Cruise trip to the SVALBARD islands with WWF GUIDE - Polar Periplus

NOTE: THE PRICE INDICATED IS PER PERSON IN THE QUADRUPLE CAB. FOR DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CAB, CONTACT THE ORGANIZER

Discovering the animals and environments of the Arctic , an extraordinary circumnavigation by ship of the archipelago and excursions on foot and by raft in the company of a biologist expert in vertebrate fauna.
We will sail through the fjords aboard a research ship , in the absolute silence of nature, interrupted only by the sound of the wind, the sea and the breaking ice and we will have the opportunity to observe a magnificent landscape capable of giving unique emotions, in the last inhabited land north of the planet. Polar bears, walruses, 5 species of seals, 12 whales and dolphins and about 30 species of arctic birds: a dream frozen scenery. The Arctic as one imagines it.

It is possible to request the extension on the Norwegian mainland at Dovrefjell for the observation of the Musk Ox in the wild completes this extraordinary journey. Contact the organizer to receive a personalized offer.

WHAT YOU CAN'T MISS OUT?
- Observe the polar bear in its environment
- North, up to 600 miles from the geographic pole
- The northernmost inhabited archipelago in the world
- Walruses, bearded seals and belugas. 19 species of marine mammals
- The Arctic Fox and the Svalbard Reindeer, mammals adapted to the polar cold

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1
Flight to Oslo and overnight at the hotel, or if flight operators allow it, flight to Longyearbyen and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago , of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. From here the cruise starts. Before boarding the ship, you can stroll through the town, an old mining settlement where the parish church and the Polar Museum are worth a visit, while over 100 plant species have been recorded in the area surrounding Longyearbyen. Boarding on the ship and departure from Isfjorden is scheduled for late afternoon .

Day 3
Heading north along the west coast, we arrive in the morning in Krossfjorden where we will board the Zodiacs (RIB: rigid Inflatable Boats) for an exhilarating cruise along the facade of the 14th of July glacier . On the fertile slopes next to the glacier we could surprisingly admire a variety of colorful flowers and a large number of Kittiwake and Brünnich's Gulls nesting on the nearby cliffs. Chances are good to spot the Arctic Fox patrolling the rocks in hopes that an unfortunate chick will fall out of its nest, and the Bearded Seal passing through this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. It was once a mining village, accessible via the northernmost railway in the world, while today Ny Ålesund is a research center. Not far from the village there is a land where the Whitebeard Goose, the Zamperosee Goose and the Arctic Tern reside. For the curious interested in the history of Arctic exploration, you can walk up to the anchor mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the Norge airship of 1926 and the Italy dirigible of 1928, before their flights to the North Pole.

Day 4
Depending on the climatic conditions, we will head towards the mouth of Liefdefjorden and then disembark and stroll on the island of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Legged Geese nest here, and there will also be a chance to spot the Eider King, rarer than the other two species. We then continue the navigation near the 5 km long façade of the impressive Monaco glacier, around which thousands of Kittiwake gulls feed and where, on previous trips, Polar Bears have been sighted, giving the opportunity for excellent photographic shots.

Day 5 and 6
The northernmost point of the journey, the Seven Islands , at 80 ° north of latitude and only 870 km from the Geographic North Pole. We will look for polar bears present in this region in the pack. When the pack recedes to the north (especially in August) a second day can be spent in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) you can head to Sorgfjord, where you have the chance to find groups of walruses not far from the 17th century whalers' graves. A landing can reserve the surprise of incredible sightings of ptarmigan, in an impressive scenographic setting. Day 7
We will cross the Strait of Hinlopen (observation of bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears, blue whales, etc) and we will make an excursion among the ice sheets at Lomfjordshalvøya with rubber boats. We will attempt the landing in Augustabukta for the observation of the Svalbard reindeer, walruses and arctic birds. Hike near Torellneset, in a landscape sculpted by the ghaccio.

Day 8
Disembarkation in Freemansundet, although polar bears sometimes make it impossible . Along the stops in Barentsøya we will be able to stop in Sundneset (for an ancient trapper's hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its colony of kittiwakes), and Rindedalen (for a walk in the tundra). Ability to navigate to Diskobukta, although Kapp Lee is more likely as a destination. Kapp Lee is famous for its walruses, the Pomor ruins and the possibility of hiking along Edgeøya.

Day 9
Navigation in the Hornsund area, characterized by spectacular mountain peaks and 14 active glaciers. Excellent chances to observe polar bears and different species of seals.

Day 10
Arrive in Bell Dund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. Ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which therefore displays relatively lush vegetation. There are several possibilities for naturalistic and historical excursions. One option is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of the Van Keulenfjorden, where stacks of Beluga skeletons, the work of 19th-century whalers, can be found. Fortunately, in this area there will be chances of spotting live ones. Alternatively, while navigating the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore the tundra where reindeer graze and on whose cliffs the lesser sea magpie nests.

Day 11
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark. Transfer to the airport and international flight back to Italy or overnight stay in a hotel in Oslo if necessary (not included in the fee).

• Arctic ship cruise to Svalbard as per detailed program, quadruple accommodation
• Full board treatment on the cruise ship (including tea and coffee snacks)
• Biologist escort for the entire duration of the trip
• All excursions by boat and on foot
• All ground transfers
• Overnight in Longyearbyen
• Medical insurance - baggage

• Air flight and airport taxes
• All meals not mentioned
• Overnight stay of the last night in Oslo (approx. € 130 / pax.)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Tips and personal extras and in general what is not included in "Inclusive Services"