Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

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.

Your voyage will cover western Spitsbergen as well the stunning fjords and outlying islands to the North. The polar flora and immense glaciers. The landscape here is just as mind-blowing as the wildlife.

The expedition itinerary isn’t set in stone which will let the expedition team take advantage of favourable conditions and maximise your chances of having the best encounters in the polar regions, because of this flexible approach every voyage is completely unique, and you will come away with your own experiences that others won’t have had before or since.

You are pretty much guaranteed to see polar bears in Spitsbergen, the sea ice around Hornsund is one of their most popular hunting grounds, home to a veritable bounty of seals. They are also like to be seen around the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet where they feast upon the eggs of nesting seabirds.

The sights you visit on the voyage will provide a mixture of different insights ranging from wildlife, to history and geology, the highly experienced expedition team will share their knowledge and expertise with you, helping you to get the most out of your time here.

Among our favourite sights that you might get to see if the conditions are right is the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait.

If you are feeling adventurous and would like a bit more of a personal experience with the wildlife, there are optional kayaking activities. This will give you the chance to experience the Arctic in a manner that was originally developed by the Inuit.

The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic 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 transfer package.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here