Antarctica & the Arctic Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

- Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.
- Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
- Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.
- When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
Premium Iceland

- Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss, Iceland's largest waterfall, the famous Blue Lagoon, and drive through fields of lava.
- Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board an eco-friendly carbon neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide.
- Step into Iceland’s history during your Feature Stay at the country’s oldest hotel. Enjoy personal and friendly service and old-fashioned touches, from antique furniture to original architecture.
- Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during this Exclusive Experience.
- From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture.
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey ...

- Travel with experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history. They’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.
- With optional adventures including ice camping and kayaking, and rare touches of five-star luxury thanks to an onboard spa and wellness centre, this is as good as Antarctic expedition travel gets.
- Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have one expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
- Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, serves sustainably sourced seafood and avoids single-use plastics.
Copenhagen to Northern Norway

- Explore Copenhagen like a local and hop on a bike. There is no better way to see the major sites, as well as explore hidden corners of this beautiful city.
- Don't miss Gothenburg's Haga district, with its picturesque wooden houses and the iconic Skansen Kronan, as well as laid-back Langgatan street.
- Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and discover this rocky nature haven by kayak.
- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
- Explore the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages, by land and sea and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world.
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

- Discover highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic on a polar expedition that focuses on remote natural landscapes, ancient Inuit cultures and unique wildlife sightings.
- See the colourful villages of Greenland’s western shores, framed by natural canals and jagged peaks, stopping in to learn about Inuit and Thule histories.
- Take to the water – and the skies – on a series of included Zodiac cruises and helicopter jaunts, taking you to places otherwise inaccessible to human beings.
- After days spent exploring the Arctic wilderness, chill out (and warm up) in an ultra-modern vessel complete with multiple dining, bar and lounge areas, plus health and wellness facilities.
- Enjoy encounters with the Arctic’s impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and musk oxen, and appreciate the sweeping vistas of colourful tundra, striking fjords and calving glaciers.
East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights

- Witness inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs of the Westfjords.
- Sail through the icebergs of Scoresbysund, arguably the most beautiful fjord system on the planet.
- Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements in Frederiksdal and Sydkap.
- Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights in Ittoqqortoormiit.
Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour)

- Experience a guaranteed white Christmas as you explore the icy wilderness of the White Continent.
- The festive season is a wonderful time for wildlife lovers to visit Antarctica, as penguin chicks are hatching and abundant on the peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
- With over 22 hours of sunlight each day, you’ll have more time for exploration.
- Enjoy daily zodiac excursions, on-shore landings and take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as sea kayaking, ice camping and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.
- When you’re not exploring, avail of amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

- Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
- Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
- Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
- You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
- Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.
- You won’t spend sea days between Ushuaia and Antarctica in your cabin. Get insider info with a series of presentations from expert guides, as well as an expedition vessel decked out with all the mod cons.
WWF Giants of Antarctica (Ocean Endeavour)

- Travel with a team of researchers in peak humpback season and learn about state-of-the-art whale research techniques and marine conservation.
- Witness an incredible abundance of Humpback whales as these serene marine mammals migrate to Antarctica to feed on krill each year. If conditions allow, take Zodiac excursions to get closer to whales spotted by your expert expedition crew.
- Get the chance to encounter a range of other wildlife like gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals, albatross and more.
- Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour enjoy an enviable ratio of one expedition crew member for every eight passengers, allowing for a higher level of personal service.
- Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.
- Enjoy the amenities on board including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
- Care about the planet? Us too. We carbon-offset all trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.
Spitsbergen Photography Adventure

- Refine your skills and become a photography expert, capturing some of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on earth. Better yet, you’ve got a team of photography experts on hand to help.
- See onboard environmental and scientific lectures and seminars to give you all the Spitsbergen knowledge, plus a couple of photography masterclasses to hone your technique.
- Twice daily zodiac excursions mean there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close to glaciers, icebergs and all types of wildlife. There are more polar bears than people on Svalbard, so get snapping!
- Did someone say midnight snack? Because of the time of year, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day, or night!
- With a flexible voyage itinerary, you’ll only hit the places which are worthwhile and have the best conditions, as your expert polar team to maximise wildlife spotting opportunities each day.
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (Ocean Endeavour)

- Witness an incredible abundance of Humpback whales as these serene marine mammals migrate to Antarctica to feed on krill each year. If conditions allow, take Zodiac excursions to get closer to whales spotted by your expert expedition crew.
- Get the chance to encounter a range of other wildlife like king and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals, albatross and more.
- Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour enjoy an enviable ratio of one expedition crew member for every eight passengers, allowing for a higher level of personal service.
- Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.
- Enjoy the amenities on board including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
- Care about the planet? Us too. We carbon-offset all trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.
Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

- Seek out unforgettable Polar Bears sightings while roaming the hunting grounds of this ruler of the Arctic
- Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit
- Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund
- Kayaking on crisp, clear Arctic waters is a unique and intimate way of exploring this amazing region. Book early as these activities can sell out fast
Northern Norway Explorer

- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
- Gaze at the immense Nidaros Cathedral, an incredible Gothic building that houses the remains of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
- Explore the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages, and head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world.
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Elle ...

- With two helicopters on board, you’ll get the chance to take included flights to soar above the Arctic landscape and make landings at otherwise inaccessible spots.
- Explore parts of the Nunavut region with Inuit guides and learn about the people who have lived in the world’s most difficult environments for thousands of years.
- Spot incredible wildlife on land and on Zodiac excursions. Canada’s High Arctic is home to fantastic beasts like polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals and caribou.
- Traverse the waterways of the famed Northwest Passage, which foiled European explorers for hundreds of years, and attempt to reach the otherworldly Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands.
- Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.
Greenland Adventure by Sea, Land and Air

- Explore by expedition vessel, by helicopter, by Zodiac and on foot for the most comprehensive view of this wild and remote land.
- Head into the deep fjord system of Southern Greenland and discover the country’s most dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to blooming fields.
- Hike the most remote areas of Southern Greenland – so isolated you can only reach them by helicopter – to find landscapes that boggle the mind.
- See the immense Greenland Ice Sheet from above during a heli-flight over the top, with glaciology experts on hand to explain the environment and its significance.
- Choose to customise your adventure with optional activities like an overnight camping experience in a fjord or kayaking over glacial lakes reached by helicopter.
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Top Antarctica & the Arctic Attractions & Experiences
Top Antarctica & the Arctic Experiences
Top Antarctica & the Arctic Attractions
671 Antarctica & the Arctic Tour Reviews - Summary 85% Recommend
All Antarctica & the Arctic tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.3 for all Antarctica & the Arctic trips.
89 trips from 117 tour companies with 671 reviews
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