Marine expedition around Svalbard: polar bears, icebergs and fjords

SVALBARD

July 12 - 20, 2023

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We invite you on an expedition cruise with a visit to the legendary islands and glaciers of the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A journey beyond the Arctic Circle is not only about amazing icy landscapes, but also countless fjords, midnight sun and encounters with numerous representatives of the Arctic wildlife. While you are relaxing on board, the ship, often accompanied by white whales, is gliding smoothly through the calm waters, surrounded by glaciers, icebergs and sparkling fjords. The secrets of the distant Norwegian archipelago are truly revealed when you step ashore. With the help of the expedition boats of the Zodiacs, you will land on the pristine shores of the islands of the archipelago, pass through the most beautiful fjord in Svalbard and you will be surprised how noisy the sea bird colonies can be. Unparalleled Arctic landscapes, unique wildlife and famous historical sites await you... all surrounded by gigantic glaciers, ice fjords and colorful tundra.

Discover "your" Arctic in the atmosphere of comfort and elegance of an expedition vessel of a higher ice class. Its small size and maneuverability will allow you to visit the most secluded corners! After all, it can reach the small bays and gulfs that the probability of close meetings with representatives of the animal world is high.

SH Vega is a real art boutique hotel in the water. Services on board: an outdoor infinity pool with a view of the open sea and icebergs, gourmet restaurants with dishes from famous chefs, stylish interiors made of natural finishing materials, cozy and spacious cabins with fireplaces and panoramic balconies.

A Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny" discovered Antarctica on January 28, 1820.

We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.

While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!

SCHEDULE AND COST:

Travel dates: 12 - 20 July 2023

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Cost per person:

- Cabin with window OD4, 19 sq m - from € 8,484
- Cabin with balcony BD5, 28 sq m - from € 9,542
- Suite SU 44 sq m - from € 12,287
- Premium Suite PS 47 sq m - from € 14,060

**The cost per person depends on the chosen deck and type of cabin and (double occupancy)


Estimated cost of a flight to Oslo: 1,000 - 1,500 euros.

For citizens of the Russian Federation, an open Schengen visa is required along the route.



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ANTARCTICA

Day 1. July 12, 2023 Flight to Oslo

The journey begins with a meeting at the Oslo airport. You will be met by a Swan Hellenic representative. An organized transfer will take you to your hotel. You will have free time to relax after the flight and maybe to walk around the center of Oslo.

*Recommended flight:
- by AirSerbia with a stopover in Belgrade, departure from Moscow to Belgrade at 10:57 on July 12 by flight JU-651, stopover in Belgrade 4h27min, departure to Oslo at 17:27 by flight JU-454 and arrival in Oslo at 20:20 on July 12 ,
- or by Pobeda airline with a stopover in Antalya, departure from Moscow at 9:10 on July 12 by flight DP-839, stopover in Antalya 3 hours 20 minutes, departure to Oslo by flight DY-1261 of Norwegian Air Shuttle at 17:40 and arrival in Oslo at 21:00 July 12
- or any other flight arriving in Oslo no later than 12 July.

Meals Included: No
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel & Congress Oslo 5*


Day 2. July 13, 2023 Longyearbyen. Exit to the sea

After breakfast, the transfer will take you to the airport. For the members of the expedition, a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen will be organized on a regular or charter flight at the choice of Swan Hellenic. After a comfortable flight, you will land in the capital of Svalbard - Longyearbyen, concurrently in the northernmost settlement in the world, with a population of more than a thousand people. A Swan Hellenic representative will meet you at the airport. The transfer will take you to the port of Longyearbyen to board the expedition vessel SH Vega.

After going through all the formalities, you will be able to relax in the cabin and have lunch.
In this tiny Norwegian town, located on the island of Western Svalbard, in a valley, on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers, in the harsh climatic conditions of the High Arctic, lovers of the unique polar nature from 53 countries live.

Locals call Longyearbyen a metropolis, because the vast majority of the population of Svalbard lives here. The international atmosphere, hospitality and geopolitical position fully justify this name. The mines destroyed during the Second World War were restored and functioned until the 90s, after which the city began to develop as a scientific and tourist center. Although this tiny town may seem harsh for its industrial appearance, Longyearbyen is renowned for its high level of comfort. It has hotels, restaurants, boutiques and attractions such as the Svalbard Aviation Museum, Art Gallery, Svalbard Museum and Science Center, Lutheran Church, Sundial and University Center.

Before departure, you will be invited to the upper deck by speakerphone, from where you can take panoramic photos of Longyearbyen, because the city itself, with its colorful houses surrounded by mountains that look like clouds, is already, in fact, an attraction. It's time to say goodbye to the hospitable capital of Svalbard, our expedition begins.

While navigating, you will already start observing seabirds and marine mammals from the ship. Viewpoints offer stunning views of the ocean. A rich educational program awaits you on board. The expedition team of polar experts will introduce you to the history of Arctic exploration, the origin of glaciers, the flora and fauna of the region, and many other informative and interesting facts. You will also receive a safety briefing during the landings on the Zodiac boats. And of course, days at sea are a time to relax and enjoy your time on board. Visit a spa or gym, connect with like-minded people, share your travel experiences, or head to a library filled with themed books and reference books. This evening you will have a welcome cocktail with the captain, officers and expedition team.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht


Day 3. July 14, 2023 Exploring Svalbard

This day and the next 5 days we will explore the islands and glaciers of Svalbard. A cruise around the archipelago can be called a real expedition, because the actual route depends on weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain can adjust the course, sequence and duration of stops in real time based on the weather forecast and the advice of an expedition leader to offer travelers the best options for active exploration of the Arctic and to show as much as possible of the wildlife of Svalbard.

The vast polar archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean is a real Arctic fairytale! Colorful tundra, endless glaciers (more than half of Svalbard is covered with glaciers!) and fjords, blue sea ice, majestic mountains - incomparable arctic landscapes, rich wildlife and famous historical sites. The seasonality is especially felt here.

The polar night with the famous northern lights is replaced by bright winter months, which, in turn, give way to a wonderfully mild summer with its midnight sun. The Arctic silence here creates a unique atmosphere. You will experience peace, which is practically unparalleled on Earth. The history of the archipelago dates back to the 16th century, when Svalbard was discovered by an expedition of a Dutch explorer. For centuries, the history of Svalbard has been associated with mining, hunting, and whaling.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht

Day 4. July 15, 2023 Hinlopen Strait

Today our ship will navigate the Hinlopen Strait, we are waiting for you to have a "scenic cruise" along the Strait. While riding the Zodiacs, you will have the opportunity to explore it even closer. The Hinlopen Strait is a waterway that separates the largest island of Svalbard from the second largest island of Nordaustlandet. Although the strait is often ice-bound, it is a picturesque place with an interesting history and rich wildlife, including polar bears and several species of ducks and geese. The name probably comes from the director of a Dutch whaling company in the XVII century. Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait, in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, promises an unforgettable experience and offers breathtaking panoramas.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht


Day 5-8. July 16 - 19, 2023. Exploring Svalbard

Our exploration of Svalbard will continue for the next 4 days. Most of the flora and fauna of the archipelago lives in the Barents Sea, which has excellent organic matter due to the mixture of warm and cold water in the Gulf Stream, shallow water shelf and intense solar radiation in the summer. Svalbard deer and arctic fox on land, various seal species including ringed seal, bearded seal, harbor seal and walrus, and whales are found in the surrounding waters. Svalbard is known throughout the world as the kingdom of the polar bear. And as the locals say, "A polar bear can be closer at any moment than we think." During the expedition, encounters with a polar bear, walrus, Svalbard deer and thousands of nesting seabirds are possible.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht


Day 9. July 20, 2023 Longyearbyen - Oslo

Our ship is returning to Longyearbyen. After breakfast, the transfer will take you to the airport. For the members of the expedition, a flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo will be organized on a regular or charter flight at the choice of Swan Hellenic. After a comfortable flight, you will land in Oslo, the capital of Norway, to continue the program in Norway of your choice or onward connecting flight back home.

For your convenience, SH can provide complimentary accommodation in Oslo for 1 night after the cruise if it is convenient for the logistics of the onward connecting flight. In a couple of weeks, when you return home, a pleasant surprise will await you. The Swan Hellenic team will send each guest a link to download the film, which will include a photo report and a video report of the perfect expedition cruise for a long memory.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht

* Recommended flight:
- AirSerbia with a stopover in Belgrade, departure from Oslo on July 21 at 21:02 by flight JU-455, long stopover in Belgrade 23:40, departure to Moscow on July 22 at 23:30 by flight JU-656,
- Pobeda airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle with a stopover in Antalya, departure from Oslo on July 32 at 06:00 and arrival in Antalya at 11:05 flight DY-1260, stopover in Antalya 3 hours 50 minutes, departure to Moscow a / k Pobeda, flight DP- 840 at 14:55,
- or any other flight departing from Oslo no earlier than 21 July.



* Please do not purchase tickets without prior approval from us.

** The program is subject to change due to weather conditions.


Expedition vessel SH Vega
Put into operation in 2022.
The SH Vega was conceived and designed specifically for expeditions. You will be able to visit remote corners of the planet without giving up the usual level of comfort and service.
SH Vega is a modern sophisticated design and elegant interiors in Scandinavian chic style. The ship has well-thought-out infrastructure and spacious common areas.
There are: an equipped observation deck, an expeditionary laboratory and a thematic library, a stage, screens and equipment for lectures.
This vessel is built with the latest environmental standards and requirements in mind.
Available in all cabins:
  • Interactive TV
  • Mini bar
  • Safe
  • Air conditioning system
  • Pillow Menu
  • Hair dryer Babyliss
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Coffee machine
  • Service 24/7
  • 24-hour self-service laundry on deck
      • Cabin with window
        Area 19 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
        5 cabins with a window are additionally equipped with a sofa and have a max. capacity 4 people.

      • Cabin with balcony
        Area 28 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 6 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
      • Suit
        The area is 44 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 12 sq.m. Maximum capacity 4 people.
        Up to 5 people are allowed upon request.
        The suite can be combined with a cabin with a balcony, while the total area of the two combined cabins will be 72 m2.
        The bedroom is fitted with a Superking bed.
      Cost includes:

      • Domestic flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen and back on the choice of Swan Hellenic (economy class);
      • All transfers: from the airport to the hotel the day before boarding the ship, from the hotel to the airport, from the airport to the port on the day of boarding, from the port to the airport at the end of the cruise (group transfers);
      • Accommodation in a 5* hotel before the cruise in Oslo (1 night with breakfast), as well as on board in a cabin of the selected category during the cruise, tips on board and port fees;
      • In-flight meals and room service, 24 hours a day, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, except premium brands;
      • Lecture programs of expeditionary experts and invited speakers;
      • All Zodiac landings and shore excursions are led by our experienced expedition team;
      • Equipment: Swan Hellenic Expedition branded parka, waterproof backpack, reusable water bottle will be delivered to the cabin on the first day of the cruise;
      • Rubber boots are provided for disembarkation;
      • Basic WiFi package



      Cost excludes (additionally paid):

      • International flight to Oslo and back at the end of the cruise;
      • Land tour in Oslo before the cruise and / or after the cruise;
      • Compulsory health insurance;
      • Travel insurance;
      • Private Zodiac boat tours and kayaking during the cruise;
      • Premium brand alcoholic beverages, Spa & beauty treatments, laundry service, onboard retail shopping
      • Shengen visa (if required)




      Take with you:

      • Shoes and clothing for the cities where your cruise starts and ends;
      • Waterproof trousers;
      • Wool sweater or fleece jacket;
      • Vest or sweatshirt;
      • Thermal underwear (2 sets);
      • Turtleneck and shirt;
      • Several T-shirts;
      • Jeans or other comfortable trousers;
      • Sportswear for sports on board;
      • Swimwear for visiting the SPA and the pool on board;
      • Mittens, waterproof gloves and glove liners (2 pairs);
      • Warm windproof hat;
      • Warm shirt or scarf;
      • Balaclava;
      • Warm socks (several pairs);
      • Comfortable waterproof boots with ribbed soles (trekking boots);
      • Optional tourist foam-hoba for comfortable riding on the Zodiac;
      • Sneakers or comfortable boots in which you will be comfortable on board;
      • Sunglasses with UV protection;
      • Sunscreen for face and lips, hand cream;
      • Camera, additional memory cards and flash drives, interchangeable batteries and lenses;
      • Laptop or tablet for taking notes and uploading photos;
      • Chargers for equipment, adapters, power bank;
      • Waterproof sealed case for the camera and other equipment;
      • An extra pair of eyeglasses or an extra set of contact lenses;
      • Medicines prescribed by a doctor with a margin for a few extra days;
      • Documentation
        KEY FEATURES:
        Tour to
        SVALBARD


        Best season: June - September


        • Following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers, discover the High Arctic and the real Far North;

        • You will be amazed again and again by the beauty and grandeur of giant glaciers and magnificent icebergs in the ice fjords of Svalbard;

        • Experience firsthand what the polar day and midnight sun are like - after all, in the summer in this region the sun does not set below the horizon around the clock;

        • Admire the many wild flowers of the arctic tundra, including saxifrage soddy and arctic white doze;

        • You will be able to see walrus, polar bear, arctic fox, common seal, ringed seal, bearded seal, white whale, slender-billed guillemot and little auk in their natural habitat;

        • Experienced members of the expedition team and the best invited experts in geology, glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and history will accompany the cruise with lectures, presentations, scientific facts and amazing stories.

        Possible activities depend on weather conditions, their availability and safety is determined by the captain, based on the actual situation.
          Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
          • 1
            UNIQUENESS
            We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
          • 2
            ADVENTURISM
            Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
          • 3
            SAFETY
            In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
          • 4
            EXPERIENCE
            We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
          • 5
            LOW PRICE
            All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

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