SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER Wildlife Capital of the Arctic ARCTIC 2021 | INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is known as the EXPEDITION IN BRIEF “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this unforgettable 12-day voyage, you Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such will discover why. Building on our Spitsbergen Highlights and Introductory as polar bears, walrus and reindeer to Spitsbergen itineraries, this longer journey has been designed to maximize Take advantage of continuous time on the west and northern/southern tips of the island, providing you optimal daylight chances to witness the remarkable array of creatures who call this spectacular Hike the tundra and explore the yet forbidding environment home—including whales, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, polar desert seabirds by the thousands, and that most iconic of Arctic residents, the polar bear. Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, In addition to giving you opportunities to observe this unique parade of wildlife, fjords, icebergs and more the longer itinerary also allows you more time to explore the vast tundra, appreciate Immerse yourself in the icy realm the natural beauty of the surprisingly colorful Arctic wilderness, and benefit from of the Arctic with optional kayaking our range of on-board lectures and educational programs. Come aboard with adventures the most knowledgeable, experienced and passionate team in the industry for an extraordinary High Arctic adventure. 1 Itinerary DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN OSLO, NORWAY DAYS 3 TO 11 | EXPLORING Kvitøya SPITSBERGEN Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Phippsøya Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you Explore western Spitsbergen as well Arctic Ocean arrive early, there are many museums, as stunning fjords and outlying islands Nordaustlandet restaurants and green spaces to keep you to the north. From polar deserts to busy before retiring at your included immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As Monaco airport hotel. Glacier you cruise around this magical island SPITSBERGEN Smeerenburg Barentsøya DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY IN located above the Arctic Circle, your LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD Expedition Team will constantly be This morning, the group will transfer Longyearbyen Edgeøya searching for wildlife. to the airport and board our private SVALBARD charter flight to Longyearbyen, Each expedition presents new Bellsund Calypsobyen opportunities and different weather Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where Greenland Sea you’ll have some time to explore before and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; TO/FROM Hornsund OSLO embarkation. As your ship sets sail, however, some of the places we may enjoy your first view of the island’s visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising Wildlife Capital of the Arctic majestically from icy waters. and the Hinlopen Strait. Onboard the Ocean Adventurer Flights to/from Oslo 2 The destinations visited will be selected If you’re itching to experience a more for optimum wildlife viewing with an intimate view from the water, you can IMPORTANT REMINDER appreciation of the history and geology book the sea kayaking or paddling Embracing the unexpected is part of Spitsbergen. excursion adventure options. of the legacy—and excitement—of The island offers multiple opportunities In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage expedition travel. When traveling for wildlife photography. Since of natural beauty. The tundra can in extremely remote regions, your Svalbard’s legendary wildlife habitat be surprisingly colorful in summer, Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route is well-protected and almost entirely with wildflowers bursting for a taste and itinerary details. This itinerary is uninhabited, it’s one of the world’s best of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see a tentative outline of what you may places to spot polar bears in their natural something interesting, whether it is an experience on this voyage; please be landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and ever-changing gallery of spectacular aware that no specific itinerary can be mountain scenery. icebergs, a polar bear resting between guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife hunts, or abandoned historical site from The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide encounters as described are expected, centuries ago. homes to thousands of Brünnich’s but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable guillemots (thick-billed murres). DAY 12 | DISEMBARK IN LONGYEARBYEN & FLY TO OSLO experience to seek out wildlife in Coming across a walrus haul-out is a known habitats, but the presence moment you won’t soon forget. These The time to say goodbye has come. of any particular species of bird or giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, marine wildlife is not guaranteed. a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a in the frontier-style settlement of choice spot of coastline. Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo. 3 TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional Anywhere But Here Travel, Inc. www.AnywhereButHere.travel [email protected] 425-608-0266 PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Michelle Sole; Sue Flood; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Abbey Weisbrot; EXPEDITION BROCHURE Hugo Perrin; Grange Productions; Focus Productions; Adobe Stock December 2019 18.