Russian High Arctic Explorer
from £9900 excluding flights
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Highlights
Venture into the Russian Arctic to explore remote islands
Enjoy shore landings in wildlife-rich Franz Josef Land
Explore volcanic outcrops of Novaya Zemlya
Cruise through the ice floes of the remote Kara Sea
Uncover a fascinating history of polar exploration
Encounter wildlife from walrus to abundant seabirds
Why this trip...
Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas
Expertly guided
In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip
No surcharge guarantee
When you book we guarantee there will be no price increases or additional fees to be paid
Overview
Join a thrilling voyage through the Barents Sea, to the uninhabited coastlines and ice-cloaked archipelagos of the Russian High Arctic. In the midst of this mysterious and starkly beautiful landscape you'll encounter sights rarely seen by even the most intrepid of adventurers. From the ancient mountains and breathtaking glaciers of Novaya Zemlya, to the wildlife rich islands of Franz Josef Land and the icy waters of the remote Kara Sea, discover an awe-inspiring Arctic wilderness like no other.
During your voyage you'll uncover the rich and dramatic history of early Arctic explorers, observe a wealth of wildlife such as whales, seals, muskox, walruses and polar bears, and, on the longer itineraries, maybe even have the chance to set foot on the remote islands of Severnaya Zemlya.
The first port of call, conditions permitting, is the little-visited Novaya Zemlya, comprising two rugged and mountainous main islands separated by the Matochkin Strait. Calving glaciers and extinct volcanoes provide a striking backdrop for Zodiac cruising and hikes ashore, whilst plentiful wildlife provides the soundtrack. Perhaps better known is the more northerly archipelago of Franz Josef Land, a protected nature reserve that forms part of the immense Russian Arctic National Park. A wealth of Arctic wildlife can be found on and around the archipelago's 191 islands, including walrus and polar bears, as well as a huge variety of seabirds.
Conditions permitting, the 22-day voyages will also attempt to push eastwards into the Kara Sea - a region known for its ice floes, scattered with islands where research scientists carry out their work with polar bears for company. The goal will be to reach Severnaya Zemlya, the world's most recently discovered major territory, unseen until 1913 and largely unexplored until the 1930s. These pristine islands feature some spectacular glaciers, made all the more special as so few people have had the privilege to witness them first-hand.
Itinerary
Day 1 arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your adventure begins in Helsinki, Finland's capital city renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences
Your adventure begins in Helsinki, Finland's capital city renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences
Day 2 fly 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Optional Activities
Prices and Departures
Price from £9900 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Expedition jacket - yours to keep
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2021 Departures
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jul 2021 | 16 days | Ocean Adventurer | £11,592 | |
| 24 Jul 2021 * | 15 days | Greg Mortimer | £9,900 | |
| 28 Jul 2021 + | 22 days | Ocean Adventurer | £15,592 |
* Starts and finishes in Kirkenes
+ Conditions permitting, the 22-day itinerary will also attempt to cross the Kara Sea and visit Severnaya Zemlya
Activity Icon Key
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Diving
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Kayaking
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Snorkelling
NOTES
- A pre and post-voyage night in a hotel in Helsinki, with a charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk, is included on voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer
- British passport holders will require a double-entry tourist visa for any voyage embarking and/or disembarking in Russia. Your travel specialist will provide further details at the time of booking.
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Jo C4 Arctic cruises
7 Continents visited
20 Species of whales & dolphins seen
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