NORTH POLE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure The Trip Overview Your icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, will take you to a part of the world more commonly EXPEDITION IN BRIEF associated with fairy tales and folklore—the North Pole. Stand at the top of the world at 90°N Few have ever reached 90°N—the ultimate travel goal that has stirred the hearts and Experience one of the most powerful minds of explorers and adventurers alike. Departing from Murmansk, Russia, your nuclear icebreakers in the world, journey to the extreme north will be just as exciting as standing at the very top of the 50 Years of Victory world. Imagine being aboard the most powerful nuclear icebreaker on the planet as it Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the Arctic Ocean crushes through thick, multiyear pack ice. Possibly view polar bears, Achieving the absolute zenith of polar exploration, you’ll celebrate with a champagne walrus and other arctic wildlife toast, pose for the ultimate photo op and, if conditions permit, soar high above the Take advantage of optional tethered flight by hot air balloon Earth on an optional hot air balloon ride. Take in even more spectacular sights from (weather permitting) a thrilling helicopter tour over the icy Arctic Ocean. Then, swinging by Franz Josef Cruise in a Zodiac Land on the way home, visit amazing historical sites, always on the lookout for Visit Franz Josef Land historical the astonishing wildlife that call this fragile place home. As one of only 250 people sites, wildlife and wildflowers privileged to voyage to the top of the world each year, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic, endless icescapes and the courage of those who came before you. ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view Itinerary over the ship and the expansive Arctic Arctic Ocean Ocean. You can expect variable sailing GREENLAND conditions this far north. The crossing North Pole °N DAY 1 | HELSINKI, FINLAND from Murmansk to the North Pole can Your adventure begins with a one- take us anywhere from four to six days, night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Greenland Sea depending on the ice conditions. This Svalbard means you’ll have plenty of time to get Franz DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY Josef IN MURMANSK, RUSSIA to know your shipmates and be treated Barents Sea Land From Helsinki, you’ll join your to lectures and discussions by your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Expedition Team while looking out for Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark birdlife. There are also many wonderful Murmansk on your voyage to the North Pole and amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, pool or basketball court. Helsinki ARCTIC the world’s largest and most powerful CIRCLE DAY 7 | 90°N RUSSIA icebreaker. The anticipation reaches a climax as THE NORTH POLE DAYS 3 TO 6 | NORTHBOUND you arrive at the North Pole! Many The Ultimate Arctic Adventure IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN travelers find themselves overcome with Flight to and from Murmansk Being on board Victory and feeling the emotion, while others are in a festive On the 50 Years of Victory icebreaker as it crushes through the arctic and celebratory mood. Take photos, call pack ice is an experience you’ll never your family, wave a flag—just be sure you forget. Just as memorable is boarding the enjoy your moment at the top! Later, everyone will celebrate with a ill-fated arctic expeditions. You may also Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the have the chance, if conditions allow, to night with your newfound friends. opportunity allows, you have the option explore remote seabird colonies while DAY 14 | HELSINKI, FINLAND of taking a polar plunge into the icy Zodiac cruising beneath towering cliffs, After breakfast, your official Quark waters around the North Pole. We’ll or enjoy another breathtaking aerial Expeditions® journey comes to an also attempt to launch passengers high sightseeing tour aboard the Victory end. We do encourage you to spend above the Pole in our hot air balloon to helicopter. time exploring Helsinki, and its commemorate this great moment (this is surrounding areas. highly weather dependent). DAYS 11 AND 12 | SOUTHBOUND AT SEA DAY 8 | SOUTHBOUND IN Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce THE ARCTIC OCEAN with your shipmates and new friends IMPORTANT REMINDER On our return voyage, you can sit back as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Embracing the unexpected is part and relax. As you head farther south, Murmansk. Expedition staff will be on of the legacy—and excitement—of you may get lucky and spot polar bears hand to answer any remaining questions expedition travel. When traveling hunting for seals. and point out wildlife during the return in extremely remote regions, your DAYS 9 AND 10 | FRANZ JOSEF LAND journey. expedition staff must allow the AND THE ARCTIC OCEAN sea, the ice and the weather to DAY 13 | DISEMBARKATION guide route and itinerary details. This group of 191 islands forms the most IN MURMANSK northerly archipelago in Eurasia and This itinerary is a tentative outline Returning to Russia’s most northerly of what you’ll experience on this lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to voyage; please be aware that no Here, you’ll explore Cape Flora and 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred specific itinerary can be guaranteed. discover historic remains from three to the airport for your charter flight to Adventure Options Ready for a little adventure beyond your into different experience levels to allow ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage passengers of a variety of fitness and offers a variety of fun recreational activities experience levels to participate. to enhance your polar experience. LECTURES Included Activities Daily chats with on-board experts— our guides, scientists and other special HELICOPTER TOUR guests—let passengers rub shoulders On-board helicopters offer thrilling aerial with historians, botanists, ornithologists, sightseeing opportunities high above your zoologists, geologists and more. ship and the expansive ocean waters. POLAR PLUNGE HIKING This rite of passage, experienced just Led by experienced staff, exploring on once per expedition, sees you safely foot is the best way to appreciate the jumping into icy ocean waters under the landscape and shorelines of Franz Josef watchful eye of our staff—and just about Land. Normally hiking groups are split out every single camera lens on board! ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets— places the ships can’t reach. Hopping in and out of them is super-easy. PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is both rewarding and constructive. Plus, it is next to impossible to take a bad picture of the Polar Regions. OTHER EQUIPMENT ON BOARD Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. This equipment is available at no cost. Paid Activities HOT AIR BALLOONING If reaching the North Pole isn’t a big enough thrill, be one of only a few people in the world to soar above the sea ice in a hot air balloon, with a sweeping 360-degree view of all points south. Rising as high as 98 feet (30 meters), you’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the ship and arctic ice—something you’ll remember forever. Exclusive to Quark Expeditions®, this option brings you a whole new perspective of the North Pole! *This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly weather dependent. of the daily program Inclusions • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program * MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES • Emergency evacuation insurance to • One night’s pre- and a maximum benefit of $500,000USD YOUR NORTH POLE per person post-expedition hotel EXPEDITION INCLUDES accommodation in Helsinki with • Russian invitation letter for visa •Waterproof expedition boots on breakfast application provided after final payment loan for shore landings • Round-trip flights from Helsinki • Official Quark Expeditions® parka to Murmansk to keep THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES • Transfers to and from the ship • Shipboard accommodation with • Mandatory transfer package* • Transfers between the airport daily housekeeping • International airfare and hotel in Helsinki • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices •Passport and visa expenses PACKAGE COST: $1,995 on board •Government arrival and departure •Beer and wine with dinner taxes not mentioned above • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and the clock medical travel insurance—strongly • Gratuities for hotel and expedition staff recommended • Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin •Transfer from hotel to airport on final day • All shore landings per the daily program • Excess-baggage fees on international flights • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team • Additional overnight accommodations • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the •Helicopter flying time in excess daily program of that offered for the group • Formal and informal presentations by • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified our Expedition Team and special guests • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal as scheduled charges unless specified • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Phone and Internet charges • Group helicopter flightseeing as part •Hot air ballooning at the North Pole Dates & Rates Dates Days Start/End Twin Mini Suite Suite Victory Arktika NORTH POLE: THE ULTIMATE ARCTIC ADVENTURE | 50 YEARS OF VICTORY JUN 12 – JUN 25, 2019 14 Helsinki $29,995 $32,795 $40,995 $44,095 $45,095 $495 JUN 23 – JUL 6, 2019 14 Helsinki $29,995 $32,795 $40,995 $44,095 $45,095 $495 *Mandatory transfer package available for $1,995.