Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage (15)

Begin your Arctic expedition in Helsinki before flying to Longyearbyen to explore the Svalbard archipelago. Sail among immense glaciers and sea ice in search of polar bears, reindeer, and walruses, and marvel at rugged cliffs teeming with seabirds under the midnight sun.


Svalbard
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This 15-day journey offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.

Duration: 15 days
Starts: Helsinki, Finland
Ends: Helsinki, Finland
Language: English speaking voyage


Included
Optional


Embark on an extraordinary expedition into the heart of the Arctic, seamlessly connecting the cultural elegance of Helsinki with the remote, untamed landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. Following a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, you will enter a wild territory dominated by rugged mountains, colorful tundra meadows, and colossal glacier faces like the 14th of July Glacier. The main goal of the voyage will be to complete a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen Island and attempt to explore the most isolated outer reaches of the archipelago, including seldom-visited places like the mystical Kvitøya Island.

Throughout the navigation along the pack ice, Zodiac excursions and shore landings will allow for the exploration of pristine bays and historic 16th-century whaling stations such as Smeerenburg. This frozen world offers unparalleled opportunities to spot and photograph iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. Guests will have the chance to capture majestic polar bears hunting on their preferred sea ice, observe Svalbard reindeer grazing on the tundra, and marvel at vertical cliffs like Alkefjellet, where thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots nest in a thunderous display of Arctic life.

Highlights:
Integrated package featuring private charter flights and hotel nights in Helsinki.
Planned full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen and exploration of Svalbard's outer islands.
Spotting polar bears in their natural hunting environment on the sea ice of Phippsøya and Isbukta.
Cruising in front of the spectacular Alkefjellet cliffs, teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots.
Historical exploration of remote 16th-century whaling outposts at Smeerenburg.

Itinerary

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Día 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Hotel night included
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to see Helsinki city center there is convenient rail service. Allow 40 minutes for the transfer.

Día 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark
Sailing Svalbard waters
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.

Día 3-13: Exploring Svalbard
Archipelago expedition & circumnavigation
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in Svalbard. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Svalbard, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the polar bear’s preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action. A big part of appreciating Svalbard comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.

Día 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
Return to Finland
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.

Día 15: Onward flight home
End of itinerary
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.

Itinerary

Día 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Hotel night included
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to see Helsinki city center there is convenient rail service. Allow 40 minutes for the transfer.

Día 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark
Sailing Svalbard waters
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.

Día 3-13: Exploring Svalbard
Archipelago expedition & circumnavigation
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in Svalbard. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Svalbard, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the polar bear’s preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action. A big part of appreciating Svalbard comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.

Día 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
Return to Finland
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.

Día 15: Onward flight home
End of itinerary
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.


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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
Transfers between Longyearbyen town center, port, and airport on embarkation and disembarkation day

Charter Flight and Hotel Package
Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki

EXCLUSIONS

Charter Flight & Hotel Package*
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, 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 shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 30 Jun 2027 - 14 Jul 2027 (4898)
Explorer Triple
$18,290
$15,771
Explorer Suite
$21,190
$18,236
Balcony Suite
$23,190
$19,936
Solo Panorama
$31,790
$27,246
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$27,090
$23,251
Terrace Suite
$28,090
$24,101
Penthouse Suite
$30,090
$25,801
Owner´s Suite
$36,990
$31,666
Ultra Suite
$40,890
$34,981
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 13 Jun 2028 - 27 Jun 2028 (5404)
Explorer Triple
$17,470
$14,081
Explorer Suite
$20,270
$16,601
Balcony Suite
$22,070
$18,221
Solo Panorama
$30,270
$25,601
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,770
$21,551
Terrace Suite
$26,770
$22,451
Penthouse Suite
$28,570
$24,071
Owner´s Suite
$35,170
$30,011
Ultra Suite
$38,870
$33,341
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 21 Jun 2028 - 05 Jul 2028 (5405)
Triple Suite
$19,270
$15,701
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$21,370
$17,591
Veranda Stateroom
$22,370
$18,491
Veranda Suite
$23,670
$19,661
Studio Single
$30,170
$25,511
Penthouse Suite
$31,770
$26,951
Studio Veranda Single
$32,470
$27,581
Owners Suite
$33,870
$28,841

* 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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