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Svalbard in Summer: Tundra, Whales and Wildlife 8% Advantage
Explore the Arctic islands when the tundra and coastal waters are particularly active under the midnight sun.
This 11-day/10-night journey takes you from Helsinki to Longyearbyen by charter flight and then onward through the fjords of Spitsbergen on an ice-strengthened expedition ship. During the short Arctic summer season, the focus is on Zodiac rides, shore excursions, and wildlife viewing as the snow and sea recede and the tundra becomes visible.
Tour ID: 1830741 in Spitzbergen, Arctic, Scandinavia, Svalbard Archipelago, Arctic Ocean, Arctic Circle ●●●●● 521 Reviews
11 days / 10 nights
Hotel
Tundra hikes on Arctic coasts
Zodiac trips to glacier fronts
observation of walruses and reindeer
bird cliffs with large colonies
chances of sightings of baleen whales
expedition ship with polar expertise
'Itinerary: Svalbard in Summer'
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
You travel independently to Helsinki and make your way to the group hotel located directly at the airport, which is included in the charter flight and hotel package. After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Depending on your interests, you may explore Helsinki, visit museums or restaurants, or try a Finnish sauna. The city centre can be reached conveniently from the airport in about 40 minutes by train.
All pictures of this partner
Day 2: Flight to Longyearbyen and Embarkation
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport. A private charter flight takes you to Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen. During the flight the landscape changes noticeably – from the coasts and forests of Scandinavia to tundra, mountain ranges and finally the Arctic island world of Svalbard. After landing in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement of the archipelago, you are transferred to the harbour. There you board your expedition ship and settle into your cabin.
Day 3 to 9: Expedition Days in the Wilderness of Svalbard
These days are dedicated to exploring Svalbard and are shaped by weather, wind and ice conditions. During the short Arctic summer many migratory birds return and activity in the sea also increases. Seabird colonies are frequently observed, and baleen whales may also occur in the surrounding waters. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the nutrient-rich Arctic seas offer favourable conditions. On land the tundra enters a brief growing season with plants, lichens and wildflowers. Snow patches may still remain, yet green areas appear between them against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Open water also allows greater range within the archipelago, including northern or eastern areas.
Exploration takes place by Zodiac and on foot during shore landings. Zodiac cruises lead along coastlines, through fjords and to glacier fronts where tidewater glaciers calve into the sea. At bird cliffs species such as little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots and puffins nest, often in large numbers. During landings, walks across Arctic beaches, valleys and gentle hills are possible. Tracks of polar bears may be visible in the sand even if the animals themselves are not seen. With some luck you may encounter reindeer or Arctic foxes. Driftwood from Siberia, carried here by Arctic currents, is also not uncommon.
Possible destinations include several fjord systems such as Hornsund, Bellsund, Isfjorden, Krossfjorden, Smeerenburgfjorden, Raudfjorden, Woodfjorden and Sorgfjorden. Steep mountains, glaciers and Arctic coasts characterise these landscapes. The expedition remains flexible and continually adapts the route to current conditions and wildlife sightings.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen and Return Flight to Helsinki
Today your time on board comes to an end. After disembarkation in Longyearbyen you are transferred to the airport for the charter flight back to Helsinki. In Helsinki you stay once more at the group hotel at the airport. Depending on the arrival time there may still be an opportunity for a short walk or dinner.
Day 11: Departure from Helsinki
After breakfast at the hotel the travel package concludes. You make your own way to the airport and begin your journey home. Alternatively, you may extend your stay in Helsinki individually.
Accommodation:
During the journey you stay at the group hotel at Helsinki Airport and on board an ice-strengthened expedition ship. Possible vessels include Ultramarine or Ocean Explorer. Both are designed for polar travel and offer cabins, communal areas and observation decks. Facilities typically include lounges, a library, a fitness area and sauna, and in some cases whirlpools. Regular lectures and discussions with polar experts take place on board.
Included Services:
- Group hotel at Helsinki Airport according to the charter flight and hotel package
- Charter flights Helsinki – Longyearbyen – Helsinki according to the charter flight and hotel package
- Transfers on Day 2 and Day 10 according to the charter flight and hotel package
- Accommodation on board the expedition ship
- Full board on board as well as selected beverages according to the ship’s concept
- Guided Zodiac cruises and shore landings depending on conditions
- Lectures and guidance by the expedition team
- Science and learning programmes with the expedition team
- Support from photography guides
- Polar Plunge where offered and weather permitting
- Wi-Fi
- Expedition parka according to the operator’s services
Not Included:
- International travel to and from Helsinki
- Visa and official fees where required
- Travel insurance
- Mandatory personal expedition equipment
- Personal expenses on board
- Optional paid adventure activities
- Pre- and post-programmes and travel extensions
Optional Upgrades:
- Sea kayaking
- Paddling excursion
Additional Information for Expedition Cruises: The itinerary and route described are provided as examples only and may be adjusted or changed at any time due to weather, ice and tidal conditions, as well as for safety reasons. Specific landing sites, locations or route sections therefore cannot be guaranteed. The captain and expedition leader will make all final decisions regarding the route, landings and daily programme on site. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Landings and Zodiac excursions depend on local conditions and regulatory requirements. Optional activities have very limited availability; we recommend booking them well in advance, often weeks or months before departure, as they may be fully booked by the time of travel; their operation depends on weather, ice and safety conditions as well as minimum participation. Polar regions are remote and dynamic natural environments, therefore programme changes or delays may occur.
These pictures provide a general impression of our local partner and the surrounding area. Please note that selected tour may differ from these pictures.
All Reviews of Quark Expeditions
●●●●◐ 4.5 of 5 Stars (245 Reviews) on Tripadvisor●●●●● 4.8 of 5 Stars (276 Reviews) on Google
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Wed. 02.06.2027 - Sat. 12.06.2027
11 days from Helsinki, Finland
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11 days from Helsinki, Finland
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Available on request
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from €9262,-
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Available on request
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Available on request
from €9518,-
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11 days from Helsinki, Finland
Available on request
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Available on request
from €9518,-
6% Advantage
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from €9518,-
Deck: 6 28m² Triple Occupancy Private Balcony
from €10972,-
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2% Advantage
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