SPITSBERGEN HIGHLIGHTS

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7 DAYS

This 7  day voyage is a short introduction to Spitsbergen. Every day is a new adventure as you see polar bears, sea birds, 16th century whaling sites, beautiful landscapes and bays filled with icebergs.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1Helsinki, FinlandArrive in Finland and explore this vibrant city
Day 2LongyearbyenEmbark on your voyage in Longyearbyen
Days 3 - 6SpitsbergenExplore the west coast of Spitsbergen. View Polar bears, walruses, seabirds and incredible landscapes.
Day 7Longyearbyen to HelsinkiDisembark the ship in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Ocean Adventurer
Ocean Adventurer

The expedition ship Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort and has a classic style and feel. She was originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976 and has undergone several renovations; in 1999, 2002 and her most significant in 2017. The Ocean Adventurer is ice-strengthened and a beautiful small ship upon which to discover the wonders of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.

Day 1 Helsinki, Finland

Overview:

Your arctic voyage begins in Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before spending the night at the airport hotel.

Day 2 Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen

This morning you will join a group transfer to the airport and fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen. This is the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. You will have a little bit of time to take a look around this remote town. Your Spitsbergen Arctic cruise begins in Longyearbyen when you board your ship. Enjoy views of the rugged, glacier-topped mountains, rising from icy waters.

Day 3-6 Explore Spitsbergen

Quark, Walrus in the Water

Sail the shores of West Spitsbergen, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Your expedition will take you to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

 

Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen at the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier. Listen out for the cracking sounds as big chunks break off and splash into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.

Polar Bear, Arctic

You will also visit the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watch as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars. At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

Arctic Birds

During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery. The expedition team will try to finish the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.

Day 7 Longyearbyen to Helsinki

Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Helsinki, Finland.

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.