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Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

Explore the remote Fair Isle, Faroe Islands and Jan Mayen before arriving in Spitsbergen, renowned for its glaciers and wildlife, on this superb expedition cruise from Aberdeen

Cruise Only
12 nights

Expedition Holiday
Fair Isle - Credit Acacia Johnson
Fair Isle - Credit Acacia Johnson
Fair Isle - Credit Acacia Johnson
Fair Isle - Credit Acacia Johnson

Call us now on 01756 706500

During this exciting expedition across the North Atlantic, you'll discover rugged beauty and rich history, visiting the unspoiled destinations of Fair Isle, the Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen.

Soaring fjords, glistening glaciers and coastal cliffs will definitely take your breath away, as will the diverse wildlife of these far-flung regions. Travelling under the Midnight Sun for part of the voyage means optimum chances to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

From Aberdeen, cruise to Fair Isle, the UK's most remote inhabited island. Admire the sea stacks, natural arches and caves, and keep an eye out for orcas and Atlantic puffins. Continue to the unspoiled Faroe Islands where verdant pastures give way to rugged cliffs. Explore the outer islands of the archipelago where villages have colourful turf-topped houses, and visit Torshavn, one of the world's smallest capitals.

North of the Arctic Circle is mysterious Jan Mayen, often shrouded in thick fog. You'll hopefully visit Olonkinbyen, named after Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, and maybe the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta with its remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station. Three days in Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, is a fitting finale to this exciting voyage. From majestic glaciers to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife, which includes Svalbard reindeer and auks.

Q110 Operated by Quark Expeditions

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Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen Itinerary

Day 1 - Aberdeen

Embark your ship to begin your Arctic adventure.

Day 2 - Fair Isle

Fair Isle is the UK's most remote inhabited island, located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Admire sea stacks, natural arches and caves, visit the museum and see the circa 1935 red phone booth outside the post office. With regards to wildlife, keep an eye out for orcas and seabirds, including Atlantic puffins. You may wish to pick up a traditional Fair Isle jumper.

Days 3-4 - Faroe Islands (Denmark)

Known for its beautiful landscape, where verdant pastures give way to rugged cliffs, the Faroe Islands are a delight to explore. Spend two days exploring this unspoiled archipelago. Discover the outer islands where villages have colourful turf-topped houses, and visit Torshavn, one of the world's smallest capital cities.

Days 5-6 - At sea

Set sail for the world's most northerly volcanic island, Jan Mayen. Enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, relax in the library, or spend time on deck.

Days 7-8 - Jan Mayen Island (Svalbard)

North of the Arctic Circle is mysterious Jan Mayen, often shrouded in thick fog. Potential visits include Olonkinbyen, named after Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Olonkin, and the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta with its remnants of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station. You may also be able to see the Beerenberg volcano by Zodiac.

Day 9 - At sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

Days 10-12 - Spitsbergen

Rugged, wild and unspoiled, and located entirely within the Arctic Circle, Spitsbergen is breathtaking. Explore the fjords of the southwestern corner with potential visits including Hornsund and Bellsund fjords. Continue to Isbjornhamna where you may visit the former science station and see Svalbard reindeer and colonies of little auks. At Bellsund, visitors are attracted to the mining and trapper sites of Bourbanhamna and Calypsobyen.

Day 13 - Longyearbyen

Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.

When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Price Includes

  • 12-night full board cruise
  • Wine and beer with dinner during the cruise
  • Soft drinks during bar opening hours during the cruise
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and water at all times during the cruise
  • Zodiac landings and shore landings, walks and hikes
  • Lectures by the Expedition Team
  • Quark Parka to keep
  • Loan of waterproof knee-high boots
  • Port charges and taxes

Price Does Not Include

  • International flights – we can arrange these for you
  • Overseas transfers
  • Optional excursions such as paddling and kayaking
  • Gratuities

Additional Information

  • We recommend you take Quark's transfer package from $695 USD which includes:
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Aberdeen
  • Group transfer from Aberdeen hotel to ship on embarkation day
  • Departure transfer in Longyearbyen on disembarkation day
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo on disembarkation day

Please contact us for the latest dates and prices

Call us now on 01756 706500

Map for Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen