Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
13 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Greenland Sea, Reykjavik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PLQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 199
Age range:
18-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Ultimate Arctic Voyage, a breathtaking journey from Svalbard to Jan Mayen and Iceland. This adventure begins in Helsinki, where you'll explore the city's unique blend of eastern and western influences before flying to Longyearbyen. Aboard the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, you'll navigate the icy waters of the Arctic, with opportunities for Zodiac excursions and wildlife spotting. Discover the majestic fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen, home to iconic wildlife like polar bears and walrus. Sail through the historic Greenland Sea, learning about the Arctic's rich history and ecology. Experience the remote volcanic island of Jan Mayen, with its stunning Beerenberg volcano and diverse birdlife. As you journey south through the Denmark Strait, enjoy onboard presentations and the chance to spot whales. Conclude your expedition in Reykjavik, Iceland, with memories of an unforgettable Arctic adventure. All meals, accommodation, and a full complement of qualified expedition staff are included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Helsinki, Finland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2 : Fly To Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Day 3 - 6 : Exploring Spitsbergen
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, Polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Day 7 - 8 : At Sea
Location: Greenland Sea
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, the Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.
Day 9 : Exploring Jan Mayen
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.
Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 metres) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea.
If we’re fortunate, we may get a close- up view of the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise along the coast of the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Day 10 - 11 : At Sea
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 12 - 13 : Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your expedition, and be transferred to your included hotel for the night.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are included while you are on the ship.
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Beer and house wine during dinner
Beer and house wine are provided during dinner.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included in the tour package.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff
A full complement of qualified Expedition Staff is included to enhance your experience.
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Mandatory transfer package including flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen.
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Flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be included upon request.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
Typical Meals
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
Dinner:Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The Ultimate Arctic Voyage is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, providing intimate adventures with flexible itineraries, frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and superb food and staff.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of ship is used for the Ultimate Arctic Voyage?
The voyage is conducted on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, which is a small ice-rated vessel well-suited for Polar waters. It offers an intimate adventure with flexible itineraries and activities such as Zodiac excursions and trekking.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you may spot iconic Arctic wildlife such as Polar bears, walrus, and Svalbard reindeer. Bird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, and ivory gulls.
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Are meals included during the voyage?
Yes, all meals are included while on the ship. The ship's galley offers a variety of international menus, including vegetarian options, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
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What activities are available on the ship?
On the ship, you can participate in Zodiac excursions, trekking, and spend time on deck observing the Arctic scenery. There are also presentations about the Arctic's history, wildlife, and ecology, and opportunities to learn about seabirds and spot whales.
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Is there a transfer package included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen as part of the journey.
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What is the accommodation like on the ship?
Accommodation is provided on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, which offers comfortable lodging with superb food and staff, ensuring a memorable experience in the Polar regions.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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