Arctic Saga: Spitsbergen, Faroes & Jan Mayen
Arctic Saga: Spitsbergen, Faroes & Jan Mayen
Arctic Saga: Spitsbergen, Faroes & Jan Mayen
14 Days Starting in Aberdeen, United Kingdom and ending in Helsinki, Finland
Visiting: Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
POS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 128
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Arctic Saga: Spitsbergen, Faroes & Jan Mayen" tour, where you will trace the paths of Norsemen and Vikings across the Fair Isle and Faroe Islands. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic and glacier-covered Jan Mayen island, nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean. Witness the majestic Arctic wildlife, including puffins, reindeer, and whales, as you cruise in a Zodiac to uncover diverse landscapes. Travel aboard the small expedition vessel, Ultramarine, accompanied by highly qualified Expedition Staff, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience. Enjoy full board accommodation with all meals included, and savor beer and house wine during dinner. This adventure begins in Aberdeen and concludes in Helsinki, with a mandatory transfer package covering flights from Longyearbyen to Helsinki. Optional flights from the UK can also be arranged, making this a seamless and thrilling Arctic exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start In Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Location: Aberdeen
Accommodation Name: included hotel
Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen, has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you’ll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you’ll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area’s coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting Bottlenose and White-beaked dolphins, Harbor porpoises and Minke whales.
Day 3 : Exploring Fair Isle
Location: Fair Isle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The U.K.’s most remote inhabited island, the extraordinary Fair Isle is located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Boasting a rugged beauty, Fair Isle’s landscape is diverse, with fields and moors dominated by seaside cliffs and an astounding amount of sea stacks, natural arches and caves. Despite its small size, the island offers activities for history, nature and photography buffs alike. Visit the museum to immerse yourself in local artifacts, photos, knitwear and other historic memorabilia. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the circa 1935 classic red phone booth by the post office! In terms of wildlife, Orcas are native to the waters around Fair Isle, and they sometimes come close in pursuit of seals. But the island is best known for its coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds in spring and summer. The star attraction is the Atlantic puffin, a clown-like bird that clings to the steep slopes. Photographers will surely want to capture pictures of their bemused expressions, and Fair Isle’s easily accessible grassy banks make it one of the best places in the Shetlands to observe these colourful creatures. Northern fulmars, kittiwakes, Storm petrels, razorbills and guillemots are also likely to be spotted, soaring over the open waters. Visitors to this community of crofters, artisans and artists may be able to pick up a traditional Fair Isle sweater to keep you warm during the rest of your arctic voyage. Be sure to pick one up, along with a matching hat, scarf and mittens, at the town hall.
Day 4 - 5 : Exploring The Faroe Islands
Location: Faroe Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape, with verdant pastures giving way to rugged, steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands have a storied past, though the details of the archipelago’s early history are a bit hazy. The first settlers may have been seventh-century Irish monks seeking solitude on these islands far removed from any continent. Their isolation ended in 800 AD, with the arrival of Norse farmers, and Norwegian colonization continued throughout the Viking Age. Today, many of the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, now a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, are descendants of Norwegian Vikings. We will have two days to explore this unspoiled and seldom-visited archipelago made up of 18 rugged islands located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The mighty North Atlantic is omnipresent wherever we go with no place on the Faroe Islands farther than 3 miles (5 km) from its shores. The sea has always dominated life on the Faroes – throughout history as much as today: rich fisheries, magnificent ocean views and thriving sea bird colonies make up this rare Nordic jewel – often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret. We will spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago which are separated by narrow sounds and fjords and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, green valleys engulfed by steep dramatic mountains, protecting small picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped housed. Wind, weather and sea conditions will influence and shape our activity options, but we will of course always keep our eyes out for marine and bird life especially the iconic Atlantic puffin.
Day 6 - 7 : At Sea
Location: Jan Mayen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say goodbye to the Faroes as we cruise toward the world’s most northerly volcanic island, Jan Mayen. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside your ship, attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea. With your binoculars and camera at the ready, keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a Humpback, Blue or Fin whale. Encounters with Minke whales or Orcas are also possible, since their curiosity can bring them near the ship. If you’re lucky, you may even see Harp seals.
Day 8 - 9 : Exploring Jan Mayen
Location: Jan Mayen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, is the mysterious Jan Mayen, deep in the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.
Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 metres) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. During the summer months, the island’s lower landscape is covered with grass, moss and a smattering of hardy flowers that add a cheery pop of color to the otherwise barren black lava terrain.
One site we hope to visit is Olonkinbyen and the surrounding area. Named after Russian-Norwegian Polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, it’s the island’s only settlement and the location of the meteorological station, where you may have the chance to learn about Polar research while seeing how weather is monitored at the top of the world. Another option might be the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta, where the remnants of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station and a large fulmar colony can be found. In 1632, two Basque ships landed at the small bay and plundered the station. A Dutch party was sent here the following year to protect the land stations during winter, but all seven men perished from scurvy. Whaling in the area came to an end about 20 years later.
Day 10 : At Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we sail farther north, spend some time with your shipmates in the lounge, swapping stories and photos, or pause for a moment on the bridge, joining in as the Expedition Team looks out for whales, seals and a variety of seabirds.
Day 11 - 13 : Exploring Spitsbergen
Location: Spitsbergen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rugged, wild, unspoiled and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is unforgettable. From immense glaciers to Polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife.
As we explore the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Some areas we hope to visit include Hornsund and Bellsund fjords and the Lilliehook Glacier.
The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord, have rich histories. En route to Isbjornhamna, a bay at the southern end, where we hope to explore the former science station, you may have the opportunity to discover old whale bones. You may spot Svalbard reindeer and colonies of delightful Little auks.
A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbanhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colourful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Viewing reindeer here is likely, as they frequent the area.
Day 14 : Disembark In Longyearbyen
Location: Longyearbyen
Meals Included: Breakfast
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen or catch your homeward flights. For the 2021 departure, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Oslo where your adventure ends.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are provided while on the ship, ensuring you are well-fed throughout the journey.
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Beer and house wine during dinner
Enjoy beer and house wine during dinner as part of your dining experience on the ship.
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All accommodation
Accommodation is included for the duration of the tour, ensuring a comfortable stay.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and the activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified Expedition Staff will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Mandatory transfer package including flights from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Longyearbyen to Helsinki.
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Optional flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be arranged upon request.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently.
Food
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ. Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen voyage is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Arctic Saga tour?
During the Arctic Saga tour, you can expect to see a variety of iconic Arctic wildlife including puffins, reindeer, whales, and seabirds. The tour offers opportunities to spot Bottlenose and White-beaked dolphins, Harbor porpoises, Minke whales, and possibly Orcas. In Jan Mayen, you might see Northern fulmars, Little auks, Glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and Black and Brünnich’s guillemots. In Spitsbergen, you may encounter Svalbard reindeer and colonies of Little auks.
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What activities are included during the days at sea?
During the days at sea, there are several activities to keep you engaged. You can learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside the ship, attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team, relax in the polar library, or spend time on deck admiring the sea. You should keep your binoculars and camera ready for possible sightings of Humpback, Blue, or Fin whales, as well as Minke whales or Orcas.
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What is the accommodation like on the Ultramarine ship?
The Ultramarine is a Polar Adventure Ship offering full board accommodation, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. The ship is well qualified for Polar waters and provides an intimate adventure with like-minded passengers and staff. The ship's galley offers good quality service and cuisine, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes.
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What is the significance of Jan Mayen island on this tour?
Jan Mayen is a mysterious and rarely visited island in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its volcanic and glacier-covered landscape. It is a nature reserve and home to the Beerenberg volcano, which features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers. The island supports colonies of breeding seabirds and is a rich feeding ground for marine life, making it a significant highlight of the tour.
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What historical sites can be explored in the Faroe Islands during the tour?
In the Faroe Islands, you can explore the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. The Old Town features quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs. You can also hike up to the historic fort built in 1580 to guard against pirate raids, offering stunning views of the port below. The islands' history includes early settlers like seventh-century Irish monks and Norse farmers.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Tuesday - Monday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 12, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.