North Pole Photography Special

Your adventure will begin with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital. Arrive at your leisure and enjoy the sights of the city before a restful night's sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Murmansk, Russia. Upon arrival in Murmansk you will transfer to the port to board 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker ship. Settle in to your new surroundings as we set course for your voyage to the North Pole.

Watching, feeling and hearing the Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is an unforgettable experience, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of the ship and expansive Arctic Ocean. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 4 to 6 days. This will give you lots of time to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy the on-board facilities and hospitality. Join an interesting presentation on lecture from your on-board experts about the geology and history of the area, head out on deck to look for the seabirds following the ship or take a dip in the ship’s lap pool.

All of the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as you reach the North Pole! It is not uncommon to be overcome with emotion as you finally step foot on land at the top of the world. There will be a festive and celebratory atmosphere that will most likely be incomparable to anything you will have experienced before. Take photos, call your family, wave a flag and enjoy every moment!

Your arrival at the North Pole will be celebrated with a champagne toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the opportunity allows you may wish to take a polar plunge in the icy waters around the North Pole and if weather conditions are favourable there will be an option to take a hot air balloon flight above the Pole to commemorate this unforgettable experience.

As you leave the North Pole behind you can take the time to process the experiences you have had already and prepare for the ones ahead. This is an ideal time to relax and collate the numerous photos you will no doubt have taken. We recommend spending some time on deck to look for wildlife. As you head farther south you may be lucky enough to spot some polar bears hunting for seals on the ice!

This group of 191 islands 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 transfer you to otherwise inaccessible landing sites. This part of the Arctic Ocean is so remote that Franz Josef Land was discovered after Antarctica. Walrus and polar bear are numerous on these islands, along with whales and myriad birdlife.

As we leave Franz Josef Land behind and head across the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk you can enjoy your final days onboard looking for wildlife on deck and reminiscing with your shipmates about the adventure you have experienced together.

As you disembark in Russia's most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship and transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your trip mates. Overnight hotel stay with breakfast.

After breakfast you can choose to extend your stay in Helsinki or make your way to the airport for onward travel.