Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun | 8 Days

Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun | Arctic ToursSvalbard: North to the Midnight Sun | Arctic Tours

The High Arctic reveals its stunning natural beauty to visitors who choose the traditional Svalbard expedition. The expedition starts at Longyearbyen before it explores the ice-covered fjords and distant islands and the northern pack ice that floats above the archipelago.

Visitors can explore three different areas which include historic whaling sites and vibrant seabird colonies and coastal regions that host polar bears and walruses and Arctic foxes. The journey follows the midnight sun toward the northern ice boundary before reaching the famous scientific base at Ny-Ålesund. The Arctic expedition presents travelers with stunning natural scenery and thrilling animal encounters which create an everlasting experience in the Arctic wilderness.

8 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Longyearbyen

Your Arctic expedition begins in Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanent settlement in the world. The town of Spitsbergen exists on Spitsbergen island where it stands amidst towering mountains and freezing glaciers and wide tundra areas. The distant Longyearbyen settlement functions as the main access point for people who want to discover the Svalbard archipelago. The expedition ship sets sail from Isfjorden to begin its journey through the Arctic Ocean. The surrounding wilderness quickly replaces signs of civilization, marking the beginning of an unforgettable polar adventure.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Northwest Svalbard National Park

The expedition travels into the protected region of Northwest Svalbard National Park, one of the most historically significant and ecologically rich areas in the Arctic. The area served as a base for early explorers and whalers who established settlements including Smeerenburg. Nature has taken back control of this area so it now serves as a protected area which supports Arctic wildlife populations. Walruses rest on distant beaches while seabirds choose to build their nests on steep cliffs and polar bears run across the tundra and frozen sea surfaces. The region presents visitors with stunning glacier views and fjord landscapes and harsh coastline terrain which creates an excellent destination for Svalbard explorers.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Northwest Svalbard National Park

The expedition travels into the protected region of Northwest Svalbard National Park, one of the most historically significant and ecologically rich areas in the Arctic. The area served as a base for early explorers and whalers who established settlements including Smeerenburg. Nature has taken back control of this area so it now serves as a protected area which supports Arctic wildlife populations. Walruses rest on distant beaches while seabirds choose to build their nests on steep cliffs and polar bears run across the tundra and frozen sea surfaces. The region presents visitors with stunning glacier views and fjord landscapes and harsh coastline terrain which creates an excellent destination for Svalbard explorers.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Northeast Svalbard Wilderness

The expedition moves forward into the desolate terrain that exists in northeastern Svalbard. The polar desert environment exists because ocean currents stay cold while vegetation fails to grow in this area. The landscape presents a breathtaking view because massive glaciers flow into frozen fjords which create stunning scenes between mountains and ocean waters. The harsh environment does not stop animals from surviving in this area. The coastlines receive patrols from Arctic foxes while walruses choose to rest in the shallow waters and thousands of seabirds build their nests on the high cliffs. The sea ice and weather patterns keep evolving which makes the area into an interesting place for discovery.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Remote Northern Islands

The voyage continues its northern path until it reaches the most distant islands which belong to Svalbard. The northernmost parts of Earth include the uninhabited areas which exist between Nordaustlandet and Sjuøyane islands. The area contains only a few plants which grow as mosses and lichens that spread across the rocky ground. The Arctic summer brings a thriving bird population which includes geese and skuas and Arctic terns that choose to build their nests by the sea. The remote islands let you experience their untouched High Arctic landscapes by walking through all their areas.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Into the Arctic Pack Ice

The expedition reaches its peak when the group arrives at the Arctic pack ice. The Arctic Ocean contains this floating mass of sea ice which creates a wide ecosystem that extends from the North Pole into the Arctic Ocean. The pack ice looks like it would be dead but it actually provides habitat for many different animals. Seals rest on ice floes, seabirds circle above the icy waters, and polar bears patrol the ice in search of prey. The frozen environment allows you to see one of the most difficult to reach places which exists on our planet.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund

The expedition enters Kongsfjorden, one of Svalbard’s most scenic fjords. The Three Crowns mountains together with their towering glaciers create an Arctic scenery which you can find in this scenic fjord. The northernmost research settlement in the world exists along the shores of Ny-Ålesund. The town which served as a starting point for historic polar explorations now contains international scientific stations that study climate change and Arctic ecosystems. The stop becomes interesting because nature and scientific research activities take place at this location.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Return to Longyearbyen

The expedition concludes back in Longyearbyen. The travelers bring back permanent memories from Svalbard's unique wilderness after exploring glaciers and wildlife habitats and distant polar territories for several days.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alkefjellet | Svalbard |  Antarctica
 | Lemaire Channel  |  AntarcticaLongyearbyen | Svalbard |  AntarcticaTrygghamna | Svalbard |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphinsAlkhornet | Svalbard |  AntarcticaMonaco Glacier | Svalbard |  Antarctica | Chilean Fjords |  Antarctica | Faroe Islands | PuffinKongsfjorden | Svalbard |  AntarcticaKrossfjorden | Svalbard |  Antarctica | Westman Islands |  Antarctica

8 Day Artic Itinerary Includes

  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Special photo workshops
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

8 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)

8 Day Artic Itinerary Highlights

  • Venture toward the Arctic pack ice north of Svalbard
  • Visit the historic Arctic research settlement of Ny-Ålesund
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of Northwest Svalbard National Park
  • Observe wildlife including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes
  • Experience the endless daylight of the Arctic midnight sun

Itinerary Map

Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun

8 Day Arctic cruise activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

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Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun

From USD 6295,00
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