THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS, & WITH M/S 8TH - 23RD MAY 2017 THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS, BEAR ISLAND & SVALBARD

Join M/S Stockholm on a great adventure, exploring some of ’s most exciting and scenic locations. Our stops characteristic wooden houses overlook Day 12-15: Svalbard along the Norwegian coast include the majestic Storfjord, the charming of Ålesund and the picturesque of Kirkefjord with high mountaintops in the It is spring in the Arctic and it is a powerful Nusfjord, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. We continue towards the seldom visited Bear Island, located in the background. It is not difficult to see why it was experience to witness the archipelago middle of and home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds. The adventure culminates in one of the world’s once voted Norway’s most beautiful place. spring to life. We enjoy the stunning nature most magnificent wildernesses – Svalbard. This early in the season, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity, pastel that surrounds us – sparkling ice formations, Nusfjord snow covered mountains and glistering gla- coloured skies and breathtaking sceneries. Here we keep our eyes open for polar bears, and other Arctic animals, Nusfjord is a well-preserved and authentic ciers. We start by exploring parts of Storfjorden but above all we enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – ice formations and snow covered mountains, glistering fishing community with focus on fishing. and constantly keeping our eyes peeled for glaciers and fjord ice. The village is part of UNESCO’s World the Arctic wildlife. How far in we reach Heritage list of unique wooden houses with depends on the drift ice that often accumulates a charming old-fashioned shop well worth here this time of year. We continue towards a visit. We sail further along what is known majestic Hornsund, consisting of several as the wall. In the evening we enter fjords, which glaciers calve out shimmering magical Trollfjorden and later set course blue icebergs.It is also a favourite haunt for towards Tromsø. polar bears. In Bellsund we hope to reach Vårsolbukta, where the little auks nest in Tromsø tens of thousands. In Tromsø we visit the prestigious Polar Museum and learn more about the first polar Day 16: explorers, who went north to seek fame and We arrive in Longyearbyen and begin our fortune. The city is known as of the journey home. Day 1: Geirangerfjorden rock with a big hole, that the ice sheet once North, which derives from its vast cultural The journey begins in the city of Bergen, We get to know the majestic Storfjorden created, or according to the legend; the hole a offerings. Please note: This itinerary is subject to beautifully surrounded by high mountains and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected giant created in despair from a broken heart. change. Our exact route will depend on ice, and deep fjords. We stay the night at a Geirangerfjorden, which is characterised by Day 10: At sea towards Bear Island weather conditions and wildlife. We always centrally located hotel. deep blue water and lush mountain plains Kerringøy strive to maximise your experience. Please with beautiful waterfalls. Kjerringøy is a real gem on the Norwegian Day 11: Bear Island remember that flexibility is the key to a Day 2-9: Expedition coast. Here we encounter a diverse lands- Today we hope to reach this marvellous successful expedition! We embark M/S Stockholm and head Grip cape of mountains, white sandy beaches rocky island, situated in the middle of the towards the beautiful passage of Alversund. This deserted fishing village is now popular with and small farming communities, but the Barents Sea. On the 400-meter high cliffs, During our adventure along the Norwegian summer guests. Its original and colourful island is most famous for its old trading hundreds of thousands of seabirds are coast we hope to visit some of the following wooden buildings are well preserved. We visit post. This is a unique heritage consisting of nesting – puffins, guillemots, and places: the beautiful church and we also pass by the 15 well-preserved houses, which gives the kittiwakes among others. As well as a spect- small and very dramatically situated lighthouse. visitor a great insight into what it was like to acular Zodiac cruise along the impressive Ålesund live in this northern trading town in the 1800s. bird cliffs we aim to make a landing on this Upon reaching Ålesund we explore this Torghatten rarely visited island. We then continue our small town, built in a true Art Nouveau style, On our way north we sail past famous natural journey and sail over night. Our next de- enjoying its delightfully decorated facades, attractions like the mountain peaks known as We hope to visit the picturesque fishing vil- stination is Svalbard – one of the world’s towers and pinnacles. the Seven Sisters, followed by Torghatten – a lage of Reine. This charming village, with most magnificent wildernesses. THE EXPEDITION M/S STOCKHOLM

M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. She carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many!

Travelling on board M/S Stockholm is a truly unique experience. In the dining room you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers and in the comfortable lounge you can relax after an eventful day. Out on deck there is plenty of room to take photographs, for wildlife spotting or to just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The crew on board is also great enthusiasts of the wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind.

Upper Deck

RATE INCLUDES: : 1 hotel night in Bergen. 14 nights on board M/S Stockholm, all meals on board, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, 1 expedition leader and 1 guide, all excur- sions and activities, the customary gratuity to the ship’s crew, an illustrated post expedition log. Main deck NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Bergen and from Longyearbyen, 21 22 23 travel and cancellation insurance.

Dates: 8th - 23rd May 2017. 25 26 27 Duration: 16 days. Group Size: Max 12 passengers. Accommodation: Hotel in Bergen, cabin on board Cabin category Price per person M/S Stockholm. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac. Twin cabin (bunk bed, shower/WC) USD 8 790

Photo: Adam Rheborg, Adrian Nordenborg, Lisa Ström, Magnus Lundgren, Mattias Henningsson, Niklas Nilsson, Peter & Beverly Pickford.