Summer in the northern hemisphere sees the start of the voyages in the Arctic regions. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, bordered by the northern parts of the mainland of North American and Eurasia, and their outlying islands such as Greenland, Baffin and Wrangel. It is a land of seasonal hibernation and these fascinating journeys explore wild regions where the only inhabitants are often the creatures which have adapted to such extreme conditions – among them Polar Bears, Caribou, Wolves, foxes, whales, seals, Snow Geese, Peregrine Falcons, Snowy Owls, and many other sea birds. Proper icebreakers can enter areas that are off limits to normal vessels; this means that you can explore the remote Northeast Passage, the northern coasts of Russia, Greenland and Canada, or even reach the North Pole itself! Expert expedition leaders will give lectures on all aspects of the areas you visit and lead excursions ashore. On many voyages you will also learn about the ancient communities which have settled in these regions, visit ancient Norse sites, former trapping communities and see and hear about the culture and history of the Inuit. Climate Arctic expeditions visit high latitudes where the ice never disappears. The northern regions have a polar climate which means that the mean temperature of the warmest month does not exceed 10° C/50° F. Sunny conditions are common and it may even feel quite warm at times, but they can change quickly to storms with cold winds and snow flurries so travellers must be prepared for rapid weather changes and should dress in layers. Wildlife Cruising / Arctic Stellar’s Sea Eagle S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 181

In 1596 the Dutch explorer Willem Barents named the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago – Spitsbergen – meaning ‘jagged peaks’. A name befitting this remarkable land as you will find out whilst sailing through some of the most outstanding glacial scenery imaginable. These ten-day expeditions aim to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and, with no oceans to cross, the seas are usually calm as you venture way beyond the Arctic Circle and up to 80° north. If ice conditions allow, you may sail around some of the smaller islands too. Distances are relatively short in the archipelago so you will have plenty of time to soak up the magnificent scenery, hike ashore or cruise in the zodiacs. The wildlife watching around Spitsbergen is exceptional: the impressive Monaco Glacier is a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes; opportunistic Arctic Foxes patrol for young birds falling from nesting ledges; Bearded Seals cruise the scenic fjords; 200,000 strong colonies of Little Auks surround spectacular bird cliffs; Walrus wallow in the shallows; Beluga Whale sightings are likely and there is always the possibility of the ultimate wildlife encounter – with the mighty Polar Bear. Your voyage begins in Longyearbyen, the largest community in Svalbard with around 1800 inhabitants. Your first expedition stop is not far away; the following morning you will board the zodiacs for an exhilarating cruise along the sculpted front of the 4th of July Glacier. Surprisingly, the green slopes near the glacier are peppered with the most delicate wildflowers, whilst large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brunnich’s Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. Around Spitsbergen The Svalbard archipelago is only a few hours flight from the UK yet this extraordinary land of rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers is a true High Arctic wilderness. F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Itinerary Day 1. Embark in Longyearbyen Day 2. Krossfjorden, Ny Ålesund, Day 3. Liefdefjorden Day 4. Phippsøya Day 5. Laagöya Day 6. Hinlopen Strait Day 7. Nordaustlandet Day 8. Sundneset, Diskobukta Day 9. Hornsund Day 10. Ahlstrandhalvøya, Recherchefjorden Day 11. Longyearbyen and disembark Vessel Akademik Sergey Vavilov, Alexsey Maryshev, Antarctic Dream, Grigoriy Mikheev, Professor Molchanov, Professor Multanovskiy (see Vessel pages for more details). Things you need to know Embark Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Disembark Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Voyage nights 10 & 11 nights Departure dates June to August Please see schedule on opposite page Price From £1,795 in a triple share cabin From £2,395 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller. What’s included Voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers. Guide price for flights & accommodation package Around £495 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Oslo. 182