50 Years of Victory: North Pole - The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital.

Day 2: Embarkation Day in Murmansk

From Helsinki, your charter flight will take you to Murmansk, Russia, where you'll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Days 3-6: Northbound in the Arctic Ocean

Watching the Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you'll never forget, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the Victory and expansive Arctic Ocean.

You can expect the days, and hours, to present variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take us anywhere from 5 to 8 days. This means you'll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates, stare out at the horizon, enjoy some drinks at the bar or go for a swim in the ship's lap pool.

Day 7: 90° North

All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as you reach the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, wave a flag, enjoy your moment! Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment. Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice.

Day 8: Southbound in the Arctic Ocean

Now you can sit back and relax, everything from here on out is a bonus! Expect more great memories, as you head further south, you may get lucky and spot Polar Bears hunting for seals.

Days 9-10: Franz Josef Land

This group of 191 islands (Franz Josef Land) forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you'll explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing, and our Zodiacs transfer you to seldom landing sites.

Day 11 - 12: At Sea

Enjoy a few moments on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Murmansk

Returning to Russia's most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 years of Victory. You'll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.

Day 14: Helsinki, Finland

After breakfast, your official Quark Expeditions journey comes to an end. We do encourage you to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) and St. Petersburg. If you want some assistance extending your stay, our Polar Travel Advisors are always happy to help.

• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
• Beer and wine with dinner
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Gratuities for hotel and expedition staff
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Group helicopter flightseeing as part of the daily program
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of $500,000USD per person
• Russian invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment

•  Mandatory transfer package*
• International airfare
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Transfer from hotel to the airport on the final day
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights
• Additional overnight accommodations
• Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges
• Hot air ballooning at the North Pole

*Mandatory Transfer Package - US$1995 pp, includes:

• One night’s pre and post expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki with breakfast
• Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk
• Transfers to and from the ship
• Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki

Important

Russian visas are required for tourists from most countries. This voyage requires double-entry Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details.

Important Reminder

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement - of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Hot Air Ballooning - US$495 pp

If reaching the North Pole isn’t a big enough thrill, be one of only a few people in the world to soar above the sea ice in a hot air balloon, with a sweeping 360-degree view of all points south. Rising as high as 98 feet (30 meters), you’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the ship and arctic tundra.

*This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly weather dependent.