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Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Cruise to Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya

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The impenetrable mountains of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, the mysterious Franz Josef Land nature reserve are places where only the most passionate travelers have visited. Here, ice-covered mountain peaks rise majestically above the water. Here, polar bears walk through the endless icy deserts. On this journey, you will touch the untouched natural treasures of Russia.

12 973 €
What’s included in the price? Submit request
Duration
14 days
13 nights
Dates
  • group dates
    Complexity
    Without exercise
    Accommodation
    • Cabin
      13 nights
    Comfort
    Midscale
    Upscale
    Premium
    Group meet at
    Russia, Murmansk
    The most profitable tickets to Russia

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    Main impressions

    The Russian Arctic

    Explore this rarely visited Arctic region

    Arctic wildlife

    Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and seabirds

    Novaya Zemlya

    Explore glaciated land, where the earliest Arctic explorers overwintered

    Franz Josef Land

    Visit significant sites at Franz Josef Land and learn about the region’s storied history

    Route

    • Day 1 — Embarkation in Murmansk, Russia (Fly from Helsinki)

      Our trip starts in Murmansk, Russia. Once aboard, get acquainted with the ship and crew and settle in for your voyage north.

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    • Day 2 — At Sea

      As we sail through the Barents Sea, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. 

      Learn about the storied history and politics of the region, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.

      Staff will keep a lookout for seabirds, such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars soaring above your ship. Whale and seal sightings may also be possible in this biologically diverse sea.

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    • Day 3 — At Sea

      We continue sail through the Barents Sea.

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    • Day 4 — Exploring Novaya Zemlya

      The largest of the Eurasian arctic archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third-largest wilderness area in Europe. This seemingly long, narrow island actually consists of two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern), separated by the imposing Matochkin Strait.

      As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect a new adventure every day. Each expedition will be unique, depending on the weather and ice, but a few landing sites we strive to visit include Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok and Russkaya Gavan.

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    • Day 5 — Exploring Novaya Zemlya

      Boasting one of the most picturesque glaciers in the entire archipelago, Inostrantseva Bay provides breathtaking panoramic views of pristine arctic wilderness. 

      If conditions allow, we may explore ashore, or Zodiac cruise along the face of the glacier, at a safe distance, possibly witnessing the wonders of calving ice. Encounters with Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) are likely, owing to a small colony in the coastal cliffs.

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    • Day 6 — Exploring Novaya Zemlya

      To the northwest side of Severny Island are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife abounds here, with a variety of animal and plant life to be discovered, Walrus have been sighted here on many previous expeditions. Coming across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. 

      These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create a raucous as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. Encounters with whales and seabirds are possible, as well as polar bears, a genetically distinct subpopulation here.

      A significant site in polar exploration, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number of opportunities for you to trace the footsteps of famous explorers and reflect on the region’s history.

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    • Day 7 — At Sea

      Bid farewell to Novaya Zemlya as we cruise farther north to Franz Josef Land

      There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. 

      Attend presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea.

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    • Day 8 — Exploring Franz Josef Land

      For the next four days we will explore the Franz Josef Land archipelago.

      This remote group of 191 islands, many covered in ice, forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. 

      A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Weather and ice conditions will shape our exploration, but we do hope to explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus haul-out at some notable destinations, such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and Tikhaya Bukta. 

      Polar bear encounters are also possible.

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    • Day 9 — Exploring Franz Josef Land

      On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896. 

      The conditions were astonishingly difficult, but they survived until the summer and continued their journey south. 

      The remains of their small hut are still here today, along with a memorial marking the event.

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    • Day 10 — Exploring Franz Josef Land

      Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on Hooker Island, will feel like stepping back in time. 

      There is plenty to discover as you wander the ruins, immersed in Russian polar history, and you may even be able to send a postcard from the post office!

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    • Day 11 — Exploring Franz Josef Land

      The Stolichky and Appolonov Islands offer plentiful walrus encounters, as the lumbering giants can be found hauled out here. 

      If ice and weather are in our favor, we’ll explore the area by Zodiac, at a safe distance, to view these pinnipeds of the Arctic in their natural habitat.

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    • Day 12 — At Sea

      As your Arctic expedition winds down you have a couple of days to sail through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are often seen. 

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    • Day 13 — At Sea

      Take in a presentation, reminisce about your incredible journey with your shipmates, relax in the lounge while swapping stories and photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. 

      Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and spot wildlife.

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    • Day 14 — Disembarkation Murmansk (Fly to Helsinki)

      Returning to Russia’s most northerly city.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation
    • Cabin
      13 nights
    Comfort
    Midscale
    Upscale
    Premium

    Rates (If foreigners themselves arrive in the Russian Federation and then go on a cruise from Murmansk):

    Cabins

    Price per person

    Price per person*

    Triple

    $ 11 495

    $ 11 495

    Lower Deck Twin

    Please ask

    Please ask

    Main DeckTwin Porthole

    Please ask

    Please ask

    Main DeckTwin Window

    $ 17 395

    $ 14 786

    Superior

    $ 18 895

    $ 15 116

    Deluxe

    $ 18 895

    $ 15 116

    Suite

    $ 24 195

    $ 19 356

    Owner's Suite

    $ 25 795

    $ 20 636

    *Special offer for booking till 31.03.2022

    If foreign tourists need an invitation for a visa to Russia – extra package required.

    Mandatory transfer package includes: 

    • one night’s pre- and post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Helsinki;
    • round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk;
    • transfers to and from the ship in Murmansk.

    Package price: $1,995.

      Expedition ship «the Ocean Adventurer»
      13 nights

      Important to know

      • Are plane tickets included in the tour price?
      • Is insurance included in the tour price?

      Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Cruise to Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya

      Duration
      14 days
      13 nights
      Group
      Up to people
      Complexity
      Without exercise
      Group meet at
      Russia, Murmansk

      Included in price

      • shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping;
      • all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board;
      • beer and house wine during dinner;
      • all shore landings per the daily program;
      • leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader;
      • all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program;
      • formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled;
      • photographic journal documenting the expedition;
      • waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings;
      • Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep;
      • coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock;
      • complimentary reusable water bottle;
      • hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin;
      • comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader;
      • all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;
      • all luggage handling aboard the ship;
      • emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person;
      • Russian invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment.

      Paid extra

      • international/domestic flights to Murmansk and back;
      • arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki;
      • passport and visa expenses;
      • government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above;
      • meals ashore unless otherwises pecified;
      • baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance —strongly recommended;
      • excess-baggage fees on international flights;
      • mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned;
      • laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified;
      • phone and Internet charges;
      • voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew;
      • additional overnight accommodation.
      12 973 €
      What’s included in the price? Submit request
      Duration
      14 days
      13 nights
      Dates
      • group dates
        Complexity
        Without exercise
        Accommodation
        • Cabin
          13 nights
        Comfort
        Midscale
        Upscale
        Premium
        Group meet at
        Russia, Murmansk
        The most profitable tickets to Russia

        Search for tickets of all airlines on BigCountry.Travel together with Jetradar!

        Search
        Together with Jetradar
        Aviasales logo
        12 973 €
        What’s included in the price? Submit request
        Duration
        14 days
        13 nights
        Dates
        • group dates
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