NORTH POLE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 4 Arrival and Departure Details 6 Your Ship 8 Included Activities 10 Adventure Option 11 Dates and Rates 12 Inclusions and Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 14 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 16 Possible Excursions 19 Packing Checklist Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Overview A magical destination for travelers everywhere, the North Pole is special not only EXPEDITION IN BRIEF because of the unique geographical spot it occupies, but also because it remains Stand at the top of the world at 90°N a domain that, for most, exists only in the imagination—fewer people have stood Experience the most powerful at the North Pole than have attempted to climb Mount Everest. Difficult to reach nuclear icebreaker in the world, and singular in its impact, the North Pole transforms the perspectives of everyone 50 Years of Victory fortunate enough to reach it. In 2021, we mark 30 years of taking passengers to this Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the frozen Arctic Ocean northernmost point on the globe, and on this amazing voyage, we enable you to Possibly view polar bears, join the privileged few who have set foot on the North Pole. walrus and other Arctic wildlife Experience the thrill of the most powerful nuclear icebreaker on the planet Take advantage of optional crushing through thick, multi-year pack ice as it pushes toward 90° north. Enjoy a tethered flight by hot air balloon (weather permitting) riveting helicopter tour over the icy Arctic Ocean; discover the remarkable sights Cruise in a Zodiac of Franz Josef Land; observe the majestic creatures who make their home in this Visit Franz Josef Land historical breathtaking yet fragile land; and experience a dreamlike hot air balloon ride over sites, wildlife and wildflowers the surreal Arctic landscape, an activity offered by no other polar operator. Join us on this exhilarating journey, venture to a part of the globe few have ever seen, and come to understand why the North Pole has for centuries stirred the minds and hearts of explorers and adventurers alike. Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] expansive Arctic Ocean. You can expect Arctic Ocean Itinerary variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the GREENLAND North Pole can take us anywhere from North Pole °N DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND four to six days, depending on the ice Your adventure begins with a one- conditions. This means you’ll have plenty night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Greenland Sea of time to get to know your shipmates Svalbard and be treated to presentations and Franz DAY 2 | FLY TO MURMANSK, RUSSIA & Josef EMBARK discussions with your Expedition Team Barents Sea Land From Helsinki, you’ll join your while looking out for birdlife. There are fellow passengers on the charter flight to also many wonderful amenities on board, Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark such as the ship’s heated saltwater plunge Murmansk on your voyage to the North Pole and pool or basketball court. get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, a Helsinki DAY 7 | 90°N ARCTIC nuclear icebreaker. CIRCLE The anticipation reaches a climax as RUSSIA DAYS 3 – 6 | NORTHBOUND you arrive at the North Pole! Many IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN THE NORTH POLE travelers find themselves overcome with The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Being on board Victory and feeling emotion, while others are in a festive Flight to and from Murmansk the icebreaker as it crushes through and celebratory mood. Take photos, call On the 50 Years of Victory the Arctic pack ice is an experience your family, wave a flag—just be sure you’ll never forget. Just as memorable you enjoy your moment at the top of the is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a world! thrilling aerial view over the ship and the Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Later, everyone will celebrate with a may also have the chance, if conditions DAY 14 | DEPART HELSINKI toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the allow, to explore remote seabird colonies After breakfast, your official Quark opportunity allows, you have the option while Zodiac cruising beneath towering Expeditions® journey comes to an of taking a Polar Plunge into the icy cliffs, or enjoy another breathtaking end. We do encourage you to spend waters around the North Pole. We’ll aerial sightseeing tour aboard the Victory time exploring Helsinki, and its also attempt to launch passengers high helicopter. surrounding areas. above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is DAYS 11 & 12 | SOUTHBOUND AT SEA highly weather dependent). PLEASE NOTE Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with Quark Expeditions is constantly DAY 8 | SOUTHBOUND IN your shipmates and new friends as you monitoring regulatory changes THE ARCTIC OCEAN cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. in the Russian Arctic. Any policy On our return voyage, you can sit back Expedition staff will be on hand to answer changes that stand to affect your and relax. As you head farther south, any remaining questions and point out experience will be shared with you you may get lucky and spot polar bears wildlife during the return journey. prior to sailing. hunting for seals. DAY 13 | DISEMBARK IN MURMANSK & DAYS 9 & 10 | FRANZ JOSEF LAND* FLY TO HELSINKI, FINLAND AND THE ARCTIC OCEAN Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, This group of approximately 200 islands you’ll have time to bid farewell to the forms the most northerly archipelago 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred in Eurasia and lies entirely within the to the airport for your charter flight to Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll explore Cape Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final night Flora and discover historic remains from with your newfound friends. three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed. Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Arrival and Departure Details As you prepare for your North Pole Adventure, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since air transportation to and from Helsinki is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar cruise? On page14 , learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Helsinki or a nearby region of your choice. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN HELSINKI You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Your included accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure PLEASE NOTE information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® There is a strict luggage limit of 44 will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Helsinki and Murmansk. MURMANSK AND EMBARKATION Should you have additional luggage, Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Helsinki to Murmansk on Day 2 of it can be stored at the hotel in the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter, Helsinki. There is NO option to pay and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the airport. Upon arrival in for additional luggage. Murmansk, you will be transferred to the port and onto the ship. Per prenotazioni ed informazioni - Ruta 40 Tour Operator - +39 011 7718046 - [email protected] Final Day and Arrival and Departure Departure Transfers IMPORTANT DISEMBARKATION IN MURMANSK HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS REMINDER Your ship is scheduled to arrive back at Arrival and departure transfers in Russian visas are required for the pier in Murmansk before 8am local Helsinki are not included in the tourists from most countries. time, but may arrive earlier depending expedition. Both nights’ included This voyage requires double-entry on Murmansk tides. After breakfast, and accommodation will be provided at the Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for once the ship has docked, you will have airport hotel, so please make your way to details. time to bid farewell to your Expedition the lobby for check-in when you arrive. Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will check in to your included post-expedition hotel at the Helsinki airport. After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the terminal to connect with your homeward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation.