Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
14 Days Starting in Aberdeen and ending in Helsinki
Visiting: Arrive Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Embarkation in Aberdeen, Exploring Fair Isle, Exploring the Faroe Islands, At Sea, Exploring Jan Mayen, Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard, isembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMFJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 128
Age range:
8-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
When you think of history and culture, the icy expanse of the Arctic Circle might not be the first destination that springs to mind. So, it might surprise you to learn that a journey to this northern tip of the world is rich with Norse mythology, Viking history and Inuit culture. From artefact-filled museums, old whaling stations and historic Viking towns there are plenty of cultural sites to uncover. There will still be plenty of opportunities to experience the unique Arctic wilderness with visits to fjords, glaciers and icebergs aplenty – and make sure you keep an eye out for the illusive polar bear…
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Location: Arrive Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you’ll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore.
Day 2: Embarkation In Aberdeen
Location: Embarkation in Aberdeen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you’ll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area’s coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and minke whales.
Day 3: Exploring Fair Isle
Location: Exploring Fair Isle
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
The U.K.’s most remote inhabited island, the extraordinary Fair Isle is located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Boasting a rugged beauty, Fair Isle’s landscape is diverse, with fields and moors dominated by seaside cliffs and an astounding number of sea stacks, natural arches and caves.
Despite its small size, the island offers activities for history, nature and photography buffs alike. Visit the museum to immerse yourself in local artifacts, photos, knitwear and other historic memorabilia. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the circa 1935 classic red phone booth by the post office!
In terms of wildlife, orcas are native to the waters around Fair Isle, and they sometimes come close in pursuit of seals. But the island is best known for its coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds in spring and summer. The star attraction is the Atlantic puffin, a clown-like bird that burrows in nests in the grassy flat tops of the island’s cliffs. Photographers will surely want to capture pictures of their bemused expressions, and Fair Isle’s easily accessible grassy banks make it one of the best places in the Shetlands (if not the entire Scottish Isles!) to observe these colorful creatures. Northern fulmars, kittiwakes, storm petrels, razorbills and guillemots may be spotted soaring over the open waters.
Visitors to this community of crofters, artisans and artists may be able to pick up a traditional Fair Isle sweater to keep warm during the rest of your Arctic voyage.
Day 4-5: Exploring The Faroe Islands
Location: Exploring the Faroe Islands
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape, with verdant pastures giving way to rugged, steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands have a storied past, though the details of the archipelago’s early history remain mysterious. The first settlers may have been seventh-century Irish monks seeking solitude on these islands far removed from any continent. Their isolation ended in 800 AD, with the arrival of Norse farmers, and Norwegian colonization continued throughout the Viking Age. Today, many of the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, now a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, are descendants of Norwegian Vikings, and speak Faroese, a descendant language of Old Norse.
We will have two days to explore this seldom-visited archipelago made up of 18 rugged islands located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The mighty North Atlantic is omnipresent wherever we go with no place on the Faroe Islands farther than 3 miles (5 km) from its shores. The sea has always dominated life on the Faroes— throughout history as much as today: rich fisheries, magnificent ocean views and thriving sea bird colonies make up this rare Nordic jewel—often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret.
We will spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago, separated by narrow sounds and fjords, and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations. You’ll see green valleys engulfed by steep mountains, protecting picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped homes. Wind, weather and sea conditions will influence and shape our activity options, but we will of course always keep our eyes out for marine and bird life, especially the iconic Atlantic puffin.
Our second day in the Faroes will be dedicated to the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. One of the world’s smallest capitals, the picturesque Tórshavn has a relaxed vibe and a number of historical and cultural sites. Meander the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town, admiring the quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs and white paned windows. If you’re looking for more action, a hike to historic Kirkjubøur not only unlocks some of the country’s best medieval history but also rewards with sweeping views over the southern islands of Koltur, Hestur & Sandur. Or perhaps you’ll prefer to wander the charming harbor, filled with cafés, pubs and old warehouses, and simply gaze out at the sea while sipping a latte.
Day 6-7: At Sea
Location: At Sea
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Say goodbye to the Faroes as we cruise toward the world’s most northerly volcanic island, Jan Mayen. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside your ship, attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the ocean views. With your binoculars and camera at the ready, keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a humpback, blue or fin whale. Encounters with minke whales or orcas are also possible, since their curiosity can bring them near the ship. If you’re lucky, you may even see harp seals.
Day 8-9: Exploring Jan Mayen
Location: Exploring Jan Mayen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only year-long inhabitants, save for some additional personnel during the summer.
Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea.
During the summer months, the island’s lower landscape is covered with grass, moss and a smattering of hardy flowers that add a burst of color to the otherwise barren black lava terrain.
One site we hope to visit is Olonkinbyen and the surrounding area. Named after Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, it’s the island’s
only settlement and the location of the meteorological station, where you may have the chance to learn about polar research while seeing how weather is monitored at the top of the world. Another option might be the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta, where the remnants of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station and a large northern fulmar colony can be found. In 1632, two Basque ships landed at the small bay and plundered the station. A Dutch party was sent here the following year to protect the land stations during winter, but all seven men perished from scurvy. Whaling in the area came to an end about 20 years later.
If conditions permit, we may view the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise around the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). And if we are fortunate, you might see “sea parrots,” the Atlantic puffin again. The waters here are rich feeding grounds for marine life, so keep a lookout for minke, fin, blue or humpback whales.
Day 10: At Sea
Location: At Sea
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
As we sail farther north, spend some time with your shipmates in the lounge, swapping stories and photos, or take the opportunity to learn about the regions travelled with your experienced and knowledgeable Expedition Team.
Day 11-13: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Location: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Rugged, wild and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is unforgettable. From immense glaciers to lush tundra to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife.
As we explore the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Some areas we hope to visit include Hornsund and Bellsund fjords and Hornbreen Glacier.
The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord,
have rich histories. You may visit Isbjornhamna, a bay at the entrance of the fjord, where we hope to explore colonies of delightful little auks. You may also spot Svalbard reindeer and hike to a viewpoint for views of calving glaciers.
A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbonhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colorful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine, and discover old whale bones.
Day 14: Isembark In Longyearbyen And Fly To Helsinki
Location: isembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Meals Included: breaksfast
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki.
What's Included
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
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Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship
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Transport
Ship, Zodiac, Plane
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Included Activities
Accommodation
- Expedition cruise ship (12 nights), Comfortable Hotel (1 night)
Important Information
- This trip starts in Aberdeen, Scotland on day 1 and finishes in Helsinki, Finland Airport on day14
- Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
- BOOKING CONDITIONS
- To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
- Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group. -
Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Longyearbyen to Oslo
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
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Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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