Svalbard – an Artic expedition and adventure to Spitsbergen

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival Svalbard
Arrival to Longyearbyen by flight from Tromsø or Oslo, Norway, the world's northernmost city and administrative center. Own transfer to the accommodation. This night is not included  (see extra services), but needed for the program out of Longyearbyen.  (-/-/-)

Day 2. Boat trip from Longyearbyen to Barentsburg
Today we will start in the morning with a transfer to the Russian House Expedition Center for a briefing and gear setup. Then, take a 1.5-hour sea crossing on sturdy PolarCirkel boats to Barentsburg, passing historic sites like Grumant and Kolsbay. Along the way, watch for whales, belugas, and walruses. Then we will arrive in Barentsburg, check into the Barentsburg Hotel, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour of the village and visit the husky center 78' NorDDogs. (-/L/D)

Day 3. Boat trip along the shores of Isfjord
Our day will begin at Cape Festningen, a striking rock fortress with a lighthouse. We will enjoy easy walks along the tundra, or climb higher for panoramic views. The destination is Russekeyla Bay and Starostin’s House, home of the legendary Pomor hunter, Ivan Starostin, who spent over 30 winters on Spitsbergen. We will enjoy our lunch by the seashore near Starostin’s camp, followed by a sea crossing to the stunning Esmark Glacier. Marvel at the massive ice formations before returning to Barentsburg, filled with unforgettable Arctic memories. (B/L/D)

Day 4. Barentsburg
This day is essential for our trip, offering a chance to relax and serving as a buffer against unpredictable Arctic weather.  (B/L/D)

Optional excursions with additional charge:
1) Mine Tour: Take the unique opportunity to explore the operating Barentsburg coal mine. This exclusive tour, which took two years to coordinate with Russian and Norwegian authorities, allows you to walk through two adits and learn about the coal mining process from professional miners. You'll gain insight into terms like “mine surveyor”, “shale dust”, and “rock burst” during this informative two-hour excursion, departing early in the morning before breakfast.
2) Dog Trekking or Wheeled Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog trekking or wheeled dog sledding. In dog trekking, you'll be attached to a dog that will help you move forward, providing both excitement and efficiency. For wheeled dog sledding, you’ll ride on karts pulled by a team of dogs, replicating the adventure of polar explorers like Amundsen and Peary.
3) Art Arctic Gallery Museum and Exhibition Center: A cultural experience in the former cosulate of the USSR with local art and exhibitions

Day 5. Tour end and departure?
After breakfast we will go back to Longyearbyen by an open boat. Transfer to your pre-booked hotel or the airport for departure. (B/-/-)

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• Flight to Svalbard: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian airlines arrange flights to Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway) from Tromsø and Oslo.Please visit www.sas.com and www.norwegian.com. The luggage cannot be sent directly to Svalbard and it is necessary to get it in Oslo!
• If you need visa to enter Norway: Please note that you will have to cross Norwegian borders twice - before and after your trip to Svalbard therefore you need a multi-entry-visa.
• Good to know: Svalbard is a tax-free zone and a zone of very strict alcohol limits. Also the use of drones with camеra has special restriction/registration rules. We have no age limits, but it is not suitable for children and please consider whether your state of health is up to arctic hardships.
• About the boat: PolarCirkel is an 8-meter-long boat of high endurance and created by Norwegian shipbuilders specifically for marine passages in the Arctic.
  Climate conditions: There is midnight sun on Svalbard from April 19 to August 26. The average temperature in August is about 6^o C and rarely higher than 11^o C. The weather is rather soft compared to other Arctic regions. (The Northern Lights on Svalbard can be experienced from the beginning of October to the end of February).
• What to bring: Dry bags for the luggage are clearly preferable and for this summer expedition you have to think of wind- and waterproof equipment.
  A soft travel bag or backpack (up to 90 l);a small backpack for small personal items; trekking boots for walking (not necessarily mountain boots, but preferably with good tread and non-slip soles), alternatively - ankle boots. You can wear high waterproof sneakers, but this option is less preferable; a warm jacket, preferably made of windproof, water-repellent membrane fabric. If you don’t have one, a ski jacket will do; a light breathable windbreaker in case of relatively warm weather and for walks; thermal underwear for medium activity; thermal socks (! Required), 2 pairs (one woolen!), you can use simple woolen socks; a fleece jacket or sweater; outdoor pants made of membrane fabric or thick cotton, thick jeans will do; a knitted hat or cap with earflaps; knitted wool gloves; sunglasses; sunscreen; personal first aid kit. By the way: Longyearbyen is a mecca for outdoor gear freaks!
• We recommend to bring: binoculars for observation of whales, seals, bears, deer and bird colonies; sealed packaging for photo/video equipment; medicine for "seasickness", small thermos (0.5–0.8 l); slippers (we try to support the centuries-old traditions of the inhabitants of Spitsbergen and take off the shoes right at the threshold in public places, including in hotels and restaurants. Many people walk barefoot or in slippers, which are usually available.But if you feel more comfortable in yours, take them with you).
• Our expedition guides are bringing: all necessary equipment (including safety equipment carried by guides: radios, beacons, GPS navigators, satellite phone, special marine rescue suits, flares, weapon(rifle)in case of encounters with polar bears).
• Safety first: On Svalbard weather conditions change quickly so that is why for the safety and comfort, the tour program might be changed regarding the itineraries and destinations on spot.

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