Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief, Operated by Quark
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a thrilling multi-day Arctic adventure, starting from the architectural marvel of Helsinki, flying to the largest settlement of Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen, and sailing around the magical island of Spitsbergen. This tour offers you an opportunity to witness the extraordinary mix of eastern and western influences in Helsinki, the breathtaking vistas of Longyearbyen, and the natural wonders of Spitsbergen. Experience the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers calving, explore abandoned settlements, and encounter indigenous wildlife. The tour concludes with a memorable captain's dinner and a return flight 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 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 partner, 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 12 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 crew 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.
The Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief voyage is offered on the Ocean Adventurer and the Ultramarine which are Polar Adventure Ships. 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 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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Helsinki
- Helsinki - Arrival day
- More
- Puu-Vallila wooden house district
- More
Begin your Arctic adventure in the city of Helsinki, known for its unique architecture and blend of eastern and western influences. Spend your day exploring the city's museums, galleries, and restaurants, or unwind at a traditional Finnish sauna. Don't miss the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel for the night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Longyearbyen
Day 2: Longyearbyen
On the second day, you'll transfer to the airport for a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. Spend some time exploring the town before embarking on your ship. As you set sail, marvel at the stunning mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
Day 3 – Day 3: Spitsbergen
Day 3: Spitsbergen
Day three takes you around the shores of Spitsbergen, where you'll be on the lookout for Polar bears and other natural wonders. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers calving at Lilliehöök and Monaco, explore the abandoned settlement of Smeerenburg, and visit a walrus sanctuary on Moffen Island. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg and take in the stunning cliffs of Alkehornet. The day concludes with a memorable captain's dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Spitsbergen
Day 4: Spitsbergen
Continue your exploration of Spitsbergen on day four. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers calving at Lilliehöök and Monaco, explore the abandoned settlement of Smeerenburg, and visit a walrus sanctuary on Moffen Island. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg and take in the stunning cliffs of Alkehornet. The day concludes with a memorable captain's dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Spitsbergen
Day 5: Spitsbergen
Day five continues with more exploration of Spitsbergen. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers calving at Lilliehöök and Monaco, explore the abandoned settlement of Smeerenburg, and visit a walrus sanctuary on Moffen Island. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg and take in the stunning cliffs of Alkehornet. The day concludes with a memorable captain's dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Spitsbergen
Day 6: Spitsbergen
On day six, continue your exploration of Spitsbergen. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers calving at Lilliehöök and Monaco, explore the abandoned settlement of Smeerenburg, and visit a walrus sanctuary on Moffen Island. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg and take in the stunning cliffs of Alkehornet. The day concludes with a memorable captain's dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Longyearbyen to Helsinki
- Helsinki - Departure day
- More
On the final day of your Arctic adventure, you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates in Longyearbyen. From here, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included return group charter flight to Helsinki, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.