Aurora Expeditions: Svalbard Odyssey

• Venture close to 80° north looking for polar bears on the pack ice
• Chance to discover other arctic wildlife including walrus, guillemots,
• puffins, seals, reindeer, arctic fox, seabirds and whales
• Enjoy Zodiac-cruising past blue glaciers and through stunning fjords
• Enjoy hikes surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery

• Group arrival transfer from airport to the Greg Mortimer on Day 1
• Group sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on arrival pre-voyage
• Group transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 11
• On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
• Free access to our onboard doctor for consultations relating to sea-sickness.
• A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
• Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

• Bird watching
• Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
• Photography
• Polar plunge
• Trips ashore
• Walking
• Whale and mammal spotting
• Zodiac cruises

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen. Embark the Greg Mortimer

Arrive in Longyearbyen, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions to commence a tour of Longyearbyen. On the drive to Camp Barentz located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. At Camp Barentz enjoy a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ – a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon.

You’ll have time to settle into your cabin prior to the compulsory briefings. Your voyage commences, cruising out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin.

Days 2-10: Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard offers unspoiled, raw Arctic wilderness at its best. With majestic mountains, iridescent sea ice, countless glaciers and superb wildlife-viewing opportunities. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises to witness walrus colonies hauled-outs on sea ice or on beaches, under towering cliffs of nesting sea birds or glide past glistening icebergs in your kayak. Without a doubt, our goal is to encounter the majestic polar bear on the pack ice, and the expedition team are just as keen as you to find them. Ship cruise along spectacular fjords, hike upon colourful tundra, perhaps tasting wild blueberries along the way.

Day 11: Disembark Longyearbyen

During the early morning we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team and fellow expeditioners as we all continue our onward journeys.

Discover Longyearbyen town on a half day bus excursion, where you will learn some of the town’s history, geology, flora, fauna and the modern community. You will visit Svalbard Museum and Galleri Svalbard, and take in the main sights of Longyearbyen including Office of the Governor, Svalbard Church, Nybyen (new town), a few of the town’s mines such as Santa Claus Mine, and a quick photo stop at the famous beware of polar bear street sign. Transfer to the airport afterwards.

This voyage is departing on the following dates:

• 22nd June 2020
• 2nd July 2020
• 7th July 2021
• 18th August 2021

Please call our Travel Experts free on 0800 707 6229 for prices and availability.