SPITSBERGEN : REALM OF THE ICE BEAR
__________________
8 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oslo, Norway | Spend the night, explore rich history, fashionable art scene, museums, galleries and architecture |
| Day 2 | Longyearbyen | Fly to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, Svalbard reindeer, embark |
| Days 3 - 7 | Spitsbergen | Whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, impressive glaciers |
| Day 8 | Longyearbyen | Disembark, fly to Oslo |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 130 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Day 1 Oslo, Norway
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. If you have time, why not explore the city centre.
With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You’ll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture – including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel in Oslo.
Day 2 Longyearbyen
After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world’s northernmost town, a colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles.
Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they’re curious and tame.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion after lunch, and get a glimpse of this amazing polar-bear inspired region at the top of the world.
Days 3 – 7 Spitsbergen
Over the next three days, you’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If you’re really lucky, you might even see the elusive polar bear from the Observation Deck of the ship. In stunning Kongsfjord, you may see impressive glaciers calving into the sea.
Be ready for adventure; you will seize any opportunity to launch your kayaks or use the small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up.
Day 8 Longyearbyen
Your Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience.
To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au