Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear 2025
15
6
199
Set sail for the Arctic with a true luminary of travel, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, who voyages with you in Svalbard. Travel alongside A&K’s unmatched Expedition Team and engaging experts as you seek out the polar bear in the Svalbard Islands, marvel at east Greenland's majestic fjords, and discover the starkly beautiful lava fields and waterfalls of Iceland.
Cruise for 13 nights aboard an exclusive charter of Le Lyrial
Embark on Zodiac excursions through ice floes and hikes amid volcanic terrain, all under the wing of A&K’s acclaimed Expedition Team
Experience a vast breadth of Arctic wildlife habitats, including the polar bear haven of Svalbard
On Greenland’s remote east coast, visit the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit
Explore north Iceland’s whale-watching port of Husavik and go behind the scenes at the town’s renowned whale museum
Photo coaching, lectures and hands-on workshops enrich your time on board
Set sail for the Arctic with a true luminary of travel, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of AK Travel Group, who travels with you in Svalbard, to the land of the mighty polar bear.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the conveniently located Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner.
Day 2 | Longyearbyen - Gateway to Adventure
Board your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic Archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in luminous glaciers. This afternoon, board your luxury expedition cruiser.
Day 3 | Svalbard Islands - Northern Outpost
Awake to your first morning aboard as your vessel cruises up the Svalbard coast. Today’s explorations may feature Ny-Alesund, home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world. Back aboard, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain.
Day 4 | Svalbard Islands - Glacial Archipelago
Today, your vessel sets course for Monacobreen. Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bears, harbor and bearded seals, walrus and a multitude of seabirds. You may also cruise through Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord), another excellent area for spotting polar bears.
Day 5 | Svalbard Islands - Realm of the Polar Bear
Conditions permitting, you may set out on a Zodiac excursion along steep cliffs harboring vast colonies of auk diving birds. This afternoon, your Captain and Expedition Team may take advantage of sea conditions and arrange an invigorating and scenic hike ashore.
Day 6 | Svalbard Islands - Majestic Scenery
Your expedition continues northward as you take in breathtaking mountains, glaciers and icebergs and keep watch for polar bears, Brünnich's guillemots and numerous species of kittiwakes.
Day 7 | Svalbard Islands - Tip of the Archipelago
The day’s explorations may take you to the most northerly region of the Svalbard Islands.
Day 8 | At Sea - Cruising the Greenland Sea
Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as your Expedition Team lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the Svalbard Islands.
Day 9 | Jan Mayen - Glacier-Cloaked Volcano
The day’s planned shore excursion is Jan Mayen, a rugged island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano, the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely visited island to see its meteorological station and discover colonies of northern fulma, little auk, thick-billed guillemot and black guillemot.
Day 10 | Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland - Remote Village
Today, ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated villages in Greenland.
Day 11 | Scoresby Sound - Endless Fjords
Your Captain charts a course across the Greenland Sea, skirting the Arctic ice edge toward Greenland’s rarely visited eastern coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You may embark on Zodiac excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its islands and icebergs while searching for Arctic fox and musk ox.
Day 12 | At Sea - Cruising the Denmark Strait
Cruise the Denmark Strait as you relax or watch for seabirds and whale from the deck between insightful lectures from your Expedition Team.
Day 13 | Husavik, Iceland - Whale-Watching Haven
Today, opt to visit picturesque Husavik and its fascinating whale museum. Supported by A&K Philanthropy, the museum is one of the world’s foremost whale research centers. Alternatively, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching tour, or perhaps set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather for a special farewell reception and dinner.
Day 14 | Iceland''s Westfjords - Lava & Ice-Carved Lands
Explore the Westfjords of Iceland, a remote region of small settlements interspersed amid spectacular mountains and coves. Here, take in the stunning views as you enjoy a leisurely walk or embark on a more vigorous trek ashore.
Day 15 | Depart Reykjavik
This morning, disembark your expedition cruiser in Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your onward departure or discover more of Iceland on the post-tour extension.
Extensions
Oslo Pre-Tour Extension
Discover historic and vibrant Oslo with a visit to its world-class museums and the home of polar explorer Roald Amundsen.
Reykjavik Post Tour Extension
Visit the world’s most northerly capital and enjoy a variety of adventures, including Thingvellir National Park and Thorsmork mountain ridge.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the conveniently located Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner.
Itinerary:
Extensions
Oslo Pre-Tour Extension
Discover historic and vibrant Oslo with a visit to its world-class museums and the home of polar explorer Roald Amundsen.
Reykjavik Post Tour Extension
Visit the world’s most northerly capital and enjoy a variety of adventures, including Thingvellir National Park and Thorsmork mountain ridge.
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Le Lyrial
Chartered exclusively for A&K, your luxury expedition cruiser is specially configured to limit capacity to 199 total travellers (from a maximum of 264). The all-English-speaking ship staff is complemented by A&K’s expert Expedition Team. All staterooms and suites feature a private balcony, and every suite offers complimentary butler service. The vessel also features multiple observation, lounge and dining areas, as well as a library, theater, outside heated pool, fitness center, spa, 24-hour medical facility with a certified doctor and a fleet of Zodiac boats for shore expeditions. A&K also includes complimentary wireless Internet and Traveller’s Valet laundry service. The Ice Class 1C vessel is Clean-Ship certified.
Our team looks for the best opportunities to reveal the regions’ natural wonders. When conditions are just right, the team leads you onto the Zodiac boats for a closer look at glaciers and wildlife at sea, as well as excursions to remote shores inaccessible to larger vessels.
Inclusions & Offers
Save 50% on the single supplement in stateroom categories 1-3
Book a Category 1 stateroom and your companion saves 40%.
Optional pre-tour and post-tour extensions available on this departure.
English-Speaking Local Guides
Airport Meet and Greet with Transfers
Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $600 value)Oslo/Longyearbyen
This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes
Minimum age is 7 years.
Welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Jul 25
Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Aug 8
More
adventures
15 Days
|
from $22,995
|
199 guests
