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Snow-covered mountain peaks

Expedition Svalbard

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard M/S Quest
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Join an extraordinary adventure in the magical wildernesses of Svalbard!
In July and the beginning of August, it is summer in Svalbard. The midnight sun reigns supreme, and purple saxifrage decorates the slopes. The ice is slowly starting to loosen its grip, which offers good opportunities to explore the seldom-visited eastern parts of the archipelago. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters, and more and more snow-free areas become accessible for longer walks.

Autumn arrives in late August. The tundra is shifting in autumn colors, and the midnight sun is getting closer and closer to the horizon, preparing for the polar night, giving beautiful sunsets and a warm light, perfect for photography. With ten nights on board, there are plenty of time for grand nature experiences.
Group of polar bearsWhale sightingThe charming walrusZodiac-cruisingSvalbard reindeerSnow-covered mountain peaks
Highlights
  • Discover Svalbard's rarely visited eastern region
  • Search for wildlife including polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and whales
  • Find remnants from the17th-century whaling period in Northwest Svalbard
  • Explore stunning fjords, beautiful scenery, and meltwater cascades
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Longyearbyen | Embark

Start the great adventure in Svalbard by exploring Longyearbyen.
In the afternoon, embark the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden.

Day 3-11: Svalbard

You are now in a part of the world where you are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. The exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife encountered. The goal is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day - here are some examples of places you may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen
In the scientific village of Ny Alesund, arctic terns nest by the main street. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. On the islands of Danskoya, Amsterdamoya, and Ytre Norskoya find remnants from the bustling activity during the 17th-century whaling period. Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on Danskøya. Swedish balloonist Andree made an attempt with hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started out with airship. The site is still littered with interesting remnants from these expeditions.

Fantastic fjords
Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During your journey explore a few of them such as:
Liefdefjorden, meaning “the fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and at its base hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area and if lucky see the rare king eider.
In Krossfjorden delight in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large numbers of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs.
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers, it is also a favorite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with life.

Hinlopen and Alkefjellet
If the ice allows enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet (Auk Mountain), a sheer, basaltic cliff, which is the home to some 200,000 Brünnich`s guillemots. Continue into the beautiful bay of Palanderbukta in Nordaustlandet.

Eastern Svalbard
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, intersected by hundreds of waterfalls. Even further east is Kvitøya (White Island). In very favorable ice and weather conditions, you may land on this ice-capped island where few people have set foot. Here Andrée and his men were found 33 years after their unsuccessful attempt to reach the North Pole with a hydrogen balloon. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances are good to encounter walrus, arctic fox, and Svalbard reindeer here.

Southwest Spitsbergen
The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day you can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favorite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice.

Day 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen

  • 1 Breakfast
Early morning reach Longyearbyen and begin your journey home.

Please note: The itinerary is for guidance only. The exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife, and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. It always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Ship/Hotel

M/S Quest

MS Quest ship
Observation Deck
Dining room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,790 2-3 travelers
Quest's Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin with upper and lower berths. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Twin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Double Cabin
Double Cabin
Double Cabin with one double bed. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Double Superior
Double Cabin Superior
Double Cabin Superior with one large double bed. Located on Deck 3.
M/S Quest Owner's Cabin
Owners Cabin
Owners Cabin with one large double bed. Located on Deck 4.
Quest's Twin Cabin
Solo Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin for solo use. Same cabins as the Twin Cabin, located on Deck 3.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 100% Climate Compensated
  • All excursions and activities
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • Comprehensive information material before the expedition
  • An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
  • 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
  • Flight to/from Longyearbyen

Map

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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