Cruise: Franz Josef Land & The Russian Arctic
Tailor Made Itinerary
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14 Days From £7,975
Overview
Rarely visited today, yet significant in the history of polar exploration, Franz Josef Land is worthy of its legendary reputation. Part of the Russian Arctic National Park, the different islands of Franz Josef Land tell stories of early polar exploration as you uncover monuments and an abandoned Soviet research facility, as well as being host to Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales and many seabirds. This extraordinary expedition to Franz Josef Land is as unique ...
Rarely visited today, yet significant in the history of polar exploration, Franz Josef Land is worthy of its legendary reputation. Part of the Russian Arctic National Park, the different islands of Franz Josef Land tell stories of early polar exploration as you uncover monuments and an abandoned Soviet research facility, as well as being host to Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales and many seabirds. This extraordinary expedition to Franz Josef Land is as unique and authentic as the place itself.
Starting in Longyearbyen in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, we cross the icy, wildlife-rich Barents Sea to the Russian High Arctic. In Franz Josef Land we discover unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, and history in one of the wildest and most remote corners of the Arctic.
Back in Svalbard we have the opportunity to explore beautiful fjords and islands on the north western coast of Spitsbergen. Here we seek the full range of Arctic wildlife in one of the world’s most impressive polar desert environments.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Uncover monuments and an abandoned Soviet research facility
- See polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales and many seabirds
- Visit the unique and authentic Franz Josef land
- Discover unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, and history
- Explore beautiful fjords and islands on the north western coast of Spitsbergen
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: SVALBARD
DAY 1: SVALBARD
Arriving into Svalbard's main town, you will have time to explore this fascinating Arctic settlement. Your hotel tonight is included in the cruise package.
DAY 2: SVALBARD
DAY 2: SVALBARD
You will board your expedition ship this afternoon and prepare for the extraordinary adventure to come. Sail into a true wilderness with wildlife abound and pass through the stunning Isfjorden where for the possibility of the trip’s first marine mammal encounters.
DAY 3: AT SEA
DAY 3: AT SEA
Your cruise proceeds east across the Barents Sea towards Franz Josef Land. In these far northern latitudes it is possible to witness sea ice any time of year. Along the way we remain vigilant for sightings of bowhead whales, various seal species and the majestic polar bear.
DAY 4: AT SEA
DAY 4: AT SEA
A day at sea en route to Franz Josef Land.
DAY 5: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 5: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
Today you will enter this remote and wild corner of the Arctic via a Russian polar station, from which to explore the islands and waterways of the wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay. The archipelago of Franz Josef Land is a nature sanctuary for high Arctic fauna such as polar bears, walruses, rare whales and sea birds. We take advantage of 24-hour daylight to maximise viewings. This region is also home to some interesting geology such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Visit Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island which is the northernmost point in the Eastern Hemisphere. Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. Memorials, monuments, crosses and the remains of dwellings are testimony to the incredible historical events that are further illuminated by the expert lecturers.
DAY 6: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 6: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 7: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 7: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 8: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 8: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 9: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 9: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 10: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 10: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 11: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
DAY 11: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
A further day to explore this remote wilderness.
DAY 12: AT SEA
DAY 12: AT SEA
Sail back across the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea attending presentations by the experts and take advantage of the ship's facilities. Enjoy further whale and birdlife observations.
DAY 13: SVALBARD
DAY 13: SVALBARD
Explore the spectacular fjords, islands and coasts of Svalbard, experiencing the archipelago's most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic's best wildlife viewing opportunities. Narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks while immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. On ice floes seals watch vigilantly for polar bears and fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic foxes. To complete the Svalbard experience, the itinerary also aims to discover historical sites containing the remnants of whaling camps, mining operations, trappers' cabins, staging areas of attempts to discover the North Pole and the ruins of a WWII weather station.
DAY 14: SVALBARD
DAY 14: SVALBARD
Disembark this morning and reflect on your epic Arctic expedition before your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Sea Spirit - Longyearbyen, Longyearbyen Arctic
M/V Sea Spirit is a comfortable expedition ship with capacity for 114 passengers, featuring stylish suites spread across the five decks. The suites are equipped with king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and DVD players; some also have their own balconies. There is a strong emphasis on hotel-style service on board, although this does not detract from the expedition focus in any way. Optional kayaking, camping, climbing and cross-country skiing are available on some departures. Communal areas include an open-seating restaurant, outdoor bistro, bar, presentation lounge, club lounge, library and gym. This ship is perfect for those who would like a little more luxury on their polar adventure. Please enquire for more information such as the ship's deckplan.
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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ACCOMMODATION
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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