ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL & WELCOME TO THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Arrive at Longyear Airport in Svalbard and take a shuttle transfer to your accommodation for the night. After check-in, the rest of the day is up to you to explore Longyearbyen as you wish. One option is a visit to the Svalbard Museum to learn more about the region's history as a hunting and mining outpost. Spend the night in Longyearbyen.  (B)

 

DAY 2 ~ ARCTIC ADVENTURE & FANTASTIC FJORDS

After breakfast you will meet your guide at the Basecamp Hotel at 10 AM. The guide will go through the next day’s plan and the chosen route, then you will receive your survival suits and head to the harbour. Travelling on a Polarcirkel RIB boat, you will head to Billefjorden and Adolfbukta for a good chance to see some arctic birds, walruses, beluga whales or even polar bears. Once at Nordenskiöld Lodge you will enjoy an outdoor lunch and get familiar with the cabin and the surroundings. After lunch, you will head back into the arctic nature and explore the beautiful landscapes. Before evening, you will return to the cabin, prepare a delicious dinner and warm up in the sauna. Spend the night in Nordenskjöld cabin. (B, D)

 

DAY 3 ~  GLACIER WALK & GORGEOUS LANDSCAPES

Today you will explore the Nordenskjöld glacier, a true adventure! After breakfast, you will go through the equipment and safety information with the guide before heading to the glacier that lies just a short walk away. The whole day will be spent on the vast glacier, climbing up and down the icy surface, learning how to use the gear and enjoying lunch with the beautiful view. This is a great opportunity to experience the exciting world of blue ice. End the day with a nice meal in the cabin, before you perhaps visit the sauna! Spend the night in Nordenskjöld cabin. (B, D)

 

DAY 4 ~ PYRAMIDEN & BACK TO CIVILISATION

After breakfast you will have a chance for one last hike. You can either walk to the glacier front or a hike to the moraine to take pictures of the wildlife and the gigantic glacier. Then, you will enjoy lunch at the cabin before returning to civilisation. On the way back to Longyerabyen, there will be a stop in Pyramiden to see the old Russian settlement up close. This fascinating place was mostly abandoned in 1998 but has since re-opened for visitors. Return to Longyearbyen on the RIB boat by afternoon or early evening. Spend the night in Longyearbyen. (B)

 

DAY 5 ~ DOG SLEDDING ON WHEELS

This morning, your guide picks you up and takes you to the kennel at the Trapper’s Station in Bolterdalen, where around 90 cheerful Alaskan huskies eagerly wait for you to take them for a run. After a short lesson on the principles of “mushing”, it’s your turn to harness your team of huskies and go for a ride. This afternoon, if time permits you can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour around the area through Longyear valley and Adventdalen towards Mine 7 as well as the airport area and Hotellneset. In the evening, we recommend dinner at the charming Restaurant Kroa or the legendary Huset Restaurant. Spend the night in Longyearbyen. (B)

 

DAY 6 ~  ISFJORDEN CRUISE AND RUSSIAN SETTLEMENT

This morning, board a cruise ship for an exciting 9-10 hour expedition cruise in Isfjorden (the Ice Fjord). Crossing the fjord, we approach the impressive Esmark glacier in the Bay of Ymir as we enjoy a tasty lunch. We then make our way towards the old Russian mining settlement of Barentsburg, where we are welcomed and entertained by a local guide. After learning about the history and daily life of this little slice of Russia, you have some free time to explore or relax before returning to the ship. On our way back to Longyearbyen, we stop by the deserted Russian settlements in Coles Bay and Grumant. This tour also offers birdwatchers an excellent opportunity to view thousands of breeding birds at the magnificent cliffs of Fuglefjellet. Later, the ship returns to Longyearbyen, where you can enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Spend the night in Longyearbyen. (B)

 

DAY 7 ~  LONGYEARBYEN/HOME

Spend your day relaxing in Longyearbyen with a stroll around town, a visit to the Svalbard Gallery, a leisurely break at a cafe, or a bit of souvenir shopping. Later take a shuttle bus to Longyear Airport for your flight home. (B)

 

END OF TRIP

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LAND COST:  $3,210 per person

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