(June 23 to July 7, 2011) How many people can say they've stood at the very top of the world? You can, when you sign on for VAE's most exclusive adventure: a 15-day trip from Helsinki, Finland, to the North Pole. Travel aboard 50 Years of Victory, the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker ever launched. Enjoy spectacular helicopter sightseeing, and explore the remote islands of Franz Josef Land.
1 night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast.
1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland with breakfast.
Day 2 group transfer from Helsinki hotel to airport
Day 2 group transfer from Murmansk airport to ship
Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping.
Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Shore landings included in daily program
Group helicopter transfers and sightseeing flights included in the daily program
Professional Expedition Leadership.
All Zodiac excursions and transfers.
Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team.
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage.
An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin.
Day 14 group transfer from the ship to the Murmansk airport.
Day 14 group transfer from Heslinki airport to the hotel.
Comprehensive pre-departure package including Quark's meticulously researched Arctic Reader and map
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
All shipboad luggage handling.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
All Zodiac excursions and transfers included in the daily program
This expedition excludes
Airfare to and from your hometown
Mandatory charter flights from Helsinki to Murmansk and back again - cost per person $1,690.
Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore, other than the breakfasts included with the hotel accommodation.
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges.
Shipboard and land telecommunication fees.
Voyage-end gratuities for Crew, Hospitality and Expedition Team members
Day-By-Day Itinerary.
Day 1
Helsinki, Finland
Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in magical Helsinki, Finland's capital.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
From Helsinki, take our charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.
Day 3 - 8
The Arctic Ocean
Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget. Be sure to take one of the included helicopter flights for a thrilling aerial view of Victory's progress.
Sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Most of our guests enjoy the heightened sense of adventure that comes with this unpredictability. In 2008, Victory made the fastest recorded crossing between these two points: 4.5 days!
Day 9
90 North
Each traveler experiences this moment in his or her own way. Some hold special signs. Others wave their national flags. Still others stand on this mystical spot, holding a talisman brought thousands of miles for this one purpose. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. How will YOU celebrate?
Day 10
Southbound
As Victory makes her way back through the churning pack ice, you may spot polar bears on the hunt with Ivory gulls following close behind - eager to dine on leftovers.
Day 11-13
Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you'll explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing, and transfer you to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
Day 14
Disembarkation in Murmansk, Russia
Your port of disembarkation is Murmansk, Russia's most northerly city. After you leave the ship, we'll transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to Helsinki, Finland.
Day 15
Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast at your centrally located hotel, you are free to leave for home or extend your stay. Helsinki, Tallinn (capital of Estonia) and St. Petersburg (the "Venice of the North") are all fascinating cities, just waiting to be explored. Our Polar Travel Advisors are happy to help you arrange your extended stay.
Please note: read this itinerary as a guide only;
our exact route and program vary according to weather and ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
