Holidays
In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice

Holidays

In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice

Arctic, Svalbard, Norway

Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug

10 days from

US$5,650

without flights

View Dates & Prices

Polar

Guided Group

LEISURELY

Circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago, the land of the midnight sun, surrounded by stunning Arctic wildlife

Trip Code: PSD

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Section:

In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice

Highlights

Surrounded by an incredible array of Arctic wildlife with chances to spot whales, walruses, seabirds, and hopefully polar bears too
Opportunities to explore off ship with the Zodiac shore excursion team
Hiking on and around Svalbard with expert expedition staff
24 hours of sunlight in the height of summer, the land of the midnight sun

At a Glance

Group Size 1 to 132
10 days sailing and wildlife viewing aboard the M/Vs Ortelius
Plancius or Hondius
Join In Longyearbyen

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
9 nights Boat

Overview

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. On this special expedition we will have the chance to spot whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

We’ll have the opportunity to visit Ny Alusund, the world’s northern-most community, and delve into the history of the whalers and miners of these islands. We’ll be able to take shore walks along the coast to spot walruses hauling themselves ashore for a summertime sunbathe, or cast eyes to the skies to watch terns, guillemots and auks pass overhead and out to sea to graze on small fish and krill, the latter returning to vast colonies of nesting birds raising their young on the precipitous clifftops lining Svalbard’s rugged coast. The highlight would of course be the potential to see the Arctic’s most impressive apex predator, the polar bear. Our expert guides will be on hand with eyes peeled and facts poised to make the most of your wildlife and historical experiences.

Is this holiday for you?

This is principally a touring, sightseeing and wildlife viewing holiday, with minimal exertion required. If you choose to go ashore, you will need to make the transfers from the ship to a Zodiac and onto land. Short walks on the island of Spitsbergen are optional and weather dependent. You should also consider that some of the classes of accommodation involve the use of bunk-beds. Whilst on deck or during excursions, you need to be prepared for cold temperatures. The itinerary remains flexible, according to the variability of the weather and sea conditions and the locations of wildlife, particularly of polar bears. On certain departures you can book kayaking, experience is essential for these kayaking excursions. All equipment is provided. Early booking is essential. Cabin upgrades are also available.

Why KE?

A polar cruise with the comfort of being aboard a 100+ passenger ice-strengthened vessel. There’s no hidden costs on this trip, with all meals included and opportunity to partake in daily excursions on the zodiac boats including shore hiking and boat trips around the coast and its calving glaciers. A truly breath-taking trip from a comfortable base.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive Longyearbyen, and board the M/V's Ortelius, Plancius or Hondius.

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This is the land of the midnight sun with 24 hour daylight from mid-April to mid-August. Longyearbyen is the world's most northerly town, and is the largest settlement on Svalbard. Originally a whaling station, coal mining was the main occupation of the inhabitants of Longyearbyen from 1906 until the early 1990's. Today tourism and Arctic wildlife conservation are the principal industries and there is a very friendly and international feel to the town. The transfer to our ship is in the afternoon. Once aboard we have time to settle in to our cabin, before gathering together in the lounge for an initial briefing from the Expedition leader where we will be introduced to members of the expedition staff and crew. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

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Day 2

The impressive Fourteenth of July Glacier and visit Ny Alesund.

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Heading north along the west coast, we arrive by morning in Krossfjorden. Here we might board the Zodiacs for a cruise near the towering blue-white face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, colourful flowers bloom while flocks of kittiwakes and Brünnich's guillemots nest on the cliffs. We have a good chance of spotting an Arctic fox scouting for fallen chicks, or a bearded seal cruising through the fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world's most northerly railway - its tracks are still visible - Ny Ålesund is now a polar research centre. Close to this community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. We can also take a quick guided walk out to visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile for their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

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Day 3

The massive Monaco Glacier.

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Depending on the weather, we will sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen may be implemented.

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Day 4

Stop at the Seven Islands and reach 80° north!

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The northernmost point of our voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here we reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole! Polar bears inhabit this region, so we might park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again. When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), we can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) we may turn to Sorgfjord, where we have the chance to find a herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th-century whalers. A nature walk here can bring us close to families of ptarmigans, and the opposite side of the fjord is also a beautiful area for an excursion.

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Day 5

Another incredible day in the far north.

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After a fantastic breakfast on board, we will spend the day exploring the far north of Svalbard and the many stunning fjords and islands it has to offer. Our expedition leader will decide on exactly what we do today, however experiencing this fantastic scenery and searching for wildlife are always of high importance.

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Day 6

Highlights of the Hinlopen Strait - Walrus watching and walking in the arctic wilderness.

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Today we sail into the Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility for us to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, we can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, we then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich's guillemots. On the east side of the Hinlopen Strait, we may attempt a landing where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Near Torrelneset we can also visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world's third-largest ice cap. Here we may encounter walruses during a coastline hike over the area's raised beaches. There will be time to pause for a while, watching them argue amongst themselves.. and taking in that distinctive smell!

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Day 7

Barentsoya's many bounties - polar bears, kittiwakes and tundra.

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After a wakeup call at 7:30 (our guides take it in turns to do the wakeup call over the tannoy) and the usual amazing breakfast at 8am, we layer up our clothing and head out in the zodiacs. The plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though polar bears sometimes make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsøya include Sundneset (for an old trapper's hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its kittiwake colony), and Rindedalen (for a walk across the tundra). We might also cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely our destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and the chance for hikes along Edgeøya.

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Day 8

Land of the Pointed Mountains.

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We start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales and polar bears.

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Day 9

Bellsund's flora, fauna, and haunting history.

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Today we find ourselves in Bellsund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and we have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, we can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding.

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Day 10

Departure day - Disembark at Longyearbyen.

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We disembark in the morning and transfers to the airport are provided. KE Land Only package services end with a transfer to the airport.

Meals

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The Route

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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

Expert expedition staff and sailing staff
All accommodation as described
All meals on board
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac

What's not Included

Travel insurance
Visas (if applicable)
Tips for staff
Kayking excursions *select Ortelius/Hondius departures Meals other than those on board the ship
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

A group transfer to/from Longyearbyen Airport is provided: Usually x1 main flight on arrival day, and x2 main flights on departure day.

On arrival day, passengers are transferred from the airport to city center where they can spend some time on their own behalf. Your luggage will be taken to the ship with a separate luggage truck.

If you are purchasing your own flights you must provide the KE office with full details of your flights. Emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals on board the ship are included, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10.

Food & Water

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

On board the ship a diverse range of international dishes are available. Meals are prepared and catered by professional chefs and all meals are included in the holiday price. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarianism, can be accommodated with advance notice (please advise at the time of booking). Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be purchased in the dining room or the lounge areas.

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Accommodation

Depending on departure, you will either board the M/V Ortelius, M/V Plancius or M/V Hondius for the duration of your trip. Each are 100+ passenger vessels originally designed as ice-strengthened polar science expedition ships with re-inforced hulls and comfortable living quarters. Standard accommodation is quad berth cabin with porthole. All cabins have en-suite facilities. All accommodation is on a sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will share a cabin with other clients of the same sex. Upgrades are available to triple or twin berth with porthole, twin berth with window, and superior/ suite. Depending on availability, it is also possible to arrange a single cabin. Please contact the office for upgrade and single cabin prices. Please note that if you wish to upgrade ensure that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Group Leader & Support Staff

A carefully chosen professional and qualified team will lead your voyage. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. The expedition staff will work conscientiously with you, on deck and in the field, to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table.

Spending Money

It is not practical to set a recommended amount for personal spending money on a holiday like this. All meals while on board and the daily Zodiac excursions, are included in the trip price. The main extra spend on board will be on drinks and this will vary greatly from person to person. On board ship, bar bills can be put on a tab and paid at the end of the cruise by credit or debit card or in cash Euros. You will also need some money for any meals taken in Longyearbyen and for tips.

Please note - You will not be able to exchange your foreign money to Norwegian krone in Svalbard. Many of Longyearbyen’s stores and restaurants will however accept almost any debit or credit card. You will find an ATM in the post and bank building, in the middle of the pedestrian street.

Guidance on Tipping

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution in one envelope at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew and staff. You will receive detailed guidelines aboard. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. It is better for the crew and staff, if you can give them cash, either US Dollars or Euros. You may give individually and / or communally as a personal ‘thank you’ to one or more of the ship’s personnel. As a guide, we recommend you allow $15 - 20 per day for tips to your crew and expedition staff.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will be kept in your cabin with you and there is a finite amount of space, a soft bag is the most suitable as they are easier to store in the cabin. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Please note that you should be able to carry your own luggage.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Passport & Visas

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Health & Vaccinations

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Currency

The unit of currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone.

Climate

Svalbard’s location within the Arctic circle is the biggest factor on climate but temperatures especially around the coast are moderated by the influence of the warm North Atlantic Current which keeps the waters navigable for most of the year and average spring / summer temperatures at around 2 to 6°C. However, on deck with a sea breeze, the wind chill can bring the real feel temperature to below freezing. Precipitation is most certainly possible at this time of year, and given the air temperature, this is likely to be in the form of snow.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Explore International

This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Dress on board is informal. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton.

You SHOULD bring the following items:

Casual shoes / Trainers or similar for onboard
Rubber boots (Wellington boots)*
Walking shoes*
Socks (Warm, high wool or similar socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet)
Waterproof jacket
Trekking trousers
Waterproof pants/trousers
Thermal baselayer - leggings
Underwear
Baselayer shirts / fleece
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Sunhat
Warm hat
Scarf and/or neck gaiter
Sunglasses
Gloves or mittens (Thin polypropylene gloves under warm outer gloves is a good combination)
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre x1 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Rucksack 25 litres
Selection of dry bags (to keep rucksack contents dry)
Small daypack
Warm jacket (down)
Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, and plasters. Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

The following items are optional:

Warm Ski Pants
Shorts
Spare gloves
Ski goggles in case of bad weather
Travel clothes
Camera (in a dry bag)
Binoculars
Penknife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Seasickness remedy

* Notes

Rubber boots / Wellington boots:

Complimentary waterproof boots are supplied for the following sizes: (please confirm your preffered size to KE at least 8 weeks prior to departure)

Men’s USA size 8-14 / UK size 7 to 13½ / Europe 41 to 48½

Women’s USA size 3 to 9 / UK size 1 to 6½ / Europe 33 to 40

If you have different feet sizes to these you should bring your own rubber boots. These should be rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knee with a strong, ridged non-skid sole.

Recommended Outdoor Retailers

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Extensions

Sea Kayaking - Arctic

1 Day

Going eye to eye with an inquisitive whale is a rare and special moment that will carve itself into your memory. Kayaking isn't just an outdoor adventure, it's an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. You'll venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!

Extension Code: KPSD

Sharing Price from

US$450

Single Traveller Price from

US$450

Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Show Details

We will endeavour to provide our kayaking activities as often as the ship's schedule, weather and ice conditions permit. On Ortelius: min. 4, max. 14 kayakers. On Hondius min. 4, max. 28 kayakers. The standard kayak program makes use of hard shell double seat kayaks. Basic kayaking experience is helpful, but it is not a requirement. The purpose of our kayak excursions is to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and the sounds.

Hide Details

Whats Included

Tandem kayaks and single kayaks (though we will predominantly use tandem kayaks
depending on participant numbers and experience) Paddles with anti-drip rings Basic (4-mm neoprene) wetsuits in different sizes Kayak spray decks Personal floatation devices (PFD) Neoprene booties & neoprene mittens

What's Not Included

Additional non-specialist clothing for paddling (gloves and socks etc) - see kit list

View Dates & Prices

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Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: PSD /09/25/
This trip departs the UK on Tue 29 Jul returning to the UK on Fri 8 Aug

This trip begins on Wed 30 Jul and ends on Fri 8 Aug
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,530
Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Longyearbyen. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Longyearbyen Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to 'Joining Arrangements and Transfers' for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

Optional Kayaking

Our kayaking option is only available on some departures. If you wish to add some kayaking to your experience, the perfect way to silently coast along the fjords, or get up close to the seacliffs, glaciers and shore bound wildlife, then please speak to our sales team to ensure you are booked on to the correct departure. Read the 'Extend Your Holiday' tab for more information.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

You SHOULD bring the following items:

The following items are optional:

* Notes

Extensions

Sea Kayaking - Arctic

Extension Details

Sea Kayaking - Arctic

1 Day

Sharing Price from

US$450

Single Traveller Price from

US$450

Extension Itinerary

Whats Included

What's Not Included

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DATES & PRICES

2025

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Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

Optional Kayaking

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

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