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The Arctic Region
Only a few hours from the UK, above the Arctic Circle and viewed in perpetual daylight, Spitzbergen also has another major player, bears
The name Spitzbergen means `jagged peaks' and was given by the Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who discovered the island while searching for the Northern Sea Route in 1596. Nautical travel has changed a little since then, but these are still exploratory expeditions, with ever-changing itineraries. Just a short flight from the UK, with no time difference and perpetual daylight, this land of peaks and glaciers is an enticing partner for any lover of the wilderness. Huge bird colonies, schools of whales and pods of walruses appear almost indifferent to the attentions of observers and then there are the bears. Despite being an endangered species Spitzbergen has a healthy population of polar bears and so far
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every expedition has reported sightings. Many of these ursine encounters have been truly extraordinary and far removed from the experience of watching them from tundra buggies in the Canadian Arctic. But Spitzbergen is not just about wildlife. The archipelago offers excellent trekking, outstanding ice formations and usually calm seas, all experienced from the decks of a sensitive, small ship.
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Wildly passionate, hugely knowledgeable and crucially very sensitive, in forty years of travelling I have never encountered staff like it. They made our trip just as much as the copious bears and walruses. We will be going 'South' with you next year, thank you so much. Simon and Deidre Thompson
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Really fabulous trip on the Vavilov - so glad you encouraged us to go - one of the best holidays ever. Amazing landscape, incredible wildlife sightings, excellent team, very comfortable ship. Felicity Peacock
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ATLANTIC OCEAN
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