The backwash has left its mark on these landscapes shaped over time and hemmed the coastline into an intricate maze of waterways. Discover the fragile edges of the shores of Norway and marvel at its many treasures and scenic backdrops as you travel south to Bergen. As winter approaches, the light becomes subdued - explore the fascinating Lofoten archipelago in semi-daylight, immerse yourself in nature amidst the most majestic fjords and discover the beautiful illuminated coastal cities of this region. The Lofoten Islands offer a varied palette of alpine peaks, sandy shores, lush plains and majestic fjords. The traditional dark red fishing huts known as rorbuer punctuate the landscape with their ancestral presence. As the Norwegian Sea bathes this immense and rugged coastline, discover the history of these coastal cities and fishing villages and uncover the geological wonders and spectacular fjords, overlooked by snow-covered peaks. Throughout your journey, an exhilarating seasonal half-light will embellish these powerful panoramas, where land and sea come together to form the incredible scenery that Norway is most renowned for.
Breakfast: 13
Lunch: 12
Dinner: 13
Expedition Crew
Naturalist(s)
Le Commandant Charcot
Zodiac
14 nights premium boat
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Fly from Paris to Narvik where you will be transferred to the pier on arrival to board Le Commandant Charcot.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, Narvik nestles in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. The town is close to obtaining its sustainable destination label, which is a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. The town is home to the Ofoten train line which is an historic railway that once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik. Your first night will be spent here, aboard the ship, so there will be ample time to take in the captivating scenery of this beautiful town.
Grade: Premium Boat
There is an optional excursion to the Polar Park, the world's northernmost animal park, before setting sail in the late afternoon.
The Lofoten Islands is an archipelago beyond the Arctic Circle, planted in the Norwegian Sea. Here, you will sail below alpine summits and in sandy coves, seeing sharp peaks emerging from the sea and deep-blue fjords rippling with fish. The small town of Leknes is on Vestvagoy Island. All around you are the jagged peaks of mountains, and bays that empty and fill with the tides. During this port of call, you will be able to hike or partake in other open-air activities to ensure that you really appreciate all the region's natural treasures. You will set off to meet the Vikings at the Lofotr Viking Museum and reach the small fishing port of Henningsvær, a picturesque and lively hamlet, with its cafés, art gallery and modern art museum.
Norwegians consider the small fishing port of Reine to be their country's most beautiful village; it seems to have been naturally set in the heart of a bay encircled by craggy mountains. Very close by, Flakstad stands out thanks to its superb white sandy beach and bronze-coloured waters, and its red wooden onion-domed church emerging from the cliffs. Other villages are scattered along the roads; they follow the rhythm of skrei (cod) fishing, which helps the region prosper. Here, the seagulls perch on the roofs of the fishermen's houses built on stilts, known as rorbuers. Annually, the region welcomes thousands of people from all over Norway who take part in the miraculous fishing event that runs from January to April every year, continuing an ancestral tradition that dates back as far as the Vikings.
Sitting on the Torget peninsula, surrounded by water and a myriad of islands, Brønnøysund invites you to the heart of a wild natural environment. This former Viking city nestled around a narrow harbour, enjoys a strategic location and centralises fishing and trade-related activities. The lively atmosphere that reigns around the marina is a stark contrast to the tranquillity of the archipelago. At the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre, learn about the global success of Norwegian aquaculture and sample its excellent products. You will also have the chance to hike along the mythical granite dome of Torghatten, the pierced hat-shaped mountain, to admire the astonishing natural hole formed in the rock during the Ice Age. A few kilometres from Brønnøysund, in Tilrem, lies a still working, 250-year-old farm which houses a glorious herb garden, a shop selling farm-produced goods and a family-run restaurant. Three possible included excursions include the Hildur Herb Farm, the Torghatten walk and the Norwegian Aquaculture visit and tasting.
A natural paradise, Smola is an island surrounded by an archipelago of thousands of small islands, islets and reefs, all bathed in an extraordinary light. The sheep freely graze the moorland. Ocean and fresh water meet, forming bays, ponds and pools of brackish water conducive to the development of a high biodiversity. In winter, the island serves as a refuge to numerous seabird species. One of these is the sea eagle, or white-tailed eagle - a protected species of which the densest population is found here. The island's inhabitants subsist primarily on fishing and will share their culinary traditions with you by introducing you to some local products. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at fishing in the crystal-clear waters or you can visit the island of Hitra.
In this wild fjord, topped by high mountains with snow-covered peaks, the only road that remains open in winter is called Eagle Road. Leaving the village of Geiranger, it rises sharply to 625 metres (2,000 feet) above the fjord via 12 hairpin bends. The summit offers a magnificent panorama over the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will able to hear the rumble of the Seven Sisters Waterfall, which tumbles down into the fjord in a cloud of foam. The road then continues up Mount Dalsnibba, which rises to an altitude of 1,475 metres (almost 5,000 feet). In this region, as you will learn at the Norwegian Fjord Centre, agriculture follows a tradition dating back to the Vikings. A farm in the vicinity has been run by the same family for 300 years. With several hundred goats, it is one of the largest summer farms in the country's mountains.
Fall under the spell of Alesund, which is crossed by the pretty Brosundet Canal and surrounded by a string of rocky islets, fjord inlets and majestic mountains. This large herring fishing port is especially reputed for its Art Nouveau architecture. Following the 1904 fire that reduced much of the city to ashes, German architects and artisans rebuilt it in stone and brick, creating a unique homogenous ensemble. You will find out more about it at the Art Nouveau Museum. You will then be able to take to the heights on Godøy Island and climb the Godoyfjellet Mountain to enjoy a magnificent panorama. The picturesque Alnes Lighthouse also offers spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. The relief changes sharply on Giske Island, which is flat and fertile.
Nordfjordeid is a small town nestling at the end of an arm of the gigantic Nordfjord. Featuring valleys with abundant vegetation and mountainous terrain, nature here offers a 360-degree view that was conducive to the early settlement of Viking communities, as demonstrated by the large number of tombs, some of the country's largest and richest. You will be able to deepen your knowledge of Nordic culture and traditions at the Sagastad Viking Centre, a surprising museum with interactive exhibitions, also home to the Myklebust, one of the world's largest Viking ships, measuring 30 metres (98 feet) in length. In addition to its stunning setting, the town is known for its many breeders of Norwegian farm horses, the Fjord horse, offering the opportunity for wonderful hikes in the surrounding area.
Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometres from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flam - pronounced Flom - offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly coloured streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometres long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country's main tourist destinations.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, you will sail in the Sognefjord. This stunning fjord extends approximately 200 kilometres (125 miles) inland, making it the longest in Europe. The Sognefjord is also the widest fjord in Norway, stretching across 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) on average. Its depth can range from 100 metres (328 feet) near its mouth to more than 1,300 metres (4,265 feet). You will see charming villages suspended on the mountainside or nestling along the banks, and admire the waterfalls and perfectly carved wild shores. Like the great rivers with multiples tributaries, the Sognefjord branches off into a large number of arms and fjords that you will be able to glimpse during this magnificent cruise.
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands' occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands' history of heritage and culture: Lerwick's abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen's streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
You will disembark after breakfast at 8 a.m. No transfers are included on this day.
Seasonal Climate Despite the northern latitudes the climate in Norway is not extreme, due to the affects of the North Atlantic Drift. Between May and September is the best time to visit this region, with summer temperatures reaching the high teens and rain a regular feature year round along the coast. North of the Arctic Circle the sun does not set between the middle of May and the end of July, so you can expect to encounter the midnight sun during this period.
+1
2 Pin Round
Lutheranism
Norwegian
Kayaking
INSULATED BASE LAYER: Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear Polar or technical jacket - supplied on board for you to keep Polar sweater or sweatshirt Silk or wool glove liners Wool leggings Warm hiking socks Winter shoes (with a wool lining) WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER: Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children's sizes) Windbreaker - Mandatory A warm woollen hat covering your ears Polar or woollen neck warmer Waterproof technical gloves HEALTH CARE: Sunscreen Lip protection balm Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland) Medications and prescriptions OUTFITS ON BOARD: Casual outfits for the day Smarter outfits for dinners Elegant outfits for Gala evenings White or black and white outfit ACCESSORIES: Highly protective sunglasses Binoculars Walking poles Small waterproof backpack Swimsuit (for the spa on board) Gym wear (fitness) Battery charger and memory cards for your camera Mobile phone charger Clothing tips: INSULATING BASE LAYER AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER : Water-resistant parka - offered on board (not children sizes ; in case of consecutive voyages, only one complimentary parka). Comfortable trousers : classic winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit or wool leggings. Waterproof and wind proof over-trousers - MANDATORY. Windbreaker Winter trousers with waterproof over-trousers are the ideal combination : water-resistance and flexibility of trousers are essential and imperative. Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket. Woollen or thermolactyl underwear. Woolen or fleece neck-warmer, woollen or fleece ear muffs or warm hat (avoid scarves as they do not stay in place) - MANDATORY Wool or silk under gloves, flexible technical and waterproof gloves. Thick warm socks (ideally woollen). Winter shoes (with a wool lining). Ideal clothes for life on board: During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended. Informal evening: In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed. For women: Simple dress Skirt or trousers Blouse Polo For men : Pleated trousers or chinos Sports jacket Shirt Polo Officer's evening: For all trips longer than 8 nights, an Officer's Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white). Gala evening: During the trip, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits. For women: Cocktail attire or evening dress (if you wish to) For men: Dark suit. Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. Also ensure you take comfortable shoes for relaxing on-board.
15Kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Sunglasses and sun cream Insect repellant Personal toiletries Books/reading material Camera and memory cards Seasickness remedy Walking poles (optional)
Le Commandant Charcot, Zodiac
Le Commandant Charcot is a newly-built, state-of-the-art, hybrid, Icebreaker ship. It is the very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas and has been built with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment. In refined surroundings, complete with luxurious extras, this fine and sturdy vessel will transport you into the domain of the great polar explorers. Each of the common areas have been designed with discreet luxury and have been carefully planned so that all spaces are open to the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery. There are seven cabin types available, ranging from Stateroom cabins to the Owner's Suite, all providing en-suite facilities, spacious comfort and balconies to enjoy the passing views. The wellness area offers a variety of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and snow room, which can be enjoyed over the sea days or after a busy day of exploration.
Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot offers 7 cabin varieties to suit all passenger needs. Prices on the website are based on the lead-in cabin type which is s Prestige Stateroom (decks 6,7 and 8), comprising of a king- size bed(or two single beds), a bathroom with shower, a panoramic sliding bay window and a 5m² glazed private balcony. Other cabin types are as follows:- Prestige Stateroom (decks 6,7 and 8) - A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A bathroom with shower - A panoramic sliding bay window - A 5 m² glazed private balcony Deluxe Suite (decks 6,7 and 8) - A lounge area with chaise longue and two armchairs - A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A bathroom with shower - A panoramic sliding bay window - A 5 m² glazed private balcony Prestige Suite (decks 7 and 8) - A lounge with sofa, armchair, TV and sliding courtesy door - A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - Two bathrooms with shower - Two panoramic sliding bay windows - A 10 m² glazed private balcony Grand Prestige Suite (deck 6) - Priority boarding - Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival - Butler service - An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day - A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV - A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi - A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub - A panoramic sliding bay window - A 5 m² glazed private balcony - Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars Privelege Suite (deck 8) - Priority boarding - Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival - Butler service - An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day - A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door - A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi - A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub - Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole - A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony - Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars Duplex Suite (deck 6) - Private return transfer - Priority boarding - Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival - Butler service - An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day - A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV - A dining room with a 6-seater table - A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses - A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi - A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV - A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub - Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door - A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi - Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars Owner's Suite - Private return transfer - Priority boarding - Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival - Butler service - An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day - A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV - A desk and bookcase - A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi - A dining room with a 6-seater table - A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses - A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub - A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer - A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table - Two panoramic sliding bay windows - Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars - A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope
Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks which are included within the voyage cost. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day, as well as drinks from the bar. Nuna - the 484 m² gastronomic restaurant at the rear of deck 5, can seat all the ship's passengers at a single sitting, offering an a la carte dining experience at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ship's second bridge is located at the back of the restaurant: behind its large windows, you will have a front row seat to observe the crew during their operations. Sila - in a more relaxed atmosphere, a 320 m² restaurant located at deck 9 will welcome you for your breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners. This restaurant takes a maximum of 142 people. Inneq - At the open-air bar, you can enjoy a varied and refined range of international sweet and savoury dishes throughout the day (11 am-6 pm) as well as a something from its everyday menu. Capacity is fixed at 62 for dining.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.