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Arctic Summer in Svalbard – Land and Sea Adventure

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Explore the delights of the Svalbard archipelago by land and sea in this 8-night adventure. Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, a tiny, bustling frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, where brightly coloured buildings contrast against rugged mountains. After three nights spent at the delightful Raddison Blu Polar Hotel, you'll board the MS Serenissima that will carry you further north and into a realm that feels otherworldly. 
 
As you glide through the icy waters, fjords reveal themselves like hidden treasures. Steep cliffs rise on either side and glaciers descend from the mountains, frozen rivers that stretch from land to sea. Guided by seasoned experts, you'll have the opportunity to venture out on zodiacs for closer views of sheer glacier faces and drifting icebergs. There's a sense of awe in being so close to landscapes shaped entirely by nature, untouched and immense. 
 
Wildlife encounters are at the heart of this adventure. The chance to see a polar bear in its natural habitat, whether from the comfort of the ship's deck or from a zodiac, is an experience beyond words. Reindeer roam the tundra, serene in such a stark landscape, while colonies of walruses haul themselves onto ice floes, their massive bodies huddled together for warmth. Bird cliffs teem with life, with Arctic terns and puffins dotting the skies.  
 
Evenings bring a quieter magic. Whether it's under the glow of the Midnight Sun or the soft darkness that begins to settle at the end of summer, the Arctic skies add a breathtaking atmosphere to each night onboard. Expert guides gather passengers in the lounge to share stories, illuminating the natural and human history of Svalbard, adding depth to every scene youÂ’ve experienced throughout the day. 
 
The voyage returns to Longyearbyen, but the memories linger, filled with the pure, untouched beauty of Svalbard. This journey is not just an itinerary; it's an encounter with a place that exists far beyond the ordinary, where the landscapes, wildlife, and history blend into an adventure that will stay with you long after the Arctic waters are behind you. 

Important Information

Itinerary
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.

Itinerary

We’ve included free days on either side of the cruise so you can make the most of your Arctic adventure. Get to know Longyearbyen’s vibrant centre where you can find a variety of souvenir shops and cosy cafes. 

Longyearbyen is the gateway to the wilderness of Spitsbergen, so if you’d like to add some activities, take a look at our ‘personalise’ tab to see what’s on offer. 

[LYR] Svalbard Airport, Svalbard To Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Check In
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

We’ve included free days on either side of the cruise so you can make the most of your Arctic adventure. Get to know Longyearbyen’s vibrant centre where you can find a variety of souvenir shops and cosy cafes. 

Longyearbyen is the gateway to the wilderness of Spitsbergen, so if you’d like to add some activities, take a look at our ‘personalise’ tab to see what’s on offer. 

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

We’ve included free days on either side of the cruise so you can make the most of your Arctic adventure. Get to know Longyearbyen’s vibrant centre where you can find a variety of souvenir shops and cosy cafes. 

Longyearbyen is the gateway to the wilderness of Spitsbergen, so if you’d like to add some activities, take a look at our ‘personalise’ tab to see what’s on offer. 

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

All aboard the MS Serenissima! After transferring to the port, you’ll embark on your 4-night voyage, setting sail at 5pm. 

Heading north, the adventure unfolds in Isfjorden, where towering cliffs and serene waters set the stage for what’s to come. You’ll explore places like Kongsfjorden, home to the stunning Kongsbreen Glacier, and Magdalenefjorden, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and rich history of early Arctic exploration. 

As the journey continues, you head toward Liefdefjorden, where the towering Monaco Glacier is a spectacular sight, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears on the ice. In Hinlopen Strait, you might spot walrus colonies and reindeer grazing on the tundra, with cliffs alive with seabirds. Each day, guided zodiac excursions bring you closer to these remarkable locations and offer the chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible landscapes and wildlife firsthand.  

We also offer a 3-night version of the cruise if this is preferable. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for full information. 

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel To MS Serenissima
Transfer
Duration
00:00
MS Serenissima - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

All aboard the MS Serenissima! After transferring to the port, you’ll embark on your 4-night voyage, setting sail at 5pm. 

Heading north, the adventure unfolds in Isfjorden, where towering cliffs and serene waters set the stage for what’s to come. You’ll explore places like Kongsfjorden, home to the stunning Kongsbreen Glacier, and Magdalenefjorden, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and rich history of early Arctic exploration. 

As the journey continues, you head toward Liefdefjorden, where the towering Monaco Glacier is a spectacular sight, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears on the ice. In Hinlopen Strait, you might spot walrus colonies and reindeer grazing on the tundra, with cliffs alive with seabirds. Each day, guided zodiac excursions bring you closer to these remarkable locations and offer the chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible landscapes and wildlife firsthand.  

We also offer a 3-night version of the cruise if this is preferable. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for full information. 

MS Serenissima - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

All aboard the MS Serenissima! After transferring to the port, you’ll embark on your 4-night voyage, setting sail at 5pm. 

Heading north, the adventure unfolds in Isfjorden, where towering cliffs and serene waters set the stage for what’s to come. You’ll explore places like Kongsfjorden, home to the stunning Kongsbreen Glacier, and Magdalenefjorden, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and rich history of early Arctic exploration. 

As the journey continues, you head toward Liefdefjorden, where the towering Monaco Glacier is a spectacular sight, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears on the ice. In Hinlopen Strait, you might spot walrus colonies and reindeer grazing on the tundra, with cliffs alive with seabirds. Each day, guided zodiac excursions bring you closer to these remarkable locations and offer the chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible landscapes and wildlife firsthand.  

We also offer a 3-night version of the cruise if this is preferable. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for full information. 

MS Serenissima - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

All aboard the MS Serenissima! After transferring to the port, you’ll embark on your 4-night voyage, setting sail at 5pm. 

Heading north, the adventure unfolds in Isfjorden, where towering cliffs and serene waters set the stage for what’s to come. You’ll explore places like Kongsfjorden, home to the stunning Kongsbreen Glacier, and Magdalenefjorden, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and rich history of early Arctic exploration. 

As the journey continues, you head toward Liefdefjorden, where the towering Monaco Glacier is a spectacular sight, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears on the ice. In Hinlopen Strait, you might spot walrus colonies and reindeer grazing on the tundra, with cliffs alive with seabirds. Each day, guided zodiac excursions bring you closer to these remarkable locations and offer the chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible landscapes and wildlife firsthand.  

We also offer a 3-night version of the cruise if this is preferable. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for full information. 

MS Serenissima - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

Back on land, it’s your chance to enjoy a final day in Longyearbyen before catching your flight back home. 
MS Serenissima To Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
Transfer
Duration
00:00
MS Serenissima - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

Sadly, it’s time to transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel To [LYR] Svalbard Airport, Svalbard
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Check Out
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

What's included?

  • Flights: Return flights from London to Longyearbyen via Oslo (flight routes subject to change)
  • Transfers: Return airport transfers and return port transfers
  • Accommodation: 4 nights at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and 4 nights onboard MS Serenissima
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • The following destinations are included in the holiday: Longyearbyen, Isfjorden, Magdalenefjorden, North West Corner, Woodfjorden, Liefjorden, Moffen, Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ã…lesund
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
  • 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel

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Located in the centre of Longyearbyen, the Radisson Blu is surrounded by mountains and lies close to the beautiful ocean. An ideal base for exploration, it provides the perfect place to retreat to after a day of fun and discovery.

Hotel facilities

  • There are 95 rooms, all designed to a high standard, offering comfort following a day of activities 
  • The hotel has its own restaurant, Nansen, which serves authentic Arctic cuisine, as well as a variety of international specialities
  • The Barentz Pub & Spiseri is filled with a range of beer, wine and spirits and it is a wonderful place to unwind
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel
  • Outdoor hot tubs and a sauna are available and payable locally
Image credits: Hurtigruten Svalbard/Schibsted Partnerstudio/Ragnhild Utne/Evaline Lunde
 
MS Serenissima
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Rich in history, the MS Serenissima is a classic, small expedition cruise ship. Originally built in 1960 for Norwegian coastal voyages, the ship was later refurbished and transformed into the boutique cruise vessel it is known as today. The ship has retained its traditional charm, with cosy interiors that evoke a classic maritime atmosphere.  

For moments of quiet relaxation, the ship’s lounge and bar offer a cosy retreat with large windows framing the stunning views outside. Here, guests can unwind with a favourite cocktail or local specialty, sharing stories of the day’s adventures. The observation lounge, perched on an upper deck, is a sanctuary for scenic viewing, wildlife spotting, and photography, with panoramic windows that bring the beauty of the Arctic into full view. 

Equipped for expedition cruising and guided by expert expedition leaders, the ship has a fleet of zodiac boats for close-up exploration, shore landings, and wildlife viewing.  

Facilities 

  • There are 53 guest cabins, all designed to a high standard, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. 

  • Venice Restaurant onboard focuses on great flavours and fresh ingredients, with great views from all tables in the dining room 

  • Enjoy 360° views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes from the observation deck 

  • Located at the front and back, the two lounges are a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of adventure  

Please note that there is no Wi-Fi, internet access or mobile signal during the voyage. 

Personalise This Tour

Tour Map

Additional Info

Price is based on 2 persons travelling sharing a standard room
 
Tour terms: click here  
 
Booking conditions: click here
 
Holiday Group Size (approximate)
Minimum 2 persons; maximum 92 people (approximately)
 
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

 

 

Key Facts

Pace Balanced
Holiday Type Package Holiday
Max Group Size NA
Cities / Destinations Norway, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Brochure Code 6050
Price from
£2,795pp
On Request
8 days

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Arctic Summer in Svalbard – Land and Sea Adventure

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