Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light & Epic Ice

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at your leisure. (L)

Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, have a private lunch and then enjoy a panoramic drive through the town. We will stop for photo ops along the way, including to take in the views of the Svalbard mountains. Embark our ship, your base of exploration for the next six days. (B,L,D)

Our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design and our exact day-today movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. Our main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early season sea and landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm, the walrus and the polar bear, our movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as we search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to spring feeding grounds when/where the seals are pupping and our ace staff will be on constant lookout. We will use our agile Zodiac fleet to cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing and you'll have the rare opportunity to witness it. We'll chase the light and near pristine conditions with a National Geographic photographer by your side to help you capture your best photographs. (B.L,D)

Disembark in Longyearbyen and have a photo op outside the Seed Vault before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. The next day, walk across the street to the airport for flights home. (Day 9: B,L,D; Day 10: B)