Day 1: Welcome to the Lofoten Islands
Direct flight from Zurich to Evenes with SWISS. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local tour guide, Stefan Rohner. Transfer to Svolvær and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Svolvær in converted traditional *Rorbuer* – red fishermen’s cabins built close to the water.

Day 2: Vikings and Fishing
On today’s excursion, you will explore the Lofoten archipelago. The first stop is the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you can travel 1,000 years back in time and experience the Viking Age in an active and immersive environment. At the Lofoten Seafood Center, you’ll learn how today’s salmon and stockfish production closely mirrors traditional methods. Enjoy a local lunch, sampling the region’s delicacies. The tour continues to Henningsvær, a picturesque village spread across eight islands in a stunning archipelago setting. Dinner and overnight stay in Svolvær.

Day 3: Hurtigruten and Sami
Today, you will visit Stokmarknes, a historic town in the Vesterålen archipelago, located northeast of the Lofoten Islands. In 1893, shipping pioneer Richard With established the first postal ship route here. A visit to the Hurtigruten Museum is a highlight, not just for ship enthusiasts. Lunch will be served at the museum. The journey continues along the coast. Near Sortland, you’ll visit a Sami family, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience their reindeer up close during feeding time. Dinner and overnight stay in Harstad.

Day 4: Tromsø, Gateway to the Arctic
Your day begins with a scenic ship journey northward, offering stunning views of the coastline. A highlight of the trip is passing through the Straumsfjord, a tidal current with powerful whirlpools. Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway, is renowned as a starting point for many polar expeditions. During an informative city tour, you’ll learn fascinating facts about this northernmost university town and its history of polar exploration. In the evening, visit the historic buildings of the local Mack Brewery, where you can sample the region’s beer. Dinner and overnight stay in Tromsø.

Day 5: Next Stop – Svalbard
The morning is at your leisure before your flight to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival in this Arctic town, you will be greeted by Swiss Honorary Consul Marcel Schütz. He will take you on a guided tour of Longyearbyen, sharing his insights about the town. Enjoy dinner at the rustic Kroa restaurant and stay overnight at the premium Funken Lodge hotel.

Day 6: All Aboard!
Board an eco-friendly electric catamaran to explore the fjords around Longyearbyen. The spectacular journey takes you through the Arctic waters of Isfjorden and Billefjorden, all the way to the Nordenskiöld Glacier. With some luck, you may spot seabirds, whales, and seals along the way. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a traditional *Kota* at Camp Barentz, where Marcel Schütz will share fascinating stories from the era of Arctic exploration. Overnight stay at the Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen.

Day 7: Active Adventures in Svalbard
Choose your personalized day program:

– Join Marcel Schütz for a half-day hike to Trollsteinen, offering breathtaking views over Longyearbyen.
– Embark on an exhilarating dog sledding adventure.
– Opt for a guided e-bike tour to explore the stunning Arctic landscapes.

In the evening, savor an exquisite farewell dinner at the elegant Funktionærmessen restaurant. Overnight stay at the Funken Lodge in Longyearbyen.

Day 8: Svalbard Museum and Flight to Oslo
Today, visit the fascinating modern Svalbard Museum, located in the UNIS university building, where you can delve into the history and natural environment of the Arctic. Afterwards, enjoy ample time for souvenir shopping in the town center. In the evening, take a scheduled SAS flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo. Overnight stay at an airport hotel in Oslo.

Day 9: Return Journey
In the morning, scheduled SAS flight from Oslo back to Zurich.