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Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear
Tour Description:
Explore the Arctic on an all-encompassing
expedition in search of the mighty polar
bear. Travel alongside A&K’s unmatched
Expedition Team and engaging experts as
you seek out the sea bear in the Svalbard
Islands, marvel at east Greenland's majestic
fjords, and discover the starkly beautiful lava
fields and waterfalls of Iceland’s Westfjords.
Experience thrilling destinations and remote
communities with exciting guided shore
landings and active excursions.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you
are met and escorted to the conveniently located Radisson
Blu Airport Hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome
briefing and dinner.
Day 2 - Longyearbyen
Board your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of
Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic
Archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups
of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface
covered in luminous glaciers. This afternoon, board your
luxury expedition cruiser.
Day 3 - Svalbard Islands
Awake to your first morning aboard as your vessel cruises
up the Svalbard coast. Today’s explorations may feature
Ny-Alesund, home to a polar research station and the
northernmost post office in the world. Back aboard, enjoy
a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain.
Day 4 - Svalbard Islands
Today, your vessel sets course for Monacobreen. Formerly
known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into
Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bears, harbor and
bearded seals, walrus and a multitude of seabirds. You may
also cruise through Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord), another
excellent area for spotting polar bears.
Day 5 - Svalbard Islands
Conditions permitting, you may set out on a Zodiac
excursion along steep cliffs harboring vast colonies of auk
diving birds. This afternoon, your Captain and Expedition Team may take advantage of sea conditions and arrange an
invigorating and scenic hike ashore.
Day 6 - Svalbard Islands
Your expedition continues northward as you take in
breathtaking mountains, glaciers and icebergs and keep
watch for polar bears, Brünnich's guillemots and numerous
species of kittiwakes.
Day 7 - Svalbard Islands
The day’s explorations may take you to the most northerly
region of the Svalbard Islands.
Day 8 - At Sea
Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as your Expedition
Team lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the
Svalbard Islands.
Day 9 - Jan Mayen
The day’s planned shore excursion is Jan Mayen, a rugged
island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano,
the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special
permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely
visited island to see its meteorological station and discover
colonies of northern fulma, little auk, thick-billed guillemot
and black guillemot.
Day 10 - Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Today, ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the
small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated
villages in Greenland.
Day 11 - Scoresby Sound
Your Captain charts a course across the Greenland Sea,
skirting the Arctic ice edge toward Greenland’s rarely visited
eastern coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest
fjord system in the world. You may embark on Zodiac
excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its
islands and icebergs while searching for Arctic fox and musk ox.
Day 12 - At Sea
Cruise the Denmark Strait as you relax or watch for seabirds
and whale from the deck between insightful lectures from
your Expedition Team.
Day 13 - Husavik, Iceland
Today, opt to visit picturesque Husavik and its fascinating
whale museum. Supported by A&K Philanthropy, the
museum is one of the world’s foremost whale research
centers. Alternatively, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching
tour, or perhaps set off for Godafoss Falls and
geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather for a special
farewell reception and dinner.
Day 14 - Iceland’s Westfjords
Explore the Westfjords of Iceland, a remote region of small
settlements interspersed amid spectacular mountains and
coves. Here, take in the stunning views as you enjoy a
leisurely walk or embark on a more vigorous trek ashore.
Day 15 - Reykjavik
This morning, disembark your expedition cruiser in
Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your onward
departure or discover more of Iceland on the post-tour
extension.
