A Circumnavigation of Arctic Islands
- Duration
- 14 days
- Price guide
- From $11,149 per person
Trip highlights
- Set sail around the entire Svalbard archipelago to see the best of the Arctic
- Watch reindeer roam on land or see whales breaching the waters
- Explore Arctic tundra on foot, kayak amid icebergs or take a polar plunge
- Cruise through the Arctic with naturalist guides on board for expert insights
- Become part of the Arctic’s story by engaging with citizen science projects
- Marvel at the sight of a walrus haul-out, where walruses gather in large groups
Witness the midnight sun in Svalbard's capital, Longyearbyen 
Expect to spot wild reindeer strolling across the tundra 
Kayak past icebergs for a closer look at their imposing size 
Polar bear sightings are apossibility throughout your trip 
Walruses gather in a haul-out to rest after swimming through the icy waters
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every trip is shaped around you. Below is a sample route to start from; we change any part of it to suit you.
Days 1-3
Discover the Norwegian capital
Chic Oslo is the perfect, gentle introduction to life among the fjords. Set on its own 100-kilometre-long inlet and backed by forested hills, it has a wonderfully scenic position for an urban centre. Explore its serene streets and harbour on foot – the city is exceptionally walkable – and look out for interesting architecture and history at the Akershus Fortress and Nobel Peace Centre. During your two nights here, you will stay in one of our favourite city hotels before flying up to Svalbard for your polar adventure.
Day 4
Begin your Svalbard expedition cruise
Land in the northernmost town in the world and join your luxury Arctic cruise to set sail for a circumnavigation of the Svalbard Islands. Longyearbyen is a fascinating place: signposts warn of polar bears as you wander through the settlement and the town museum charts the history of Arctic exploration. Once you’ve learned about explorers past, get ready to follow in their footsteps as you cruise out of Longyearbyen and make for wild Arctic waters.
Where you could stay
Ocean Albatros
Low-energy, high comfort
Days 5-12
Glaciers and mountains in Svalbard
Begin your exploration of the Svalbard Islands as you set sail around this rugged, wild archipelago. Days spent cruising through the ice will mesmerise, while Zodiac excursions to seabird colonies and remote villages offer a chance to understand why these isles captivated explorers in centuries gone by.
Explore the island of Edgeøya
As your expedition cruise rounds the eastern coast of Svalbard, more history and wildlife comes into focus. On the island of Edgeøya you will step foot within the Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, where a large population of reindeer roam freely on the ice and tundra. Watch the lounging walruses on the island’s southwest coast, and look out for evidence of the former walrus-hunting and whaling industries.
Spot wildlife in Spitsbergen
The Atlantic currents at the southern tip of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, warm the waters of the south Bellsund and Hornsund fjords. This means magical wildlife sightings abound: Arctic fox and reindeer trot across the valleys while seabirds nest in the cliffs. Take the opportunity to walk on Arctic tundra at the Vårsolbukta grasslands, or visit the polar research station Calypsobyen to understand how science is protecting this place of fragile ecosystems.
Complete your trip round Svalbard
Completing the circumnavigation of Svalbard, your vessel will make its way through Forlandsundet. Conditions permitting, you might see the Poole Point headland, where hundreds of walruses can be seen hauled out onto the shoreline, their magnificent tusks a bright white in the summer sunshine. Or step ashore to explore the Arctic plains and snow-capped mountains.
Days 13-14
A final two nights in Oslo
Flying from Spitsbergen back to Oslo, you will bid farewell to the Arctic circle and return to the Norwegian capital with fond memories of the Svalbard Islands. Spend your time here embracing the coffee and pastry culture that pervades, or learn how early explorers found their own ways around the Arctic at the Fram Museum.
★★★★★
“Incredible Galapagos- Ecuador Experience”
Charles and Anabel are the most incredible and knoweldgeable travel experts. We had the the time of our lives exploring the Galapagos and parts of Ecuador on this trip - it was Perfect. Every detail of the trip was thought out and planned. From arriving at the airport to our departure- the entire trip was seamless and effortless. Particulairly with…
Jill · Trustpilot
Why book with Jacada
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
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Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
Start planning your trip
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