ARCTIC ISLANDS FRANZ JOSEF LAND, SVALBARD, GREENLAND
16 nights Departure: 21 July 2008 Ship: Kapitan Khlebnikov (Icebreaker)
Eight Centuries of Human History Eight centuries passed before all the islands you will visit during this expedition were charted by Europeans.  The Vikings sailed to Greenland in the 11th Century.  The Dutch explorer put Svalbard on the map in the 16th Century.  Franz Josef Land, the last to be found, was unknown 135 years ago. Exhilarating Surprises We intend to explore a UNESCO international biosphere reserve, an archipelago inhabited by only four species of land mammals, and the most northerly group of islands in Europe.  In true expedition-style, the daily adventures will unfold in response to local conditions, infusing this voyage with exhilarating surprise. The Barents Sea A rich marine ecosystem, The Barents Sea supports a rich diversity of wildlife – colonies of puffins and guillemots; kelp-forests and coral reefs; as well as walrus, bowhead whales and polar bears.  During this expedition you may join our Expedition Team who stand watches to ensure no one misses wildlife encounters. The cruise features landings in Franz Josef Land, Svalbard and on the eastern shore of Greenland, and shipboard helicopters for flight-seeing.
Important note:  Quark Expeditions offers the only expedition to these remote Arctic islands of Europe with aerial sightseeing provided by onboard helicopters.
Itinerary
Day 1 You spend the first night of this expedition to the European Arctic islands in Helsinki, Finland. Day 2 - Embarkation Day We fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, where you will be transferred to the icebreaker.  The Expedition Team, a well-informed group of specialists that delivers our shipboard education programme, will greet you. Days 3 & 4 Dutch explorer Willem Barents gave his name to the sea through which you sail en route to Franz Josef Land.  A variety of whales and dolphins inhabit the Barents Sea, as well as 150 different species of fish.  The Expedition Team delivers a series of engaging presentations on the sea and the wildlife that inhabit it. Days 5 to 7 The largely uninhabited archipelago of Franz Josef Land lies between the latitudes of 80º and 81º N.  Their most northerly point is about 1000 km (600 miles) from the North Pole.  We plan landings at former polar exploration bases and a Cold War outpost.  Access to the islands is limited to ships for only a few weeks a year.  Where we will land depends on local conditions. Days 8 to 10 En route from Franz Josef Land to northeastern Greenland, we will make shore landings on an island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.  Only four species of land mammals inhabit the islands.  The surrounding seas, however, are breeding grounds for a great variety of seabirds.  Sixty percent of the islands’ land mass is covered by glaciers.  We’ll attempt to lower our Zodiacs for a cruise along a spectacular glacier ice-front. Days 11 & 12 The northeast coast of Greenland is often ice bound, creating habitat for walrus, four species of seals and polar bears.  Our icebreaker will follow the ice edge, while our Expedition Team is on alert for wildlife sightings.  Patience, perseverance and a long lens may result in once-in-a-lifetime photographs to share with family and friends. Days 13 to 15 The largest national park in the world, Northeast Greenland National Park has been designated by UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve.  We will be standing watch for musk oxen - 40% of the world’s population is believed to live near the park’s coastline.  As we sail south toward Iceland, we intend to sail striking King Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sound.  Greenland is linked politically to Europe, but geologically to North America.  Our Expedition Team will point out the differences and similarities from the deck as you sail. Days 16 & 17 We cross the Greenland Sea and Denmark Strait to Reykjavik, Iceland, where you will disembark.
Important reminder:  Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel.  There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish.  A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person for 16 nights and do not include international flights.
Departure date Prices per person  21 July 2008 £10,460
Price Includes: Voyage as indicated in the itinerary. Flights as indicated in the itinerary. Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary. All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed). Programme of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff. Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme. Comprehensive pre-departure materials and handbook. Price Excludes: International flights. Passport and visa expenses. Government arrival and departure taxes. Meals ashore. Supplement for single hotel accommodations. Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance.  Excess baggage charges.  All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges, and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).  Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard.