Arctic Bound

Voyage to the End of the Earth – Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land

simon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:36:48 +0000

Voyage to the End of the Earth offers a rare chance to visit Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land. Access to these Arctic wonderlands has been restricted for decades, due to their military sensitivity. The highly productive Kara Sea attracts diverse marine life, including walrus, whales and seals. Explorers have been drawn to this area for centuries, searching for both the North Pole and a maritime route to the east. Our own explorations take us to historic huts and abandoned research stations.

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Jewels of the Arctic

simon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:33:17 +0000

The choice of two 15 day package are available departing either 8 or 21 August 2012, operating in reverse directions. Package includes the 14 day voyage, economy flight Oslo to Longyearbyen (or vice versa), Longyearbyen tour, economy flight Reykavik to Isafjordur (or vice versa), overnight accommodation in Oslo & transfers.
Jewels of the Arctic combines the best of Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Spitsbergen’s rugged northwest coast comprises mountains, tundra and fjords. While crossing the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, our onboard experts share their knowledge of the region’s plants, animals and history. Greenland’s remote east coast shows off the immensity of the icecap, fantastic icebergs and a fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 1000 m above exquisite fjords! The local Inuits welcome us and share their unique culture.

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Spitsbergen Odyssey

simon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:31:27 +0000

With two departures, these voyages depart on 19 & 29 July 2012 and the 12 day package includes overnight accomodation in Oslo prior to voyage departure (18 & 28 July), the 11 day voyage, return flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Longyearbyen tour & transfers.
Spitsbergen Odyssey reveals the diversity of this island archipelago and takes us into the kingdom of the polar bear. We explore the coastline, with no open sea crossings, against a backdrop of spectacular glacier covered peaks. We discover deep fjords in the west; mysterious, fossil-rich desert plains in the east; and best of all, seals and whales in the Arctic pack ice. This voyage offers the best chance for seeing reindeer and polar bears, and features wildflower walks across sweeping tundra, trapper camps and historical remains of whaling stations.

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Wild Scotland and the Faroe Islands

simon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:29:11 +0000

This 14 day voyage departs Oban, Scotland on 11 June 2012, return to Cophenhagen , Denmark on 24 June 2012. Price includes non-commissionable flight from Torshavn , Faroe Islands to Cophenhagen, Denmark.
Wild Scotland and Faroe Islands explores the Scottish and Faroe Isles, traversing wild coastlines and threading through intriguing channels to hidden lochs. Experience history firsthand, taking in Neolithic sites scarcely altered in 5000 years and pondering the mystery of huge monoliths that marked seasonal change. We visit remote crofting communities, picturesque villages and castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. We see raucous seabird colonies filled with gannets, fulmars, Arctic terns and delightful puffins. Or sit quietly in Zodiacs or sea kayaks as seals play in waters patrolled by whales and dolphins.

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Three Arctic Islands – Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

simon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:57:22 +0000

National Geographic Traveler has just named this voyage one of its 50 Tours of a Lifetime.

To land on this prestigious list, our expedition had to be:
“[One of the] most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours.”

Of course, we’ve been saying this for quite some time… but it’s nice to have outside endorsement! This cruise, encompassing three Arctic islands (Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen), is a Quark exclusive, not available from any other tour provider. Join us in August/September, and explore the magnificent northeast coast of Greenland with its icy fjords, rugged coastline and massive glaciers. Along the way you’ll see plenty of Arctic wildlife, including musk oxen, polar bears, walrus and seals.

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Spitsbergen Family Adventure – Akademik Sergey Vavilov

simon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:54:09 +0000

The world’s first family-focused Arctic expedition will burn energy and ignite the mind of children and parents alike. Spitsbergen is the largest of Norway’s Svalbard islands, situated well above the Arctic Circle. Renowned for polar bear sightings and walrus haul-outs, Spitsbergen provides extraordinary photo opportunities. That’s why we’ve included a resident photographer who will lead photography workshops for point-and-shoot disposables or the latest digital camera. Families will learn to identify animal tracks and scat: to a naturalist, animal droppings tell a great deal about the local wildlife’s living conditions. This family-focused adventure takes advantage of a child’s natural curiosity and interest in all things gross.

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Spitsbergen Explorer – Akademik Sergey Vavilov

simon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:52:12 +0000

An 11-day Arctic adventure, on which you’ll cruise halfway round Spitsbergen, largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. Sometimes called the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” Spitsbergen is home to thousands of rare seabirds, and offers some of the best polar bear and beluga whale sightings in the world. This Spitsbergen Explorer adventure includes frequent shore landings plus an optional kayaking adventure.
Akademik Sergey Vavilov – Nimble, quick and quite, the Finnish-built Akademik Ioffe was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Ioffe, sister ship of Akademik Sergey Vavilov, has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.

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Spitsbergen Snowshoeing – Akademik Sergey Vavilov

simon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:49:07 +0000

Snowshoes are perfect for readily accessing landscapes that cannot be reached once the snow melts. Explore regions of Svalbard where the only tracks are paws and hooves. This trip unfolds when snow is still on the ground, sparkling under the 24-hour summer sun. We provide the equipment and the lessons. You bring your enthusiasm for new adventures and the Arctic wilderness. No previous experience is required.
Bring your camera and binoculars. The opportunities for stunning photos and wildlife sightings are vast during this 11 day adventure in Norway’s Arctic Paradise, Spitsbergen, Svalbard.
Akademik Sergey Vavlov – aka VAV – was built in Finland in the late 1980s for the Russian Academy of Science. The ship’s original mission was to perform sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. As such, she is exceptionally quick, quiet and stable. Vavilov is recognized as one of the finest exepedition ships to ever sail the polar seas, and we’re delighted to offer you a berth on this exceptional vessel.

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Bering Sea Explorer voyage – Akademik Shokalskiy

simon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:59:29 +0000

Bering Sea Explorer tracks through a wildlife wilderness. Kamchatka’s 120 or so volcanoes rise above bird-filled forests. Koryak culture and geological wonders are set amidst a stunning landscape. Commander Islands captivate with Aleut cultural performances, sea lions, fur seals, otters, extensive bird cliffs and Vitus Bering’s grave. We encounter Chukchi fishermen, brown bears, walrus and whales.

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The Ring of Fire – Akademik Shokalskiy

simon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:52:09 +0000

The Ring of Fire presents active volcanoes, sculpted basalt sea cliffs, archways, tunnels, and lush vegetation – habitat for an astounding diversity of wildlife. From Sakhalin, through the Kurils to Kamchatka, soak in hot springs, hike through megaherb forests, visit remains of Ainu villages and abandoned Cold War listening posts. Frequent fog lifts to reveal seabirds, sea lions, otters and whales.

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