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Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth

12 days • No reviews yet

12 days

Start

Helsinki, Finland

Finish

Helsinki, Finland

Trip Code

BQMBL

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (10 nights)

From £11,440(12 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Take a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Arctic aboard the Ocean Explorer and experience the unique 24-hour of sunlight of a Northern summer.

Discover some incredible landscapes on Spitsbergen, from the northernmost city of Longyearbyen and the brilliantly blue 14th of July Glacier to the breathtaking fjords and mountain cliffs of the sea.

Scour sheets of ice in search of the elusive polar bear – the ruler of the Arctic – with your expert Expedition Team by your side giving you the best tips and opportunities.

With endless daylight, there will be endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses and colonies of seabirds dot the cliffs of Alkefjellet.

Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.

Is this trip right for you?

As you'd expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka, waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks will be provided, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.

Depending on the weather, you’ll be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so ensure you’re dressed appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed to make wet and dry landings from the boat and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if the seas are rough.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure, and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

This trip takes place during the time of year when Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be awake at any time to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.

Polar bears are among the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet but are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to know the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you.

Itinerary

DAY 1
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
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
DAY 2
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.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
When you arrive in Longyearbyen, your luggage will be transferred directly to the ship while you have some free time.
Due to port logistics, it's possible you'll need to board the vessel by a Zodiac, rather than from the pier.
DAY 3
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.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (9 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (9)
Lunch (9)
Dinner (9)
DAY 4
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
Special information
This trip will finish at Helsinki Airport. We recommend staying an additional night in Helsinki in case of flight delays. If you want to book onward flights from Helsinki on this day, please contact your sales agent for further information about the arrival time of the included charter flights.

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (10 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Aug 03, 2025

Thursday Aug 14, 2025

Trip size max: - 1102 spaces left

£14,300£11,440

Important notes

Your voyage is operated by our partner, Quark Expeditions onboard the Ocean Explorer. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

This trip starts and ends in Helsinki.

Charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen are included. Ship embarkation will begin on the afternoon of Day 2 in Longyearbyen

The trip ends on arrival at Helsinki airport on Day 12. We recommend staying an additional night in Helsinki in case of flight delays.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.

Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked.

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