When to go
May and June
Price
From £7,550 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
2hrs 46mins

Introduction

Go on a remarkable 10-day voyage across the Svalbard Archipelago via an expedition vessel. Your arctic adventure will begin in Helsinki and take you to Longyearbyen and the depths of Spitsbergen, where you may encounter wild polar bears and walruses. In addition, you will enjoy pleasant and comfortable accommodation aboard the boat, with all the modern amenities that you need.

At a Glance

Duration
10 days & 9 nights
Guide price
Group: £7,550pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Helsinki – Longyearbyen, Svalbard – Spitsbergen – Svalbard Archipelago
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
18+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Private ship
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
199 people
Start/Finish
Helsinki – Helsinki
Extensions

Highlights

Explore the Svalbard Archipelago in 24-Hour Daylight

During your 7-day adventure, you will travel around the Svalbard Archipelago Island, where you will encounter various wildlife such as polar bears. And with 24-hour daylight, you will have the spark and energy to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest.

Encounter Various Land and Sea Wildlife

Your journey around the Svalbard Archipelago will give you a chance to encounter all kinds of land and sea wildlife. These include majestic polar bears, seals, otters, and even reindeer if you’re lucky. Summer is also the peak time for wildlife, ensuring you see them in large numbers.

Accompanied by Qualified Expedition Staff

Your arctic adventure will be handled with the guidance of qualified expedition staff. They will show you the best spots to view wildlife, take photos, and admire the beautiful scenery.

Recommended Hotels

Private ship

Sample Itinerary

Private Boat Cruise in Spitsbergen

This 10-day sample itinerary will show you the best that this arctic wonderland has to offer. You will stay aboard a comfortable and modern ship, traveling around the Spitsbergen and Svalbard Archipelago region, encountering various land and sea wildlife, while marveling at the arctic scenery.

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

Your journey begins in Helsinki, Finland. If you arrive early, you can explore the many museums, restaurants, and galleries on offer, as well as relax in a sauna or explore the Design District.

(N)

Day 2: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

In the morning, transfer to the airport and take a private charter to Longyearbyen, a small Norweigin metropolis with 2,400 residents. You’ll have some time to explore the area before embarking on the ship.

(D)

Days 3 – 9: Spitsbergen – Svalbard Archipelago

Spend the next 7 days traveling around the island of Spitsbergen. During the expedition, you will explore each side of the island, with no fixed itinerary in place.

Local landmarks you will see, though, include the Hinlopen Strait, a waterway that divides Spitsbergen from another nearby island, called Nordaustlandet. You will also encounter the abandoned settlement of Smeerenburg, the several kilometers long cliff of Alkefjellet, and the 14th of July Glacier, which rises more than 30 meters above sea level.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for wildlife photographs. You will encounter wild polar bears in several locations, along with thick-billed murres (Brünnich’s guillemots) sitting on the Alkefjellet cliffs.

Spitsburgen is renowned for its natural beauty. Depending on the season, you may see wildflowers springing to life on land. And there is always the chance to see more polar bears.

(B, L, D)

Day 10: Longyearbyen – Helsinki

Depart from your private ship and fly back to Helsinki. Your journey will officially end in Helsinki.

(B)