Murmansk, Russia

Day 1

1 day

Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel in the city center. Today you will be able to explore Murmansk. It is the world's largest city, located behind the Arctic circle.

Embarkation in Murmansk

Day 2

1 day

Today we provide a group transfer to the port, where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker "50 Years of Victory". You will explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

The Arctic ocean

Day 3-6

4 days

On the way to the North pole you will have the most interesting programs. Under favorable weather conditions, you will have landings on the ice and helicopter flights over the Arctic Islands.
Polar experts will tell you about the animal world of the Arctic. If desired, you can visit the captain's bridge or the engine room — the heart of the icebreaker. As well as a swimming pool, gym or sauna.
As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.

The North Pole

Day 7

1 day

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! All meridians are met at this point. After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Now is the time to experience the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. You are also treated to a barbeque meal on the ice. You may even have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water!

Franz Josef Land

Day 8-10

3 days

These days you will explore one of the most remote regions of the Arctic — the Franz Josef land.

Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife — such as walruses and some rare whale species — can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. We take advantage of 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing and excursions via Zodiac and helicopter.

Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses, and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers.

Tikhaya Bay is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. You can send your friends a postcard from the northernmost post office in the world, located here.

The Barents Sea

Day 11-12

2 days

The icebreaker is heading for Murmansk. After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea.

During the final photo presentation you will be able to relive the most impressive moments of the journey. And you are invited to dinner with the captain!

You may also take advantage of onboard facilities and amenities such as a polar library, volleyball court, gym, two saunas, a warm seawater pool, gift shop, and massage treatments. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.

Disembarkation in Murmansk

Day 13

1 day

Our once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Our congratulations! Now you are one of the few travelers who have visited the top of the planet.