The Polar Travel Company

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Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Starts: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Ends: Troms�, Norway
Language: English speaking voyage

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.

Included

This epic voyage invites you to sail from the Svalbard archipelago southward, exploring a world of glaciers, pointed mountains, and pristine tundra. The journey traverses the deep fjords of Spitsbergen, where dramatic geography meets iconic Arctic wildlife, before crossing the Norwegian and Barents seas. As the nights grow darker, the sky transforms into a privileged stage to witness the dance of the Northern Lights in an environment of absolute peace.

Heading toward the mainland, the expedition makes a strategic stop at Bear Island, a remote enclave known for its precipitous cliffs and rich whaling history. It is a unique opportunity to observe the southward migration of Arctic birds and search for marine mammals such as minke whales in nutrient-rich waters. The voyage culminates by sailing through the world-renowned Norwegian fjords, offering a complete perspective of the transition between the high Arctic and Scandinavian coasts under the starlight.

Highlights:
Sailing through spectacular Hornsund surrounded by 14 magnificent glaciers.
Unique opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis in the open sea.
Exploration of remote Bear Island and its historic whaling remains.
Sightings of iconic wildlife including polar bears, minke whales, and seals.
Crossing the Norwegian and Barents seas while observing migratory birds.

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Day 1: Longyearbyen - the start of your journey
Gateway to the Svalbard archipelago
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, visiting the parish church and the Svalbard Museum. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: Spectacular Hornsund
Pointed mountains and glacier fronts
We quietly cruise the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area, dominated by peaks like Hornsundtind and Bautaen. We explore a landscape with 14 magnificent glaciers and have a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears. We will take a Zodiac excursion to mighty Hornbreen and set foot on Treskelen.

Day 3: The limits of the Norwegian & Barents Seas
Heading south through productive waters
A day to look for whales, seals, and migrating seabirds as we voyage toward Bear Island. From now on, darker skies provide opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis and the stars in the open sea.

Day 4: Bear Island
Bird cliffs and whaling stations
Early arrival at the southeastern end of the island to see gannets and fulmars. We land at Revdalen to climb toward the coastal bird mountain for great views. Later, in Kvalrossbukta, we land at the remains of a 19th-century whaling station before departing for Norway.

Day 5: At sea
Oceanic navigation and Northern Lights
Another full sea day to look for whales and migrating seabirds sailing toward Norway. The ever-longer nights make displays of the Northern Lights more frequent and vivid as we catch the first signs of land to the south.

Day 6: Troms�
Capital of the north and Norwegian fjords
Early morning sailing through straits and fjords to Troms�. Glimpse the world-renowned Norwegian coastline before saying goodbye and concluding the expedition.