We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

We start our Svalbard adventure by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we embark our expedition ship M/S Virgo and head out through Isfjorden, our Arctic adventure has started. Perhaps we can make an evening landing before we continue either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Exactly where we are able to land will also depend on how much snow is on the ground. Here are some examples of places we may visit:AlkhornetAt the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. We go ashore to enjoy the birdlife with glaucous gulls, snow buntings and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with some luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.Prins Karls ForlandThis narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbor seals. Kongsfjorden and KrossfjordenThe scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs.RaudfjordenRaudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.Virgohamna, DanskøyaTwo of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There is still interesting remnants from these Arctic expeditions left on the site.BellsundAt the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and try to get a closer look at these charming birds.HornsundThe majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky we can spot one of them on the fjord ice.

In the morning we leave the ship in Longyearbyen and begin our trip home.

Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!