Spitzbergen Explorer
Norway
Dubbed the ‘land of the cold coasts’, Svalbard is rich in wildlife and drama and home to isolated Arctic settlements. This spectacular voyage explores the archipelago, a paradise of ice and tundra, inhabited by polar bears, walrus and seabirds.
Day 1 LONGYEARBYEN
Board the ship in the afternoon to be introduced to the expedition team, learn about the ship – a proper research vessel – and discuss the itinerary.
Days 2–10 SAILING
Sail down Kingsfjorden to Ny Alesund, one of the most northern communities in the world. Home to a base station for international Arctic research, you have time to visit the station shop, send letters from the world’s most northerly post box and view the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile for their airship in 1926. Bird watchers will have the chance to spot Arctic terns, Arctic and long-tailed skuas, purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls and snow buntings. Arctic foxes and reindeer also visit the community.
Journey on to the 14th July Glacier, cruising past spectacular cliffs on zodiacs to spot Atlantic puffins and bearded seals, then step ashore, where naturalists will identify plant species. At Smeerenburg, or Blubber Town as it once was, you can visit the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station, spotting blubber ovens, whalebones and other remnants.
Then it’s on to Liefdefjorden, cruising past the Monaco glacier, a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes and a chance to spot polar bears. You’ll then cross 80 degrees North, 600 miles from the North Pole, to waters inhabited by the ursine beasts and walruses.
Over the last days you’ll visit the Hornsund area of towering mountain peaks and magnificent glaciers, where you’ll have the chance to go hiking and search for the beluga whale.
Day 11 LONGYEARBYEN
Arrive back to Longyearbyen and transfer to the SAS Polar Hotel or airport.
Prices from: £3,299–£3,590 pp incl. 10-night ai cruise. Flights are additional.
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FINNISH WINTER ACTIVITIES
Travel to the remote east of Finland, near to the border with Russia, and explore the frozen lakes and vast forests.
Staying at the Hotel Kalevala, each night you’ll have the chance to unwind in a sauna or dine on local dishes by the lake. During the days, there is a range of winter activities to choose from, including cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking, snowmobiling through forests and over ice-covered lakes, dogsledding with lively huskies and even a spot of ice fishing.
Two days of this eight-day tour, based at Kajaani, remain free for optional trips or the chance to try an activity for a second time.
Prices from: £1,269–£1,599 pp incl. flights, transfers, 8 days bb accommodation & activities as listed above.
To book, call 020 7838 5809
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX1091.
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