Russia's Franz Josef Land

Sail north from Kirkenes via the Russian city of Murmansk to the remote and rarely visited Franz Josef Land. Explore the shores of this Russian Archipelago and discover its rich wildlife, vast tundra, fascinating geology and long history. Discover Nansens hut and sail past huge cliffs teeming with bird life, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears.
15 Days
$10,217

Russia's Franz Josef Land - 15 Days - $10,217

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 7 days exploring Franz Josef Land
  • City tour of Murmansk
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Kayaking available (limited spaces and at extra cost)
  • Photo book of your journey on your return

Operator's Itinerary

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.

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.

At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48” or 1.2 metres must be met.

Includes

  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • A digital photo book produced with photos and ship logs from your voyage
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information 
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites

Excludes

  • Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Any additional services before and after your voyage
  • Transfers not specific to the itinerary
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gifts, drinks)
  • Gratuities for ship crew

Questions about this Voyage?