Across the Circle - Scotland to Spitsbergen
Across the Arctic Circle - Scotland, Norway & Spitsbergen 14 Days
Across the Arctic Circle - Scotland, Norway & Spitsbergen 14 Days
Aboard: Polar PioneerFollow in the paths of the Vikings as you journey from northeast Scotland to the land of the midnight sun. In the company of expert historians and naturalists, on this fantastic itinerary you will discover the Stone Age villages, Viking relics and prolific birdlife of the Orkney and Shetland Islands before following the migrating whales along Norway’s dramatic coastline, stopping at the picturesque fishing villages that dot the landscape along the way. After commemorating crossing the Arctic Circle and a stop off at Bear Island, your ship will sail towards the polar wonderland of Spitsbergen, the breeding ground of walruses, reindeers, various birds and polar bears. Enjoy exciting Zodiac cruises around South Spitsbergen National Park and marvel at the spectacular scenery, the beautiful tundra sparkling with wildflowers, and enjoy every moment in this land where the summer sun never sets.
Highlights
- Explore the Polar wonderland of Spitsbergen
- Sail around Norway's spectacular coastline with majestic fjords and soaring granite walls
- Discover Stone Age villages and Viking relics in the Orkney & Shetland Islands
- Search for Polar bears, reindeer and ringed seals in Spitsbergen
- Follow the humpback whales' migration to the Norwegian coast
- Spot puffins, guillemots, fulmars, eagles and a plethora of Arctic birdlife
- Celebrate as your ship crosses the Arctic Circle
- Kayaking option available
What's Included
- Accommodation onboard Polar Pioneer with all meals, snacks, tea and coffee included
- Group transfer from ship to Longyearbyen airport
- Group sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen upon disembarkation (post-voyage)
- All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from an expert team
- Complimentary custom-designed polar expedition jacket
- Loan of gumboots during the voyage
- Daily cabin service
- Professionally-produced hard back voyage log
- Port taxes and charges & entry fees to historic landings sites
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Aberdeen, Scotland
Orkney Archipelago
Shetland Isles
At Sea
Norway Coast
Bear Island
Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen
A view from Above
All Aboard
Polar Pioneer
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship with ice class 1A Super, making it perfect for navigation in Polar areas with heavy sea ice. With a legendary reputation as a strong and capable veteran expedition ship, it was refurbished in 2022 with a modernised lounge and upgraded cabins allowing for up to 48 guests to travel in comfort and in an intimate setting that offers an authentic expedition adventure. There is a mixture of cabins and suites, including suites and cabins with ensuite bathrooms and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. All cabins have portholes or windows. Public areas include a refurbished lounge with bar, newly refurbished dining saloons, a sauna, and multiple viewing decks and raised decks for photography. There is an Open Bridge policy and, owing to its small guest numbers, all passengers are able to fit into the 5 Zodiacs at one time so there is no waiting to go on shore. This ship features the highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice and offers the smallest group size available for trips to Antarctica and South Georgia.
Too much to choose from? This is where we come in
Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.
Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.
As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.
With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Amy knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Chat Now
Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
Unfortunately this voyage has sailed
Fear not, we have many more great trips in this region.
Please click here to view
Alternatively for similar trips please contact us on 0800 195 3385 (Freephone) or click here to make an enquiry.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Chat Now
Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation