Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city where ancient history and lively modernity blend seamlessly. Every corner tells a story, from the Old Town's cobbled lanes to the New Town's graceful Georgian streets, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stand in awe of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, and stroll down the Royal Mile to the stately Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore masterpieces at the Scottish National Gallery, find peace in the lush Princes Street Gardens, and admire the striking architecture of the Scottish Parliament building. Tour the historic Royal Yacht Britannia, and as evening falls, dive into Edinburgh's vibrant arts and culture scene.

Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard, sits within a narrow valley along Adventfjorden, a smaller inlet branching off Isfjord—the most extensive fjord system in Svalbard. It stretches 100 kilometers (60 miles) into Spitsbergen, hosting an impressive collection of nine expansive tidewater glaciers, with a total ice-front spanning 21 kilometers (13 miles) and numerous hanging glaciers feeding into its icy waters.

Svalbard is a remote, vast, and wild place, largely untouched by human presence. In visiting this destination, your plans and itinerary are not set, as the team allows the weather, conditions, and wildlife to dictate each day. Should a polar bear appear on the horizon, you may stop or go on a Zodiac to get a better look. Should ice choke the waters in front, you might slow down and explore the edge of this ice while admiring its colors and forms while searching for wildlife, or else turn and choose another destination. Should storms lash against the site you want to visit, you may opt to find a more protected bay and explore a different spot. Whatever you do, Svalbard holds many beauties and mysteries, and exciting discoveries are always available for those whose eyes and hearts are open.

Some of the highlights of visiting Svalbard include:

Tundra landscapes – Hike across stark, seemingly barren landscapes with Expedition Staff, who will show you the delightful small plants and flowers that thrive in this hostile environment. Admire rock formations and landscapes created by frost and water over time. While exploring the tundra, there is always a chance to encounter Arctic foxes, reindeer, and other interesting bird species.

Polar bears – This iconic species, the King of the Arctic, is a magical creature to encounter. Whether seen as a tiny white speck in the distance or ambling along a shoreline, a glimpse of this special species is always awe-inspiring. You never pursue polar bears or allow your encounters to impact them adversely, so the team manages your activities carefully. Always on shore, your walks are carefully monitored by your Bear Guards, who work to maintain the safety of both visitors and the bears.
 
Historic remains – Although the history of human endeavors in Svalbard is minimal, some historic huts and remains from whaling eras linger on shore to remind you of the hardy souls who ventured before you into this hostile land and scraped a living from the resources they found here. Trappers' huts stand as lonely sentinels in this vast landscape and allow visitors to contemplate a life of hardship and beautiful isolation for those who inhabited them in the past. 

Zodiac cruises – A Zodiac cruise often provides the best vantage to admire icebergs and glacier fronts. The blue color of the ice is mesmerizing, and the shapes the ice forms are captivating. While in the Zodiacs, there is always the chance to encounter fascinating marine life such as beluga whales, humpback whales, or elusive seals and walruses. 

Optional Expeditions will take place where possible. Join your Kayak Team to paddle in the high Arctic along the shores of any expedition stops around the Svalbard archipelago. Depending on where you go, you can anticipate huge open vistas, big terrain, glaciers, wildlife, and impressive arctic scenery. Explore the rugged topography and coastline of this spectacular & magical area from a unique water-level perspective.

Longyearbyen, the seat of the Governor of Svalbard, is located in a narrow valley along the shores of Adventfjorden, a small tributary of Isfjord and the most extensive fjord system in Svalbard. It extends 100 kilometers (60 miles) into the island of Spitsbergen. Nine large tidewater glaciers drain into the fjord with a combined ice front of 21 kilometers (13 miles) and dozens of hanging glaciers. 

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city that effortlessly combines ancient history with a vibrant modern energy. Its streets are steeped in stories, from the cobblestones of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Edinburgh Castle, majestically poised atop an ancient volcanic rock, and stroll the Royal Mile to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover world-class art at the Scottish National Gallery and find serenity in the Princes Street Gardens. Marvel at the contemporary Scottish Parliament building, tour the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia and immerse yourself in Edinburgh's thriving cultural scene when night falls.