INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS ANNOUNCES NEW SPITSBERGEN & EAST GREENLAND VOYAGE FOR 2009

05-21-2008

 

 

Two-Week Journey North of the Arctic Circle Brims With Adventure

 

BIRMINGHAM, AL, May 20, 2008 – For those who seek real adventure, breathtaking scenery and captivating wildlife from unspoiled locales, International Expeditions is offering a journey in 2009 to Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland.  The World Leader in Nature Travel, International Expeditions leads bold expeditions to exotic destinations that bring guests up close to magnificent animals as well as wild, dramatic landscapes.  This exciting 14-day journey August 24 - September 6, 2009 will venture north of the Arctic Circle.

Aboard the 110-guest Vavilov, an expert expedition team will give presentations on a range of topics from Arctic flora and the physics of ice to indigenous populations. Also accompanying guests will be International Expeditions’ popular Jorge Salas, a veteran expedition leader with experience on the glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica. The exceptionally stable Vavilov boasts an ice-strengthened hull for navigating polar waters, and all cabins have outside views to take in the stunning landscapes.

The journey begins with three days exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen, the largest of the Svalbard Islands.  Only 534 miles from the North Pole, discover the settlement of Ny Alesund, a historic town where many of the North Pole’s exploratory missions were launched.  Taking advantage of the ice conditions, guests can hike the Svalbard polar desert and explore glaciers before a stop at Moffen Island, a walrus sanctuary and great place to spot polar bears.

            While crossing the Greenland Sea, talented naturalists onboard will discuss Greenland’s wildlife, and teach guests how to use spotting scopes and identify seabirds. 

The coast of East Greenland is wild, rugged and often ice-bound. This area provides an excellent habitat for polar bears and walruses.  Guests will sail the ice edge in Zodiacs, cruising past icebergs at ocean level and going ashore at Rypefjord, Rødefjorden and Danmark Island.  At Scoresbysund Fjord, the largest fjord in the world and a year-round haven for marine wildlife, walk with a local guide through Ittoqqortoormiit, the most northerly village in East Greenland. This small village of around only 500 is accessible only a short time each year.

The superb landscape will be on full display during hikes across the tundra.  Here a lush variety of colorful wildflowers are dramatically set against a mountain background.  In addition to polar bears, the group will be on the alert for musk oxen — as 40% of the world’s population lives on the eastern coast of Greenland.

            Next the ship sails the Denmark Strait for Iceland, with ample time at sea to enjoy the beauty of the Arctic, and spot whales as well as marine and bird life.  Before guests disembark in Reykjavik, a final stop in the volcanic Westmann Islands is a superb opportunity to stroll the streets of Heimaey, a town evacuated just decades ago to save residents from volcanic eruptions.

            Per person prices for the 14-day Spitsbergen & East Greenland August 24 - September 6, 2009 expedition start at $7,890 and include accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers.  International airfare is extra, however flights can be arranged through International Expeditions.

            For more information on International Expeditions visit www.ietravel.com or call 1-800-633-4734. 

            Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the World Leader in Nature Travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information or an International Expeditions brochure, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, e-mail nature@ietravel.com, or visit www.ietravel.com/brochures.

 

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