The highlights of Spitsbergen 4% Advantage

This expedition takes you from Helsinki to Spitsbergen, with a clear focus on observing nature in a largely untouched Arctic archipelago. From the deck of your expedition ship you take in the scenery, and on Zodiac cruises you approach icebergs, glacier fronts and coastal stretches where the tundra shows its colour. In the fjords and along the shorelines, the group keeps watch together for typical species of the region, including walrus, reindeer and Arctic seabirds, and with a bit of luck polar bears. Guided landings and the accompanying onboard programme add context on Spitsbergen’s nature and history, and provide many opportunities for photography in Arctic light and weather conditions.

Itinerary: Spitsbergen Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
You arrive in Helsinki independently and make your way to the group hotel located directly at Helsinki Airport, which is included in the charter flight and hotel package. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may visit museums, galleries and restaurants, enjoy a Finnish sauna, or stroll through the Design District. If you would like to go into the city centre, the convenient rail connection from the airport takes around 40 minutes. In the evening, you return to the hotel.

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Day 2: Charter flight to Longyearbyen and embarkation
In the morning, the group transfers to the airport. You then fly by private charter to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. After arrival, you board Ultramarine and settle into your cabin. You will then receive the key information about how the expedition operates, with particular attention to Zodiac cruising and landings, before the ship departs.

Day 3: Expedition day in Spitsbergen
From today, you explore Spitsbergen’s coasts and fjords in an expedition rhythm. Depending on weather and ice conditions, Zodiac cruises and landings are planned, complemented by guided walks across tundra terrain and along the shoreline. The expedition team and all guests keep a continuous lookout for wildlife and distinctive landscape features. On board, talks and discussions with polar experts deepen the context on the region, its nature and its history, and photography guides support you with image composition in Arctic conditions.

Day 4: Western Spitsbergen with Krossfjorden and Lilliehöök Glacier
You continue exploring western Spitsbergen, travelling into areas of deeply cut fjords and glacier fronts. In Krossfjorden, ice calving is often observed, so it is worth keeping your camera and binoculars close at hand. Further into the fjord lies the active Lilliehöök Glacier, where larger pieces of ice can break off from the front into the water. Depending on conditions, Zodiac cruising may be possible to view icebergs, drift ice and the glacier structure at close range. Landings and short walks are accompanied by the guide team.

Day 5: Ny London, Monaco Glacier and possible landing sites
One possible stop is Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement that is well suited to a guided walk. In the surrounding area, sightings of Svalbard reindeer are possible. After an overnight sail, the Monaco Glacier may come into view in the morning, known for producing icebergs. Together with the expedition team, you scan the coastline and the ice edge for marine mammals. Depending on conditions, further landings at places such as Texas Bar, Worsleyneset or Alicehamna may be considered.

Day 6: Smeerenburg, Magdalenefjorden and Alkhornet, farewell dinner
At Smeerenburg you see remains of a settlement established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago, and learn more about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. You then cruise into Magdalenefjorden, with wide views of snow covered mountains and large glaciers that can be reflected in the water in calm conditions. Another possible stop is Alkhornet, with steep cliffs and nesting seabirds such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots, and reindeer sightings are also possible here. In the evening, the captain’s farewell dinner takes place.

Day 7: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen and return flight to Helsinki
The expedition ends in Longyearbyen. After disembarkation, you transfer to the airport and fly back to Helsinki on the group charter, both included in the charter flight and hotel package. In Helsinki, you are taken to your included hotel, where you spend the final night. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, your travel package ends. You make your own way to Helsinki Airport and take your onward flight home. Alternatively, you may continue exploring Helsinki independently, provided you have arranged this in advance.

Accommodation:
At the beginning and end of the trip you stay in a group hotel directly at Helsinki Airport. During the expedition you stay on board the expedition ship Ultramarine. The vessel is designed for polar travel and offers cabins as well as a range of shared spaces. Facilities include a main dining room, a bar, a library, a fitness centre, a dry sauna, Jacuzzis, an observation lounge and outdoor decks with good viewing opportunities. Daily talks and presentations by polar experts also take place on board. Wi Fi and alcoholic drinks are included on board according to the trip description, as is an expedition parka to take home.

Included:

• Group hotel at Helsinki Airport on Day 1 and Day 7 as part of the charter flight and hotel package
• Group transfers as per programme
• Group charter flight Helsinki to Longyearbyen and return as part of the charter flight and hotel package
• Expedition cruise on board Ultramarine
• Zodiac cruising and landings, subject to conditions
• Guided walks, subject to conditions
• Talks and presentations by the expedition team
• Photography support from photography guides
• Polar Plunge, subject to conditions and safety requirements
• Premium dining on board with options for different dietary requirements
• Alcoholic drinks on board as per trip description
• Wi Fi on board
• Expedition parka as a gift

Not included:

• International travel to and from Helsinki
• Visas and official fees where required
• Travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal clothing
• Onboard expenses outside the included services
• Optional adventure activities and trip extensions

Optional upgrades:

• Sea Kayaking
• Paddling Excursion in an inflatable two person kayak

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