Venture where only the most intrepid explorers have gone before, on a thrilling voyage to the Russian High Arctic and the Kara Sea, where isolated isles and ice-fringed waters harbor dazzling wildlife and intriguing histories. Experience exploration in its purest form aboard the Polar Class 5 National Geographic Endurance, charting a course from the fjord-laced coast of northern Norway to the historic port of Murmansk, Russia, to remote Arctic archipelagos including Franz Josef Land. Seek out thriving wildlife—including polar bears, whales, walruses, and seabird colonies—and experience a pristine wilderness reached by few visitors.
Highlights
Sail the icy waters of the Kara Sea, only navigable for a few months of the year
Set foot on the world’s northernmost archipelago, Franz Josef Land
Explore along the sandy shores of Ostrov Isachenko
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Oslo, and check in to our hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, get acquainted with the charming capital on a guided tour. Walk among the city’s famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size, expressive human figures that adorn terraced parklands. Then, delve into Norway’s history of polar exploration at the Fram Museum and climb aboard its namesake, a record-setting, wooden ship. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Take a charter flight to Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” due to the numerous polar expeditions that originated here, and embark National Geographic Endurance.
Explore Norway’s spectacular northern coast, which was carved by glaciers over millions of years. Glide through sublime, steep-walled fjords, marveling at the mountainous islands and chiseled peaks that lace these shores. Watch for seabirds and marine mammals and learn about the region’s natural history from our expedition team.
Cross into Russian waters and venture ashore at Murmansk, the largest seaport above the Arctic Circle and the final city founded by the Russian Empire. This ice-free harbor served as a vital supply port during World War II, and today supports a thriving fishing industry. See Murmansk’s gold-domed Russian Orthodox church and pay your respects at the scenic lighthouse, built to memorialize sailors lost at sea. At the Museum of Murmansk Shipping Company, delve into the history of Arctic exploration along the Great Northern Sea Route. Then, step aboard the Soviet-era Lenin, a nuclear-powered icebreaker turned fascinating museum, and learn about indigenous culture at the Museum of Regional Studies.
Enjoy the National Geographic Endurance’s many amenities as we cross the Barents Sea and continue further north toward the Kara Sea. Soak in the ship’s infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, take in panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck, and enjoy talks from our onboard experts about the wildlife and geology that await us.
Spend a few days exploring the ice-draped coastlines of the Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) archipelago, a chain of rugged islands that has yet to be thoroughly explored. Watch for Arctic wildlife as we navigate past Ice Harbor, where Dutch explorer Willem Barents was marooned for the winter of 1596 to 1597. Seals, walruses, and polar bears may be found on coastal ice floes year-round, and rich birdlife inhabits the shorelines during the summer months. Depending on weather and ice, we plan to make a number of landings on these rarely visited shores.
An extension of the Arctic Ocean north of Siberia, the Kara Sea is one of the coldest seas in the world, formed by glacial ice during the last ice age. Frozen for most of the year, these waters provide an important source for fish—including cod and salmon—and harbor iconic marine creatures including seals, whales, and polar bears. In keeping with the nature of a true Arctic expedition, our day-by-day itinerary will remain flexible. We’ll leverage the extensive experience of our captain and crew, as well as of our technological resources and ice-strengthened ship, to chart a course through one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Commune with an array of Arctic wildlife along the shores of Solitude Island, as Ostrov Uyedineniya is sometimes called. In 1993, this desert tundra became part of the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve—Russia’s largest expanse of protected land—to preserve the fragile wildlife that lives in this harsh landscape. Venture further into the reserve on Ostrov Isachenko, the largest island of the Kirov archipelago. Go for walks onshore with our naturalists, spotting birds on sandy beaches and in the fertile intertidal zone; and enjoy daily adventures by kayak or Zodiac.
Make the most of 24 hours of daylight, joining our naturalists on deck to spot beluga whales and other marine mammals in the shallow coastal waters surrounding the archipelago of Severnaya Zemlya. Separated from the Siberian mainland by the Vil’kitskogo Strait, this chain of islands is roughly the size of Indiana and remains one of the planet’s most recently charted territories—only known since 1913 when an ocean expedition discovered this vast expanse of Arctic tundra. Depending on ice and weather, we will schedule a variety of hikes and Zodiac cruises to best explore the area. Continue navigating these waters as we journey east and pass Cape Chelyuskin, the most northerly point of the Eurasian continent.
Experience the grandeur of life at the top of the planet amid the dramatic scenery of the world’s northernmost archipelago, Franz Josef Land. For much of the year, vast ice sheets cover the surface of these uninhabited islands, located some 550 miles from the North Pole. Learn about the 2013 expedition to the archipelago led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala as part of the Pristine Seas project, which resulted in the first deep-sea footage of the rare Greenland shark. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to experience dramatic icescapes and seldom-seen coastlines, and search for wildlife on the shores or in the sky. Venture ashore with our National Geographic photographer and naturalists to explore this untouched wilderness where fresh discoveries await each day.
As we sail back to Norway, reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life and enjoying life onboard. Take a yoga class, unwind with a massage in the wellness center, and curl up next to the fireplace in the library. Share images with our National Geographic-Lindblad certified photography instructor, and marvel at footage captured by the ship’s underwater camera. Our voyage culminates with a farewell dinner on board.
Arrive in Tromsø and disembark your ship. Enjoy a tour of the city before taking a charter flight back to Oslo. Check in to your hotel near Oslo airport and spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 23: Oslo | Depart
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Notes
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
23 Breakfasts, 21 Lunches, 21 Dinners
22 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.