Svalbard Spring Wildlife Photography Adventure View Full Screen Itinerary

Today you arrive in Longyearbyen. Flying into this most incredible of islands you will first appreciate the impressive landscape from above, it is at this moment that the dream becomes reality. Svalbard is breathtaking. Looking out the small aeroplane window, pick out out the small town and runway below before your descent.

On arrival a driver/guide will be waiting at the airport for you with a paging board. They will take you the short 5 to 10 minute drive into Longyearbyen and drop you off at your town centre accommodation. You will be staying at one of the best hotels in Longyearbyen, right in the heart of the small town close to the few shops, pubs and restaurants. Once you are settled and refreshed after your travelling you will head downstairs and meet you guide in the hotel reception. This afternoon you are off out to make the most of the exceptional daylight this far north. You are off dog-sledding! You will be lucky enough to drive your own team of huskies each through the Arctic landscape, on the way stopping for a light snack or coffee, savouring the majestic landscape and scenery, not to mention the special light.

After your dog-sledding you will return to your town centre accommodation where we recommend dining tonight next door in the friendly, atmosphereic and very local Kroa restaurant. Expect good service, local beer and pub style food with a Svalbard twist.  

Breakfast and activity snack/drinks included.

After a superb breakfast at your Longyearbyen hotel and whilst sat in front of a Polar bear, you will meet your guide in the hotel reception before departing for a day on the sea!

Today you set out for an incredible 7-hour long sea safari. The main aim today is to see Walruses. Walruses became protected animals over half a century ago after centuries of hunting for their beautiful tusks. When this happened, the population was only a couple of hundred animals, after 350 years of hunting things were in a bad way. In the recent years, the walrus has bounced back, and many have returned to former colonies. It is one of these colonies that you will be visiting today. You will experience these majestic animals in their natural habitat - make sure you have some spare SD cards for your camera. 

Firstly today you will be heading to Prins Karls Forland Island, located between Isfjorden and Kongsfjorden. The boat will have a panorama view to the surroundings, its warm and has comfortable seats, there is even a toilet. On arriving at the walrus site you will enjoy a warm lunch. If the weather permits, it is possible here to go ashore - an amazing experience and great chance for photographs. If there is time for another stop on your way back to Longyearbyen, you will stop at one of the many glacier fronts dipping into Isfjorden.

Breakfast, and warm lunch is included.

Again, after an early rise you will enjoy a wonderful breakfast before setting off out to the dock for another amazing adventure. Boarding the boat, today you will head north to some of the most remote locations accessible to the public on Svalbard. Your first destination will be the abandoned ex-Soviet era mining town of Pyramiden.

This town has been left as it was decades ago and an spooky feeling remains as if the residence up'd and left just a few weeks ago. You will have a full tour of this fascinating town from a local Russian guide who is one of only a handful of residence who remain. Pyramiden makes for a hugely interesting location for some excellent photographs. This is certainly a place like no other, in a surrouding like no other. 

After lunch you will board the boat again before heading to Nordenskiold Lodge, one of the most remote cabins in the world. This is often referred to as the most remote commercial cabin in the world. The fjord in which the cabin sits is full of amazing icefloes, which drop off into the blue waters from the glacier which flows into the sea. To visit this wild and remote location on Spitsbergen is for many a dream. Make sure to make the most of this chance for some exciting photographs and if you are lucky and have time you may be able to get off here to stretch you legs before returning back to Longyearbyen. 

Tonight we recommend dinning in Huset, a fine dining restaurant with a world renowned reputation. 

Breakfast and lunch included today.

Today you are free agents to enjoy exploring Longyearbyen. We recommend visiting the brilliant museums in the town to gain a full appreciate and understanding of the history, wildlife and current importance of the archipelago. 

If you would like, today we can arrange a visit to one of the dis-used coal mines. Here visitors can enjoy an illuminating tour into the life of the coal miners from the 1970's. This truly is an experience like no other and extremely eye-opening. Alternative activities are available today and can be arranged with your Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions travel planner or at hotel reception.

Spectacular Guided Evening Hike: 

This evening you will meet your armed guide at 6pm in the hotel reception area. From here you will be taken on an exciting guided hike up one of the local mountains that towers above Longyearbyen. Savouring the views from the top you will be able to take some breathtaking photos which will provide a fitting close to your incredible adventure in Svalbard and the Arctic circle. Return to your hotel for around 10pm. 

Breakfast is included today. 

Today you enjoy your final breakfast at your brilliant Longyearbyen hotel.

Soak up the atmosphere of this most special of hotels and the villagey feel of the small town outside. Make a last minute dash to some of the shops in town for any gifts or souvenirs before heading to the airport with a driver/guide via prior-arrangement. 

Once at the airport it is time to check in and board your plane for home. Your Arctic adventure-of-a-lifetime has come to an end. 

Breakfast is included.