Embark on an unforgettable Arctic journey to the remote, untouched wilderness of Svalbard. Step into a world of raw beauty and dramatic landscapes, where towering glaciers, rugged fjords, and extraordinary wildlife like polar bears and walruses await. After a taste of life in Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, you'll board the intimate MS Serenissima as you sail through pristine Arctic waters, explore historic whaling sites, visit the world's northernmost research station, and keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife of the region. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by some of the planet’s most unspoiled natural wonders – including the rare opportunity to cruise above the 80° N latitude.
Arctic Discovery: Svalbard mini-cruise adventure
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Combine Longyearbyen with the outer reaches of the Svalbard archipelago on this spectacular summer polar adventure.
» 6 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £3,365 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
-
Day 1 » Fly to Longyearbyen
Your adventure begins by flying to Oslo, where you’ll connect for a further flight to Longyearbyen – the main settlement in Svalbard and the world’s northernmost town with a population greater than 1,000. On arrival, a shuttle bus transfer will bring you to your hotel, after which you’ll have some free time to explore the town. It’s a fascinating place which, despite its remote location and frontier feel, has a remarkable variety of places to eat, drink and shop – along with excellent photo opportunities, particularly when it comes to the colourful houses suspended above the permafrost on stilts. The surrounding landscapes, meanwhile, provide a suitably dramatic backdrop, as Longyearbyen is wedged between rugged mountains on the edge of a fjord. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a light dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or Funken Lodge (depending on ship cabin choice)
Meals: Dinner
-
Day 2 » Embark on your Svalbard mini cruise
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and enjoy the morning at leisure in Longyearbyen. Back at the hotel, lunch is served before you head out on a guided tour, including a visit to the Svalbard Museum – a captivating museum dedicated to the history of Svalbard’s nature, wildlife and the region’s polar exploration. You’ll discover exhibits on the indigenous wildlife, including polar bears, and learn about the daring explorers who ventured into this challenging environment. Next, you’ll venture beyond the town’s limits to visit Camp Barentz for a unique glimpse into the hardships and adventures faced by early Arctic explorers.
In the late afternoon, embark on the MS Serenissima for the beginning of your cruise expedition. Originally built as the Harald Jarl for Hurtigruten in 1960, the vessel has been renovated to ensure a comfortable cruising experience, whilst preserving elements of its history, while its total capacity of just 103 guests ensures an intimate, relaxing atmosphere. Settle into your cabin as you and sail through Isfjorden, the second longest fjord in Svalbard, looking out for wildlife along the way.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 3 » Into the Arctic wilderness
Today, you’ll venture into the remote and untouched wilderness of northwestern Svalbard. Visit Magdalenefjorden, where the ship will sail along the dramatic coastline, flanked by towering cliffs and glaciers that spill into the icy waters below. Magdalenefjorden is renowned for its historical significance as a former whaling site, and you’ll be able to observe remnants of whaling stations that date back to the 17th century. The stark contrast between the dark, jagged rocks and the soft whites and blues of the glaciers creates a truly breathtaking visual. As the ship navigates through the fjord, you'll be in a prime location for polar bear sightings. These majestic creatures often roam the shores or ice floes in search of seals, making this one of the best opportunities to witness them in their natural habitat.
Please note that while polar bear sightings are possible, this will only be by chance – and from a distance – as it is strictly prohibited to pursue or disturb a polar bear in Svalbard.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 » Scouting for wildlife
Today, you’ll sail along the north coast of Spitsbergen, taking in the spectacular landscapes of Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden. As well as polar bears, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds, all set against a backdrop of vast glaciers and snow-covered mountains. If the ice conditions allow, you’ll then continue towards Moffen, an uninhabited island located at the northern edge of Svalbard. Situated just below 80°N, Moffen is famous for its dense population of walruses. The island is a protected area, and from the comfort of the ship, you'll have the chance to observe these incredible creatures lounging on the shores or swimming in the sea.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 5 » Kongsfjorden & Ny-Ålesund
The first stop today is Kongsfjorden, one of the most beautiful fjords in Svalbard. This fjord is a haven for wildlife, and you’ll likely see a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and Arctic terns, perching on the cliffs and soaring above the waters. The glaciers that dominate the landscape are equally mesmerising, with vast ice fields flowing from the mountains down into the water, occasionally calving chunks of ice into the sea below.
After exploring Kongsfjorden, the ship will continue to Ny-Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements in the world, where you can disembark. Originally a coal mining town, Ny-Ålesund now serves as a hub for Arctic research. Here, you can learn about the early Arctic expeditions and the pioneering work of explorers like Roald Amundsen, who used Ny-Ålesund as a base for some of his groundbreaking polar journeys. As you wander through the settlement, take the opportunity to send a postcard from the world’s northernmost post office and take in the surrounding scenery on a tundra hike.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 6 » Return to UK
You’ll disembark the ship in Longyearbyen today as your Svalbard mini cruise comes to an end. A shuttle bus transfer will then bring you to the airport for your flight back to the UK (via Oslo).
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Combine Longyearbyen with the outer reaches of the Svalbard archipelago on this spectacular summer polar adventure.
» 6 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £3,365 pp incl. flights
Related articles
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway
From Tromso to Svalbard, our specialists pick out their top spots for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway.
Explore our 2025 hot list
As the year draws towards a close, we look ahead to the destinations across Scandinavia and the Nordics that we expect to shape your travel plans over the coming 12 months – from the frozen wilds of Greenland’s west coast to Finland’s idyllic Turku Archipelago.