A Taste of Spitsbergen

Day 1: Embarkation, Longyearbyen

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there may be an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. Embark your ship this afternoon and set sail on your Arctic expedition.

Days 2-7: Exploring West & North Spitsbergen

Every expedition is unique, with the final itinerary dictated by weather, sea and ice conditions. However your Expedition Leader will ensure a full programme awaits, aiming to include a variety of key natural attractions and wildlife encounters. Perhaps sail into the beautiful Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich amount of vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. You may take a Zodiac cruise along the 5km face of the impressive Monaco Glacier, or marvel at the thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots that nest on the famed bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Search for polar bears and whales around the northern island of Phippsoya; here you will reach 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Cruise along the edge of the pack ice before starting the journey south back to Longyearbyen.

Day 8: Disembark in Longyearbyen

This morning disembark the ship in Longyearbyen after breakfast.

Notes

• All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only - embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
• The above itinerary is for the 8 day voyage on the MV Plancius