Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in the high Arctic and stay overnight.

Guided sightseeing of Longyearbyen, visiting the educational and highly interesting Svalbard Museum, as well as the beautiful Svalbard Gallery. Arriving in Barentsburg later today, you are invited to enjoy the Barentsburg folklore show, affording an opportunity to compare the Russian influences of Barentsburg with its coastal neighbour to the north.

This morning you visit Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is today the northernmost permanently inhabited Arctic Research Station on Earth. There will be an opportunity to learn something of the town on a guided walk, before continuing your journey. Sailing past the "Seven Icebergs" you enter the realms of the North West Spitsbergen National Park. The plan today is to explore the extraordinary whaling history and exquisite beauty of Magdalenefjorden.

Steering a course that takes you northeast, you pass by the mythical Moffen Island and its huge walrus colony, crossing the 80th parallel en route to the northernmost group of islands in the Svalbard Archipelago. Sjuøyane translates into English as the "Seven Islands" and this is probably as close to the North Pole as you are ever likely to get. From here the only thing between you and the pole is the dramatic and ever shifting pack ice of the Arctic Ocean.

Entering the scenic setting of Sorgfjorden this morning you'll learn something of the battle that took place here in the latter years of the 17th century. During the day we will navigate the legendary Hinlopen Strait lying off the east coast of Spitsbergen and pass by one of the most impressive bird cliffs in Svalbard, before arriving at the face of Bråsvell Glacier. This is a branch of the 700 metres thick ice sheet that covers the Nordaustlandet Nature Reserve and from your earthbound vantage point the glacier front stretches as far as the eye can see.

Sailing between two large islands today, you make your way towards the beautiful setting of Kapp Lee on Edgeøya. The site of an old walrus colony, you can find numerous remains of human involvement in the area that stretches back through generations. At this time of year the surrounding peaks are also often covered in snow.

During the night we round the South Cape of Spitsbergen and your sturdy vessel takes you into what many believe to be the most spectacular fjord in Spitsbergen, the stunning Hornsund. With its dramatic vertical cliffs and imposing glaciers it presents a setting of stark and intimidating beauty.

Spending the day in the Isfjord area we explore the outer parts of the fjord, before sailing into a sheltered and scenic bay. The festivities of a farewell barbeque offer a chance to relish the staggering beauty of this incredible land and perhaps reflect on the experiences of the past week with fellow passengers.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo.