Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.

The ship will sail along the magical white shores of Spitsbergen, constantly on the lookout for the planet’s largest terrestrial predator, the polar bear. On the way, you will observe the regions natural wonders with ample opportunities to see immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

You will sail north into Krossfjord. Have your camera at the ready as you will be able to capture some of the best glacier calvings in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, is the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier, listen in awe to the reverberating roar echoing through the fjord as huge chunks snap off, plunging into the icy water below. You will go an Zodiac excursion to the nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, which provides an ideal spot for a guided walk. You will encounter wildlife, like the indigenous Svalbard reindeer.

After sailing overnight, you will wake up to the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

During the last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here