Departures:
07/24/2013 07/31/2013 08/07/2013
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
This journey onboard a spacious expedition ship features the spectacular fjords and coastlines of western Spitsbergen and the opportunity for Arctic wildlife viewing.
Save up to 25% per person (up to $1,925 off).
Summary: Experience the breathtaking panoramas of some of Svalbard's most remote regions. On this voyage along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, journey through a landscape of fjords and gigantic glaciers, all set before a magical backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. This coastline is surprisingly rich in wildlife and historical remains, offering a fascinating insight into the heroic efforts of the polar explorers of past times. Amidst the stunning landscape are a myriad of birdlife and Arctic wildlife, from walrus and reindeer to the king of the Arctic, the polar bear!
Arrive in Longyearbyen and relax in your hotel with your evening at your leisure.
Day 2: Longyearbyen / Barentsburg / Embark
Explore Longyearbyen and its surroundings on a guided bus tour before embarkation. Longyearbyen is a Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. This is a lively small town, situated in a fantastic Arctic landscape. The history and heritage of coal mining can be seen everywhere. Barentsburg is a Russian settlement with an exotic collection of Russian artifacts and architecture. This “Company town” was built in 1935 around the entrance to the coal mine.
Day 3: Hornsund
The landscape of Hornsund is largely alpine with the majestic Hornsundtinden mountain soaring highest of all. Let your imagination run wild while spending the day in these extraordinary surroundings.
Day 4: Bellsund
In Bellsund, attempt to land on either Ahlstrands peninsula or in Calypsobyen. Later, you may sail towards the beautiful Vårsolbukta, named after the motor cutter “Vaarsol” that was used by the Norwegian Svalbard Expedition in 1914.
Day 5: Kongsfjorden
Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. The plan is to reach Moffen, a high latitude islet at 80°N with a walrus colony and bird sanctuary. The atoll-like shape of the island made it a perfect safe harbour for any early whalers caught in bad weather.
Day 6: Woodfjorden / Liefdefjorden
These large fjords in North Spitsbergen are striking in varied landscape. Cruise towards the Monaco Glacier, passing a number of small islets where eider ducks nest during the summer. If you are lucky, you might spot a polar bear searching for eggs.
Day 7: Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
Known locally as the North West Corner, this area has a long history of exploration. When Dutchman Willem Barents first found Svalbard in 1596, the name he gave to this new land was ‘Spitzbergen’ (“Spitz” meaning sharp) reflecting the sharp and steep mountains in the area.
Days 8 - 9: Isfjorden / Longyearbyen / Disembark
In central Spitsbergen, Isfjorden is the largest fjord system in Svalbard. One of the most prominent mountains here is Alkhornet, where thousands of Brünnich guillemots nest during the summer season.
Sadly, every voyage has to come to an end. Hopefully you will be recalling the memory of that polar bear, the calving glacier front or the buzzing birdlife – or simply enjoying the feeling of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred kilometers from the Geographical North Pole.
Included:
1 hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast and lunch, cabin accommodations and all meals while onboard; city tour of Longyearbyen.
Not Included:
International and local flights; travel insurance; luggage handling; passport and visa expenses; optional excursions and gratuities; laundry services; fuel surcharge may apply.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.