Arctic: Svalbard - Land of the Ice Bears

A remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening. It is carpeted with wildflowers. Ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Walrus raise their sleepy heads to observe us. And everyone holds their breath as a polar bear is spotted and cameras click wildly. Experience nature in its purest form in the High Arctic.

This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you’ll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife. This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery. Nature is full of wonderful surprises and we are guided by her. Our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary below is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this region.

Day 1 - U.S./Fly Overnight to Oslo

Fly from Newark to Oslo aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Day 2 - Oslo, Norway

Arrive in Oslo and check in to the Continental Hotel. Highlights include a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in park lands and a visit to the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of Arctic exploration.

Accommodations: Continental Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 - Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark Ship

Depart Oslo on our private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-9 - Exploring Svalbard

Our travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design. This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you’ll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife, and our exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions.

Our main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic — majestic polar bears. Cruising in Svalbard’s fjords, venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. We take our Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among beautiful icebergs, and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo

Explore Longyearbyen on your own before we fly to Oslo. Overnight Radisson SAS Airport Hotel.

Accommodations: Radisson SAS
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 11 - Oslo/U.S.

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight to the U.S. aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Extend Your Arctic Cruise

Optional pre voyage 4 day extension to Norwegian Fjords and post voyage 4 day extension Exploring Iceland are available. Please call for details.

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Land Cost Includes: Roundtrip flight Oslo/Longyearbn. One night pre-cruise and one night post cruise hotel in Oslo; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Arctic handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals in Oslo; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1,00 per person is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing.
Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $250 per person ($150 of which is a Travel Certificate). Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited. Between 89-60 days, per person cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost. Between 59-30 days, per person cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost. Between 29-0 days, no refund.
For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations Aboard: The 148 passenger National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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