North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Starting from INR 2482254

Overview Details

Duration14 days

Group Size2 to 12

SeasonJune - June

Description

The North Pole, also known as the Geographic North Pole or Terrestrial North Pole, is defined as the point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface.

Overview

Imagine standing at the top of the Earth, glass of champagne in hand – and everywhere you look is south. That is the essence of the 14-day North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure aboard 50 Years of Victory, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world. Crush through multiyear ice on the Arctic Ocean, sightsee by helicopter on the lookout for walruses, seals, whales, and polar bears, or take a tethered hot-air balloon ride at 90º N, weather permitting. Possible stops at the island of Franz Josef Land will have you in awe of the flora and fauna as you visit seabird colonies and retrace the footsteps of early explorers. **Highlights:** - Stand at the top of the world at 90°N - Experience the largest, most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world, 50 Years of Victory - Enjoy helicopter sightseeing above the Arctic Ocean - Possibly view polar bears, walrus and other arctic wildlife - Take advantage of optional tethered flight by hot air balloon (weather permitting) - Cruise in a zodiac - Visit Franz Josef Land historical sites, wildlife and wildflowers **IMPORTANT:** Russian visas are required for tourists from most countries. This voyage requires double-entry Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details. **IMPORTANT** **REMINDER:** Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Inclusion

**2019** **MANDATORY** **TRANSFER** **PACKAGE** **INCLUDES:** - One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki with breakfast - Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk - Transfer to and from the ship - Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki PACKAGE COST: **$1,995** USD **2020** **MANDATORY** **TRANSFER** **PACKAGE** **INCLUDES:** - One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki - Group transfer from hotel to charter flight in Helsinki on Day 2 - Charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk - Transfers to and from the ship - Charter flight from Murmansk to Helsinki - Group transfer from charter flight to hotel in Helsinki on disembarkation day - One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki PACKAGE PRICE: **$1,995** USD

Exclusion

- Everything which is not mentioned in inclusion.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Helsinki, Finland

Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland’s capital.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Murmansk

From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Days 3 to 6 — Northbound in the Arctic Ocean

Being on board Victory and feeling the icebreaker as it crushes through the arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget. Just as memorable is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view over the ship and the expansive Arctic Ocean. You can expect variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take us anywhere from four to six days depending on the ice conditions. This means you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates and be treated to lectures and discussions by our Expedition Team while looking out for birdlife. There are also many wonderful amenities on board, such as the ship’s lap pool or basketball court.

Day 7 — 90° North

The anticipation reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, call your family, wave a flag— just be sure you enjoy your moment at the top! Later, everyone will celebrate with a champagne toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the opportunity allows, you have the option of taking a polar plunge into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to launch passengers high above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (this is highly weather dependent).

Day 8 — Southbound in the Arctic Ocean

On our return voyage you can sit back and relax. As you head farther south you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.

Days 9 and 10 — 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, we’ll launch the Zodiacs and cruise beneath towering cliffs to explore remote seabird colonies. The 50 Years of Victory helicopter will provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs will transfer you to seldom-visited landing sites.

Days 11 and 12 — Southbound at Sea

Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.

Day 13 — Disembarkation in Murmansk

Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.

Day 14 — Helsinki, Finland

After breakfast, your official Quark Expeditions journey comes to an end. We do encourage you to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) and Saint Petersburg.

Accommodation

- As mentioned In the Itinerary.

Cancellation Policy

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below, - Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash. - Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash. - Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund. - Cancellations will be accepted only by email. Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.