This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Geared toward optimum wildlife viewing, this 10-day adventure provides ample opportunities to witness walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra and learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land.
Language
Norwegian
Time Zone
GMT +1
Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Average Temp
22° F (annual)
34° F (May – July)
Spitsbergen Expedition
Fjords, Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – OSLO, NORWAY
Arrive in Oslo
Transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel TBD
Day 2 – OSLO / LONGYEARBYEN (SVALBARD)
Group transfer to airport for private charter flight to Longyearbyen
Explore on your own
Embarkation:
- View the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains
Accommodations: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-9 – SPITSBERGEN
Cruise around the island searching for wildlife.
Possible visits:
- 14th of July Glacier
- Smeerenburg
- Alkefjellet
- Hinlopen Strait
Activities include:
- Zodiac cruising & Hiking
- Presentations & Photography
- “Polar Plunge”
Optional activities (supplements apply):
- Sea Kayaking & Paddling
Accommodations: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – LONGYEARBYEN / OSLO / HOMEWARD BOUND
Disembark In Longyearbyen
Group transfer to airport for private charter flight to Oslo
Connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $9,600 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
We took three trips arranged by NEI to Peru, Ecuador and Tanzania. Our private tours, with just the driver/guide, my wife and me, were planned with great attention to detail and helped us enjoy ourselves without having to worry about the logistics. All vacations were spectacular, done very well by the NEI staff and their local contacts. Highly recommend.
Lou D.
Lakewood Ranch, FL
When to go:
Best times are from May to July
What to eat:
Continental & Vegetarian cuisine
aboard the ship
What to pack:
For Excursions: wool & synthetic layering clothing & socks; warm scarf & hat; waterproof pants; waterproof gloves & glove liners; swimwear; sunscreen, UV sunglasses & ski goggles; waterproof backpack; parka (provided by Quark – yours to keep); insulated waterproof boots (loaned by Quark); camera equipment; binoculars
Aboard the Ship: casual clothing; comfortable non-slip closed-toe flat shoes; seasickness & other medications; universal converter/adapter
