HIGHLIGHTS
- Inostrantseva
Bay provides breathtaking panoramic views of pristine Arctic wilderness
-
Explore ashore or Zodiac cruise along the face of the glacier at a safe
distance
- Attend
presentations by your expedition team, relax in the polar library or
simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea
- Explore
historical sites, remote seabird colonies, and walrus haul-outs at some
notable destinations, such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and
Tikhaya Bukta, with possilbe Polar bear encounters
- Explore
Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on
Hooker Island
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple | Lower Deck Twin | Main Deck Twin Porthole | Main Deck Twin Window | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
- One
night's pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki
- Round-trip
flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
- Transfers
to and from the ship in Murmansk
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple | (Mid-range)
Superior | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
- One
night's pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki
- Round-trip
flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
- Transfers
to and from the ship in Murmansk
ITINERARY
Day
1: Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic voyage 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: Murmansk, Russia / Embarkation
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your private charter
flight to Murmansk, Russia. Once aboard, get acquainted with the ship
and crew and settle in for your voyage north.
Day
3-4: At Sea
As you sail through the Barents Sea, your expedition team will prepare
you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and
politics of the region, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and
climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will
keep a lookout for seabirds, such as kittiwakes, skuas, and fulmars
soaring above your ship. Whale and seal sightings may also be possible
in this biologically diverse sea.
Day 5-7Novaya Zemlya
The
largest of the Eurasian Arctic archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya
Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third-largest wilderness
area in Europe. This seemingly long, narrow island actually consists of
two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern), separated
by the imposing Matochkin Strait. As you explore Novaya Zemlya, expect
a new adventure every day. Each expedition will be unique, depending on
the weather and ice, but a few landing sites you might visit include
Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory
Navalok, and Russkaya Gavan.
Boasting
one of the most picturesque glaciers in the entire archipelago,
Inostrantseva Bay provides breathtaking panoramic views of pristine
Arctic wilderness. If conditions allow, explore ashore or Zodiac cruise
along the face of the glacier at a safe distance, possibly witnessing
the wonders of calving ice. Encounters with
Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) are
likely, owing to a small colony in the coastal cliffs.
To
the northwest side of Severny Island are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife
abounds here, with a variety of animal and plant life to be discovered.
Walruses have been sighted here on many previous expeditions. Coming
across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. These giant pinnipeds of the
Arctic create a raucous noise as each walrus vies for a choice spot of
coastline. Encounters with whales and seabirds are possible, as well as
polar bears, a genetically distinct sub-population here. A significant
site in polar exploration, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number of
opportunities for you to trace the footsteps of famous explorers and
reflect on the region’s history.
Day 8: At Sea
Bid
farewell to Novaya Zemlya as you cruise farther north to Franz Josef
Land. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea.
Attend presentations by your expedition team, relax in the polar
library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea.
Day 9-12: Franz Josef Land
This
remote group of 191 islands, many covered in ice, forms the most
northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic
Circle. A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian Arctic National
Park. Weather and ice conditions will shape your exploration. Hope to
explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies, and walrus haul-outs
at some notable destinations, such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell
Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are also possible.
On
Jackson Island, Cape Norway is where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof
Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896. The conditions
were astonishingly difficult, but they survived until the summer and
continued their journey south. The remains of their small hut are still
here today, along with a memorial marking the event.
Exploring
Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on
Hooker Island, will feel like stepping back in time. There is plenty to
discover as you wander the ruins, immersed in Russian polar history,
and you may even be able to send a postcard from the post office!
The
Stolichky and Appolonov Islands offer plentiful walrus encounters, as
the lumbering giants can be found hauled out here. If ice and weather
are in your favor, you’ll explore the area by Zodiac, at a
safe distance, to view these pinnipeds of the Arctic in their natural
habitat.
Day 13-14: At Sea
As
your Arctic expedition winds down you have a couple of days to sail
through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are
often seen. Take in a presentation, reminisce about your incredible
journey with your shipmates, relax in the lounge while swapping stories
and photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. Expedition staff will be
on hand to answer any remaining questions and spot wildlife.
Day 15: Murmansk / Disembarkation
/ Helsinki
Returning
to Russia’s most northerly city, you’ll have time
to bid farewell to your expedition team and crew before catching your
group charter flight back to Helsinki, where you will have one more
night in this exquisite city.
Day 16: Helsinki, Finland
After
breakfast, spend time exploring more of the Finnish capital or catch
your homeward-bound flight.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Leadership
throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including
shore landings and other activities
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
(Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as
possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
kosher meals.)
- Select
beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around
the clock
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as
scheduled
- A
photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A
pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac
cruising excursions
- An
official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair
dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency
Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD
$500,000 per person
- Russian
invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment
Not
Included
- Mandatory
Transfer Package
- International
airfare
- Arrival
and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport
and visa expenses
- Government
arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals
ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage,
cancellation, interruption and medical travel
insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage
fees on international flights
- Mandatory
waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry,
bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone
and Internet charges
- Voluntary
gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional
overnight accommodation
