Calling all artists – and non artists too! 
A fabulous voyage of discovery aboard a beautiful classic sailing yacht. This high-Arctic adventure is designed specifically for our artistic travellers but it is also perfect for anybody who would like more time to ponder and explore in greater depth than is possible on a normal Spitsbergen voyage.
Our first Art Safari last year was a great success (see photos below). We’d love you to join us in 2013!
EARLY BIRDS - £200 OFF if you book before 31st May!
Dates: 2nd – 13th July 2013 (11 nights on-board).
- Plein Air painting under the Midnight Sun
- Fabulous opportunities for wildlife spotting (polar bears, walrus, whales, birds….)
- Hands on Sailing to places where the big ships can’t reach.
- Maximum possible time ashore for artistic activities – and also for wildlife & history walks.
- Guidance and tuition from expert Art Leader Mary-Anne Bartlet from Art Safari.
- Dedicated Polar People guide, in addition to the usual excellent expedition staff. This gives us the option to divide into two different interest groups for each foray ashore.
- Evening lectures and slide shows about the landscape, wildlife and history of this Arctic wonderland.
- Maximum 18 passengers.
Spitsbergen is an Arctic island, half way between the top of Norway and the North Pole. With rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, vast glaciers and some of the most ingeniously adapted animals in the world.
At almost 80 degrees north, we’ll trace the edge of the sea ice in our beautiful expedition yacht. The sky seems vast up here and it is difficult to grasp the scale of the landscape. The cliffs are alive with hundreds of thousands of nesting birds. Miniature plants thrive in the tiniest patches of shelter. Walrus sunbathe under the midnight sun and polar bears hunt for seals along the edge of the sea ice.
The beautiful classic yacht ‘Noorderlicht’ will be our floating base-camp and studio. She is a 2-masted schooner, 46 metres long, with a maximum of 20 passengers. She is sturdy and strong while being much smaller than most other ships in Spitsbergen- so we’ll be able to explore places that the big ships can’t reach. There is also an inflatable ‘zodiac’ boat to transport us ashore and for cruising amongst the ice floes to spot wildlife.
Ashore, bleached white whale bones and unmarked graves are evidence of past human endeavours. There are trappers’ huts, mining relics and intriguingly named landmarks. We’ll stroll along beaches littered with antique driftwood, marvel at cobalt blue glaciers and hike into the mountains.
Your expert team of guides will make sure that you’ll make the most of all opportunities for seeing wildlife and exploring ashore, while staying safe. We explore the landscape, geology, flora, fauna and history of this remarkable Arctic land. When whales, polar bears or other wildlife are sighted, a shout will go up and the captain will often halt the ship to allow us the opportunity to watch, sketch and take photographs.
Join us for 11 days of Arctic adventure, exploring the shapes, colours, sounds, textures and ever-changing light of the high Arctic in midsummer. Whether you are a painter, photographer, sculptor, poet or simply looking and exploring - All are welcome!
Contact us to reserve your place. Book before 31st May 2012 and receive a £200 discount – only £3775!
Price: £3975 for 11 night voyage, plus optional extra days in Longyearbyen on request.
Our price includes: Voyage aboard the sailing ship Noorderlicht; airport transfers in Longyearbyen; accommodation in twin cabins with shared bathrooms, all meals, dedicated Polar People guide and Art Safari tutor.
Our price excludes: Travel from your home country, travel insurance, departure taxes, optional activities, art materials, personal expenses.
This holiday starts and ends in Longyearbyen (Norway). Scandinavian Airlines fly to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromso. Many of our travellers like to book your own flights but we are also happy to arrange flights for you, through our partner Art Safari.
Further information about what art materials and clothing to take with you will be given later.
Here are some photos of our 2011 Safari – click on the photos to enlarge them.
This holiday is hosted by our friends Oceanwide Expeditions. See our Wildlife page to find out about the other expedition voyages they offer in both the Arctic and Antarctic, with a 10% Polar People discount!
