Overview
What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Longyearbyen (flight routes subject to change)
- Transfers: return airport transfers and transfers to and from activities
- Accommodation: 6 nights at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel (option to upgrade to Funken Lodge)
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Longyearbyen sightseeing, Arctic Wilderness Evening, walrus safari, dog sledding on wheels, Wildlife and Glacier boat trip (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Largest of the islands in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Spitsbergen is a wonderfully scenic destination for an Arctic summer holiday, shedding its winter coat for pleasantly cool temperatures and glorious Midnight Sun.
This six-night holiday transports you to the town of Longyearbyen, tucked away in its own bay next to the sublime Isfjorden. There will be two trips by boat over its tranquil waters. The first goes to the staggering Borebukta Bay on the lookout for walruses and the second heads to Nordenskiöld Glacier
It will be possible to take in the Isfjorden from the coast when participating in a fantastic session of dog sledding on wheels. Abandoning winter snow sleds for specially designed wagons, you can sit back and look at the water as you speed by on land.
Our itinerary also features a guided tour of the surrounding Longyear Valley, which is vast and largely untouched. You will also look around the peninsula of Hotellneset and visit the amazing Global Seed Vault. This is an intriguing facility built inside a mountain to store samples of the world’s crop seeds as a safety reserve in the face of war and natural disasters.
On top of this, there will be an Arctic Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz, located several miles out of town. Get a taste of local hospitality inside a traditional cabin building – appropriately named ‘Gammen’, or ‘Enjoyment’ – and tuck into a dish of reindeer by firelight.
Read moreWe have included a free day in the itinerary for you to explore Longyearbyen at your own pace. It is possible to book the ‘Experience a miner’s life’ activity, which will give you an authentic look into the island’s mining history with a visit to the Gruve 3 shaft. Wearing proper miner’s clothes, you will be guided through, looking at equipment that still remains underground and learning about the past.
© Frank Andreassen, Marcela Cardenas, Jarle Roessland, Roy Mangersnes/wildphoto.no, Visit Svalbard, www.nordnorge.com, Jens Henrik Nybo & Visitnorway.com, Spitsbergen Travel & Hanne Feyling, Douglas Bardwell (client)
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Key facts
| Duration: | 6 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
| Midnight Sun Dates: | 2nd July - 24th August |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times.
Next season’s dates and prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 01 Jun 2024
to Sat 31 Aug 2024 |
Adults £ 2,635 To £ 2,955 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Approximately 2 - 25 people
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Welcome
Having touched down at Svalbard Airport, you will be collected and transferred to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, which is only ten minutes away. After unpacking and getting comfortable in your cosy room, you might like to try the on-site Nansen Restaurant for dinner, which offers a lovely view of the town.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Longyearbyen Sightseeing and Arctic Wilderness Evening
After breakfast, you will get a two-hour introduction to Longyearbyen on an expert-led sightseeing tour. After being picked up from your
As you head along, your guide will point out the fascinating coal mines of Adventalen. You will then explore the Hotellneset Peninsula and the area around the airport – look out across the Isfjorden and admire its calm waters.
A visit will then be made to the Global Seed Vault. Built inside a mountain like some sort of futuristic fortress, it is the world’s largest facility for storing seeds of every kind of crop imaginable (there is space for some 4.5 million different types of seed). This provides an essential back-up in the face of wars, natural disasters, and plant extinction. The Vault’s official website describes it as the ‘ultimate insurance policy for the world’s food supply’.
Throughout the tour, your guide will inform you about the flora, fauna, and other highlights of each location. There will also be plenty of stops for taking photos.
The day will close with an Arctic Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz, situated in the Advent Valley, around six or seven miles from Longyearbyen. Trade the lights of the town for a roaring fire in a traditional cabin-like building which has been affectionately titled ‘Gammen’ – appropriately, this translates as ‘Enjoyment’. Tuck into a delicious reindeer dinner followed by cake while your hosts tell tales about Spitsbergen and its famous polar bears. While you will be based indoors, you may wish to go outside to catch a glimpse of the Midnight Sun. We recommend, therefore, keeping extra warm layers to hand as outside temperatures can still be a little on the cool side during the summer.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 3
Walrus Safari by Boat
Following breakfast, you will embark on a boat trip featuring natural sights and local culture. You will board the brand new ‘Kvitbjorn’ boat, a modern design with an innovative hybrid engine for sustainable sailing in the Arctic.
Leaving Longyearbyen, the boat will travel across the grand Isfjorden. As you travel North towards the bay of Borebukta, keep an eye out for walruses. They can often be spotted resting on ice floes or gathered in colonies, relaxing on the beaches and inlets of the island. Hot drinks and snacks will be served before heading back to shore.
Included Meals: Breakfast
On arriving back in Longyearbyen, you may wish to explore the local restaurants for dinner options or book a special tasting menu in advance, as listed in our ‘Personalise’ section. -
DAY 4
Free Day
Today is a free day, including breakfast at the hotel. You might like to stroll around Longyearbyen or head to the harbour for a walk along the coast. Alternatively, you might prefer treating yourself to a spa and sauna session in the hotel.
You can also book an activity which will take you into Longyearbyen’s past as a mining town. Experience the life of a miner with a trip to the Gruve 3 shaft, where light from head-torches will reveal old equipment left just as it was back in the day, waiting for a shift to begin. See the ‘Personalise’ tab for more details.
Have fun trying out the local cuisine in town and be sure to look out for the Midnight Sun as the day comes to an end.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 5
Dogsledding on Wheels
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before the day’s high-speed activity: dog sledding on wheels. Our winter trips would have you driving a normal sled over the snow. This activity features sleds which have been specially adapted with wheels to make wagons for fast-paced summer rides.
You will be taken to meet the dogs at a centre close to the town. Choosing the pack to carry you along, you will then be transferred to the starting point at Taubanesentralen, the central cableway station in Longyearbyen. There will be a driver to control the fourteen dogs pulling the wagon, so you can sit back as the journey unfolds. Passing structures from the town’s industrial history, you will also catch beautiful vistas of the fjords and mountains nearby. The route will go along the coast to the pristine area of Vestpynten and back. It is worth keeping some extra layers in case you get chilly.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 6
Wildlife and Glacier Boat Trip
After breakfast comes the second boat trip on this holiday, which is just as enchanting as the first. Step aboard the MS Bard – a new and groundbreaking hybrid electric catamaran, specially designed to leave the smallest footprint possible whilst exploring the Arctic.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
You will travel north into Billefjord, making your way to the magnificent Nordenskiöld Glacier - keep an eye out for sea birds winging their way through the air, and take in the refreshing fjord breeze. Stopping here, you will be served a light lunch on board.
During the cruise, your guide will explain the natural history and cultural heritage of the areas being visited. The boat has a kiosk with waffles, drinks, and other snacks on offer. It will also be possible to hire binoculars from here. -
DAY 7
Departure
Eat your last Longyearbyen breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your journey home, taking back memories of the splendour and soothing silence of Spitsbergen Island. You might like to extend your holiday by staying in the city of Tromsø or Oslo in mainland Norway.
Please see the ‘Personalise’ tab for more information and speak to one of our Travel Experts.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
Nights: 1-6
Located in the centre of Longyearbyen, the Radisson Blu is surrounded by mountains and lies close to the beautiful, wintery ocean. An ideal base for exploration, it provides the perfect place to retreat to after a day of fun and discovery.
Hotel facilities
- There are 95 rooms, all designed to a high standard, offering warmth and comfort following your activities in the snow
- The hotel has its own restaurant, Nansen, which serves authentic Arctic cuisine, as well as a variety of international specialities
- The Barentz Pub & Spiseri is filled with a range of beer, wine and spirits and it is a wonderful place to unwind
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel
- Outdoor hot tubs and a sauna are available and payable locally
Guest room types
Hotel rooms
The standard rooms each include either a double or twin beds, with room to accommodate an extra bed if required. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom with bathtub, mini bar, TV and Wi-Fi.
Guests can upgrade to a suite for a supplement.
Other options
Funken Lodge
With its combination of luxurious comfort and historic surroundings, Funken Lodge offers guests an unforgettable visitor experience. Switch your outdoor boots for cosy woollen slippers upon entry, an age-old tradition in Longyearbyen, and proceed upstairs to a welcoming reception and an ample lounge area with plenty of nooks and crannies for a spot of relaxing.
With its high location, the hotel has great views of Longyearbyen, the Lars glacier and the Longyear glacier.
Hotel facilities
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The hotel’s main restaurant, Funktionærmessen (or more simply shortened to Funken) has wonderful views of the town and serves a carefully selected selection of delicious a la carte dishes for its guests - King crab, dry-aged meats and local food like Svalbard reindeer are amongst the specialities.
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Funken Bar is Longyearbyen’s only specialised cocktail bar with a wide selection of first-class spirits, vintage wines and decorative drinks.
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Complimentary pudding can be enjoyed every afternoon in the warmly welcoming lounge area. This is the ideal spot to sit in front of the fire enjoying a good book.
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Purchase souvenirs in the small gift shop next to the reception
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The hotel also has a sauna for guest use which is heated daily and a small gym onsite.
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Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Room types
Double/twin rooms: these stylish rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay and a great night's sleep. Each room has a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries, bathrobes, thermostat and minibar.
Suites: the suites are spacious and comfortable and offer additional amenities to the standard rooms, including a separate bedroom and living room with workspace and wonderful views over the town or surrounding mountains.
Image Credit: Agurtxane Concellon,Hurtigruten Svalbard
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Experience a Miner's Life
Add this activity to your itinerary for a subterranean contrast to the outdoor Spitsbergen environment, taking you into the island’s mining past.
A guide in a bus will collect you from your hotel, just as miners were picked up from stops many years ago. Reaching the Gruve 3 shaft, you will don typical working clothes and a helmet before stamping yourself in for a shift. You will then be led through part of the mine by your guide, where equipment can still be seen in position, illuminated by the light of your head torches.
Read moreHear stories about the people who worked here and admire their endurance and dedication. On finishing the mine tour, you will sign out and return to your normal clothes, going back to the world on the surface. It is worth wearing warm clothes for the visit.
Duration: 3 hours in total
Other options
Activities
Quad Bike Safari
Experience the natural landscape up close with a thrilling quad bike safari. Once you’re kitted up and have received thorough instruction from your guide, you’ll head out of town in convoy and into Adventdalen, with stops at Breinosa and Mine 7 along the way.
On the way back through the valley, you will stop at a local husky farm to meet and greet the dogs and enjoy hot drinks and snacks.
Please note that you need to hold a full driver's licence and are required to carry this with you during the safari.
Duration: 3.5 hours in total
Evening Cruise in Isfjorden
All aboard MS Bard again for this optional evening cruise. The midnight sun allows for many extra hours to enjoy the spectacular nature, and what better vantage from the beautiful Isfjorden, with breathtaking views of the island?
The cruise includes a mouth-watering three-course meal on board and drinks are available to purchase.
Duration: 3 hours in total
Sea to Summit Hike
The tour takes you up through the valley of Louisedalen towards Carolinedalen. At the end of the valley, head up onto Forkastningsfjellet, where you can enjoy the incredible views over the whole Isfjord. See the glaciers which lay like pearls on a string, from Nordenskiöldbreen in the north to the western bays ending with Trygghamna. The midnight sun colours the mountains in beautiful, warm tones so be sure to take your camera.
This is a reasonably demanding hike which covers about 10 kilometres with about 400 metres of elevation. On Forkastningsfjellet you will traverse a lofty shoulder, but the terrain is generally easy. A light lunch and warm drinks are included.
Duration: 3 hours in total
Extensions
Extend your stay in Oslo
Svalbard is part of Norway, so why not add a few nights in the capital to your holiday? Oslo is a splendid city sat at the top of its very own fjord. Here, you can lose yourself in Norway’s Viking past when visiting the Viking Ship Museum, or pick a more modern maritime experience and head to the Kon-Tiki Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his Atlantic expedition in a native-style craft.
Read more about this activityYou might like to learn about Norway’s monarchy and take a guided tour around the Royal Palace. You might also like to look around the many world-class art galleries which can be found here. What’s more, you can get a dose of present-day culture in the wide selection of bars and cafés that can be found in this city.
Contact one of our helpful Travel Experts to arrange the best Oslo extension for you.
Little Extras
Champagne or Wine Tasting
Sample champagne or wine in the cellar of Funken Lodge, each drink chosen by your specialist sommelier and expertly paired with complementary canapés.
The atmosphere is intimate and you have the opportunity to ask questions and get recommendations from the sommelier, who also will be happy to share some unique stories about life on Svalbard.
Taste of Svalbard at Huset
Choose to add a 6-course tasting menu at the renowned Huset Restaurant for an extra special evening of culinary delight. Huset proudly presents dishes characterised by Nordic techniques and tasting combinations, with ingredients coming mainly from Svalbard and the arctic region, in collaboration with trappers and hunters in the area.
This experience can also be paired with wine for an additional cost.
Tasting Menu at Funken Lodge
Choose to add either a 4-course or 7-course tasting menu for a culinary journey of delicious food at Funken restaurant. The restaurant was originally the dining hall for the sophisticated officials of the coal mining company. Today it is a favourite among many locals and an attractive place for visitors with impressive views over Longyearbyen.
This experience can also be paired with wine for an additional cost.
Beer Tasting at Svalbard Brewery
Visit the brewery at the top of the world, situated on the outskirts of Longyearbyen. Visionaries and founders, Robert and Anne, made their concept a reality and opened the doors of Svalbard Brewery in 2012. Ever since their beer has been enjoyed by explorers from all over the world. During the tour, you will learn about the brewing process and of course, enjoy tasters of the world’s only Arctic beer.
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