Intrepid Travel - Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth

Itinerary:

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel.

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Day 2: Helsinki, Finland to Longyearbyen for embarkation
This morning, you’ll meet your group and transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. Enjoy some free time to explore before climbing aboard the Ocean Explorer, your home for the next 11 days. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains that rise majestically from frigid waters. This is also the perfect evening to get to know your group over a drink, play some games or explore the ship’s many fun amenities. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Expedition Cruise Ship

Day 3-11: Exploring Spitsbergen
Over the next few days, you’ll cruise around this magical island in a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it’s an ever- changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). You also may come across a walrus haul-out, which is a moment you won’t soon forget. Witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can also opt to book sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventures.

Accommodation: 7 x Expedition Cruise Ship

Day 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
It’s time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates today as your adventure has come to an end. Your adventure finishes in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen after breakfast. From here, transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Meals: Breakfast