Russia's Franz Josef Land

Day 1: Kirkenes

Arrive in Kirkenes, located on the northern coast of Norway, bordering Russia. Airport transfers will be included if arriving on recommended flights into Kirkenes. Join a pre-arranged half day excursion or activity prior to boarding the Greg Mortimer in the late afternoon and setting sail along the scenic Bokfjord.

Day 2: Murmansk

After sailing overnight into Russia, the ship will stop in Murmansk to undergo formalities to enter Russia. Once cleared, you'll cross the Barents Sea to begin the adventures in Franz Josef Land. During clearance procedures, there may be a city tour of Murmansk, visiting the monument to the soldier of WWII and also the first nuclear icebreaker, Lenin.

Days 3–4: Barents Sea

Over the next two days at sea, enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from the expert expedition team, including naturalists, historians and geologists. Time and weather permitting, you may cruise along the coast of Novaya Zemlya on Day 4, to gain your first glimpse of the tundra of the High Arctic. There may even be a landing in the tundra or a zodiac cruise in front of the first glacier.

Days 5–11: Franz Josef Land

Franz Josef Land is a stark yet beautiful world of glaciers, mosses and lichens. Approximately five million seabirds nest on the archipelago every year, with the Brünnich’s guillemot accounting for approximately twenty per cent of the population. Other seabirds such as fulmar, kittiwake, black guillemot and little auk are common throughout the archipelago, while, on the flat tundra, nest species such as common eider, purple sandpiper, arctic skua, glaucous gull, ivory gull, arctic tern and snow bunting can be seen.

Franz Josef Land is also home to two arctic giants – the polar bear and the walrus. The waters of Franz Josef Land are visited by whales, including humpback, bowhead, narwhal and white beluga whale. Possible landings may include Prince George Land, Alexandra Land, Bell and Mabel Island, Champ Island and Cape Flora (Northbrook Island).

Days 12–13: Barents Sea

On leaving Franz Josef Land, crossing the Barents Sea is again an opportunity to see whales (possibly the elusive bowhead whale) and large numbers of seabirds – have your camera ready.

Day 14: Murmansk

Today you'll arrive back in Murmansk for clearance procedures before continuing to Kirkenes.

Day 15: Kirkenes

After an overnight cruise from Murmansk (approx. 12 hours), return to Kirkenes to disembark and bid new friends farewell. A transfer to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage. 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions.