Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

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7 Days From

$7790

$5194

Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

7 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki, Finland

Visiting: Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Spitsbergen, Krossfjorden, Lilliehook Glacier, Ny-London, Monaco Glacier, Smeerenburg, Magdalenefjorden, Alkhornet, Longyearbyen

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BQMD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 199

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Interests:

Polar, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Walking

From: $7790 $5194 (USD) Operator discount: -$2337 Travel Club discount: -$259 -33%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness" for an unforgettable week-long adventure through the icy realms of Norway and Finland. Begin your journey in Helsinki, where you can explore the city's unique blend of Eastern and Western influences before flying to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Aboard the Ultramarine expedition cruise ship, you'll sail around Spitsbergen, witnessing breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and towering icebergs. Keep your camera ready for sightings of polar bears, walruses, and reindeer. Engage in thrilling Zodiac excursions, hike the vibrant tundra, and enjoy optional activities like sea-kayaking and snowshoeing. With expert-led lectures and a dedicated Expedition Team, this Arctic escape promises a rich and immersive experience. Conclude your journey back in Helsinki, with memories of the Arctic's majestic beauty.

Highlights

  • On this Arctic adventure, spot iconic wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, seabirds, and reindeer.

  • Explore massive glaciers, gorgeous fjords, and thundering icebergs on Zodiac excursions.

  • Hike the colorful tundra covered in wildflowers, a unique feature of the Arctic wilderness.

  • Experience optional sea-kayaking adventures, snowshoeing, and Zodiac rides.

  • Visit the abandoned mining settlement of Ny-London and learn about its history and geology.

  • Witness the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier and scan for marine mammals.

  • Explore the remains of Smeerenburg, an abandoned settlement established by Dutch whalers.

  • Visit Alkhornet for towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Helsinki

Location: Helsinki

Accommodation: Hotel

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki – a city renowned for its extraordinary architecture and mix of Eastern and Western influences. If you arrive in Helsinki early, you can explore the museums, galleries and restaurants on offer or relax at a Finnish sauna. Maybe wander the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark

Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, your adventure officially begins! Meet the group in the lobby and take a transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore while your luggage is loaded onto the Ultramarine – your home for the next six days. When ready, embark on the ship and spend the afternoon meeting your Expedition Team, getting to know your fellow travellers (with a game of cards or a drink at the bar) and exploring the amazing amenities onboard.

Day 3-6: Exploring Spitsbergen

Location: Spitsbergen, Krossfjorden, Lilliehook Glacier, Ny-London, Monaco Glacier, Smeerenburg, Magdalenefjorden, Alkhornet

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship

Over the next four days, you’ll sail around the shores of Spitsbergen, constantly searching for polar bears and the other natural wonders that dot this magical island. Cruise through western Spitsbergen, passing immense glaciers, deep fjords, tall mountains and abundant flora and fauna.

Sail north into Krossfjorden (you don’t want to forget your camera) to see some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehook Glacier waits for spectators. Listen in awe as big chunks break off into the icy waters below – this is a sight and sound like no other. Take Zodiac excursions to the nearby Ny-London – an abandoned mining settlement where you can take a leader-led walk and learn about the history and geology of the place. Keep your eyes out for the endemic Svalbard reindeer here, too!

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier. With your Expedition Team, scan the shorelines for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna.

See the remains of an abandoned settlement Smeerenburg, established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, you can explore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. After, cruise to Magdalenefjorden for panoramic vistas of the snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers that are reflected in the clear waters.

Visit Alkhornet for the towering cliffs that teem with nesting seabirds, including fulmars and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

End your days at sea by swapping stories with your shipmates and crew at the captain’s farewell dinner. What a journey!

Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

Location: Longyearbyen, Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ll disembark back in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. This is where your Arctic adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Expedition Cruise Ship

    Travel on an expedition cruise ship with Zodiac excursions to explore the Arctic wilderness.

  • Private Charter Flight

    Includes a private charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen and return.

  • Zodiac Excursions

    Make Zodiac excursions across the icy seas to explore glaciers, fjords, and icebergs.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional sea-kayaking adventures and snowshoeing are not included.

  • Extended Stay

    Extensions to your stay in Helsinki are not included and must be arranged separately.

Transport

  • Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac

Accommodation

  • Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (5 nights)

Mode of Transport

Travel aboard an expedition cruise ship and make use of Zodiac excursions to explore the icy seas and stunning landscapes of the Arctic.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with one night in a hotel and five nights aboard an expedition cruise ship, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure in the Arctic wilderness.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Spitsbergen Highlights tour?

    On this Arctic adventure, you have the best chance to spot iconic marine and land wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, seabirds, and reindeer.

  • What activities are available during the Spitsbergen Highlights tour?

    You can participate in Zodiac excursions, explore massive glaciers, fjords, and icebergs, hike the colorful tundra, and enjoy optional sea-kayaking adventures, snowshoeing, and onboard lectures by experts.

  • What is the accommodation like on the Spitsbergen Highlights tour?

    The accommodation includes one night in a hotel and five nights on an expedition cruise ship.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the Spitsbergen Highlights tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Helsinki, Finland.

  • What can I expect during the cruise around Spitsbergen?

    During the cruise, you will sail around the shores of Spitsbergen, searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. You will pass immense glaciers, deep fjords, and abundant flora and fauna, and visit sites like the Lilliehook Glacier, Ny-London, and the Monaco Glacier.

  • Are there any historical sites included in the Spitsbergen Highlights tour?

    Yes, you will visit Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, and Smeerenburg, an abandoned settlement established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Sunday

May 19, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$7790 $5194 (USD)

Operator discount: -$2337 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$259 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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