On the way to the Pole we will encounter walruses, seals, and rookeries that harbour Arctic sea birds by the thousands. Polar bears might get curious enough to approach the icebreaker to obtain a closer view. Sometimes they rise onto their rear paws, coming very close to the ship. This Expedition to the North Pole is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Starting at
£25995
Starting at £25995
This package is currently paused. Please reach out to us, if you would like to be contacted once this resumes. Alternatively, we can suggest a variety of different holiday packages. sales@arcticdirect.co.uk
Book now for 2025/2026, including flights from the UK and charter from Helsinki – Murmansk.
The North Pole is perhaps the most amazing location on our entire planet. There are no “four corners of the World” here: South is all around you and any wind is southern. Above the “Top of the World,” stars never rise or set: instead they move around you with the Earth’s rotation. A holiday to the North Pole is an absolute bucket list experience. The Polar Star, the beacon of all travellers in the Northern Hemisphere, is invariably in its zenith.
Fly from UK to Helsinki. An exclusive group of adventurers gather in Helsinki, where they spend the night. The city is so far north that a few hours of twilight are all the locals see of night in July. Overnight in Helsinki.
As the sailing of the world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker depends on the tide, the departure time of the charter flight will be determined by the tide table. This is one of the elements that make every North Pole expedition unique..
A coach transfers travelers from the Murmansk Airport to the high-security quay. Travelers may be asked to present identification before their coach can pass through the security gate. To the sound of martial music and with the help of tugboats, Victory will set sail on the high tide for her journey to the North Pole.
Sailing north, travelers become familiar with the extraordinary ship and members of the Expedition Team. Days begin with a wake-up call over the ship’s public address system. After breakfast, if the ice conditions permit, we lower the gangway to allow travelers to descend to the ice surface for the world’s shortest circumnavigation – one stroll around the Pole marker. We like to celebrate our arrival with a glass of champagne and a short speech by the Captain. Truly hardy souls may take a plunge into the icy water of the Arctic Ocean.
After appropriate celebrations at the North Pole, Victory turns south toward our next destination – Franz Josef Land. During these days at sea, the onboard education program continues. Our specialists prepare you for the landings to come. Again, the helicopter may lift you skyward for aerial sightseeing.
Watching for polar bear tracks on the ice will become an obsession. And if a bear wanders close to the ship, no matter what time of day or night, an announcement is made so travelers can gather on deck to take once-in-a-lifetime photographs. Shore landings, which are announced in the daily program, can be scheduled at any time of the day. The Expedition Team takes advantage of the long hours of daylight that occur within the Arctic Circle. When the call to board the helicopters or Zodiacs is made, travelers don expedition gear and gather at mustering stations.
All travelers are assigned to groups. These groups board the helicopters or Zodiacs in rotation to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to be the first or last ashore. Sometimes during a landing, the ship repositions and you board at a different location for the return to the ship. This makes efficient use of the equipment and the time ashore. The waters that surround Franz Josef Land are known to be the habitat of marine mammals – polar bears, walrus and whales. The island’s cliffs are the habitat of nesting seabirds. Arctic foxes patrol the islands. If there are to be wildlife sightings during the expedition, the best chance is on the islands of Franz Josef Land.
Franz Josef Land is an archipelago comprised of 191 islands, many covered in ice. They stretch from 80°N to 80.9°N. They are the most northerly islands in Eurasia, only 900 km (560 miles) from the North Pole.
During this voyage, the Expedition Team will hold recaps of what was experienced during the voyage. These recaps provide opportunities to relive the journey, share highlights and ask questions of the shipboard subject matter specialists.
Traveling with 128 like-minded adventurers in an icebreaker for an extended period of time is a recipe for friendships that can last a lifetime. Each new adventure shared builds upon the last. Every moment of laughter or awe becomes a memory you will cherish. The expedition experience can fully be understood only by participating.
Again the tide dictates the ship’s arrival in Murmansk. Travelers are transferred by coach from the quay to the airport for the flight to Helsinki. Overnight in Helsinki.
Begin your homeward journey after breakfast at the hotel in Helsinki. Flight from Helsinki back to UK.
Includes:
From £25,995pp including all flights
At Arctic Direct, we create luxury Arctic holidays that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights to sledding across frozen landscapes with a team of huskies, our packages include flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable activities. With expert planning, financial protection, and 24/7 support, you can book with complete confidence.
Book with total confidence knowing your Arctic adventure is fully protected under ATOL and ABTA, guaranteeing financial security and peace of mind from start to finish.
With years of expertise, our Arctic specialists design bespoke itineraries, from polar bear tracking to glass igloo stays, ensuring every journey is personalised to your travel style.
Our packages cover flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable Arctic experiences like husky sledding and Northern Lights tours, so you know exactly what you're paying for - no hidden surprises.
With exceptional Feefo reviews and a long-standing reputation for quality, we’re a trusted leader in luxury Arctic travel, delivering unforgettable experiences to thousands of satisfied adventurers.
Secure your dream Arctic getaway with low deposits and interest-free monthly payments, making luxury travel more accessible while giving you full control over your budget.
Enjoy round-the-clock assistance from our dedicated team, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience, whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or exploring remote Arctic landscapes.
Whether you’re seeking a heart-pumping adventure, a peaceful retreat, or a truly unique Arctic experience, we have the perfect journey waiting for you. Chase the Northern Lights from the warmth of a cosy glass igloo, embark on an exhilarating husky sledding expedition across snow-dusted trails, or spend the night in a one-of-a-kind ice hotel surrounded by pristine ice sculptures. Every itinerary is carefully crafted to immerse you in the enchanting beauty of the Arctic, offering everything from luxurious retreats to family-friendly explorations.
At Arctic Direct, we specialise in unforgettable Arctic experiences, offering tailor-made holidays across Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greenland, and beyond. With expertly crafted itineraries, premium accommodations, and seamless service, we ensure your journey is truly extraordinary.
