Experience magnificent Arctic scenery close up and embark on the journey of a lifetime by snowmobile and dogsled across the remote Svalbard Archipelago, a series of islands closer to the North Pole than to Oslo, from where they are governed. The trip starts in the old mining town of Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen. Over the course of the next few days you will cover more than 360 kms on snowmobiles, riding over glaciers, mountains and frozen fjords, as well as visiting fascinating historic sites. You will be traversing a landscape in blue and white and experiencing a stillness and light that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. After all, Svalbard is a geological wonder - 60% glacier, 27% rock and 13% land. Perhaps you may even glimpse the "King of the Arctic", the polar bear or many different species of wildlife including walrus, seals, Svalbard reindeer, ptarmigan, snow buntings, terns and eider ducks. From there head north-westwards through beautiful scenery to the abandoned communications station, Isfjord Radio on Cape Linnè. Combined with completely unique (and very warm & comfortable) accommodation, you will enjoy an extraordinarily fascinating and excitement filled journey deep in the Arctic. At the end, you will become part of a very privileged few who have been fortunate enough to witness one of nature's most untouched and pristine wildernesses.
ADVENTURE IN SVALBARD
HIGHLIGHTS
- Racing past vast glaciers on your snow mobile.
- Learning to harness a husky before you 'mush' across the Endalen valley.
- An opportunity to glimpse a polar bear
FROM OUR JOURNAL
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Svalbard
On arrival in Longyearbyen, our guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to Basecamp Hotel with a short orientation of the town en route. Your guide will brief you about the snowmobiles, weather conditions, route selection as well as clothing and the programme for the next few days. Afterwards, you will be taken to the stores to be kitted out with helmets, mittens, boots, arctic suits and balaclavas. Once kitted up, you will be instructed on driving techniques and the safe operation of a powerful 600cc Lynx snowmobile in preparation for the coming days.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel
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Day 2 Tempeljorden
Meet for a short briefing in the morning prior to setting out on the first expedition into the frozen landscape of Tempeljorden and the impressive Temple Mountain. Replenish energy levels with an expedition lunch before travelling further north to the spectacular glaciers of Olav V. Reaching the area of Billefjorden you will settle in to your comfortable lodge base for the coming days.
Overnight: Arctic lodge
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Day 3 Pyramiden
Explore the glaciers and frozen fjords of Spitsbergen from your snowmobile, and if weather conditions allow head to the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden. Tour the empty buildings and forgotten structures, such as the northernmost swimming pool, and get a sense of what life would have been like here in the 20th century prior to 1998. The reviving sauna awaits you on arrival back at your lodge in the afternoon.
Overnight: Arctic lodge
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Day 4 Arctic Wildlife
After a substantial breakfast you will once again head into the stunning landscape of Svalbard. As normal, the guide will select the day's route depending on the weather and snow conditions. However, before heading into the interior, your route will likely take along the coastline in search of the island's wildlife. You may see eider ducks, ptarmigan, seals or maybe even a polar bear.
On arrival at your home for the evening, a converted trapper's station, get introduced to the 100-strong pack of huskies before discovering the history of the lodge over a hearty dinner.
Overnight: Arctic lodge
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Day 5 Isfjord Radio
After breakfast meet your guide and once again head out into the winter landscape and travel northwest by snowmobile towards Isfjord Radio, an abandoned government communications station on Cape Linne. This will be an exciting and sometimes testing journey, passing through valleys, up and down steep mountain tracks and across the odd frozen lake or fjord. Enjoy a warming rest in the sauna followed by a three-course dinner served in Isfjord Radio's cosy dining room. Depending on the time of year, and for the seriously brave, there may be an opportunity to take a 'dip' in the freezing waters of the Arctic.
Overnight: Isfjord Hotel
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Day 6 Barentsburg - Longyearbyen
Head out into the beautiful Spitsbergen landscape with an expedition lunch to be eaten along the way to Longyearbyen. Providing the weather and snow conditions are favourable, the journey might take you through Barentsburg, an extraordinary 1950's style Russian mining settlement, which is home to 300 residents.
Arrive back in Longyearbyen where your journey began and spend a final evening in Svalbard at Basecamp Hotel.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel
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Day 7 Longyearbyen - Depart
After breakfast the morning will be at leisure to wander around Longyearbyen and visit the museum or some of the boutiques and shops close to the hotel. Early afternoon departure to the airport for your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 5,802 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is person based on four people travelling together.
- Restrictions apply with regards to driving snow mobiles. Speak to our consultant for full details.
INCLUSIONS
- Return flights from London.
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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