Embark on an unforgettable Arctic journey, from the vibrant city of Oslo 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. Aboard the intimate MS Serenissima, you’ll sail through pristine Arctic waters, exploring historic whaling sites, the northernmost research station, and 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° North 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.
» 7 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: £2,930 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Oslo
Fly to Oslo, a vibrant city that has blossomed into a modern cultural hub. Make your way to the city centre where you'll check in to your hotel with plenty of time explore the surroundings. Whether you're wandering through the fascinating museums, taking a leisurely stroll through its bustling streets or soaking in the energy of the Aker Brygge waterfront, Oslo offers plenty of interesting options.
Stay: Thon Hotel Opera
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Day 2 » Longyearbyen
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Longyearbyen, the northernmost commercial airport on Earth. Situated just over 1,000 km from the North Pole, Longyearbyen is one of the world's most fascinating towns and a gateway to extraordinary adventures. Upon arrival, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, with plenty of time to explore this fascinating frontier town and enjoy a light dinner at a local eatery.
Stay: Radisson Blu Polar, Longyearbyen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Embark on the MS Serenissima
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a guided tour of Longyearbyen, 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, visit Camp Barentz for a unique glimpse into the hardships and adventures faced by early Arctic explorers.
Later, 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, observing interesting wildlife and historical sites as they unfold.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 » Polar bear sightings and remote exploration
Today, you will venture into the remote and untouched wilderness of north-western 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 harken 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. You’ll also likely see other wildlife such as reindeer, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds, all set against a backdrop of vast glaciers and snow-covered mountains.
Next, the ship heads toward Moffen, an uninhabited island located at the northern edge of Svalbard. Situated just below 80° North, 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 cold waters.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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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, characterised by vast stretches of untouched wilderness.
Stay: MS Serenissima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 » Return to Longyearbyen
Sail back through the dramatic Isfjorden towards Longyearbyen, where you’ll have another chance to admire the geological wonders and wildlife of the region. Upon your return to Longyearbyen, a light lunch is included at your hotel, before you can spend some time walking through the town's charming streets, which are dotted with colourful buildings that stand out against the stark Arctic landscape. In the evening, you'll have a range of dining options to choose from – however, we recommend your hotel's restaurant which serves high-quality Norwegian cuisine including Arctic specialties like reindeer and fresh fish.
Stay: Radisson Blu Polar, Longyearbyen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 7 » Return to the UK
After a memorable week of Arctic exploration, enjoy one last breakfast in this extraordinary part of the world, before a shuttle transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
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.
» 7 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: £2,930 pp incl. flights
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