sea Spirit
Day 3: Oslo - Longyearbyen - Spitsbergen Cruise
Meet your taxi driver for an airport transfer.
Take a flight from Olso to Longyearbyen not included in the tour cost.
Join a shared port transfer, bringing you to your expedition cruise vessel.
Your Spitsbergen adventure cruise begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. As you embark, you’ll get great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement. Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom and explore the length of the ship.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called Zodiacs- for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available on select departures. All suites have facilities en suite and exterior views. Deluxe Suites, Premium Suites and the Owner's Suite have private balconies for viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands (Malvinas). Cruise with all the comfort of home - king-size beds (twin beds for those who prefer them), an open bar, balconies and a hot tub.
Day 4: Spitsbergen Cruise
For the next 9 days, you cruise around this magical island, on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Glacial Fjords
Day 5: Spitsbergen Cruise
From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities, so you'll have no fixed itinerary, however there are some favorite destinations, including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Straight.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Polar Bear Sighting
Day 6: Phippsøya - Spitsbergen Cruise
The destinations visited on your voyage will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar Bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) _200x1761.jpg)
Jagged Bird Cliffs
Day 7: Hinlopen Strait - Spitsbergen Cruise
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide many free bird egg meals for both Polar Bears and the Arctic Fox.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Walrus Herd
Day 8: Phippsøya - Spitsbergen Cruise
Torellneset and Phippsoya are great places for Walrus photography. Coming across a Walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t forget either. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene, as each Walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Zodiac Excursion
Day 9: Spitsbergen Cruise
If you’re itching to get a little closer to the action, then taking an optional sea-kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended.
There will be plenty of opportunities to join a Zodiac excursion during your days in the fjords.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Arctic Poppy
Day 10: Smeerenburg - Spitsbergen Cruise
Smeerenburg is a great place, as you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Arctic Fox Feeding
Day 11: Spitsbergen Cruise
Each day you’ll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) 
Colorful Tundra
Day 12: Alkhornet - Spitsbergen Cruise
There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (10N) Day 13: Longyearbyen
Arriving back to Longyearbyen, you'll disembark from your ship this morning and bid farewell to your fellow expeditioners.
Meet your driver for a shared group transfer.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Rica Grand Hotel Oslo
Rica Grand Hotel Oslo
Rica Grand Hotel (5*) - Oslo
The Rica Grand Hotel Oslo (5*) is a deluxe, full-service, commercial hotel, in a very central location on Oslo's main thoroughfare, the famous Karl Johans Gate, between the Norwegian parliament building and the Royal Palace, within walking distance of Oslo's main shopping and cultural areas, as well as its sights. The hotel`s excellent location makes it the ideal base from which to explore everything Oslo has to offer visitors. The nearest airport to the hotel is Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which is located 45km away. It is a destination favoured by international stars and Nobel Peace Prize winners alike, and remains the city's top address owing to its elegant furnishings in its 290 rooms and 52 suites, a splendid location and complete range of services that includes 18 function rooms, two bars and three fine restaurants. Artesia Spa Grand Hotel is owned and run by Artesia, the most exclusive fitness and wellbeing club in Norway, situated at Majorstuen in Oslo.
- Sea Spirit
Sea Spirit (10N) - Spitsbergen Cruise
Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called Zodiacs- for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available on select departures. All suites have facilities en suite and exterior views. Deluxe Suites, Premium Suites and the Owner's Suite have private balconies for viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands (Malvinas). Cruise with all the comfort of home - king-size beds (twin beds for those who prefer them), an open bar, balconies and a hot tub.
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 - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised 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 (35% of program price, minimum $1500). The balance is due 130 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 181 days or more after booking will receive full refund minus a $1500 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 121-180 days will be subject to loss of 35% of program price. 120 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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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