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Arctic Islands
Franz Josef Land, Svalbard and Greenland: still relatively untouched by human intervention, these Arctic Islands are a remote wonderland of landscapes, wildlife and history.
During this 17-day icebreaker expedition you will explore Europes most northerly group of islands; a UNESCO international biosphere reserve and an archipelago inhabited by only four species of land mammal. In true expedition-style, the actual route and your daily adventures will unfold in response to local conditions. Sailing north from Murmansk, you will need to be out on deck with the expedition team to make the most of the rich diversity of extraordinary wildlife found in the Barents Sea: from colonies of Puffins and Guillemots, to kelp forests and coral reefs, as well as Walrus, Bowhead Whale and Polar Bears. The largely uninhabited and rarely visited archipelago of Franz Josef Land lies between the latitudes of 80° and 81° north and you will be only 900 kilometres from the North Pole when you go ashore to explore the islands former polar exploration bases. En-route from Franz Josef Land to Greenland, you will visit the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard where, amongst a spectacular backdrop of icebergs, glaciers and immense sea cliffs, you may encounter the magnificent Polar Bear. Although only four species of land mammal live here, the surrounding seas are prime breeding grounds for a diverse range of seabirds and marine life. Early nights are not advisable as this is a great place to experience the midnight sun. Wild, rugged and often icebound, the eastern coastline of Greenland is the habitat of Walrus, Polar Bear and Fur Seal. Designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, Northeast Greenland National Park covers an impressive 972,000 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in the world. Up to 40% of the worlds population of Musk Ox are believed to live near the Parks coastline, so sightings are very likely. Sailing south through dramatic fjords and calving icebergs, you may have an opportunity to board the helicopters for flight-seeing over the magnificent landscape of King Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund. You will cross the Greenland Sea and Denmark Strait for the final part of your journey and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Itinerary
Day 1. Day 2. Days 3 & 4. Days 5 to 7. Days 8 to 10. Days 11 & 12. Days 13 to 15. Days 16 & 17. Helsinki Flight from Helsinki to Murmansk and embark Barents Sea Franz Josef Land Svalbard Northeast Greenland Northeast Greenland National Park and King Oscar Fjord Reykjavik and disembark
Things you need to know
Embark Murmansk, Russia Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland Voyage nights 15 nights Departure dates 21 Jul to 6 Aug Price From £8,095 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
Whats included
One night in Helsinki, air charter between Helsinki & Murmansk, voyage including guided shore, helicopter & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers.
Guide price for flights & accommodation package
Around £625 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Reykjavik.
Vessel
Kapitan Khlebnikov (see Vessel pages for more details).
SEE US ON THE WEB AT
wildlifeworldwide.com
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