Arctic Adventure: Tromso to Svalbard with Silversea

With an included home-to-airport chauffeur transfer, courtesy of Silversea, and airport lounge access, the luxury begins even before your flight to Norway's capital, Oslo, where a private transfer will whisk you to your city-centre hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting its galleries and museums, visiting the Nobel Peace Centre or even indulging with a sauna.

Stay: Oslo Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board a flight to Tromso in the heart of Arctic Norway – the land of the Midnight Sun. On arrival, you’ll transfer to your waiting ship – the luxurious Silver Wind – to begin your voyage north. Upgraded with an ice-class hull, this stunning vessel is tailor-made for exploring the polar regions. But, despite its expedition status, no luxury is spared, with four gourmet restaurants, elegant butler-served suites and a host of leisure facilities at your disposal. There’s also a whole fleet of Zodiac boats on hand to get you up close to the action on land.

Stay: Silver Wind

Having sailed through the night, you’ll arrive today at the Gjesvaerstappen Islands where a choice of excursions, either by Zodiac or kayak, will bring you face to face with the region’s wildlife and landscapes. Indeed, the near-one-hundred islands, all steep cliffs and open grasslands, are a treasure trove of birdlife, host to everything from razorbills and guillemots to great cormorants, Arctic skuas and white-tailed sea eagles, as well as thousands-strong colonies of puffins.

Later in the day, you’ll cruise the North Cape, arriving at Skarsvag in the afternoon to explore continental Europe’s most northerly point. Here, you’ll have a choice of three excursions, including kayaking, a visit to a local Sami village or a tour of the North Cape in the company of an expert guide.

Stay: Silver Wind

Your journey north continues as you arrive at remote Bear Island, considered to be the most southerly outcrop of the Svalbard archipelago. Although it’s been several years since a polar bear was seen here, you will again be treated to a spectacular coastal views and a dizzying array of birdlife, including impressive colonies of guillemots and Atlantic puffins.

Stay: Silver Wind

Let Zodiac cruises, kayaking trips and guided hikes introduce you to the drama and beauty of southern Svalbard. Less icy than the north of the archipelago – due to the warming gulf stream, you’ll head out between dramatic fjords and creaking glaciers to search for wildlife amid the wilderness. For those that head for the water, be sure to look out for the likes of belugas and humpbacks breaching the frigid waters as seals bathe on the shoreline while spectacular hikes might bring you face to face with the likes of Arctic fox and herds of reindeer. You may even catch sight of your first polar bear.

Stay: Silver Wind

The final few days of your cruise will be spent exploring Svalbard’s remote north, where icy bays and more vast glaciers frame dramatic fjords and far-flung islands, all lit by the Midnight Sun. Again, your activities will revolve around kayaking, hiking and Zodiac cruises as you set out to find walrus haul-outs, marvel at sheer bird cliffs and, with luck, spot roaming polar bears amid the Arctic wilderness. Of course, back on board you’ll be treated to delicious dining and a host of luxuries to contrast with the wild beauty outside.

Stay: Silver Wind

Enjoy a final indulgent breakfast in board as you return to Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen, the largest and most populated settlement in Svalbard. Say goodbye to your ship as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Oslo. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing, dining and reacquainting yourself with the pace of city life in the Norwegian capital.

Stay: Oslo hotel

Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. On arrival in the UK, your included chauffeur transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your front door.