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polar regions: arctic

The North Pole

The top of the world. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey. Only a select few make it each year. Here is a chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world.

Everything seems bigger in the Arctic. Massive icebergs are surrounded by a horizon that seems to go on forever. The vacant blue of the wide sky looks over a sea of ice. Even the silence seems overwhelming. The scale is vast and humbling. You forget things like cell phones and deadlines even exist. It puts life in perspective.

Day 1 - Helsinki, Finland

Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Helsinki
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Murmansk

From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-7 - The Arctic Ocean

Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a thrilling aerial view of Victory's progress.

Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Most of our guests enjoy the heightened sense of adventure that comes with this unpredictability. In 2008, Victory made the fastest recorded crossing between these two points: 4.5 days!

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - The North Pole

Each traveler experiences this moment in his or her own way. Some hold special signs. Others wave their national flags. Still others stand on this mystical spot, holding a talisman brought thousands of miles for this one purpose. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. How will YOU celebrate?

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Southbound

As Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, you may spot polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls following close behind - eager to dine on leftovers.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 10-12 - Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean

Franz Josef Land is one of the most recently discovered archipelagos in the world. It was only in the late 1800's that this remote and stunning world of jagged mountains and massive icebergs was found, and even today it remains mostly unexplored. There are 191 islands here, and they are a naturalist's paradise. Polar bears, arctic fox, seals and belugas inhabit the region. Walrus and vast colonies of seabirds abound. We'll attempt to explore this fascinating coast in our Zodiacs, and enjoy the spectacular glaciers and volcanic plateaus from our helicopters. But remember, this is a remote region. All landings are subject to the cooperation of government and weather.

Accommodations: 50 Years of Victory
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Disembarkation in Murmansk

Your port of disembarkation is Murmansk, Russia's most northerly city. After you leave the ship, we'll transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to Helsinki, Finland.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Helsinki
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 14 - Helsinki

After breakfast at your centrally located hotel, you are free to leave for home or extend your stay.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: 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.


Included: 1 night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast; 1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland with breakfast; Day 2 group transfer from Helsinki hotel to airport; Day 2 group transfer from Murmansk airport to ship; Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping; Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners; Shore landings included in daily program; Group helicopter transfers and sightseeing flights included in the daily program; Professional Expedition Leadership; All Zodiac excursions and transfers; Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team; Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage; An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin; Day 14 group transfer from the ship to the Murmansk airport; Day 14 group transfer from Helsinki airport to the hotel; Comprehensive pre-departure package including Quark's meticulously researched Arctic Reader and map; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All shipboard luggage handling; Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person; All Zodiac excursions and transfers included in the daily program; Complimentary wine, beer, liquor and soft drinks at the bar and with meals.

Exclusions: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; charter airfare ($1690 per person); passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; Rubber boots; 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).

Room Configurations: 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 1.7-1.8 times the twin rate.

Families & Children: At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Arrival & Departure: The North Pole cruise begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland. Charter flights to Murmanske depart in the morning on Day 2 and arrive back to Helsinki late on Day 13. Arrival into Helskini may be at anytime on Day 1 and depart from Helsinki at anytime on Day 14.

Payment & Cancellation: Deposits - To confirm reservations on all Quark products a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 per person) is required at time of booking. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. For any booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required. 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: All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $750 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 89 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

Terms & Conditions: 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 and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: In 2013, be one of only 100 people to see the top of the world from a hot air balloon! You'll dine out on the story for years afterward. And, you'll have a certificate as proof of the ascent. The 4-person basket is an excellent platform for "aerial" photography. Limited to 50 people for departure, so secure your space today. $295 per person

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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com