Overview
What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Longyearbyen via Oslo (flight routes subject to change)
- Transfers: return airport transfers and return port transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and 4 nights onboard MS Serenissima
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- The following destinations are included in the holiday: Longyearbyen, Isfjorden, Magdalenefjorden, North West Corner, Woodfjorden, Liefjorden, Moffen, Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Explore the delights of the Svalbard archipelago by land and sea in this 8-night adventure. Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, a tiny, bustling frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, where brightly coloured buildings contrast against rugged mountains. After three nights spent at the delightful Raddison Blu Polar Hotel, you’ll board the MS Serenissima that will carry you further north and into a realm that feels otherworldly.
As you glide through the icy waters, fjords reveal themselves like hidden treasures. Steep cliffs rise on either side and glaciers descend from the mountains, frozen rivers that stretch from land to sea. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll have the opportunity to venture out on zodiacs for closer views of sheer glacier faces and drifting icebergs. There’s a sense of awe in being so close to landscapes shaped entirely by nature, untouched and immense.
Wildlife encounters are at the heart of this adventure. The chance to see a polar bear in its natural habitat, whether from the comfort of the ship’s deck or from a zodiac, is an experience beyond words. Reindeer roam the tundra, serene in such a stark landscape, while colonies of walruses haul themselves onto ice floes, their massive bodies huddled together for warmth. Bird cliffs teem with life, with Arctic terns and puffins dotting the skies.
Evenings bring a quieter magic. Whether it’s under the glow of the Midnight Sun or the soft darkness that begins to settle at the end of summer, the Arctic skies add a breathtaking atmosphere to each night onboard. Expert guides gather passengers in the lounge to share stories, illuminating the natural and human history of Svalbard, adding depth to every scene you’ve experienced throughout the day.
The voyage returns to Longyearbyen, but the memories linger, filled with the pure, untouched beauty of Svalbard. This journey is not just an itinerary; it’s an encounter with a place that exists far beyond the ordinary, where the landscapes, wildlife, and history blend into an adventure that will stay with you long after the Arctic waters are behind you.
Read morePlease note: 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 will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Photo credits: Hurtigruten Svalbard/Eveline Lunde/Schibsted Partnerstudio/Per Erik Skramstad/Dominic Barrington/Hanne Feyling/Sandra Linnell/Jeppe Kuld//Nina Bailey/Hacon Daae
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Key facts
| Duration: | 8 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
| Midnight Sun Dates: | 2nd July - 24th August |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Prices
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Approximately 2 - 92 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 - 3
Tailor Your Time
We’ve included free days on either side of the cruise so you can make the most of your Arctic adventure. Get to know Longyearbyen’s vibrant centre where you can find a variety of souvenir shops and cosy cafes.
Longyearbyen is the gateway to the wilderness of Spitsbergen, so if you’d like to add some activities, take a look at our ‘personalise’ tab to see what’s on offer.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 4 - 7
Cruise Adventure
All aboard the MS Serenissima! After transferring to the port, you’ll embark on your 4-night voyage, setting sail at 5pm.
Heading north, the adventure unfolds in Isfjorden, where towering cliffs and serene waters set the stage for what’s to come. You’ll explore places like Kongsfjorden, home to the stunning Kongsbreen Glacier, and Magdalenefjorden, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and rich history of early Arctic exploration.
As the journey continues, you head toward Liefdefjorden, where the towering Monaco Glacier is a spectacular sight, often accompanied by sightings of polar bears on the ice. In Hinlopen Strait, you might spot walrus colonies and reindeer grazing on the tundra, with cliffs alive with seabirds. Each day, guided zodiac excursions bring you closer to these remarkable locations and offer the chance to experience Svalbard’s incredible landscapes and wildlife firsthand.
We also offer a 3-night version of the cruise if this is preferable. Please speak to one of our Travel Experts for full information.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Tailor Your Time
Back on land, it’s your chance to enjoy a final day in Longyearbyen before catching your flight back home.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 9
Departure
As your time in Svalbard draws to a close, we wish you a safe and pleasant return journey home.
Included Meals: None
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
Nights: 1-3,8
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.
Phot credits: Hurtigruten Svalbard/Schibsted Partnerstudio/Ragnhild Utne/Evaline Lunde
MS Serenissima
Nights: 4-7
Rich in history, the MS Serenissima is a classic, small expedition cruise ship. Originally built in 1960 for Norwegian coastal voyages, the ship was later refurbished and transformed into the boutique cruise vessel it is known as today. The ship has retained its traditional charm, with cosy interiors that evoke a classic maritime atmosphere.
For moments of quiet relaxation, the ship’s lounge and bar offer a cosy retreat with large windows framing the stunning views outside. Here, guests can unwind with a favourite cocktail or local specialty, sharing stories of the day’s adventures. The observation lounge, perched on an upper deck, is a sanctuary for scenic viewing, wildlife spotting, and photography, with panoramic windows that bring the beauty of the Arctic into full view.
Equipped for expedition cruising and guided by expert expedition leaders, the ship has a fleet of zodiac boats for close-up exploration, shore landings, and wildlife viewing.
Facilities
- There are 53 guest cabins, all designed to a high standard, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.
- Venice Restaurant onboard focuses on great flavours and fresh ingredients, with great views from all tables in the dining room
- Enjoy 360° views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes from the observation deck
- Located at the front and back, the two lounges are a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of adventure
Please note that there is no Wi-Fi, internet access or mobile signal during the voyage.
Photo credits: Hurtigruten Svalbard/Paulina Hinz
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Dog Sledding on Wheels
An exhilarating way to explore the Arctic landscape during the summer season. You'll meet your lively team of eager sled dogs, ready to lead you across the Arctic terrain. Instead of sleds, the dogs pull specially designed carts, allowing you to experience the thrill of mushing even without snow. As you glide along gravel trails framed by sweeping valleys and distant glaciers, the powerful energy and enthusiasm of the dogs make for a truly unforgettable ride. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories about the history of dog sledding in the Arctic and introduce you to each dog's unique personality, making this a hands-on journey into the spirit of Svalbard’s wilderness.
Duration: 4 hours in total
Other options
Activities
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 more about this activityHear 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
Evening Dinner Cruise
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: 7 hours in total
Wildlife Glacier Cruise
Voyage into the pristine Arctic, where towering glaciers meet the icy sea and wildlife thrives in its natural splendor. Setting out from Longyearbyen, you sail through the silent fjords, passing glistening icebergs and cliffs home to nesting seabirds. As you draw closer to the glacier’s edge, you may spot polar bears roaming along the shore, walruses basking on drifting ice, and seals peeking up from the water. Each sighting is a rare glimpse into an untouched ecosystem, where Arctic foxes and even whales make appearances against a backdrop of ancient blue ice.
Duration: 6.5 hours in total
Walrus Safari
Encounter one of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures in its rugged natural habitat. Setting out from Longyearbyen by boat, you’ll travel through fjords framed by dramatic cliffs and glacial views, immersing yourself in the remote beauty of Svalbard’s coastline. As you approach favored walrus gathering spots, these enormous, whiskered animals come into view—lounging on ice floes or gathered along rocky shores. Their sheer size and curious nature create an awe-inspiring sight, while guides share fascinating insights into the walrus’s role in the Arctic ecosystem. The adventure is complemented by other potential wildlife encounters, from Arctic seabirds to the occasional polar bear, making this safari an unforgettable window into the wild heart of Svalbard.
Duration: 4 hours in total
Longyearbyen in a Nutshell
This is a perfect introduction to the charm and extremes of life in the world’s northernmost town. This guided tour weaves through Longyearbyen’s colorful streets and surroundings, offering a close-up look at a place shaped by polar history and resilient community. You’ll visit key sites, from the historic coal mining landmarks that founded the town to the modern Svalbard Museum, which showcases the area’s unique wildlife, climate, and early explorers. With dramatic mountains as a backdrop, guides bring local stories to life, sharing what it’s like to live in this isolated yet thriving Arctic hub. Through tales of polar bears, long winters, and midnight sun, this tour captures the spirit of Svalbard and its people, offering a warm welcome to the very edge of the world.
Duration: 2 hours in total
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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