Arctic Tours & Trips 2020

51 trips to Arctic tours from 65 tour companies. 426 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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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

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High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean ...

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
12 days
$ 1,018 / day
$ 12,215
From : $ 15,024
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • On board the Ocean Endeavour, your adventures will be guided by a team of experts, with in-depth workshops and presentations to enrich your understanding of this complex corner of the world.
  • Prepare for a day to remember in Greenland’s Ilulissat, where colourful rows of houses are dwarfed by an awe-inspiring icefjord of towering icebergs.
  • Experience the culture of Canada’s Inuit people in the stunning Arctic community of Mittimatalik, where you’ll watch a traditional performance including drum dancing, throat singing and storytelling.
  • Spent four incredible days exploring the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales.
  • Discover Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, learn about the landscape’s unique topography and the Inuit people and their ancestors who once lived here.
Visits:
Ottawa, Toronto, Canada, Greenland
View Trip

Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
15 days
$ 813 / day
$ 12,190
From : $ 14,994
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Learn about the history and politics of the Arctic, it's fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore from in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.
  • Discover Greenland’s remote eastern coast and explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements here. If conditions allow, you may even get a chance to visit the most remote community in East Greenland – Ittoqqortoormiit.
  • Explore snow-blanketed Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, where you’ll come face to face with spectacular glacier fronts, tundra in full bloom and towering, snow-capped mountainous terrain.
  • Marvel at arctic wildlife like walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and plenty of majestic seabirds
Visits:
Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway
View Trip

High Arctic Explorer - Greenland to Canada (Ocean ...

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
12 days
$ 1,018 / day
$ 12,215
From : $ 15,024
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • On board the Ocean Endeavour, your adventures will be guided by a team of experts, with in-depth workshops and presentations to enrich your understanding of this complex corner of the world.
  • Prepare for a day to remember in Greenland’s Ilulissat, where colourful rows of houses are dwarfed by an awe-inspiring icefjord of towering icebergs.
  • Experience the culture of Canada’s Inuit people in the stunning Arctic community of Mittimatalik, where you’ll watch a traditional performance including drum dancing, throat singing and storytelling.
  • Spent four incredible days exploring the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales.
  • Discover Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, learn about the landscape’s unique topography and the Inuit people and their ancestors who once lived here.
Visits:
Ottawa, Toronto, Canada, Greenland
View Trip

Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Gree ...

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
18 days
$ 811 / day
$ 14,590
From : $ 17,946
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Take a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, and enjoy breath-taking views of the mountainous region below.
  • Learn about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore from in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.
  • Marvel at local wildlife like walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer as well as Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls.
  • Be wowed by the mysterious Jan Mayen Island, often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010. If conditions permit, you'll get the chance to explore the island on foot.
  • Discover Scoresby Sund, the largest, deepest and, some say, most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world with plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise.
Visits:
Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway
View Trip

Untamed Iceland

12 days
$ 375 / day
$ 4,495
Travel Style : Array Mixed
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Visit a local horse farm to meet affable Icelandic horses first brought to the country by Viking settlers
  • Discover some of Iceland's Saga-like history at the Settlement Center in Borgarnes.
  • Enjoy views of colorful mountain cliffs, pristine fjords, and fertile valleys where horses graze.
  • Visit a museum dedicated to this once-thriving industry before returning to Akureyri.
  • Visit the stunning Gullfoss waterfall
  • Visit a flower farm that relies on geothermal energy to grow lilies, roses and other species.
Visits:
Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
View Trip

Vintage era voyages along the Norwegian coast

12 days
$ 73 / day
$ 880
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment. 4- Strenuous
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Explore by kayak, and come even closer to nature
  • Expert guides will accompany you
  • Enjoy a tranquil tour at your own pace
Visits:
Bergen, Shetland Islands, Norway
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Arctic Climate Voyage

9 days
$ 387 / day
$ 3,483
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Learn more about the climate changes
  • Fascinating lectures from the Expedition team
  • Landings, excursions and activities
  • Visit Iceland, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen
Visits:
Reykjavík, Spitsbergen National Park, Arctic, Iceland, Norway
View Trip

Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Fl ...

13 days
$ 615 / day
$ 7,995
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • View expansive Greenland landscapes and icescapes
  • Explore the world’s longest and largest fjord system
  • Hike through the arctic treasure of Greenland National Park, the world’s largest
  • Possible whale, musk ox, and polar bear sightings
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
  • Inuit community visit
  • Take advantage of optional kayak adventure opportunities
Visits:
Reykjavík, Greenland, Iceland
View Trip

The Vinland Saga Adventure

15 days
$ 547 / day
$ 8,207
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Explore several of the isles and islands in the North Atlantic Ocean
  • Sail in the wake of the Vikings
  • Learn more about Viking history and heritage
  • Exciting excursions, both with and without a Viking theme
Visits:
Copenhagen, Ilulissat Icefjord, Reykjavík, Snaefellsjökull Glacier, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland
View Trip

Norway and Scotland: Fjordlands to the Inner Hebrides

National Geographic Expeditions
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 999 / day
$ 7,990
Travel Style : Array Mixed
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Kayak the mirror-like waters of Norway’s Sognefjorden, and discover hidden inlets by Zodiac.
  • Spot puffins, guillemots, and razorbills along the cliffs of Noss, and visit a renowned seabird research station on Fair Isle—located on the migration flyway.
  • Hike to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head, explore splendid gardens at Loch Ewe, and dive the historic wrecks of Scapa Flow.
  • Discover an archaeological treasure trove: Viking longhouses in the Shetlands, Stone Age megaliths in the Orkneys, and the sacred Christian sites of Iona.
Visits:
Bergen, Glasgow, Orkney Islands, Norway, Scotland, United Kingdom
View Trip

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge – 10 Days

10 days
$ 900 / day
$ 8,995
Travel Style : Array Mixed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Encounter rarely seen and iconic arctic wildlife and their habitats: polar bears, muskoxen, ringed seals, bird cliffs, fox dens and much more
  • Visit the Cunningham River estuary, seasonal home to hundreds of beluga whales
  • Take advantage of included equipment and activities such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Mercedes Unimog, kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking
  • Visit Cape Anne Thule sites with ancient stone and bone houses
  • Enjoy unique photography opportunities
  • Make the most of optional activities such as fishing for arctic char, and the Beechey Island fly-in excursion
  • Adventure Week (June 30 - July 7, 2016) Take advantage of included equipment and human-propelled activities unique to the first week of the season, such as fat biking, river kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding
Visits:
Yellowknife, Arctic, Canada
View Trip

Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Cr ...

13 days
$ 615 / day
$ 7,995
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • View expansive Greenland landscapes
  • Explore the world’s largest fjord system
  • Visit the world’s largest and most remote national park
  • Possible musk ox and whale sightings
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
  • Hike the tundra
  • Visit a local community
  • Take advantage of optional kayak adventure opportunities
Visits:
Akureyri, Reykjavík, Greenland, Iceland
View Trip

Sweden: Dogsledding to the Ice Hotel

National Geographic Expeditions
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 977 / day
$ 8,795
Travel Style : Array Mixed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level : The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays. Luxury (5*)
Highlights
  • Drive your own team of Alaskan huskies on a sledding expedition through the Lapland wilderness.
  • Relax in cozy cabins ideally situated for viewing one of nature’s most dazzling displays: the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
  • Spend time with Sami herders and try your hand at driving a traditional reindeer sled.
  • Stay at the famed Icehotel, with the option of sleeping in one of its sculpted ice rooms.
Visits:
Norway, Sweden
View Trip

Exploring the Old Norse heritage

13 days
$ 517 / day
$ 6,727
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • See icebergs when you sail in the wake of the Old Norse explorers of Iceland and Greenland
  • Explore Iceland and Greenland in one expedition
  • Authentic Greenland experience
  • Discover all the historic highlights
  • See one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world
Visits:
Reykjavík, Iceland
View Trip

The extremes of the Arctic

16 days
$ 474 / day
$ 7,585
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. 2- Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • An exclusive expedition to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland.
  • Experience the largest National Park in the World
  • Untouched landscape, deep fjords and high mountains
  • Chance to see the Northern Lights and polar bears, musk oxen, polar hares, Greenland Falcon and polar wolves
Visits:
Reykjavík, Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland, Norway
View Trip
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Top Arctic Attractions & Experiences

Top Arctic Experiences

    Viewing the spectacular view of Mt. McKinley or Denali, North America’s highest mountain along with other natural wonders is Denali National Park, Alaska.

    Exploring the nature and wildlife of the Arctic by snowmobile excursion or sledding tour.

    Hot-air ballooning at the North Pole.

    Taking a small ship expedition style cruise in Arctic waters to view snow-covered mountains, fjords, glaciers, and icebergs.

    Spotting the many varied types of wildlife and birds that inhabit the Arctic such as polar bears, whales, dolphins, fur seals, musk ox, walruses, and puffins.

    Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.

    Glimpsing polar bears - the world’s largest land predator - on the Svalbard Archipelago on a fly-in Arctic photo safari.

    Viewing the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) as they illuminate the sky with swirling streaks of green, red, and other vibrant colors. 

    Driving your own sled dog team in Alaska, Greenland, Northern Scandinavia, and other polar regions.

    Spending time with the locals in a small village in Greenland, gaining insights into their culture and day-to-day lives.

    Sleeping overnight in an igloo or ice hotel.

    Sail the route of the Vikings from Scotland across the North Sea and along the Norway coastline to Svalbard.

    Trekking to the North Cape in Norway - the most northerly point in mainland Europe.

    Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.

    Whale-watching and seeing narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales.

    Kayaking or cruising amidst icebergs through the surreal Blue River in Greenland

    Taking a brief dip in the chilly polar waters and earning a certificate from your ship's crew, honoring your feat.

    Standing on your ship's deck after dark, basking in the solitude of one of the world's last wildernesses.

Top Arctic Attractions

426 Arctic Tour Reviews - Summary 96% Recommend

4.7 out of 5
Excellent 364
Great 42
Average 5
Disappointing 4
Terrible 11
Value
4.7
Guide
4.7
Activities
4.7
Lodging
4.7
Transportation
4.7
Meals
4.7

Tour Reviews Write a Review

A wonderful experience

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Highlights of Iceland was an awe inspiring trip of a lifetime with spectacular scenery, great guide and a small group of similarly interested travellers. Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal sites, waterfalls, whales, interesting cities and seeing the northern lights made for a wonderful experience.

Read more
Operator Peregrine Adventures

Iceland exceeded all my expectations.

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

"Highlights of Iceland" was my first Peregrine Adventures holiday and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anybody considering a small group Adventure tour. From the accommodation, restaurants, transport and most importantly the friendly knowledgeable guide we had made this a memorable holuday I will never forget. Iceland exceeded all my expectations.

Read more
Operator Peregrine Adventures

Iceland Walking Explorer

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

An active walking trip through a diverse kaleidoscope of landscapes, from
volcanic craters, green verdant hills to snow fields. An excellent way to
experience nature and Iceland without the crowds.
Hiking in Kerlingafjoll in snowy conditions. A combination of hot steamy
geothermal activity, stark hills covered in snow. Bleak, and beautiful.
Wading through snowfields, and clambering up slippery snow covered hills. It
was a real adventure.


Gunnar was great. Stoic, quietly passionate, a good chef who fed us well,
and kept us safe. He showed us the beauty of Iceland sprinkled with
traditional folklore. His depth of knowledge of the flora and fauna was
impressive.


Be prepared for all seasons from sun, snow, rain, wind. Waterproofs
compulsory and walking poles are useful. The walking is technically not
difficult but you do have to be reasonably fit. We walked on average 6-8
hours per walking day. Adverse weather conditions may make it more difficult
walking through muddy, slippery conditions.


Definitely go sooner than later. Camping is becoming increasingly popular. We
went at the beginning of the season and missed the crowds.


Read more
Operator Exodus Travels

Nothing like it

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Such a privilege, travelling on a nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker which
spends most of the year keeping the northern Russian seaways clear for cargo
ships: a brilliant job was due to convert it temporarily for tourists. The
dour Heroes of the Motherland were retained to crew the vessel which made it
all the more atmospheric, but they couldn’t compete for character with the
polar bears, especially the one who was so co-operative for photos despite us
having distracted him from his kill.

The only downside was that we weren’t warned how hot the boat is: future
travellers need to take some light clothing for indoors.
The crunching and shuddering as the boat tackled the ice.


Brilliant, and obviously well-regarded by the rest of the team.


See above re light clothing.


Neither the Russians nor the Finns can make tea.


Read more
Operator Exodus Travels

Wonderful adventure

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of
the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed
through the ice to reach 80 degrees north. In Greenland we saw musk oxen and
puffins and the most amazing icebergs. We also visited an Inuit community
and had the occasional whale sighting.

The ship was great - the Ocean Adventurer. The cabin was comfortable and the
food was really good. The operator was first class. We had a great tour
leader and a full range of specialist guides, i.e. geologist, ornithologist,
photographer, marine biologist etc. They were professional and great fun.
the other guests were good company.

We had four days around Spitzbergen and four days around Greenland so we were
able to get a sense of both rather than concentrating on just one. So polar
bears AND icebergs!

You don't actually get to see Iceland as part of the tour but you do
disembark in Akureyri in north Iceland. We asked Exodus to change our flight
back to the UK so we could arrange seven days there. We then drove from
Akureyri to Keflavic along the Icelandic ring road seeing the major sights.
The waterfalls are truly amazing. Greenland is actually icy and Iceland is
green. So we had polar bears, icebergs and waterfalls in a three-week trip.

Note: to get to Spitzbergen you fly via Oslo. Exodus brought forward our
flight and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we had a short city break
as well. There are some great museums in Oslo (Munch, Viking Long Ship and
the Fram Museum of Arctic Exploration) and this was a great start to our
Arctic journey of a lifetime.
To see a polar bear jumping and swimming from ice-flow to ice-flow.


The expedition and ship staff were all first class. The operator was very
professional and we be very happy to travel again with them.


See above - the trip covers Spitzbergen and Greenland - you need to make
additional arrangements to see Iceland otherwise you just fly from Akureyri
to Keflavic for the flight home..


We'd already been to Antarctica. We found the artic different. No penguins
of course but we had polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen and puffins - and
visiting the Inuit village.


Read more
Operator Exodus Travels

Spectacular Spitsbergen July 2016

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

A very, very special trip that kept on delivering five-star sightings right
to the very last moment.
Too many to choose from… the polar bear right under the bow? The Mexican
stand off between two bears on ice right beside us? The bloodied bear
feasting on seal surrounded by ivory gulls? Getting up close and personal
with walrus around the zodiac? Three-day old Arctic fox cubs? Stunning light
in the pack ice that turned our photographs into artwork? And I haven’t
even mentioned the whales – bowhead, beluga, fin, minke and blue. Just
incredible!


Paul Goldstein is all about delivery, and that’s why he has such repeat
business – close encounters with wildlife are just addictive. Very sadly
his wing-man on this trip, Mark Carwardine, was taken ill and had to fly home
before the trip left Longyearben so the burden was all on Paul to deliver
good cop AND bad cop tactics on the photography front, as well as liaise with
the expedition staff to ensure that we maximized our opportunities to see the
manifold delights of this incredible archipelago. He did a fantastic job.
This was a photographic charter and Paul’s determination for us to fill our
memory cards with nothing but the best wildlife viewings – taking into
account the major melt this year that required us to go beyond 81 degrees
north into the pack ice – paid off handsomely. Nate was a great Expedition
Team leader, and kudos to the team members who worked tirelessly to bring us
the best wildlife encounters. Particular mention to the Captain of the
Vavilov, who seemed able to turn that wonderful ship on a 10p piece when
required to manoeuvre closer to a feasting polar bear.


Take the best camera and lens that you can afford, and don’t forget a
wide-angle lens as the wildlife can be close and the scenery is stunning.
Take a lap-top so you can back up and review your photos to release your
memory cards – you’ll need all the space you can get, and delete as you
go. I found handwarmers very useful to slip into my gloves before an
excursion or if we had wildlife close to the ship and were outside for hours
at a time. Inside the ship it can be very warm, so bring layers rather than
heavy jumpers; and soft trainer style shoes for the ship is fine; it’s very
casual on board so leave your finery at home. Don’t get stressed by the
photography aspect and remember to just watch sometimes. The Arctic is a
very special place, so if you are still hesitating, then do take the plunge
(but not literally!); it’s not just the wildlife and scenery, the trip is
also great fun and generally full of like-minded people who enjoy a drink and
a laugh in the bar after a fabulous excursion.


You might think that this is a once in a lifetime trip. It’s not. You’ll
be hooked.


Read more
Operator Exodus Travels

All Arctic tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.7 for all Arctic trips.

51 trips from 65 tour companies with 426 reviews

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