Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

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13 Days From

$11690

$8991

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

13 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland

Visiting: Greenland Sea, Reykjavik

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

PLQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 199

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-99

Interests:

Polar

From: $11690 $8991 Operator discount: -$2699 -23%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The adventure begins in the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife such as Polar bears and walrus. From there, sail south across the Greenland Sea to the mysterious, volcanic Jan Mayen, a nature reserve so remote that few have ever been fortunate enough to explore this Arctic treasure. This epic adventure culminates with a journey under the midnight sun to Reykjavik, where you can soak up Icelandic culture in a city that never sleeps.

Highlights

  • Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as Polar bears, walrus and reindeer

  • Explore the magnificent fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen

  • Experience the remote volcanic island of Jan Mayen

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Day 2 : Fly To Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Day 3 - 6 : Exploring Spitsbergen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, Polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Day 7 - 8 : At Sea

Location: Greenland Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, the Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.

Day 9 : Exploring Jan Mayen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. 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 inhabitants.



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 metres) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea.



If we’re fortunate, we may get a close- up view of the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise along the coast of 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).

Day 10 - 11 : At Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 12 : Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your expedition, and be transferred to your included hotel for the night.

Day 13 : Depart Reykjavik

Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners.

  • All meals while on the ship

  • Beer and house wine during dinner

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff

  • Mandatory transfer package including flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen

  • We can include flights from the UK.  Please contact us for a quote.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

All meals while on the ship included.



Typical Meals



The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.



Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.



Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.



Dinner:Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee.



Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

The Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland voyage is offered on the Ultramarine which is a Polar Adventure Ship.



Polar Adventure Ships



These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen. The journey is aboard the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, offering a unique experience through the Arctic waters with opportunities for Zodiac excursions and wildlife spotting.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of ship is used for the Ultimate Arctic Voyage?

    The voyage is offered on the Ultramarine, which is a Polar Adventure Ship. These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters, designed for intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and a variety of activities.

  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see iconic Arctic wildlife such as Polar bears, walrus, and Svalbard reindeer. Bird enthusiasts may also spot Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, and ivory gulls.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and many hours on deck to explore areas that other ships may not access. There are also presentations about the Arctic's history, politics, wildlife, geology, ecology, and climate.

  • What meals are provided on the ship?

    All meals are included while on the ship. Breakfast is buffet style, lunch is a three-course set meal or buffet, and dinner is a three or four-course meal with options including vegetarian dishes. Beer and house wine are served during dinner.

  • What is the policy for special dietary requests?

    Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday. It is important to inform the team before departure of any special dietary requests so that they can be well prepared.

  • What is the significance of Jan Mayen in the itinerary?

    Jan Mayen is a remote volcanic island that is rarely visited, with only 18 rotating personnel from the Norwegian military and Meteorological Institute. It is a nature reserve and an Important Bird Area, known for its large numbers of breeding seabirds.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$11690 $8991

Operator discount: -$2699

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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