Join the crew of the mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov on this remarkable 25-journey through the Arctic. On the fabled Northeast Passage, travelers will encounter thick pack ice, unique geological formations and the fascinating cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic. On-board helicopters and the Khlebnikov’s sheer icebreaking force combine to take you to some of the most magnificent regions of the world others dare not sail.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin this unforgettable journey in Anchorage, a unique urban environment in the heart of great wilderness. Spend the day taking in the glorious scenery – populous wildlife, spectacular mountain vistas, fascinating culture and icy blue glaciers await your discovery. Plan to arrive and make your way to the hotel in time for the pre-departure briefing at about 6pm.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, take a charter flight from Anchorage to Anadyr, which crosses the International Date Line. Travelers are transferred to the magnificent Kapitan Khlebnikov after clearing Russian customs, where the excitement of boarding the renowned Russian icebreaker begins as the ship sails northward through the Bering Strait.
Day 3-4: Chukotka Peninsula
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
When the ship reaches Russia’s Far East – the Chukotka Peninsula – guests will be treated to cultural presentations on the indigenous people of the Russian Arctic. Then you may have the opportunity to visit the tiny village of Uelen, known for its talented carvers who work in walrus ivory. At Cape Dezhnev, the most easterly point of the Asian continent, building architecture is distinctively Russian.
You’ll cruise in Zodiacs to Puffin Island where two species of the comical bird cohabit. On the shores of Ittygran Island, the ribs of whales, planted in the tundra by people long ago, still stand on lowland known as “whalebone alley.” The final shore landing is a visit to Chaplino, where locals dressed in traditional attire will demonstrate their skills as reindeer wrestlers and ropers.
Day 5: Bering Strait
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Bering Strait connects the Pacific Ocean to the Chukchi Sea – a portion of the Arctic Ocean. Sailing north. Here, the ship will cross the Arctic Circle entering the land of the midnight sun. In this region, daylight is continuous for 37 days!
Day 6-7: Wrangel Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Crossing the Delon Strait, you may start to see thick pack ice. The Expedition Leader will ask the Captain to deploy the helicopter to enjoy an aerial view of the Khlebnikov crushing ice up to a yard (one meter) thick. Landings are planned on Wrangel Island, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse flora and habitat for migratory birds. Don’t be surprised to see copious musk oxen, who thrive there.
Day 8-10: East Siberian Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, the ship makes its way through the pack ice of the East Siberian Sea to the New Siberian Islands. Enroute, pass by Medvezh’i Island, known as “bear” island, and enjoy countless scenic views along the way.
Day 11-13: New Siberian Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ancient camping grounds will be explored on these remote islands. If conditions permit, travelers will see the northernmost point of the European continent. Be on the lookout for polar bears, often spotted in the archipelago.
Day 14-17: Severnaya Zemlya
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Landings on these least accessible islands of the Arctic will be one of the highlights of this circumnavigation. The archipelago thwarted many attempts to sail around the Arctic Ocean until the development of engine-driven surface vessels. Zodiacs and helicopters will be deployed during our exploration.
There are two indigenous peoples in the Russian Arctic who depend on reindeer to exist – the Chukchi and the Tundra Nenets. The Chukchi people live on the Chukotka Peninsula. The Tundra Nenets live in the region from the Taymyr Peninsula to the White Sea, east of Severnaya Zemlya. We will attempt to visit a camp of these nomadic peoples, who move from place to place following their herds.
Day 18-20: Novaya Zemlya
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Meaning “new land”, the Novaya Zemlya is an arctic archipelago consisting of two main islands and a number of smaller ones located off the coast of northeastern Europe. Of interest here is the longest-operating scientific station in the Russian Arctic. Be on the lookout for arctic fox, polar bear and lemming as well as a variety of birds.
Day 21-22: Franz Josef Land
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Well above the Arctic Circle, only 10 degrees from the North Pole, lie the most northerly islands in Eurasia – Franz Josef Land. They are the habitat of polar bear and walrus. The crew plans on stopping on Cape Flora, where the remains of three historic expeditions are found. If conditions permit, take a Zodiac cruise along the base of towering cliffs where seabirds nest. We expect to use the helicopter for aerial sightseeing, and for transfers to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
Day 23-24: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through the scenic waters of the Arctic, a wonderland of glaciated landscapes and icescapes.
Day 25: Depart Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
1 Breakfast
In the morning, arrive in Longyearbyen and disembark. Say goodbye to the Expedition Team before transferring to the airport for your homeward bound flight, or spend time discovering the unique sights and sounds of Longyearbyen. If you plan to fly out today, be sure to book flights anytime after 12 noon.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1450), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
