Pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic expedition into one adventure-packed week. This rocky island is crowned with mountains, glaciers, towering cliffs, and fjords that host thriving, diverse ecosystems. This 8-day expedition lets you experience as much of the Svalbard wilderness as possible. Expert guides will maximize opportunities for you to spot walruses, Arctic birds, reindeer, polar bears and other iconic Arctic creatures while Zodiac cruising, hiking and kayaking.
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. (The hotel is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.) You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to visit Helsinki city center, take advantage of the convenient, 40-minute rail service from the airport.
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical archipelago, constantly searching for natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjorden, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Sightings of wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, might be possible here. After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. We hope to round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Sightings of reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.
Our adventure ends in the 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 Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward f light home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
This expedition includes:
Charter Flight and Hotel Package
This expedition excludes
