Beyond the Arctic Circle & Scandinavian Highlights - a cruise & land journey



Tour Name: Beyond the Arctic Circle & Scandinavian Highlights - a cruise & land journey
Tour Code: ONC5
Days: 19
 
Day 1 Tromsø, Norway (D)

Welcome to Norway. Your journey through the wonderous Arctic begins in Tromsø, known as the cultural hub of the Arctic. Sitting 400km above the Arctic Circle, it is a surprisingly cosmopolitan city for its remote location.

This afternoon, you’ll board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. With a maximum of just 228 guests on board and a staff-to-guest ratio close to 1:1, this is personalised travel unlike any other. You will be shown to your stylish suite, where you can enjoy a drink on your private verandah and toast the start of this luxurious voyage.

Please book your flight to arrive into Tromso prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2 At sea (B,L,D)

Spend the morning getting to know your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Join an introductory presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre. As you get ready for your first landing, they will share with you their excitement about what's to come, along with practical information about your polar expedition – this is the best time to book discovery excursions.

Enjoy the rest of your day as you wish - you may choose a class in the fitness spaces or simply relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Senses Spa. Meet new friends in one of the exceptional bars and lounges or ask the butler to bring your favourite cocktail to your private verandah.

Day 3 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Today discover the remote wilderness of Svalbard. Known as a polar desert, the region is surrounded by rugged glaciers, roaming wildflowers and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your voyage itinerary is flexible, depending on weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Team leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long daylight hours, weather and ice conditions to provide you with the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.

Join a lecture with the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre and learn more about the places you’ll be visiting with our expert historians, geologists, archaeologists and photographers. 

Discovery: Partake in daily excursions by Zodiac, kayak and on nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, the wildlife and marine life, taking you to the place of your wildest dreams.

Day 4 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Allow the butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in-suite dining menu or head to the Yacht Club before looking for wildlife in the pristine Arctic scenery that’s gliding by.

During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to always keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.  

Discovery: Possible landing sites include Ny Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, where few are lucky enough to have travelled. Learn about this quaint town’s rich history in the Kings Bay Museum and hike Arctic trails with the Discovery Team to ensure your safety in polar bear country.

Day 5 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Join the Captain on the bridge as we sail through an Arctic wonderland. The open bridge policy provides an opportunity to learn about the technical abilities of your Discovery Yacht as well as joining the captain and Discovery Team in spotting wildlife from one of the best vantage points on the ship.

See how the Captain navigates through Polar regions where ice and weather conditions can rapidly change plans before your eyes. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement for the guests and the crew.  

Discovery: Spotting the Arctic’s elusive wildlife might be a chance of luck, but thanks to the eagle-eyed, experienced crew, your chances are greatly increased on board Scenic Eclipse. You can always look for the Discovery Team experts to answer any questions you may have – they are always on hand to share with you their knowledge and passion for this remarkable destination.

Day 6 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Open the relieving blackout curtains in your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring views under the. Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg-dotted waters to jagged snow-topped mountains towering over the green slopes of the tundra. Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery from the Observation Deck and cabanas near the Sky Bar, and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water for possible wildlife sightings.

Today, our journey may take us to the Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, the area’s highest population of polar bears and walruses, or to the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, where we can cruise through spectacular fjords and see the vast wall of ice known as the Monaco Glacier.

Discovery: Join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures.

Day 7 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Everywhere you look, the Arctic is picture-perfect. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced photographer, you can be sure to take photos that will capture the stunning surroundings. Perhaps join a photography lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn expert tips and ask the Discovery Team for advice at any time throughout your journey.  

The beauty around you may inspire you to explore other forms of art through the carefully curated art collection on board Scenic Eclipse. Tea Time by Francois Bertrand, a cocktail dress made from more than 4,000 spoons in Lumière, and three custom installations by British graffiti artist Carl Hush in Koko’s are some of the highlights you’ll see around your ultra-luxury yacht.

Discovery: Enjoy daily excursions by Zodiac, kayak and nature walks. The expert Discovery Team will safely guide you every step of the way.

Day 8 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Be sure to pack your swimmers for the ultimate icy experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht’s marina so that you can leap into the icy water below. 

Feel the adrenalin build as you prepare to jump, then a moment that seems to stretch forever before you splash into the coldest water of your life. The polar plunge is an invigorating and refreshing shock to the system that you’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’d rather watch than jump in, you can enjoy the fun with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the spacious viewing areas.  

After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa for some relaxation.

Day 9 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Start your day with a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio. Sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing; alternatively, work out in the fully equipped gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available.

As you continue to look for Svalbard’s stars, the polar bears, see how many kinds of Arctic birdlife you can spot. In the summer, Svalbard has over 30 species of birds including the Svalbard rock ptarmigan, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, and black guillemots, whose feathers get whiter the farther north they are found.   

Sip specialty teas and aromatic illy coffee in the Observation Lounge, where you can read books and play board games in between birdwatching. In the evening, up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences await. From contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to the freshest Japanese culinary at Sushi @ Koko’s, you'll see a Scenic Eclipse voyage is also a remarkable culinary journey.

Day 10 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

As well as incredible wildlife opportunities, throughout your voyage you can learn how people live in one of the remotest places on Earth. The UK Arctic Research Base on Ny Ålesund is believed to be the world’s northern-most community, made of up to 150 people. The harsh environment and mixture of nationalities working at the base creates a unique atmosphere that you may be able to experience with a guided visit.  

Discovery: Step back in time on Smeerenburg and imagine what living in Svalbard was like in the 17th century as you walk around a historical site. Landing opportunities may include Amsterdamøya, where you can join the Discovery Team on a tour to see the ruins of old blubber ovens and wooden structures.

Day 11 Svalbard Archipelago (B,L,D)

Fall in love with all the shapes, colours and sounds of the environment around you. It is one of the most bewitching parts of an Arctic expedition cruise. Today, join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures. As you look out over flat ice fields to the horizon, you may even see a Fata Morgana. These mirages look like ice cliffs in the distance, and you might find it hard to believe when your Discovery Team explains that they’re just an optical illusion on the horizon.

Back on board, warm up with a drink in one of your Discovery Yacht’s all-inclusive bars. Sip an aged whiskey at Scenic Lounge Bar or a cocktail in your cabana beside the Sky Bar. Your in-suite mini-bar is fully re-stocked daily with premium beverages, so you can also relax with a drink in the privacy of your suite at any time.

Day 12 Longyearbyen > Oslo, Norway (B)

Your cruise ends this morning as you farewell the crew, disembark and fly to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Your wondrous land journey begins with a two night Special Stay. Surrounded by forests and fjords, the Norwegian capital is a modern and diverse city.

Day 13 Oslo (B,D)

From the 8th to the 11th century, the Vikings started their journey across Europe, looking for land and trade. Discover their amazing history during your visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula, home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race and its warrior ancestors. Wander the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram Polar Ship. Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. You will be able to step on board the ship and see how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Enrich
Immerse yourself in the architecture, stage technology, opera and ballet at Oslo’s Opera House during a private backstage tour with a specialist guide. Breathe in the beautiful views from the rooftop while enjoying a glass of wine.

Day 14 Oslo > Stockholm, Sweden (B)

Enrich
Enhance your art knowledge with an art specialist at the Munch Museum. Explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to over half of Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges and looking proudly out onto the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.
The graceful architecture, the greenery, the fresh air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city. Spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Day 15 Stockholm (B,D)

Your local guide will unveil the city’s most treasured hotspots during a city tour. You will discover the City Hall with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings; you will also see the Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum located on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th century warship ‘Vasa’ is now housed after it tragically capsized and sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.
This evening, enjoy a highlight dinner at Fem Sma Hus, a mixture of Swedish cuisine with a French touch, in a stunning historical setting.

Day 16 Stockholm > Copenhagen, Denmark (B)

From its humble origins as a fishing village to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire, to its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals, the stories and characters of Copenhagen’s history can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. Enjoy a three night stay.

Day 17 Copenhagen (B,L)

Discover the wonderful Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summerhouse in 1606. Rosenborg Castle features 400 years of magnificence, royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. You will also get to see the delightful courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, home to Princess Mary and the Danish Royal Family.

Enrich
Enjoy an exclusive lunch at d’Angleterre’s.

Day 18 Copenhagen (B,D)

Freechoice: Take an iconic cruise and see the city’s many attractions including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library, and the Little Mermaid while gliding along the canals. Alternatively, visit Tivoli Gardens, including priority access.

Raise your glass this evening, and toast the end of a wonderful journey.

Day 19 Copenhagen (B)

Bid a fond farewell to Copenhagen.

The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.