15 Days | The Arctic has more to offer than ice and snow – this northern cultural journey is an adventure for the ages.
When you think of history and culture, the icy expanse of the Arctic Circle might not be the first destination that springs to mind. So, it might surprise you to learn that a journey to this northern tip of the world is rich with Norse mythology, Viking history and Inuit culture. From artefact-filled museums, old whaling stations and historic Viking towns there are plenty of cultural sites to uncover. There will still be plenty of opportunities to experience the unique Arctic wilderness with visits to fjords, glaciers and icebergs aplenty – and make sure you keep an eye out for the illusive polar bear…
Trip overview
- Start
- Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Finish
- Helsinki, Finland
- Theme
- Polar, Wildlife
- Destinations
- Norway, United Kingdom, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 138
- Trip code
- BQMFJ
- Spot puffins on Fair Isle, the United Kingdom’s most remote inhabited island.
- Explore the maze of narrow laneways in Torshavn’s Old Town.
- Experience the mountainous beauty of Jan Mayen.
- Search for Hornsund's abundant wildlife, including reindeer, auk and polar bears.
- As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
- Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
- The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
- This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
- Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.
Boats
View the itinerary for departures between 29 April 2025 - 14 May 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac, Plane
Expedition cruise ship (12 nights), Comfortable Hotel (2 nights)
Dates and availability
Important notes
This trip starts in Aberdeen, Scotland on day 1 and finishes in Helsinki, Finland
In 2025 this trip duration is 14 days and finishes at Helsinki Airport late in the afternoon of day 14. We recommend booking an additional nights accommodation in Helsinki incase of flight delays.
In 2026 this trip duration is 15 days and includes one nights hotel accommodation in Helsinki on day 14. You are free to depart anytime on day 15.
In 2025 the trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship and in 2026 its onboard the Ocean Explorer ship
Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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