Download Itinerary

Home , Frederick George Jackson, Kola Bay

TOP OF THE WORLD: NORTH POLE

TRIP CODE

ACTSTOP

DEPARTURE

10/07/2022, 21/07/2022, 01/08/2022

DURATION INTRODUCTION 13 Days

Embark on an incredible expedition to the geographic North Pole. Be one of the few Arctic LOCATIONS adventurers to reach this unforgettable landmark. Embark in Murmansk before taking your incredible voyage toward the North pole. As you make your way across the ice cap Not Available the immense power of your expeition vessel will be on display as it paves way through the surrounding ice. Experience the long anticipated thrill of standing at the very top of the world, where the only way is South.

After your memorable experience at the North Pole you will explore the incredible Franz Josef Land. This natural sanctuary us part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Home to a plethora of quintessential Arctic wildlife - polar bears, arctic walrus and rare whale species are often found here. This is a truly remarkable voyage to one of the most remote areas in the world.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Murmansk, Russia

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, starting point of our adventure. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage.

DAY 2: Embarkation in Murmansk

Today we provide a group transfer to the port where we welcome you aboard the nuclear- powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. Explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

TRIP CODE

DAY 3: The Voyage North - Day 3 to 6 ACTSTOP Nowhere can it be more truly said that “getting there is half the fun”. As we cruise northward DEPARTURE through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. Meanwhile, you have the opportunity to learn about the unique 10/07/2022, 21/07/2022, icebreaking capabilities of the ship. You are also 01/08/2022 treated to a tour of the engine room. As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand DURATION the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon- 13 Days shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable. We also take advantage of 24-hour daylight to offer LOCATIONS helicopter flightseeing tours. From the air you can observe the ship crushing a path through the ice. Not Available You also have a unique vantage point from which to witness the stunning beauty of this vast polar icescape.

DAY 7: North Pole

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Now is the time to experience the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance. You are also treated to a barbeque meal on the ice. You may even have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water! After our memorable time at the North Pole we turn around and head south. But the adventure is not over yet. The High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land is still to come!

DAY 8: Exploration of Franz Josef Land - Day 8 to TRIP CODE 10

The Franz Josef Land archipelago, part of the ACTSTOP Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. Polar bears and other DEPARTURE quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species—can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz 10/07/2022, 21/07/2022, Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the 01/08/2022 islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, DURATION and ivory gulls. We take advantage of 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife 13 Days viewing and excursions via Zodiac and helicopter. Franz Josef Land is home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone LOCATIONS spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Not Available Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere. Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well- preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses, and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers. Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby, the fascinating columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.

DAY 11: The Voyage South - Day 11 & 12

After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staﬀ ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. You may also take advantage of onboard facilities and amenities such as a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, warm seawater pool, gift shop, and massage treatments. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.

DAY 13: Disembarkation in Murmansk TRIP CODE After breakfast on board we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the ACTSTOP airport or to the city center. DEPARTURE

10/07/2022, 21/07/2022, 01/08/2022

DURATION

13 Days INCLUSIONS & DETAILS LOCATIONS Accommodation Cabin on board ship

Not Available Cabin accommodation on board vessel All meals whilst on board 1 pre-voyage night accommodation in Murmansk (Day 1) Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac Landing fees Group transfers to ship for embarkation (Day 2) Tea and coﬀee station 24 hours daily Polar Expedition parka Inclusions Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation EXCLUSIONS Pre or Post Cruise accommodation International Flights All items of a personal nature Customary gratuities for staﬀ/crew Any pre or post cruise travel extensions Travel insurance

Diﬃculty Rating 2 (light adventure)

Available on request. Please contact us for more Single Surcharge information.

Please note this itinerary may be subject to change Notes depending on weather and ice conditions.

Price Dependent upon Departure date, seasonality and availability

SUSTAINABILITY

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our

progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all TRIP CODE information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing ACTSTOP out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip. DEPARTURE Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry. 10/07/2022, 21/07/2022, 01/08/2022 We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate DURATION knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are 13 Days paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as LOCATIONS much back as possible to the communities we work in. Not Available While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore whilst remaining culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE