12-day Spitsbergen Classic
Itinerary Map
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to polar bears and Walrus. You’ll come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic”.
Length of Travel: 12 days
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 — Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Days 3 to 11 — Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 12 — Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo
Highlights
- Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Take advantage of continuous daylight
- Hike the tundra and explore the polar desert
- Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Days 3 to 11 — Exploring Spitsbergen
Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is unique arctic wildlife a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.
Day 12 — Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo
The time to say goodbye has come. Your arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
Upcoming Trips with this Itinerary:
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Starts & Ends in Longyearbyen
Price
$8,000.00 – $14,600.00 Adventure Options
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