Russian High Arctic Explorer

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences

Day 2: Flight to Murmansk, Russia and embarkation

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a private charter flight to Murmansk in Russia. From here you will be taken to the ship for embarkation.

Days 3-4: At Sea

Sail through the Barents Sea, named after the great Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who led two expeditions to Novaya Zemlya in the 1590s. The expedition team will teach you about the intriguing history and politics of the region, its wonderful wildlife, the geology, ecology and climate of the area and let you know what lies ahead over the next two weeks.

Days 5-7: Novaya Zemlya

The largest of the Eurasian Arctic archipelagos, this rarely visited land mass is the third-largest wilderness area in Europe. Consisting of two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern) which are separated by the imposing Matochkin Strait, these islands are the definition of rugged Arctic beauty with massive extinct volcanoes, jagged ice cliffs and an isolated mountain range in the Barents Sea. If weather and ice conditions allow, landing sites may include Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok and Russkaya Gavan.

Day 8: At Sea

Leaving Novaya Zemlya behind, the voyage continues north to Franz Josef Land. Enjoy a presentation, relax in the lounge or enjoy the solitude of the sea.

Days 9-12: Franz Josef Land

This remote group of 191 islands, many covered in ice, forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia. A nature reserve sitting entirely within the Arctic Circle, it is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Weather and ice conditions permitting, you should get the chance to explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus haul-outs at some notable destinations, including Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are also possible.

Days 13-14: At sea

Sailing back through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are often seen, you can enjoy a presentation, reminisce about your journey with your shipmates or relax in the lounge.

Day 15: Disembarkation at Murmansk & flight to Helsinki

Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, you will have time to bid farewell to your expedition team, before catching your charter flight back to Helsinki for a final night.

Day 16: Helsinki

After breakfast, spend time exploring more of the Finnish capital or catch your onward flight.

Notes

• The above sample itinerary is based on the 16-day voyage on the Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
• 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!