Spitsbergen Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway (2025), Operated by Quark
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a thrilling 10-day Arctic adventure that takes you from the vibrant city of Helsinki to the rugged wilderness of Spitsbergen. This multi-day tour offers an extraordinary blend of eastern and western influences in architecture, a plethora of museums, galleries, and restaurants, and the unique opportunity to relax in a Finnish sauna. As you journey to Spitsbergen, you'll explore stunning fjords, outlying islands, polar deserts, and immense glaciers. The tour provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography, with the chance to spot Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots. You'll also discover the colourful tundra and abandoned sites from centuries ago. The tour concludes with a return flight from the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen to Helsinki.
Included
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
The Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic voyage is offered on the Ocean Adventurer, the Ocean Explorer and the Ultramarine which are Polar Adventure Ships. One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.
Polar Adventure Ships
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement (max of approx. 100), enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction with our partners, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than 18 years old, the Exodus' stated minimum age for this trip. We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating have many years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
Mandatory transfer package including return flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen
We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
Destinations
HelsinkiDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Helsinki
- Helsinki - Arrival day
- More
Begin your Arctic adventure in the captivating city of Helsinki, known for its unique blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Spend the day exploring the city's numerous museums and galleries, indulge in local cuisine at various restaurants, or unwind at a traditional Finnish sauna. Overnight stay at your included hotel.
Day 2 – Day 2: Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Helsinki
- More
In the morning, transfer to the airport for a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. Upon arrival, take some time to explore the town before boarding the ship. As you set sail, marvel at the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 3: Exploring Spitsbergen
Spend the day exploring the western part of Spitsbergen and its stunning fjords and outlying islands. The natural landscape here is as varied as the wildlife, ranging from polar deserts to immense glaciers. The Expedition Team will be on the lookout for wildlife, and you may visit places like the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings, including Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 4 – Day 4: More of Spitsbergen
Day 4: More of Spitsbergen
Continue your exploration of Spitsbergen, cruising around the magical island located above the Arctic Circle. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 5 – Day 5: Spitsbergen Exploration
Day 5: Spitsbergen Exploration
Spend another day exploring the diverse landscapes of Spitsbergen. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 6 – Day 6: Spitsbergen Adventure
Day 6: Spitsbergen Adventure
Continue your exploration of Spitsbergen, cruising around the magical island located above the Arctic Circle. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 7 – Day 7: Spitsbergen Exploration
Day 7: Spitsbergen Exploration
Spend another day exploring the diverse landscapes of Spitsbergen. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 8 – Day 8: More of Spitsbergen
Day 8: More of Spitsbergen
Continue your exploration of Spitsbergen, cruising around the magical island located above the Arctic Circle. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 9 – Day 9: Spitsbergen Adventure
Day 9: Spitsbergen Adventure
Spend another day exploring the diverse landscapes of Spitsbergen. The Expedition Team will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. You may visit the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet, and the Hinlopen Strait. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walruses, and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 10 – Day 10: Longyearbyen to Helsinki
- Helsinki - Departure day
- More
Your Arctic adventure comes to an end in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included return group charter flight to Helsinki.
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