Franz Josef Land is a place shrouded in mystery and grace. Being rarely visited, the serene archipelago has untamed wildlife and gripping scenery that is just waiting to be explored.
We have many options: we may explore the Arctic plains by foot or explore further using our Zodiacs cruising the shorelines. Besides the unique wildlife and scenery, Franz Josef Land is also home to many remnants of the brave polar explorers and whalers of the past.
This is an exclusive place of history, beauty, and charm.
Highlights
Sail through the Barents Sea and encounter marine animals
Discover the world’s northernmost Orthodox church
Enjoy stunning hikes and see huge glaciers
Explore the heart of the archipelago for great wildlife encounters
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark MV Villa in the afternoon and meet your expedition team and crew at the dock. After you are settled in your cabin, we will conduct the mandatory safety briefing before your adventure begins with sailing for Murmansk.
As we sail northeast towards the archipelago crossing the Barents Sea we hope to encounter marine mammals and sea birds. Many hours will be spent on deck. Lectures and briefings will be held on board by Liv and your expedition team.
With 192 islands located in the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea and the Kara Sea we might start our exploration of Franz Josef Land archipelago by sailing pass Alexandra land, where the Nagurskaya station is based and the world’s northernmost Orthodox church is placed. As we travel further, we head for the heart of the archipelago our chances for finding great wildlife encounters increase now.
We leave the Islands of Franz Josef Land behind us to set course for Novaya Zemlya. We’ll spend time on deck searching for wildlife and you will have time to go through your images or just relax on board.
The island separates the Barents Sea from the Kara sea and is home to Lemmings, Arctic fox, seals, walrus, and occasionally polar bears. A rich bird life abounds in summer. Novaya Zemlya has been known since at least medieval times, though it was not explored until the 18th and 19th centuries. We aim to explore by foot and by Zodiacs. The island offers stunning hikes, huge glaciers and history from the early explorers.
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.
$204,000
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Arnesen
79.6ft2. 2 Bed (bunk beds) with sink in cabin
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Andree
94.7ft2. 2 Bed (bunk beds) with sink in cabin
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Shackleton
78.5ft2. 2 Bed (bunk beds) with sink in cabin
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Boyd
80.7ft2. 2 Bed (bunk beds) with sink in cabin
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Amundsen
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Nansen
129.2ft2 + 53.8ft2 Bathroom: 17.2ft2. 4 beds in two rooms (bunk beds+ 2 single beds), Sofa and private shower & toilet
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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.
