HIGHLIGHTS
- Encounter
iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Take
advantage of continuous daylight
- Hike
the tundra and polar desert
- Cruise
in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
- Immerse
yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking
adventures
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Included in the price
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Included in the price
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your
Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary
architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If
you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants,
relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before
retiring at your included hotel.
Day
2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This
morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private
charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest
settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before
embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the
island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically
from frigid waters.
Days
3 to 9: Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll
cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife.
Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning
fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar flora to immense
glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each
expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so
there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit
include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the
Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum
wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of
Spitsbergen.
The
island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since
most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and
well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s
best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of
mountains and ice. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to
thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed
murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you
won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create
quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
If
you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the
water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure
options.
In
Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be
surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste
of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting,
whether it is an everchanging gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar
bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from
centuries ago.
Day
10: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The
time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come.
Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style
settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to
the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included
in the transfer package.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Leadership
throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including
shore landings and other activities
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
(Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as
possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
kosher meals.)
- Select
beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around
the clock
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as
scheduled
- A
photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A
pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac
cruising excursions
- An
official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair
dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency
Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD
$500,000 per person
- Transfers
between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and
disembarkation day
Rates
do not include the following:
- International
airfare
- Arrival
and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport
and visa expenses
- Government
arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals
ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage,
cancellation, interruption and medical travel
insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage
fees on international flights
- Mandatory
waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry,
bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone
and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary
gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional
overnight accommodation
- Adventure
Options not listed in Included Activities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Hiking
- Polar
Plunge
- Zodiac
Cruising
