North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice - Antarctic Cruise

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice | Rembrandt van Rijn | Antarctica Tours North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice | Rembrandt van Rijn | Antarctica Tours

This 11-day expedition takes you to the remote and pristine islands of North Spitsbergen, in the Arctic Circle. Led by an expert team of guides, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, whales, and seabirds. You'll also visit historical sites such as whaling stations and mining camps, and experience the unique geology and landscape of the Arctic.

11 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first minke of the voyage. You sail to Trygghamna in the evening, and you will see the remains from a 17th century English whaling base, as well as an 18th century Pomor hunting camp, which you may visit the following morning.

Day 2: Trygghamna & Alkhornet

You can walk from Trygghamna to Alkhornet. This is a seabird cliff that the birds use for scouting breeding sites. You can often see Arctic foxes below the cliffs. If there is not much snow, you might also be able to observe reindeer feeding on lush vegetation.

Day 3: Fuglefjorden, Svitjodbreen, Birgerbukta & Ytre Norskoya

Svitjodbreen, a breeding area for great skuas and Birgerbukta are visible as you sail through Fuglefjorden. These two areas also offer the best chance of seeing a polar-bear. Birgerbukta is home to 17th century Basque ovens that were once used to cook whale blubber. Next, we will visit Ytre Norskoya - a small Island that was used for years by the Dutch as a whaling watchtower. You can follow the tracks of whalers to the top of the island and pass popular bird cliffs along the way. The remains of 17th century blubber-ovens can be found on the shore, and Arctic skuas or common eiders nest amongst the graves.

Day 4: Raudfjorden

Raudfjorden is located on the northern coast of Spitsbergen and offers a great place to gaze at the glaciers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ringed, bearded, and seabird colonies, as well as the occasional beluga and polar bear. Ermaktangen is located on the Spitsbergen fjordh coastline and offers a great view of the surrounding land.

Day 5: Reindyrsflya

You can land at the north side of Reindyrsflya - the largest area of tundra in Spitsbergen if ice conditions allow. Reindeers and waders breed in this vast, rolling area. The lakes are also a great place to see red-throated diver and king Eiders.

Day 6: Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier

Depending on weather conditions, you can sail in Liefdefjorden to cruise near the 5 km long (3.1 mile) Monaco Glacier. Kittiwakes and polar bears love to hunt in the waters around this glacier. If the ice prevents sailing early in the year, it is possible to use an alternative route that follows the coast west of Spitsbergen.

Day 7: Fuglesangen & Magdalenafjorden

You land in the morning at Fuglesangen where you will be able to observe small auks living together. Then you sail to Magdalenafjorden - one of Spitsbergen's glacier-filled highlights. You can see the remnants of English whaling from 17th century, as well as more colonies of small auks.

Day 8: Kongsfjorden & Ny Ålesund

You head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. It is possible to see signs of winter in the landscape, with crags or slopes covered by snow. Visit historic sites such as Ny London where the remains from the early 20th century marble mining can be seen, or Ny Alesund which is the most northern community on earth. The research stations, the anchor mast from the Norge dirigible, and other historical sites are all located in the vicinity. Krossfjorden is a place where you can see colossal mountains and glaciers, but the fjord's ice determines your itinerary.

Day 9: Fuglehuken & Forlandsundet

The goal of your trip south is to land at Fuglehuken. You can see the remains of an era when polar bears were hunted. You can also find large colonies of seabirds and an area where harbour seals rest. You can also land at the shores of Forlandsundet or Sarstangen. The tundra makes a great place to walk and you can sometimes see walruses.

Day 10: Bohemanflya

Bohemanflya is the next destination, a vast tundra that has its own birdlife (depending when spring comes) and stunning geological formations on the coast. You can walk on the shore of Gipsvika near Templet. This mountainous area is eroded sedimentary rocks from the Upper Carboniferous Period - approximately 290 million year ago.

Day 11: Longyearbyen

All adventures must come to an ending. As you disembark from the ship in Longyearbyen and head home, your memories will follow you to wherever your next journey takes.

Itinerary Map

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

11 Day Artic Itinerary Includes

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use snowshoes
  • Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

11 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include

  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.
  • ​Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

11 Day Artic Itinerary Highlights

  • See Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, reindeer, and whales
  • Visit historical sites such as whaling stations and mining camps
  • Experience the unique geology and landscape of the Arctic
  • Learn about the Arctic from an expert team of guides

Meals Included

  • Breakfast Served Daily
  • 10 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
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11 Day Artic cruise activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice
11 Days
From $4,800.00 per person


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Book your 11-day Artic tour now and create memories to last a lifetime!