HIGHLIGHTS
- Photograph
snow-topped mountains, massive glacier fronts, deep-walled fjords, and
vast swaths of untouched tundra
- Listen
to lectures by award- winning photographer, filmmaker, workshop leader
Chris Linder, who transitioned from naval officer and oceanographic
researcher to visual storyteller
- Watch
the light-filled summer days fuel a brief but intense explosion of life
from tiny tundra flowers to polar bears, walruses, and whales
- The
diversity of subject matter and enchanting low-angle light make this
expedition a photographer's dream.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package Price: USD 995 Includes: - One night's pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
- Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Package Price: USD 995 Includes: - One night's pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
- Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your
Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary
architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If
you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants,
relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before
retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Fly
to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This
morning, the group will transfer to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and
board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen,
Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have
time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your
first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains
rising majestically from the frigid waters.
Days 3 to 10: Exploring
Spitsbergen
The
unspoiled beauty of Spitsbergen is the focus of this one-of-a-kind
voyage along the west coast of the island, which is the largest in the
Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Each day will be a photographic
surprise as we explore the costal fjords and smaller, outlying islands,
and venture into the colorful tundra during shore and Zodiac
excursions. The weather and, at this time of year, the melting ice will
influence our route and shore landings, where you’ll be able
to photograph stunning scenery, wildlife, birds and historical sites.
And, of course, magnificent landscape shots are just at your fingertips
as 60 percent of Spitsbergen (which means “pointed
mountains”) is covered in glaciers and much of the terrain is
mountainous.
Our
nimble expedition ship allows us to navigate shallower waters and
tighter spaces, so we expect to explore the more hard-to reach areas
and hike wherever possible.
After
the long cold winter, Spitsbergen is virtually invaded by birds which
migrate here in vast numbers to nest. The waters surrounding the
archipelago, a rich food source for marine life, attract walruses,
seals and whales. As with many regions of the world, summertime offers
a greater diversity of land-dwelling wildlife to photograph, including
polar bears, arctic foxes, Svalbard rock ptarmigan and Svalbard
reindeer. Summertime visitors will be surprised to find themselves
photographing what’s at their feet—
a
palette of brightly colored wildflowers that grace the summer tundra.
One
of the main features of Spitsbergen Photography: Under the Midnight Sun
will be the presentations and hands-on learning opportunities with
award- winning guest photographer Chris Linder, whose expertise extends
to science and conservation. You’ll be able to learn from
Chris about the two most important aspects of
photography—composition and light—as he covers lens
choices, perspective, composition, and how to make the most of various
lighting and weather situations. You’ll gain insight on
photographing popular polar subjects such as polar bears—as
well as unique polar landscapes, flora and lesser-known species. The
goal is for all guests—regardless of skill level or
equipment—to expand on and improve their photography on the
voyage.
Chris
will also demonstrate how photographers of all levels can use photo
storytelling to advance conservation goals and polar ambassadorship. In
addition to presentations titled Composition and Light, and Journeys of
a Science Photographer, Chris will present Science on Ice and the Big
Thaw, using images from his book of the same name. “My goal
for the guests on this expedition is to not only help everyone return
home with great photographs,” says Chris, “but also
to improve their photography skills. Through lectures and hands-on
lessons, I will explain how perspective, light, composition, and story
work together to make compelling images. My focus will be on artistic
considerations more than technical ones, in the hope that photographers
of all skill levels can benefit.”
Presentations
by other onboard experts, who specialize in marine biology,
ornithology, glaciology and history, will complement the photography
sessions and help prepare you for the adventures that await.
In
addition to photography, optional hiking and Zodiac excursions get you
up close—though never obtrusively— to the
incredible wildlife. At day’s end, you’ll have
plenty of prized photographs and exciting stories to share with your
shipmates.
Day 11: Disembark
in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki, Finland
Your
adventure ends in the frontier style settlement of Longyearbyen. From
here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group
charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Leadership
throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including
shore landings and other activities
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All
shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
(Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as
possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
kosher meals.)
- Select
beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around
the clock
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as
scheduled
- photographic
journal documenting the expedition
- A
pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac
cruising excursions
- An
official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair
dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency
Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD
$500,000 per person
- Transfers
between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and
disembarkation day
Rates
do not include the following:
- Mandatory
Transfer Package*
- International
airfare
- Arrival
and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport
and visa expenses
- Government
arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals
ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage,
cancellation, interruption and medical travel
insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage
fees on international flights
- Mandatory
waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry,
bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone
and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary
gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional
overnight accommodation
- Adventure
Options not listed in Included Activities
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Hiking: Included
- Photography: Included
- Paddling Excursion: USD 195