Arctic
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Arctic
Arctic
Explore a journey of contrasts from the Shetland and Orkney Islands to the remote Svalbard archipelago. Cross the Norwegian Sea to discover massive bird colonies, Neolithic archaeological remains, and the icy habitat of the polar bear.
Duration: 17 days / 16 nights
Starts: Aberdeen, Scotland
Ends: Helsinki, Finland
Language: English speaking voyage
Includes charter flight and hotel package.
The expedition features a guest ornithologist and historian. The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Charter Flights More info about this activity
In departures with charter flights, part of the air transport segment is covered by the operation of the trip as part of the itinerary.
Check in the inclusions and exclusions of the program which air sections are included in your itinerary.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Polar Plunge More info about this activity
The ultimate icy challenge! The Polar Plunge is a classic rite of passage for every explorer, it is a heart-pumping experience that earns you a badge of courage and unforgettable memories.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Paddling More info about this activity
Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
This 17-day expedition offers one of the most contrasting Arctic itineraries, starting in Scotland's historic Orkney and Shetland Islands. Travelers will explore 5,000-year-old Neolithic sites and vast bird colonies before crossing the Norwegian Sea to isolated Bear Island. Traveling in May ensures encounters with sea ice in the Svalbard fjords, significantly increasing the chances of spotting the region's iconic wildlife in its most authentic natural setting.
As the ship enters the Svalbard archipelago, the landscape transforms into a white wilderness of glaciers and rugged mountains under the Midnight Sun. Navigation focuses on key fjords such as Storfjorden and Hornsund, where ice is the protagonist and sustenance for polar bears, walruses, and seals. Supported by experts in glaciology and ornithology, each day offers a deep immersion into polar ecology, combining wildlife observation with the exploration of Norse ruins and ancient whaling stations.
Highlights:
Exploration of the Shetland and Orkney Scottish archipelagos.
Rare visit to the remote Bear Island.
Observation of polar bears, walruses, and massive bird colonies.
Encounter with sea ice, the foundation of polar life.
Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen, Scotland
Gateway to the Granite City
Arrive in Aberdeen and transfer to the group hotel included in your package. You will have a free day to explore this city known for its grey granite Victorian buildings, museums, theaters, and art galleries.
Day 2: Embark
Start of the voyage
Free morning in Aberdeen before transferring to the port for embarkation. After the expedition team's welcome, orientation sessions and preparations for the northward crossing will take place.
Day 3: Orkney: Neolithic sites and communities
Ancient history in the North Atlantic
Visit Skara Brae, a stone community dating back to 3180 BCE. We will explore the islands' Neolithic heritage and observe birds such as Atlantic puffins and gannets on the region's cliffs.
Day 4: Shetland: Cliffs and Viking ruins
Fusion of Norse and Scottish cultures
Exploration of Sumburgh Head, with 100-meter cliffs teeming with seabirds. We will visit Jarlshof, an archaeological site with thousands of years of human history, from the Bronze Age to the Viking era.
Day 5 to 7: At Sea
Sailing toward the Norwegian High Arctic
Days of sailing north following warm currents. The expert team will provide presentations on ornithology, biology, and history while we enjoy the ship's facilities.
Day 8: Bear Island
Bird sanctuary in the Barents Sea
Access to this remote island where more than 1.5 million birds nest. Weather permitting, we will take a Zodiac cruise along its colossal 400-meter cliffs to observe guillemots and fulmars.
Day 9 & 10: Storfjorden: Into the realm of Ice
Wildlife search in the sea ice
Entry into Svalbard through a fjord that is often dense with ice in May. We will search for polar bears and walruses along the sea ice edge, adapting the route according to its dynamic movement.
Day 11: Hornsund: Mountains and glaciers
Iconic landscapes of southern Spitsbergen
Exploration of a region of rugged peaks up to 1,400 meters and tidewater glaciers. We will take Zodiac excursions to approach icebergs and look for Arctic foxes on land.
Day 12: Bellsund: Fjords and birds
Wildlife spectacle in the snow
Visit little auk colonies and search for reindeer on the snowy plains. The landscape is dominated by rocky outcrops and tidewater glaciers accessible via Zodiac incursions.
Day 13: Krossfjorden: Dramatic glaciers
Near the North Pole
Sailing north to Lilliehookbreen, a stunning glacier where seals often haul out on the ice. We may visit Ny-Ĺlesund, the world's northernmost scientific research settlement.
Day 14: Smeerenburgfjorden: Whaling history
The northernmost point of the journey
Exploration of 17th-century whaling industry remains. We will visit walrus haulouts on sandy beaches and observe Arctic terns at this remote frontier outpost.
Day 15: Isfjorden: Cliffs and farewell
Final incursion into the Arctic wilderness
Visit Alkhornet to observe bird colonies, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. It will be the last opportunity for hiking and enjoying glacial landscapes before returning to civilization.
Day 16: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Return to Finland
Disembarkation and free time in Longyearbyen before the transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Helsinki, where one hotel night is included.
Day 17: Depart Helsinki
End of the expedition
After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen, Scotland
Gateway to the Granite City
Arrive in Aberdeen and transfer to the group hotel included in your package. You will have a free day to explore this city known for its grey granite Victorian buildings, museums, theaters, and art galleries.
Day 2: Embark
Start of the voyage
Free morning in Aberdeen before transferring to the port for embarkation. After the expedition team's welcome, orientation sessions and preparations for the northward crossing will take place.
Day 3: Orkney: Neolithic sites and communities
Ancient history in the North Atlantic
Visit Skara Brae, a stone community dating back to 3180 BCE. We will explore the islands' Neolithic heritage and observe birds such as Atlantic puffins and gannets on the region's cliffs.
Day 4: Shetland: Cliffs and Viking ruins
Fusion of Norse and Scottish cultures
Exploration of Sumburgh Head, with 100-meter cliffs teeming with seabirds. We will visit Jarlshof, an archaeological site with thousands of years of human history, from the Bronze Age to the Viking era.
Day 5 to 7: At Sea
Sailing toward the Norwegian High Arctic
Days of sailing north following warm currents. The expert team will provide presentations on ornithology, biology, and history while we enjoy the ship's facilities.
Day 8: Bear Island
Bird sanctuary in the Barents Sea
Access to this remote island where more than 1.5 million birds nest. Weather permitting, we will take a Zodiac cruise along its colossal 400-meter cliffs to observe guillemots and fulmars.
Day 9 & 10: Storfjorden: Into the realm of Ice
Wildlife search in the sea ice
Entry into Svalbard through a fjord that is often dense with ice in May. We will search for polar bears and walruses along the sea ice edge, adapting the route according to its dynamic movement.
Day 11: Hornsund: Mountains and glaciers
Iconic landscapes of southern Spitsbergen
Exploration of a region of rugged peaks up to 1,400 meters and tidewater glaciers. We will take Zodiac excursions to approach icebergs and look for Arctic foxes on land.
Day 12: Bellsund: Fjords and birds
Wildlife spectacle in the snow
Visit little auk colonies and search for reindeer on the snowy plains. The landscape is dominated by rocky outcrops and tidewater glaciers accessible via Zodiac incursions.
Day 13: Krossfjorden: Dramatic glaciers
Near the North Pole
Sailing north to Lilliehookbreen, a stunning glacier where seals often haul out on the ice. We may visit Ny-Ĺlesund, the world's northernmost scientific research settlement.
Day 14: Smeerenburgfjorden: Whaling history
The northernmost point of the journey
Exploration of 17th-century whaling industry remains. We will visit walrus haulouts on sandy beaches and observe Arctic terns at this remote frontier outpost.
Day 15: Isfjorden: Cliffs and farewell
Final incursion into the Arctic wilderness
Visit Alkhornet to observe bird colonies, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. It will be the last opportunity for hiking and enjoying glacial landscapes before returning to civilization.
Day 16: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Return to Finland
Disembarkation and free time in Longyearbyen before the transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Helsinki, where one hotel night is included.
Day 17: Depart Helsinki
End of the expedition
After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
INCLUSIONS
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Charter Flight and Hotel
One pre-expedition hotel night in Aberdeen, and one post-expedition hotel night in Helsinki (breakfast included)
Group transfer from Aberdeen hotel to ship on embarkation day
Departure transfer in Longyearbyen on disembarkation day
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki on disembarkation day
EXCLUSIONS
Charter Flight & Hotel Package*
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.
Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.
Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.
Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.
Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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