Arctic Voyage to the North… (trip)
Arctic Voyage to the North Pole - Arctic
- Helsinki Airport, Finland
- Boats, Barges & Small Ship Cruises
| from $22,690* per person | 14 Days | June, July |
| Luxury accommodations | Exertion level: 4 | |
| Operator: ElderTreks | 24 people max | |
Few places have stirred the hearts and minds of explorers more than the North Pole. At the turn of the last century, voyages of discovery and adventure by sled, balloon, airship and ship set off for the top of the world — and failed.
It was not until 1926 that the pole was seen for the first time and 1948 that anyone actually stood there. That is precisely what we hope to do on this historic voyage. Our aim is to stand at 90° North. Sailing aboard the world’s largest icebreaker, we head north from Murmansk through dense, multi-year pack ice to the North Pole. Only a very few vessels have the power to negotiate the challenging ice of the Arctic Basin and break through vast ice floes, pressure ridges and hummocks up to five meters thick.
Navigating the polar pack at speeds up to 21 knots, we are enthralled by an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice, narrow channels of dark green water and aquamarine pools. There will be spectacular views of the polar landscapes from our expertly piloted helicopters and a chance to see the rarest of wildlife in a stunning setting of snow and ice. From the North Pole, we head south to Franz Josef Land, a marvelous place of glaciers, volcanic mountains and wildlife. We return to Murmansk, where our amazing journey comes to an end.
The On Board Education Program
The expedition team is comprised of experts from a variety of fields, history, geology, marine biology, ornithology /glaciology and the arts. As personnel changes from expedition to expedition, each program is unique. Formal illustrated presentations are scheduled by the expedition leader, with the intention of preparing you in advance for planned landings and activities. Our expedition team members take turns standing watch for wildlife, and sharing the open decks with guests. They assist with wildlife identification and provide informal instruction.
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Locations visited/nearby
Russian Federation, Europe
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, ElderTreks:
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Reviewer: M. Sloup
located in
Madison,
WI
USA
Everything was so organized! We appreciated the timely stops and hikes during each day. We really liked the traditional foods and all lodgings were excellent.
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Reviewer: S. Klopfleisch
located in
Los Angeles,
CA
USA
I loved the trip! I loved the hiking, the guides and the regional, varied food. I loved the charming hotels. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. Taquille Island was fabulous. Kudos to ElderTreks.
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Reviewer: M. Hvizdos
located in
Flint,
MI
USA
We enjoyed the active hikes, the remoteness of the countryside, the people and the local guides. The wranglers and cook on our trek, each picnic and most of all the energy and excitement that Florencia gave us all - she is contagious! Thank you all the staff, this adventure we will long remember.
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, FinlandYour adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.
Days 3 - 7: The Arctic Ocean
Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a thrilling aerial view of Victory's progress.
Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Most of our guests enjoy the heightened sense of adventure that comes with this unpredictability. In 2008, Victory made the fastest recorded crossing between these two points: 4.5 days!
Day 8: 90 North
Each traveler experiences this moment in his or her own way. Some hold special signs. Others wave their national flags. Still others stand on this mystical spot, holding a talisman brought thousands of miles for this one purpose. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. How will YOU celebrate?
Day 9: Southbound
As Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, you may spot polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls following close behind - eager to dine on leftovers.
Days 10 - 12: Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you'll explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing, and transfer you to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
Day 13: Disembarkation in Murmansk, Russia
Your port of disembarkation is Murmansk, Russia's most northerly city. After you leave the ship, we'll transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to Helsinki, Finland.
Day 14: Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast at your centrally located hotel, you are free to leave for home or extend your stay. Helsinki, Tallinn (capital of Estonia) and St. Petersburg (the "Venice of the North") are all fascinating cities, just waiting to be explored. Our Polar Travel Advisors are happy to help you arrange your extended stay.
More information from ElderTreks:
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www.eldertreks.com/tour/ETTD000133… - Company profile, experience, and history
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