Polar Nights of Spitsbergen
5 days/4 nights in Spitsbergen, Norway's most
northern territory
The Svalbard Archipelago rests in total darkness from mid
November until mid January, after which an incredible Arctic
twilight exists as the days steadily get lighter – a
great time to travel and explore this magical land. To witness
the sun finally return in March is a unique experience, as
the people of Spitsbergen celebrate what is literally their
first dawn of the New Year.
Perched on the fringes of a beautifully wild Arctic landscape
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s capital, has a population
of less than a thousand people. Longyearbyen
huddles below a backdrop of glacial mountains, alongside
remnants of the mining industry largely responsible for the
founding of the settlement. The town has a university, several
small restaurants and a few colourful bars for those looking
for nightlife after their daytime adventures.
There are approximately 4,500 polar bears in Spitsbergen,
more than the resident human population.
Sightings, though never guaranteed, are most likely on the
snowmobile safari tour or dog sledge safari.
On this short break we spend 3 nights at the Radisson SAS
Hotel Polar in Longyearbyen, and allow time to join a wide
range of optional excursions. A visit to the glacial caves
known as ‘the ice grotto’ or tour of a mine is
included.
Departure
dates and prices for 2009 |
Departure
dates |
Twin |
| Feb 12*, 19 |
995 |
| Feb 26; Mar 5, 12 |
1095 |
Prices
are in £s per person based on two
people travelling together sharing a twin room.
Single Supplement Feb:£190, Mar:£225
*Spend Valentine’s Day in the Arctic
|
|
The
price includes |
| • |
Return economy flights
from London Heathrow, including applicable taxes
and service charges |
| • |
Overnight stay at an airport hotel
in Oslo including breakfast |
| • |
3 nights at Radisson SAS Polar
Hotel including breakfast |
| • |
Excursion as per itinerary |
| Not included: Travel
insurance; luggage handling; excursions; transfers;
tour manager; optional carbon balancing fee (£5
per person). |
|
 Back
to Spitsbergen Winter
Cruises
|
Back
to Spitsbergen Winter
Cruises
|
| DAY 1 |
Fly to Oslo, stay overnight
at an airport hotel. |
| DAY 2 |
Fly to Longyearbyen, stay
three nights at the Radisson SAS Polar hotel. (B) |
| DAYS 3 AND 4 |
Join the ‘ice grotto’ tour
or mine visit (included). Other optional excursions available,
as described below. (B) |
| DAY 5 |
International flight back to the UK. (B) |
|
Excursions
|
The ‘Ice
Grotto’ Glacial Caves – see the inside
of a glacier
Travel by tracked-vehicle to a glacier just outside Longyearbyen. All participants will be equipped with helmet and headlamp before descending into tunnels formed by the glacial water. Our guides will walk with you through caves with fascinating rock and ice formations.
Approx. £77 per person, 3 hours, pre-bookable.
Longyearbyen’s Mining Heritage –
visit a working coal mine
Discover the history of coal mining in Spitsbergen. Donning overalls, helmet and headlamp we embark on a 5km drive into the heart of this operational mine, where we can witness coal being extracted. Alternatively we may visit the last mine in Spitsbergen where coal was mined by hand. In the footsteps of the miners, this tour offers an introduction to the history of mining and, suitably equipped for the excursion, we set off into the mountain to experience what it was like to work in the narrow tunnels.
Approx. £77 per person, 3 hours, pre-bookable.
Dog Sledging
Join our team of huskies through the Arctic wilderness.
Approx. £95, 3 hours, bookable locally.
Snowmobile Day Trip
Drive across snowy plains and through narrow valleys during this exhilarating 45 km round trip. Fully briefed and prepared, we venture out of Longyearbyen and explore the mountain area beyond.
From £190 per person, 8 hours. Driving licence required, bookable locally.
Polar Evening in the Wilderness
Travel by tracked-vehicle to a permanent camp outside Longyearbyen. In the heart of the wilderness, under the shelter of a large heated tent, a traditional dinner will be served. Here we huddle together to hear tales of Spitsbergen’s fascinating past and learn more of day to day life in Norway’s most northern territory.
Approx. £88 per person, 4 hours, bookable locally.
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|
Flight information:
Flights with SAS Braathens (Via Oslo and/or Tromsø)
Regional Departures:
Please call our advisors for availability and supplements.
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