Trek Escapes

Available Trips:

Spitsbergen Explorer - 10 Nights
Svalbard, East Greenland & Iceland, ex Longyearbyen - 12 Nights
Wake of the Vikings - 11 Nights

Spitsbergen Explorer (10 Nights)
Onboard the Akademic Sergey Vavilov

The remarkable islands of the Svalbard archipelago are part of Norway, lying far to the north of the Norwegian mainland and high above the Arctic Circle. Together, they total an area of about 62,000 square kilometres, about the same size as Ireland or Tasmania, mostly in the form of three larger islands, as well as a number of smaller outcrops. Wild and rugged mountains covered with ice and snow jut skyward on the larger islands, including Spitsbergen the largest of all, and leave us spellbound when we first glimpse their majestic beauty.

Our aim on this expedition is to undertake a complete circumnavigation of the major islands of the group, making frequent shore stops to hike, or simply admire the spectacular scenery. We’ll also enjoy zodiac cruises that take us in close proximity of sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. Our exact course will be dependant on the prevailing sea ice conditions, though we hope for smooth sailing along the west coast of Spitsbergen as a result of the comparatively warm North Atlantic current. Here amongst these fjords, we’ll witness wonderful scenery and often-prolific wildlife.

In other areas of the Svalbard, our progress may be just as effortless, but the movement and location of sea ice will be an important factor in determining our exact route and landing locations. One thing, however, is certain - wherever we go, we’ll be rewarded with unparalleled exploration opportunities in the Arctic North.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Longyearbyen

Days 2 - 10 Exploring Svalbard.
Possible excursions may include - Anchor in 14th of July Glacier Bay to hike amoung the wildflowers. Visit Ny Alesund, one of the most northernmost communities in the world. Learn the history of the Dutch whalers of Smeerenburg. Reach within 600 miles of the North Pole and visit Moffen Island, a protected walrus sanctuary. Land in the polar desert of Sparreneset and search for polar bear on the ice-doomed island of Kvitoya. Head south to Hornsund and search for Belugas in Bourbonhamna

Day 11 Arrive in Longyearbyen where your voyage ends

Departure Date	Main Deck Triple	Main Deck Twin	Upper Deck Twin	Superior Twin	Superior Plus Twin	Peregrine Suite Twin	Cook Suite Twin
09 JUN 2008*	3100	4300	4700	5150	5600	5900	6400
20 JUN 2008	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered
29 JUN 2008	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered
09 JUL 2008	3900	5200	5600	6050	6500	6800	7400
19 JUL 2008	3900	5200	5600	6050	6500	6800	7400
29 JUL 2008	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered	Chartered
08 AUG 2008	3900	5200	5600	6050	6500	6800	7400
Kayaking Option	395	395	395	395	395	395	395
Availability Key		Available		Limited		Waitlist
* One extra night onboard. ALL PRICES USD.

Svalbard, East Greenland & Iceland, ex Longyearbyen (12 Nights)

Onboard the Akademic Sergey Vavilov

High above the Arctic Circle lies the remarkable archipelago of islands known as Svalbard. Far to the north of Norway’s mainland, these Norwegian islands span an area of about 62,000 square kilometres, approximating the size of Ireland or Tasmania. Our voyage aboard the comfortable Akademik Sergei Vavilov begins at the largest of all the Svalbard islands. Known as Spitsbergen, this island feels the comparative warmth of the North Atlantic current and spends half of the year, including the time of our visit, clear of ice. The fjords along the west and north coasts are often teeming with extraordinary wildlife from the walrus to the great polar bear, and promise dazzling Arctic scenery.

Our journey continues across the Greenland Sea to Greenland itself, another of the world’s most pristine destinations. We explore the stunning landscape of fjords on the eastern coast and visit ancient Greenlandic settlements and isolated Inuit communities that reveal this country’s rich cultural heritage.

Finally, our exploration takes us south-east, to the volcanic Westmann Islands of Iceland. Here in one of the world’s youngest archipelagos just south of the mainland, we’ll find evidence of very recent geological activity before our unforgettable journey concludes in the capital city of Reykjavik.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1 Board the ship and depart Longyearbyen
Days 2 - 3 Explore the coast and off-shore islands of the Spitsbergen archipelago
Days 4 - 5 Crossing the Greenland Sea. Enjoy spectacular ocean vistas and be on the lookout for wildlife
Days 6 - 9 Explore the east coast of Greenland and visit local communities. Sail deep within Scoresbysund, the largest fjord complex in the world
Days 10 - 11 Navigating the Denmark Strait where whales are often in abundance
Day 12 Arrive in Iceland. Explore volcanic Vestmannaeyjar, one of the world's youngest archipelagos
Day 13 Arrive in Reykjavik, where the voyage ends

Departure Date	Main Deck Triple	Main Deck Twin	Upper Deck Twin	Superior Twin	Superior Plus Twin	Peregrine Suite Twin	Cook Suite Twin
18 AUG 2008*	4700	6700	6990	7400	7900	8300	8900
Kayaking Option	395	395	395	395	395	395	395
Availability Key		Available		Limited		Waitlist
* One extra night onboard. ALL PRICES USD.

Wake of the Vikings (11 Nights)

Onboard the Clipper Adventurer

Dramatic scenery, fabulous birdlife and impressive Viking history on a beautiful voyage from the Norwegian Fjords to the Scottish Isles

We experience the far North at its best during the brief but brilliant summer season, visiting tiny communities, Arctic outposts and historical towns, and enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Beginning high above the Arctic Circle we travel north to the dramatic landscapes
of the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost outpost. Onboard Zodiacs we cruise around the island of Fugløy, a fabulous birding area, hopefully to see the elusive white-tailed sea eagles. From the narrow waterways of Trollfjord we often see Atlantic puffins, terns and gulls, while the dramatic Lofoten Islands are home to shags, fulmars, guillemots and kittiwakes to name just a few.

As we cross the Arctic Circle, we land near Geirangerfjord and join a panoramic drive for dazzling vistas of the fjord, surrounding mountains and village. Continuing along the coastline we come to the Earth’s largest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord, where mountains rise to more than 5000 feet and waterfalls cascade down the steep slopes.

When we arrive in Bergen, we’ll visit the Fantoft Stave Church and the medieval settlement of Bryggen and Troldhaugen, home to Norway’s famed composer Edvard Grieg. In Kirkwall, the Orkney’s capital city, we’ll explore the charming market town and nearby archaeological sites before heading to Leith where our voyage ends.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

Itinerary
Day 1 Tromsø
Day 2 Honningsvåg, Gjesærstappan Island
Day 3 Fugløy
Day 4 Trollfjord, Stamsund, Lofoten Islands
Day 5 Cross the Arctic Circle, Torghatten.
Day 6 Geirangerfjord
Day 7 Sognefjord
Day 8 Bergen
Day 9 At Sea
Day 10 Shetland Islands
Day 11 Kirkwall
Day 12 Leith, Scotland.

Departure	Cat 1	Cat 2	Cat 3	Cat 4	Cat 5	Deluxe	Suite	Owner
27 AUG 2007	5860	6280	6790	7390	8070	8700	9680	10180
Availability Key		Available		Limited		Waitlist
* All prices in USD.