Beyond the Arctic Circle: Tromsø to Svalbard


Svalbard
© GAD

Duration: 11 days
Starts: Tromsø, Norway
Ends: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Language: English speaking voyage


Included


Think of this as our “Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth” with a twist — starting in Norway and including remote Bear Island for a fresh take on the Arctic. Over 11 unforgettable days, you’ll cruise through the magical landscapes of the Norwegian Sea, Greenland, and Svalbard, exploring glacier-lined coasts, UNESCO-listed sites, and ancient Viking history. Perfect for travellers big on adventure but short on time, this expedition packs in wildlife sightings, jaw-dropping fjords, and endless Arctic wonder. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears prowling the ice, seals lounging on the shore, reindeer grazing the tundra, and birds soaring under the midnight sun. It’s wild, remote, and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Travel Style: Marine
Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Age requirement: 10+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Itinerary

© GAD
© GAD
© GAD

Day 1: Tromsø
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Tromsø in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.

Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

Please ensure your flight arrives by 1pm at the latest in order to be on time for today's 4pm embarkation.

Arrival Transfer
Tromsø Airport, Langnes – Tromsø
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Embarkation of the Expedition
Tromsø
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Meals included: Dinner

Days 2–3: Bear Island
Sail northward from Tromsø spending a day at sea to travel to Bear Island, an untouched beauty of the Arctic. Think rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and very dramatic landscapes. The island is home to millions of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and little auks. Bear Island is a remote and often overlooked part of the Svalbard Archipelago, allowing those who do visit an off-the-beaten-path adventure and epic wildlife.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 4–5Svalbard
Continue sailing along the coast of Svalbard and explore near South Spitsbergen National Park. The fjords are characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and icy seas, offering stunning views. Start by seeing the Hornsundtind massif where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape and potentially view wildlife. The fjord cuts deep into the island creating a memorable visual experience. Search for bearded seals and maybe polar bears. The group will also visit Bellsund for other interesting historical sites and wildlife viewing.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 6–8: Svalbard/Greenland Sea
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Your 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. Always be on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, have your 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!

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.

Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Days 9–10: Greenland Sea/Svalbard
Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore more of Svalbard, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history.

Enjoy the coast of Svalbard. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 11: Svalbard/Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.

General disembarkation from the vessel is at approximately 8:00am. You will be transferred to the airport depending on the time of your flight. Transfer times will be confirmed and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the port will be available until time of departure.

Due to restrictive airline schedules for flights departing from Longyearbyen, we are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 7:40am (dependent on airline schedules).

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Private Vehicle
Longyearbyen – Svalbard Airport
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included: Breakfast

Itinerary

Day 1: Tromsø
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Tromsø in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.

Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

Please ensure your flight arrives by 1pm at the latest in order to be on time for today's 4pm embarkation.

Arrival Transfer
Tromsø Airport, Langnes – Tromsø
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Embarkation of the Expedition
Tromsø
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Meals included: Dinner

Days 2–3: Bear Island
Sail northward from Tromsø spending a day at sea to travel to Bear Island, an untouched beauty of the Arctic. Think rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and very dramatic landscapes. The island is home to millions of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and little auks. Bear Island is a remote and often overlooked part of the Svalbard Archipelago, allowing those who do visit an off-the-beaten-path adventure and epic wildlife.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 4–5Svalbard
Continue sailing along the coast of Svalbard and explore near South Spitsbergen National Park. The fjords are characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and icy seas, offering stunning views. Start by seeing the Hornsundtind massif where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape and potentially view wildlife. The fjord cuts deep into the island creating a memorable visual experience. Search for bearded seals and maybe polar bears. The group will also visit Bellsund for other interesting historical sites and wildlife viewing.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 6–8: Svalbard/Greenland Sea
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Your 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. Always be on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, have your 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!

Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.

Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Days 9–10: Greenland Sea/Svalbard
Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore more of Svalbard, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history.

Enjoy the coast of Svalbard. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Zodiac Excursion (Arctic)
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions.

Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Expedition
Svalbard
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 11: Svalbard/Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.

General disembarkation from the vessel is at approximately 8:00am. You will be transferred to the airport depending on the time of your flight. Transfer times will be confirmed and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the port will be available until time of departure.

Due to restrictive airline schedules for flights departing from Longyearbyen, we are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 7:40am (dependent on airline schedules).

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Private Vehicle
Longyearbyen – Svalbard Airport
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included: Breakfast


© GAD
© GAD
© GAD


INCLUSIONS

10 nights aboard the Expedition
Arrival transfer
Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
Lectures and educational programs
Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
Expedition parka
Accommodations
Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 10 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Transportation
G Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, walking.

Staff & experts
One expedition team member per 10 guests.

EXCLUSIONS

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: G-Expedition | Date: 09 Jun 2026 - 19 Jun 2026 (4302)
Main Deck Triple
$7,099
Lower Deck Twin
$8,099
Main Deck Porthole Twin
$8,499
Main Deck Window Twin
$8,799
Superior Twin
$9,499
Deluxe Twin
$10,049
Suite Double
$10,649
Owner´s Suite Double
$10,949

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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