Across the Arctic Circle - M/V Greg Mortimer

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Combining the North Atlantic Ocean's wildest outposts. From Stone Age villages to Iron Age forts, the Orkney and Shetland Islands reveal a proud Scottish heritage, while Vikings, fjords and fishing folk feature along the sublime Norwegian coastline, which includes a visit to the famous Lofoten Islands. Crossing the Arctic Circle to Svalbard, discover a landsc...
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$14,071
From$11,440
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Visit picturesque villages and castles - once strongholds of Scottish clans
    • Encounter Neolithic sites - dating back more than 5,000 years
    • Experience spectacular fjords and glaciers - in Svalbard
    • Search for the mighty polar bear - encounter enormous walrus haulouts
    • Zodiac cruise - beneath vertical cliffs teeming with birdlife

What's this trip about?

    Combining the North Atlantic Ocean's wildest outposts. From Stone Age villages to Iron Age forts, the Orkney and Shetland Islands reveal a proud Scottish heritage, while Vikings, fjords and fishing folk feature along the sublime Norwegian coastline, which includes a visit to the famous Lofoten Islands. Crossing the Arctic Circle to Svalbard, discover a landscape of towering cliffs alive with breeding birds; a frozen wonderland of gleaming glaciers and where the mighty polar bear reigns supreme. Visit picturesque villages and castles - once strongholds of Scottish clans Encounter Neolithic sites - dating back more than 5,000 years Experience spectacular fjords and glaciers - in Svalbard Search for the mighty polar bear - encounter enormous walrus haulouts Zodiac cruise - beneath vertical cliffs teeming with birdlife  

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAberdeen
End CityLongyearbyen

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Norway

Attractions

  • Longyearbyen
  • Orkney Islands
  • Shetland Islands
  • Spitsbergen
  • Svalbard

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Day 1 Trip starts in Aberdeen

Arrive in Aberdeen (ABZ) and transfer to your group hotel. Upon check-in, the reception staff will provide you with your expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number so that your luggage is delivered to your cabi...

Day 2 Board the M/V Greg Mortimer

This morning, your luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the port for sanitisation, clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please ensure that your luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with you...

Day 3 Orkney Islands

Among Orkney's archipelago of 70 windswept islands, nine kilometres north of the Scottish mainland, a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife awaits. We follow the passage of time - from 5,000-year-old World Heritage Neolithic sites, past relics from wander...

Day 4 Orkney Islands

A bird watcher's paradise and boasting a major European bird observatory, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major bird flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. It attracts common species and also eastern rarities such as the lanceolated warbler. In summer...

Day 5 Shetland Islands

Britain's most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland's 100 islands, experience almost 24 hours of dayli...

Day 6 At Sea

As we sail towards the Norwegian coastline, the bridge or the outer decks offer an excellent and warm vantage point for birdwatching. Our historian and naturalists will delight us with their informative talks.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Norwegian Coast

We spend three days exploring the superb Norwegian coastline, cruising the intricate maze of seldom-visited inlets and outer islands. As we travel north, the days are noticeably longer and we search for blue whales, humpbacks, orca, minke whales, pilot whales and dolphins in the deep, squid-rich ocean trenches off Andenes.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Norwegian Coast

The cod-fishing island of Sor Gjæslingan welcomes us with its delightful wooden houses and cheerful inhabitants. Here, we search for nesting kittiwakes and reclusive sea otters.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 Norwegian Coast

Delight in the hunt for fabled trolls, passing through Torghatten - meaning mountain with a hole - said to have been caused by a troll's arrow.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 Norwegian Coast

Crossing the Arctic Circle, we make our way to the stunning Lofoten - meaning puma's foot - Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges, standing in silent protection of the villages below.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 Bear Island and Svalbard

We approach Spitsbergen at its most southerly point, South Cape or Sorkapp, and explore the coastline, entering a different world - that of the polar desert. Enormous peaks and deeply gouged fjords make our visit to Hornsund a powerful experience. As Hornsund is the s...

Day 12 Svalbard

Here in Svalbard we continue our exploration into human history dating back 400 years, encompassing trapping and hunting, whaling and mining. If the skies are clear we may catch a glimpse of the dramatic Hornsundtind, peaking at 1,430 metres.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 Svalbard

Dramatic folds characterise the geological landscape of Bellsund and here we will enjoy magnificent vistas, steep bird cliffs and lush vegetation, always an open invitation to arctic fox and polar bears. Little auks, guillemots, northern fulmar and pink-footed geese m...

Day 14 Svalbard

Polar bears pass through the area on their way to the west coast, and if we are lucky, we may encounter the elusive and alluring white beluga whale. Landing sites will vary from trip to trip as in true expedition style, the landings and Zodiac cruises are determined on weather, sea and ice conditions and of course, wildlife sightings.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 Trip ends in Longyearbyen

During the early morning, we cruise into the port of the remote village, Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen. After bidding farewell to the Expedition crews, you will be transferred into town, where there is time to explore and shop before transferring to the airport in the afternoon.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,440
Price per day$763
Last Updated: 4/25/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Norway: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN Citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 13
  • Lunch : 12
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-GMCI

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