Norway – Svalbard

0
  • 4–5 days
  • 3–4 nights
  • Feb. 26 – Mar. 26
  • Thessaloniki
Information
• 🌍 Country: Norway Tour Code: ATH-011-06_12-26-001

Norway – Svalbard Frozen like a polar bear’s nose!

Get ready for a journey to the edge of the world… From the cosmopolitan vibe of Oslo, we’ll fly to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited place on Earth. One of the most breathtaking experiences a traveler can have is chasing the Northern Lights, and Norway is the world’s top destination for this. We’ll head to beautiful Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” where the otherworldly light of the polar night creates a breathtaking scene. There, the activities are endless. From snowmobiling across the frozen plains to sleigh rides pulled by beautiful huskies. If luck is on our side, in the crystal-clear waters of the fjords we’ll spot whales or even orcas, the majestic killer whales. Our adventure will also take us to historic Bergen, where we’ll stroll through the iconic Bryggen, the old wharf with its colorful wooden houses that whisper stories of centuries past. With fjords of exceptional beauty and majestic glaciers ranked among the largest in Europe, the primal charm of the Arctic is something that leaves few unmoved. If you enjoy trips that are… off the beaten path and find the… roughing it charming, then this trip is for you!

Departure & Arrival Location

Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)

The price includes

  • Luggage1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (with total dimensions not exceeding 158 cm), 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg (with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm), and 1 personal item
  • ToursTransfers to/from the airports Team leader from our group Visit to a reindeer farm Whale watching Travel insurance
  • NutritionBreakfast served daily

The price does not include

  • EntertainmentAdmission fees for nature parks and activities.
  • Accommodation taxesMunicipal accommodation tax (€20 per person, for all nights stayed)
Book early to get the best price!
Prices are dynamic and may increase.
Field Trip Itinerary

DAY 1Departure for Norway

Get ready for a trip you’ve been waiting to take for a long time! Pack your suitcase, grab some warm clothes, get into the Christmas spirit, and head to the airport, where you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel companions. The cities of Europe are already decked out—Christmas markets, twinkling lights, the air filled with the scent of hot chocolate, and snow in many places—it’s impossible not to be swept up in this joyful atmosphere. As soon as we land, we head to the hotel to settle in. You can take a stroll down the main street, Karl Johans gate, where the city’s pulse beats all day long. Despite the massive scale of Oslo’s urban complex, the city center has remained surprisingly compact, making it easy to navigate and remember a few simple landmarks, such as the cathedral, the university, and the Parliament, the National Theater, and of course the palace. It is surrounded by beautiful nature, such as forests and lakes, while at the same time its more urban side boasts amazing infrastructure and multiculturalism. The nearest forest is just a 15-minute drive from Oslo…that’s how green it is! Enjoy the rest of the day however you like. Whether you spend it in one of its wonderfully cozy cafes, stroll through the Christmas market, or shop for souvenirs.

 

DAY 2Departure for Svalbard - Global Seed Vault - Arctic Beers

After a hearty breakfast, we head to the airport, where we’ll catch our flight to Svalbard, specifically Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost inhabited town, with a population of about 2,300. It is no exaggeration to say that Svalbard is an adventure in itself. An Arctic playground where there are more polar bears than people. A land of glaciers, the northern lights, and the frozen tundra. This is the kind of place where locals grab their rifle, their tent, and their dog and spend days exploring the frozen landscapes. You could call them die-hards. We head to the hotel to settle in and gradually acclimate to the cold. Even if you’re not a fan of low temperatures, with the right clothing you won’t have any problems. We start with a walk in the place where wild nature meets human resilience. As we wander the streets of Svalbard, among colorful little houses and the imposing frozen landscape, you’ll feel the otherworldly charm of the Arctic. The absolute highlight of the day will be a stop at the iconic Global Seed Vault, the Global Seed Vault. You’ll be just a stone’s throw from the entrance to this “treasure” of humanity, ready to capture some of the most unique photos of your trip. Imagine a building that looks like a futuristic sculpture emerging from the frozen mountain, protected by a permanent layer of ice. This “Noah’s Ark” for our planet’s plants is designed to withstand any catastrophe, from climate change to nuclear war, safeguarding millions of seed samples from every corner of the Earth. Although access to the interior is strictly prohibited for security reasons, standing in front of its entrance is awe-inspiring. It is a place that symbolizes humanity’s hope and foresight, a “backup” for life on our planet, hidden at the edge of the world. We return to the hotel for a little rest, but the evening doesn’t end there. It’s time to relax and enjoy your first Arctic beers at one of the city’s atmospheric bars.

DAY 3Dog Sledding - Snowmobile

As soon as you finish breakfast, the action begins! Your guide will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to a husky kennel. About 10 kilometers outside the city, you’ll meet the enthusiastic huskies who can’t wait to run. After putting on your special thermal suit and the rest of your gear, you’ll enjoy the unique experience of dog sledding. The absolute silence of the polar night and the sound of the dogs’ paws on the snow create an otherworldly scene, while the absence of city lights dramatically increases your chances of seeing the aurora dancing in the sky, even at midday. The excursion ends in the warmest way possible, with hugs from the puppies. Afterward, if you wish, you can optionally go on a Northern Lights hunt via electric snowmobile. Your adventure begins when the guide picks you up from the hotel to take you to the excursion center. There, you’ll be provided with all the necessary professional gear. A special thermal suit, boots, full-face helmet, and gloves, to keep you fully protected from the cold. After a brief demonstration on how the vehicle works, you’ll head out into the pitch-black darkness of the Arctic wilderness. The great advantage of the electric snowmobile is the absence of noise. As you traverse the 30-kilometer route through the Adventdalen valley, you hear no engine, only the sound of snow beneath the tracks. This silence allows you to connect fully with the environment and increases your chances of encountering local wildlife, such as Svalbard’s famous reindeer, without startling them. The route is relatively easy and flat, ideal even if you’ve never driven before. You’ll escape the city’s light pollution, where your chances of seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the sky are at their highest. The experience concludes with a break for hot drinks and cookies in the heart of the frozen valley, before you head back to Longyearbyen.

DAY 4Svalbard - Day off

Today is yours to spend however you like. If you decide to step away from the warmth of the fireplace, there are various ways to explore this area. A unique optional activity for the more adventurous is the Ice Cave Hike. It’s a breathtaking experience in the heart of a glacier, where summer meltwater carves channels that freeze in winter and transform into azure caves filled with crystals. The route is challenging (about a 6–8 km uphill hike), but the tranquility and beauty of the frozen world deep within the earth will reward you. Alternatively, you can head to Coal Mine 3 for a journey into the bowels of the earth. Upon entering the iconic mine, you’ll feel the reality of the miners who built their lives on the ice. You’ll walk through spacious tunnels and, if your heart desires, try crawling through the narrow passages of the mine, permanently changing your perspective on survival in the North. For something more atmospheric, the Snowcat Aurora Hunt takes you away from the city lights in a special tracked vehicle across the frozen Adventdalen. There, in total darkness, you’ll search for the Northern Lights, which during the “Polar Nights” can appear at any time of day. If you prefer something more laid-back, a visit to the Svalbard Museum is a must to discover the region’s 400-year history, from the whaling era to the unique Arctic ecosystem. Finally, for the true “adventure seekers” in the group, there’s the experience of the Arctic floating sauna bobbing on the waters of Adventfjorden. It’s a challenge for the few, as the contrast between the heat and the polar cold is extreme, while signs warning of wildlife constantly remind you that here, nature has the final say. But if you’re not ready for a dip in the icy waters, you can simply let yourself be carried away by the tranquility and relax in its warm interior.

DAY 5Tromsø

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll have a little time to bid Svalbard a proper farewell. It’s the perfect moment for one last stroll through the icy streets of Longyearbyen, to fill your lungs with the crisp Arctic air, and to do some last-minute shopping. Don’t miss a stop for essential souvenirs, so you can take a piece of the magic of the 78th parallel home with you. At noon, we head to the airport for our flight to Tromsø! Guess what… We’re in one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky with green, purple, and pink hues, which often resemble celestial dancers swaying above our heads. The city is built on the island of Tromsø, 400 km north of the Arctic Circle, and is rightly considered the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Although surrounded by icy fjords, the atmosphere here is unexpectedly warm, as Tromsø boasts more pubs per capita than any other Norwegian city! The town’s history is full of adventure. It was once a rugged fishing trading post and flourished in the mid-19th century, when sailors set out from here for Svalbard to hunt Arctic foxes and polar bears. Later, Tromsø became the legendary starting point for major Arctic expeditions, its reputation cemented by the explorer Amundsen, who set out from here on his final journey into the unknown. So, once we’ve settled into the hotel, we’ll head out for our first stroll through the city to get a feel for its vibe.

DAY 6Visit to a reindeer farm (shared tour) – Sami people – Cable car

Today, after breakfast, we will visit a traditional reindeer farm to see these beautiful animals up close and learn about the role they played in the daily lives of the Sami people. The Sami were a nomadic people who have lived and worked on this land for centuries, and since then have engaged in fishing, reindeer herding, and gathering fruits and berries. They were a people with their own distinct culture and are considered the first known indigenous population of Scandinavia. Inside a gamme (hut), we’ll be served hot drinks and a traditional meal cooked over an open fire (vegetarian option available). Afterward, you’ll hear stories about their culture, because no trip is the same unless you hear stories from the locals. Here you’ll learn what it’s like to live as a reindeer herder, and you’ll have the chance to hear a traditional joik (song). If you’d like, for an additional cost of 40 euros, you can take a sleigh ride. Next, we return to Tromsø, where you’ll have time to wander among historic buildings and discover hidden cafés. This city exudes a vibrancy you wouldn’t expect so far north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll down the main pedestrian street, Storgata, with its colorful wooden houses and charming little shops, all the way to the picturesque harbor where fishing boats bob in the icy waters. There at the harbor, you can visit the floating sauna. You can dive into the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean or, from inside the sauna, enjoy the view of the city lights. Of course, the setting is clearly more welcoming and the experience less extreme than the wild isolation of Svalbard. While in Svalbard you could feel the breath of the Arctic wilderness and the danger of nature all around you, in Tromsø the dip has a more “urban” vibe.

 

DAY 7Whale watching (shared tour)

Tromsø is renowned not only as a place where you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, but also for spotting majestic whales as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. Departing from Tromsø in the morning, the electric catamaran heads to where the whales are likely to be found. Since this is wildlife, we can’t guarantee you’ll see them, but the chances are high, and our guides will do their best to spot them. On our way there, you can enjoy the stunning views of the frozen landscapes from comfortable, panoramic lounges. They use a hybrid engine to reach the whales’ feeding grounds, and as they approach the whales, the silent electric motor kicks in, allowing them to get close without disturbing them. The duration of this trip depends on the whales’ location and can therefore last 8–9 hours. Once we’ve enjoyed our cruise, we return to the city. Optionally, you can visit Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium. Your admission ticket grants you full access to all areas of the center, including the interactive exhibits, the panoramic cinema, and the tanks. The absolute highlight of your visit is getting to know the seals that live there. Another thing you could do today is take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. In just four minutes, you’ll find yourself at the top of Mount Storsteinen, at an altitude of 421 meters, where the panoramic view of the illuminated city and the frozen fjords is literally breathtaking. There, you can relax in the cozy atmosphere of the mountain café, enjoying a hot coffee or a sweet treat, in front of the large windows that offer a panoramic view of all of Tromsø. The cost for a round-trip ticket is approximately €45, and the cable car remains open until midnight, giving you the chance to search for the Northern Lights from the best vantage point in the area.

 

DAY 8Bryggen

After a hearty breakfast, we head to the airport to catch our flight to Bergen. Once you’ve settled into your room, get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s Christmas spirit. A first stroll through historic Bryggen, with its illuminated wooden houses reflecting in the harbor, is the best way to start. Next, a ride on the Fløibanen funicular is a must to see the decorated city from above, keeping in mind that the round-trip fare is approximately 13 euros. Next up is the world’s largest city made of gingerbread cookies, known as Pepperkakebyen. This is a tradition that has been going on since 1991 and comes to life thanks to the participation of thousands of volunteers, from preschoolers to local businesses. Admission to Pepperkakebyen for 2026 costs about 18 euros. All proceeds from ticket sales go to charity, supporting organizations that help children in need, both in Norway and around the world. So, your visit is not only a magical experience but also an act of giving. Don’t miss the central Christmas Market (Bergen Julemarked) in Festplassen Square, which will already be set up, making it the perfect spot to try the traditional “gløgg” and find unique handmade gifts.

DAY 9Return to Greece

Today, after breakfast, start your walk at the covered fish market, Fisketorget—the perfect place to get a taste of local life and try a sandwich with fresh shrimp or smoked salmon. Next, if you’re into art, you can walk toward Lille Lungegårdsvann lake to visit the KODE museums, which house one of the world’s largest collections of Edvard Munch’s works. Take a quick stroll around the area near the Den Nationale Scene theater or Torgallmenningen Square to pick up your last souvenirs. At noon, we’ll head to Bergen Airport to catch our connecting flight to Greece. Another trip with wonderful travelers has come to an end, but the memories will remain etched in your mind forever—not only for the sights you’ll see and the exciting activities you’ll experience, but also for the new friends you’ll make. You never know—you might meet again on a future trip, so if you’re a solo traveler, don’t hesitate to join our group, since on every trip we all become one big group!

Map
Price List
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund?

The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the timing of the cancellation, and the relevant suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.

Is travel insurance included?

Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.

Can I change the date of the trip?

Changing the date may be possible subject to availability and provided that the terms of the package/suppliers allow it. There may be an additional charge and/or a price difference. Please contact us to check availability and for further details.

How do I make a reservation, and when is it confirmed?

The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.

Could the program, schedule, or benefits change?

The itinerary is based on available schedules and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip due to operational reasons and/or unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.

Price
From$3,239
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

32


Book With Confidence


Βest price guarantee
Customer care
Hand-picked Tours
Travel Insurance

Share & Print