Explore the 'Wildlife capital of the Arctic' - Spitsbergen, on this 12-day voyage that allows you to experience the landscape, flora and fauna of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.
If you are craving adventure, go on excursions into the wild with kayaking and paddle boat tours. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, walruses, the Svalbard reindeer and polar bears, and other magnificent animals that roam these lands. Get a deeper understanding of the land and its inhabitants and gain insights into the delicate balance of the ecosystem here.
Set off on this once-in-a-lifetime journey with a customised itinerary put together by our destination experts. Call or write to us to get started on an adventure like no other.
Trip Highlights
- Delight in the sublime seascapes of the Arctic
- Come upon Spitsbergen's wildlife, such as polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and more
- Grab your binoculars and spot a fantastic number of birds, such as Brünnich's guillemots and thick-billed murres
- Visit the region's iconic landmarks, such as the 14th of July glacier, the Alkhornet mountain, and the Hinlopen Strait
- Indulge in an adventure with thrilling kayaking and paddle boat excursions on the sparkling blue Arctic waters.
Start your Journey
Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the available time, you can explore the city or relax in your hotel room. If you arrive early, you can refresh yourself in your room before visiting Helsinki's main attractions. Walk down its quaint boulevards and charming streets lined with buildings known for its neoclassical architecture. Go museum hopping and browse through an extensive collection of art. Savour Finnish cuisine, known for its delicious fresh seafood, and spend time at one of the city’s many delightful eateries. Discover hidden gems at the Design District, a collection of eclectic storefronts and galleries showcasing everything from apparel and jewellery to household products and furniture. After all that walking, it is time to enjoy a relaxing Finnish sauna treatment. Head back to your hotel for some shut-eye and look forward to the start of a grand adventure.
Arctic Circle
Longyearbyen
Transfer from your hotel to the Helsinki airport in a shared vehicle. Board your flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. Upon arrival at Longyearbyen Airport, a shared vehicle will transfer you to the Longyearbyen Pier. Learn about this town, the world's northernmost settlement with a population greater than 1,000 people. As you sail away from the pier, take in views of the magnificent glaciers from the deck.
Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic (Day 3 - 11)
Sit back and revel in the white, icy beauty of the Arctic as your ship sails to Spitsbergen's western and northern coasts. Marvel at the sheer size and scale of the 14th of July Glacier, a 16 km long block of ice and snow that soars more than 30 metres above sea level. Visit Smeerenburg, an erstwhile significant whaling settlement, Phippsøya island, and the Alkhornet mountains. As your ship sails through the Hinlopen Strait, look for Brünnich's guillemots or thick-billed murres that can be spotted sitting in the thousands on the craggy cliffs that rise on sides. Keep your binoculars handy and spot walruses and other marine animals. Get a different perspective of the land and waters as you set off on thrilling sea kayaking and paddle boat excursions in the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle.
Helsinki
Enjoy the journey back to Longyearbyen, disembark at the pier and transfer to the Longyearbyen Airport in a shared vehicle. Board your charter flight at Longyearbyen and fly back to Helsinki. Once you land in Helsinki, feel free to explore the city or head to the airport and continue with your onward journey.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
Dream Carefree
Go ahead and dream big. Hayes & Jarvis experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.
Plan Carefree
One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.
Travel Carefree
Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.
Includes
- Meals and accommodations as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
- Any excursions and activities as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
- Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip
Excludes
- International and domestic airfares
- Personal expenses and gratuity
- Entrance fees and/or meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Cancellation charges, health, and travel insurance
- Visa and tourism fees
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