The Svalbard archipelago, including the "big island" of Spitsbergen, lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. It is rugged, wild, unspoiled - utterly unforgettable. Spitsbergen tours are rapidly taking a place among the world's great adventure expeditions, on par with safaris to the Galapagos Islands or the African Serengeti.

Here the mythic ice bear is king – Spitsbergen offers the world’s best opportunity to view these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Walrus populate these islands in great numbers. - "hauling out" on rocky beachheads to rest after feeding in Spitsbergen's food-rich icy waters. Rubber inflatable boats - Zodiacs - and sea-kayaks bring you up-close-and-personal with these and many other Arctic mammals, seabirds and more.

Your Spitsbergen expedition itinerary begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. Enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains, rising majestically from icy Arctic waters.

Cruise past the spectacular cliffs of the 14th of July Glacier, keeping an eye out for Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese, Arctic Terns and more. Later, visit Ny Alesund, once a remote coal-mining town, now a unique international research station. You may spot indigenous Svalbard reindeer, so keep your camera handy!

Dutch whalers established this community on tiny Amsterdam Island almost 400 years ago. During this shore visit you'll learn about Spitsbergen's whaling past and visit an authentic blubber oven.

This morning you'll wake to find the ship at anchor near the magnificent Monaco Glacier at the head of Ljefdefjorden. Afterwards, sail on to Worsleyneset to enjoy a tundra hike, and learn more about Svalbard's human history. Strict guidelines keep us from sailing too close to our final stop - a walrus sanctuary off Moffen Island. Be sure to bring your telephoto lens.

An archipelago within an archipelago, Seven Islands comprises the northernmost portion of Svalbard. They lie about 10 degrees from the North Pole. Ice seldom completely disappears from the islands during the Arctic summer. Polar bear and walrus exploit the ice. Visit an abandoned trapper's cabin and watch for wildlife.

Today you'll sail past the towering cliff-face of Alkefjellet - a truly remarkable site, crowded with thousands of nesting Brunich Guillemots and Thick-billed Murres. Fox and polar bear are often seen patrolling the cliff base, hoping for a meal to drop from the sky!

Today you'll visit yet another unique Arctic landscape - the tundra meadow. Sundneset, found at the southeastern corner of Barents Island, enjoys surprisingly lush vegetation, including many beautiful wildflowers. Learn about this fascinating Arctic ecosystem and keep your eye out for reindeer that enjoy the meadow for more than its beauty.

Today, the goal is to visit a colony of Kittiwakes that have chosen to nest in a cavern. You approach at rising tide for the best view. We'll lower the Zodiacs so you can cruise along the cliff face as the tide rises, for the best view.

The name means "ice bay," and there should be plenty of "fast ice" (sea ice that has frozen fast to the coast) during our visit. This means a good chance of spotting polar bears on the hunt, as the seals rest along the ice edge. This is also another good location for spotting the rate Ivory Gull, as they are known to dine on a polar bear's leftovers.

Home to several huge glaciers, this spectacular fjord is also a favorite haunt of the charming Beluga whale.

Visit an historic mine. Then hike the tundra and search for tiny flowers that bloom under the midnight sun.

Today you'll sail past Alkhornet - a brooding rock face crammed with nesting Guillemots, or Murres. There will also be time for another tundra hike during today's expedition itinerary. Watch for reindeer and Arctic fox.

Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.