Arctic Luxury: Across the Polar Land

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Fly to Longyearbyen

  Your adventure begins by flying from the UK (via Oslo) to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town with a population of more than 1,000 and the main settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, a shuttle bus transfer will bring you to your cosy, timber-clad hotel in the centre of town. Designed in the style of a traditional trapper’s hut and adorned with expedition paraphernalia, it offers an immersive introduction to life in the High Arctic.

  You'll then hit the ground running on your first day in Svalbard by heading out on a thrilling dog sledding adventure. First, you’ll be given thermal suits, boots, gloves and headwear before venturing into the nearby Adventdalen valley where an energetic team of huskies awaits. You’ll then be shown how to harness your individual team of huskies and prepare them for action. As you glide the frozen wilderness in the company of these furry creatures, you’ll quickly get a sense of Svalbard's pristine, unspoilt landscapes. After this exhilarating experience, warm up next to a roaring fire with a hot drink in a trapper’s cabin, accompanied by stories from Svalbard's past and present. This evening, take your pick from Longyearbyen’s small but inviting handful of restaurants and bars, and before heading to bed, be sure to take a look up at the night sky – if it’s clear, you might just see the Northern Lights dancing silently overhead. 

  Stay: Basecamp Hotel, Longyearbyen

• Days 2-3 » Isfjord Radio

  Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning and pack a bag for the next couple of nights as you prepare to leave the civilization of Longyearbyen behind for a unique wilderness adventure. Following an information briefing, you’ll be kitted out in thermal gear and receive a short lesson in how to ride a snowmobile before setting off towards Isfjord Radio – a remote boutique lodge on the west coast of Spitsbergen. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch, eventually reaching Isfjord Radio in the afternoon after a journey of around 90 kilometres through the snow-blanketed wilderness. After settling into your accommodation, you might fancy unwinding in the sea-view sauna, and if you’re feeling really bold, perhaps try a cold water plunge in the Arctic Ocean. The day concludes with a delicious dinner inspired by the flavours of the Arctic.

  The following day begins with breakfast at Isfjord Radio before another opportunity to explore Svalbard’s mesmerising frozen landscapes by snowmobile. Your guide will plan the route based on the latest weather and snow conditions, potentially heading south towards the Fridtjof Glacier. Embrace the silence and stillness of this extraordinary environment, keeping a close eye out for Arctic wildlife along the way. Later on, you’ll return to Isfjord Radio, where you’ll warm up in the cosy lounge and be treated to another delicious dinner, rounding off another day filled with wonder. 

  Stay: Isfjord Radio, Spitsbergen, Norway

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Back to Longyearbyen

  After a final leisurely morning, it’s time to make the journey by snowmobile back across the icy wilderness to Longyearbyen. You’ll return your expedition gear and check back into Basecamp Hotel, where your Svalbard adventure began. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take the opportunity to visit the Svalbard Museum, stop by the picturesque Svalbard Church, snap a photo at the famous polar bear sign, or simply admire the town’s array of colourful wooden buildings, raised on stilts to keep them elevated above the permanently frozen ground. Cap off your final evening with dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s excellent restaurants, and perhaps try a beer or two from the world’s northernmost brewery. Before calling it a night, don’t forget to take one last look outside for the Northern Lights.

  Stay: Basecamp Hotel, Longyearbyen

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 5 » Return to UK

  Make the most of your final few hours in Longyearbyen, perhaps picking up a souvenir or two, before a shuttle transfer brings you to the airport in time for your flight home (via Oslo). 

  Meals: Breakfast