Epic Northeast Passage (Kapitan Khlebnikov)

26 days
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Small Ship Cruise
When you think of the Arctic, nomadic tribes, whalebone sculptures and helicopter flights to see the passage of an icebreaker don’t usually spring to mind. But on this trip that navigates the coastline of the Russian Arctic and crosses the Arctic Circle – stopping at some of the remotest islands in the world – you may have to rethink what you know. From follo...

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Cruise about the rocky shores of Puffin Island by Zodiac in search of its namesake inhabitants
    • Witness the locals of Novoye Chaplino demonstrating their prowess at reindeer mustering
    • Enter the upper reaches of the Arctic Circle, where the sun is liable to shine for up to 37 days straight
    • Take to the air by helicopter to watch the Kapitan Khlebnikov crunching its way through thick pack ice
    • Scan the ice shelves of Novaya Zemlya for polar bears and walrus
    • Set foot on the Eastern Hemisphere's northernmost landmass, Franz Josef Land

What's this trip about?

    When you think of the Arctic, nomadic tribes, whalebone sculptures and helicopter flights to see the passage of an icebreaker don’t usually spring to mind. But on this trip that navigates the coastline of the Russian Arctic and crosses the Arctic Circle – stopping at some of the remotest islands in the world – you may have to rethink what you know. From following the Chukotka Peninsula and walking across Arctic tundra on Wrangel Islands to sighting polar bears on ice floes and searching out nomadic Chukchi and Tundra Nenet people, this Arctic adventure into the land of the midnight sun doesn’t have epic in its title for nothing.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeGroup - max of 48 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAnchorage
End CityLongyearbyen

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States
  • Europe
  • Norway
  • Russia

Attractions

  • Anchorage
  • Bering Strait
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Wrangel Islands

Activities

  • Sailing
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Arrive Anchorage
Your unforgettable journey will begin in Anchorage, a unique urban environment in the heart of great wilderness. Spend the day taking in the glorious scenery – populous wildlife, spectacular mountain vistas, fascinating culture and icy blue glaciers await your discovery. Plan to arrive and make your way to the hotel in time for our pre-departure briefing at about 6 pm. No arrival transfer is included.

Day 2-3 Anadyr, Russia
The charter flight from Anchorage to Anadyr crosses the International Date Line. You will begin your flight on the morning of July 11 and end it early in the afternoon on July 12, losing a day en route, even though the flight is only 3 hours. Travellers are transferred t...
Day 4-5 Chukotka Peninsula
Educational programme to commemorate the icebreaker’s voyage through the Arctic will occur when the ship reaches Russia’s Far East – the Chukotka Peninsula – and guests will be treated to cultural presentations on the indigenous people of the Russian Arctic. You will vis...
Day 6 Bering Strait
The Bering Strait connects the Pacific Ocean to the Chukchi Sea – a portion of the Arctic Ocean. Sailing north, the ship will cross the Arctic Circle entering the land of the midnight sun. Daylight will be continuous for 37 days!

Day 7-8 Wrangel Island
Crossing the Delon Strait, you may start to see thick pack ice. Your Expedition Leader will ask the Captain to deploy the helicopter to enjoy an aerial view of the Khlebnikov crushing ice up to a yard (one meter) thick. Landings are planned on Wrangel Island, which was d...
Day 9-11 East Siberian Sea
The Kapitan Khlebnikov will make its way through the pack ice of the East Siberian Sea to the New Siberian Islands. Enroute, we’ll pass by Medvezh’i Island, known as “bear” island, and enjoy countless scenic views along the way.

Day 12-14 New Siberian Islands
Ancient camping grounds will be explored on these remote islands. If conditions permit, travelers will see the northernmost point of the European continent. Be on the lookout for polar bears, often spotted in the archipelago.

Day 15-18 Severnaya Zemlya
Landings on these least accessible islands of the Arctic will be one of the highlights of this circumnavigation. The archipelago thwarted many attempts to sail around the Arctic Ocean until the development of engine-driven surface vessels. Zodiacs and helicopters will be...
Day 19-21 Novaya Zemlya
Meaning “new land”, the Novaya Zemlya is an arctic archipelago consisting of two main islands and a number of smaller ones located off the coast of northeastern Europe. Of interest here is the longest-operating scientific station in the Russian Arctic. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for arctic fox, polar bear and lemming as well as a variety of birds.

Day 22-23 Franz Josef Land
Well above the Arctic Circle, only 10 degrees from the North Pole, lie the most northerly islands in Eurasia – Franz Josef Land. They are the habitat of polar bear and walrus. We plan to visit Cape Flora, where the remains of three historic expeditions are found. If cond...
Day 24-25 At Sea
We will cruise through these scenic waters, a wonderland of glaciated landscapes and icescapes.

Day 26 Disembark in Longyearbyen
In the morning you will arrive in Longyearbyen and disembark. Say goodbye to the Expedition Team before transferring to the airport for your homeward bound flight, or spend time discovering the unique sights and sounds of Longyearbyen. If you plan to fly out today, be sure to book flights any time after 12 noon.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $31,945
Price per day$1,229
Last Updated: 2/16/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Tania

Mar 2020

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Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

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Ruth

Mar 2020

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very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

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Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Cruise ship (23 nts),Hotel (1 nt),

Transportation & Flights

Ship,Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Ship,Zodiac
Guides
Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.
Travel Insurance
Your voyage fare includes Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. However, it is essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to this to cover all other eventualities. For itineraries including flights, it is essential that you have insurance that covers for delays caused by weather. Quark Expeditions will make every effort to ensure the expedition takes place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond the control of Quark Expeditions and Peregrine Adventures. We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance. See Itinerary disclaimer for details of the contingency plan should weather delay flight operations.
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent. Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before. Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel. Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable, biometric passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. You can get further information from the US Department of State website: - http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US (you can use the starting point hotel/hostel address). Please note that if there is any discrepancy between the name on your ESTA, your passport, your tickets and even your frequent flyer membership, you may be detained at Immigration and subject to a secondary inspection which could take a few hours. If you have recently changed your name, please check that your details have been updated everywhere. If you are from a country eligible for the visa waiver program but are a dual citizen of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan, or if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan since 1 March 2011, you will not longer be eligible for the visa waiver program and will instead need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information: http://travel.state.gov//content/travel/en.html NORWAY Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Norway. Some EU nationals may travel in Europe using only an identity card, however it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities if this applies to you. All travellers to Russia (regardless of nationality) will require a visa, obtained in advance of travel with a letter of invitation from the Russian authorities. In order for Peregrine to arrange this letter you must provide your full passport details at time of booking. Please note that Russian visas are date specific and cannot be extended once issued.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Longyearbyen Array Longyearbyen Svalbard NORWAY
Trip ID
peregrine-BQMN6

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