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This 14-day Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland and ends in Spitsbergen, Svalbard. During this Arctic adventure, visit islands governed by Norway, Greenland and Iceland. This vacation includes volcanoes, magnificent fjords, cruising in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounters with polar bears and walrus.

Day 1 - Embarkation Day

Embark in Longyearbyen, Svalbard August 9, 2012. The August 22, 2012 departure embarks in Reykjavik. This itinerary reflects embarkation in Reykjavik. The itinerary will be operated in reverse when embarking in Longyearbyen.

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of puffins on one of the outlying islands.

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: dinner

Days 3&4 - At Sea in the Denmark Strait

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland's mysterious eastern shore. Your onboard Expedition Team keeps you informed and entertained with presentations about area wildlife- especially the seabirds you'll see soaring above your ship.

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-9 - Scoresbysund, Eastern Greenland

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bear. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives on the east coast of Greenland. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 10&11 - Greenland Sea

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Spitsbergen, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar - watch a movie - there are many things to do at sea.

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12&13 - Exploring Spitsbergen

Largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, Spitsbergen is famed for its abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and the tiny international research community of Ny Alesund. Wildlife-viewing opportunities include walrus, polar bear and the unique Spitsbergen reindeer. Birders will thrill to see Arctic Terns, skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

Accommodations: Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

If you board the ship in Reykjavik, you will disembark in Longyearbyen. If you embark in Longyearbyen, you will disembark in Reykjavik. Longyearbyen the administrative capital of Svalbard is your final port of call. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Or extend your stay if you wish.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only. As this is an expedition to a remote part of the world, our exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates: Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to adjust our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if full payment has been previously received.

Single Travelers: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will not be penalized. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

Minimum Age for Children: 12 years

Land Cost Includes: Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced Expedition Leaders and staff, including shore landings; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; helicopter flights and transport. presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit; A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings; An expedition parka; Hair dryer in every cabin; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; Fuel surcharge; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; baggage, Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); 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).

Arrival and Departure: When considering flights for your Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland & Iceland cruise plan to arrive Reykjavik, Iceland (RKV) at any time on day 1. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR) no earlier than 12 noon on the final day of the outlined itinerary - Or Reverse. Get a free flight quote.

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $1,000 or 10% of the total per person is required to confirm a reservation on an Arctic Adventure Ship voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment due 120 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: 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:
150 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person.
Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited.
Between 89-60 days, per person all deposits and tariffs are forfeited.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Vessel Descriptions: Kapitan Khlebnikov is Scandinavian-built for the Russian Academy of Sciences. The Khlebnikov accommodates 112 passengers, internal stabilizers, and ice-strengthened hull designed specifically for polar travel. Click vessel links for individual vessel descriptions.

Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 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. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and 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 look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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