Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya

Russian Arctic

Follow in the footsteps of early arctic explorers on the Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya expedition, voyaging to two of the most isolated, icy archipelagoes in the Russian High Arctic. From the mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Josef Land, these are rugged and essentially uninhabited landscapes that few have ever experienced. There’s no shortage of amazing adventures in these remote regions, where ice-capped peaks soar majestically out of the water and polar bears wander in their natural environment

Seldom-visited high Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land
Zodiac landings provide access to seldom visited sites
Experience quintessential arctic wildlife, including walrus, whales and polar bears
On board lecturers and educational presentations from polar experts
Opportunity to spot polar wildlife, including some of the 50 species of seabirds such as the little auk, the Arctic’s ‘penguin of the north’

Free flight Package ex Helsinki!

Book before June 15, 2019 and we include the following Transfer package at no extra cost:

One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki
Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
Transfers to and from the ship in Murmansk
Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki in conjunction with charter flight

Special Offers

Book before March 31st, 2022 and save 15% for Standard cabins* (excludes Triples) or 20% for Premium cabins** - Use Promocode XXQ15 or XXQ20.

2023 departure only - Save additional 10% if paid in full within 30 days of booking (contact us for details).
- Repeating passengers enjoy an additional 5% discount.

(*Standard Cabins: Lower Deck Twin, Main Deck Porthole, Main Deck Window; **Premium Cabins: Superior, Deluxe, Suite, Owner’s Suite)

Stewart's Take

A rare chance to visit two stunningly beautiful High Arctic archipelagos

Overview

Follow in the footsteps of early arctic explorers on the Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya expedition, voyaging to two of the most isolated, icy archipelagoes in the Russian High Arctic. From the mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Josef Land, these are rugged and essentially uninhabited landscapes that few have ever experienced. There’s no shortage of amazing adventures in these remote regions, where ice-capped peaks soar majestically out of the water and polar bears wander in their natural environment.

Day 1 — Helsinki, Finland Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel. Day 2 — Embarkation in Murmansk, Russia After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Murmansk, Russia. Once aboard, get acquainted with the ship and crew and settle in for your voyage north. Days 3 and 4 — At Sea As we sail through the Barents Sea, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the region, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will keep a lookout for seabirds, such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars soaring above your ship. Whale and seal sightings may also be possible in this biologically diverse sea. Days 5 to 7 — Exploring Novaya Zemlya The largest of the Eurasian arctic archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third-largest wilderness area in Europe. This seemingly long, narrow island actually consists of two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern), separated by the imposing Matochkin Strait. As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect a new adventure every day. Each expedition will be unique, depending on the weather and ice, but a few landing sites we strive to visit include Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok and Russkaya Gavan. Boasting one of the most picturesque glaciers in the entire archipelago, Inostrantseva Bay provides breathtaking panoramic views of pristine arctic wilderness. If conditions allow, we may explore ashore, or Zodiac cruise along the face of the glacier, at a safe distance, possibly witnessing the wonders of calving ice. Encounters with Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) are likely, owing to a small colony in the coastal cliffs. To the northwest side of Severny Island are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife abounds here, with a variety of animal and plant life to be discovered, Walrus have been sighted here on many previous expeditions. Coming across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create a raucous as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. Encounters with whales and seabirds are possible, as well as polar bears, a genetically distinct subpopulation here. A significant site in polar exploration, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number of opportunities for you to trace the footsteps of famous explorers and reflect on the region’s history. Day 8 — At Sea Bid farewell to Novaya Zemlya as we cruise farther north to Franz Josef Land. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Attend presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea. Days 9 to 12 — Exploring Franz Josef Land This remote group of 191 islands, many covered in ice, forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Weather and ice conditions will shape our exploration, but we do hope to explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus haul-out at some notable destinations, such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are also possible. On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896. The conditions were astonishingly difficult, but they survived until the summer and continued their journey south. The remains of their small hut are still here today, along with a memorial marking the event. Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on Hooker Island, will feel like stepping back in time. There is plenty to discover as you wander the ruins, immersed in Russian polar history, and you may even be able to send a postcard from the post office! The Stolichky and Appolonov Islands offer plentiful walrus encounters, as the lumbering giants can be found hauled out here. If ice and weather are in our favor, we’ll explore the area by Zodiac, at a safe distance, to view these pinnipeds of the Arctic in their natural habitat. Days 13 and 14 — At Sea As your Arctic expedition winds down you have a couple of days to sail through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are often seen. Take in a presentation, reminisce about your incredible journey with your shipmates, relax in the lounge while swapping stories and photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and spot wildlife. Day 15 — Disembarkation Murmansk & Fly to Helsinki Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and crew before catching our group charter flight back to Helsinki, where you will have one more night in this exquisite city. Day 16 — Helsinki After breakfast, spend time exploring more of the Finnish capital or catch your homeward-bound flight. 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.

Luxury Expedition Ship M/S Ocean Adventurer

This Polar Adventure Ship formerly known as Sea Adventurer was built in 1975. She underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998 and again in 2017. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed, elegance. Ocean Adventurer is the perfect expedition ship for people who enjoy soft adventures and creature comforts. Ocean Adventurer is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite.

For full information about this vessel click here...

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special
Guests as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative
Arctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard ship
Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation
On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship
On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

Excluded

International airfare
Passport and any applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage charges
Laundry and other personal charges
Telecommunications charges
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Any overnight accommodation required due to flight connections
Optional sea-kayaking activities

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person in US Dollars on a shared basis. We can on request also quote for you in Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars or Swedish Crowns. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 per person) at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 365 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$300/€250/AUD400/GBP250/SEK2750 per person - or a US$400/€350/AUD550/GBP350/SEK3750 per person for future travel credit within the next twelve (12) months of date of cancelled voyage. If cancellation is received between 364 days and 91 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs 90 days or less prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, we highly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.

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Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya

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