tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Comfort

Polar

Wildlife

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

13 Days | Embark a cruise to the Arctic's wild and mysterious islands

13 days

Start

Helsinki, Finland

Finish

Reykjavik, Iceland

Trip Code

BQMU

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 199

Physical Rating

Meals

12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights) Expedition Cruise ship (10 nights)

From £7,796(13 days)

Trip Informations

Explore the world’s northern reaches on an epic 13-day adventure. Setting sail aboard the Ultramarine, you’ll cruise around Spitsbergen – the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago – spotting polar bears, reindeer, spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom. A journey south will take you to the rarely visited Jan Mayen, where daily Zodiac trips get you up close to the spectacular north coast. Get back on dry land with an evening in charming Reykjavik, and toast to a true Arctic adventure!

Why you’ll love this trip

Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen to stunning fjords, towering mountains and impressive glaciers.

Be wowed by the mysterious Jan Mayen Island. If conditions permit, you'll get the chance to explore the fog-covered island on foot.

Board Zodiacs to cruise up to towering glaciers featuring labyrinths of sparkling icebergs and panoramas of ice.

Learn about the history of the Arctic during in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.

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 will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.

Weather depending, you will 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 make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.

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 for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

This trip takes places during the time of year that 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 woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.

Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Helsinki, Finland
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Finland’s modern capital, where you may arrive at any time. Once settled in, why not head out and explore the city’s endless array of options? You could visit one (or more) of the many museums, galleries and restaurants on offer, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander through the vibrant Design District. For dinner, perhaps head out in the evening to sample some local, traditional dishes.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
DAY 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark
This morning, meet up with the rest of your group, transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. Then, hop onboard the Ultramarine – your ride through the Arctic. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 3
Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundras, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brunnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)
DAY 4
Cruising at Sea
Sail south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Along the way, your expedition team will keep you informed with presentations about the history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds ‘on the wing.’ The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 5
Exploring Jan Mayen
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 6
Cruising at Sea
As you sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film – there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 7
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish your time aboard the Ultramarine and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. When you arrive, take a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight is then free to explore Reykjavik’s city’s brightly coloured streets and exciting array of shops and restaurants.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 8
Reykjavik, Iceland
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this fascinating city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights) Expedition Cruise ship (10 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Monday Jul 07, 2025

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

Trip size max: 199 - 1791 spaces left

£10,395£7,796

Important notes

This trip starts in Helsinki, Finland and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland

1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Helsinki, Finland on day 1

1 nights post expedition hotel is included in Reykjavik, Iceland on day 12

A Group Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen is included on day 2

This trip is onboard the Ultramarine

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

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 and Paddling excursions are available to book on this trip. Kayaking and paddling excursions 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. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.

Reviews (0)

No review found

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS