Arctic Cruise: Day 2
DAY 2 - Saturday, 25 June 2022 - Hornsund: Svalbard's southernmost fjord with 8 glaciers cascading into the water - SPECTACULAR! Whale bones dating back to circa 1620!
Arctic Cruise: Day 1
The word Antarctica comes from the Greek language, antarktikos, which means “opposite to the Arctic”. In turn, Arctic comes from the Greek word arktikos, which means “of the bear”, in reference to the northern constellation called Osa Menor, in which is the Polar Star, which marks the North Pole. An Arctic Expedition was a bucket list dream come true! Sadly our rustic Photographic Expedition Ship was delayed on a final inspection at the last minute so we were forced to switch to a Luxury Cruise with Ponant, the only other vessel sailing in the same timeframe. 'The scenery in this part of the world is simply spectacular. Icebergs, sea ice and volcanic mountain landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. And amidst it all roams the polar bear, king of the Arctic, in complete peace and tranquillity. To take an Arctic cruise is to allow yourself to be transported to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.'
Norway: Svalbard
To the uninitiated, Svalbard may seem desolate and barren with large open landscapes, sparse vegetation and endless glaciers. But if you look beyond this first impression, you will discover an eldorado of nature-based experiences – all year round. The seasonal variations this far north are enormous – the long, dark winter season is replaced by bright spring months, which in turn are replaced by a surprisingly mild summer with sun 24/7.
Norway: Fjords to Oslo
Longyearbyen is a small coal-mining town on Spitsbergen Island, in Norway's Svalbard archipelago. This Arctic town is known for its views of the Northern Lights and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault which is a secure backup facility for the world's crop diversity. Live bears can occasionally be seen in the area. The North Pole Expeditions Museum recounts early efforts to reach the pole by air. The scenery is spellbinding, and the islands offer you the chance to enjoy experiences that few other destinations can offer.
Norway: Aurlandsfjord and Flam Railway
Aurlandsfjord is a fjord in Vestland county, Norway. The fjord flows through the municipalities of Aurland, Vik, and Lærdal. The 29-kilometre long fjord is a branch off of the main Sognefjorden, Norway's longest fjord. The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. The journey features the finest aspects of the stunning scenery of Western Norway. It offers an immediate return journey.
Norway: Oslo to Bergen Rail
The Bergen Railway was built in 1909 and runs over the highlands between Oslo and Bergen over 308miles. These are the two largest cities in Norway. The Bergen Line is Northern Europe's highest railway line, reaching 1,222 metres above sea level at Finse train station and covers 180 tunnels and 22 stops. Bergen is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It's surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Bryggen features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League's trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. The Edvard Grieg House is where the renowned composer once lived.
UK: Scotland – 2022 Glen Coe and Bidean nam Bian
Bidean nam Bian is a complex range with many ridges and subsidiary peaks. It lies to the south of the spectacular area of Glen Coe which is situated in western Scotland and is the highest point in the former county of Argyll standing at 1,150m. The main summit of the munro is hidden from the road behind the Three Sisters and is accessed via a stunning hidden valley.
Sweden: Jukkasjäarvi – Reindeer, Dog Sledding, Log Cabins and Northern lights
A wonderful day starting with a visit to the oldest church in Lapland and feeding reindeer. Then the excitement commenced - driving our own dog sleds - truly magical experience - just you, the wilderness and your dogs...all the way to remote wooden log cabins surrounded by a frozen lake for a delicious meal. Sauna and snow rolling under the simply spectacular Northern Lights in -30C...AMAZING.
Italy: Amalfi -2021
Amalfi is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era. The Museo Arsenale Amalfi is a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.
Italy: Ravello -2021
Ravello, a resort town set 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is home to iconic cliffside gardens. The 13th-century, Moorish-style Villa Rufolo offers far-reaching views from its terraced gardens, and hosts indoor and outdoor concerts during the popular summertime Ravello Festival. Villa Cimbrone, a medieval-style estate perched on a steep outcrop, is surrounded by another celebrated garden.