Expedition Highlights:

• Search the seas for beluga whales and narwhals
• Tour the Solovetsky Monastery – a UNESCO world heritage site
• Go ashore for nature walks across the Arctic tundra
• Photograph landscapes in the light of the Midnight Sun
• Visit historic sites of early Arctic explorers
• Cruise by Zodiac amidst glaciers and floating icebergs
• Explore deep fjords lined with rugged mountains
• Observe polar bear, walrus, reindeer and Arctic fox
• Admire the perfectly spherical boulders of Champ Island
• See a multitude of seabirds such as skuas, auks, kittiwakes and guillemots

Access to Franz Josef Land is very rare. Silversea Expeditions has sought special permission from the Russian government to explore this remote and seldom-visited destination.

Day 1 — Tromsø , Norway
Embark the Silver Explorer for your exciting 18-day Silversea Expedition – “White Sea & Franz Josef Land”. Tonight we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party and to meet the Expedition Team who will be your companions for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Days 2–4 — At Sea
Our journey has truly begun. These few days at sea will provide us ample time to learn more about the remote and remarkable destinations we will visit. As we make our way along the Scandinavia’s northernmost coastline and into the Barents Sea it is thrilling to think that our itinerary follows a route once restricted by the Iron Curtain and even now accessible only during summer’s warmest months.  

Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board the Silver Explorer. Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Attend a Zodiac briefing and an Arctic regulations refresher course that outlines the environmental policies we must all adhere to in order to enjoy the privilege of visiting this pristine region at the top of the world.

Day 5 — Archangelsk, Russia
This morning, as we make our approach, head out on deck to watch for the Beluga whales commonly found in the waters of the White Sea, especially during the summer season. At Russia’s far northwest corner, Archangelsk is situated on the coast of the storied White Sea. Due to its geographic isolation, this region has long held a mysterious fascination for outsiders. Archangelsk was first established as a shipbuilding centre and became well known to the West for its occupation by “White” Russians during the Russian Civil War and for its role as a base for the North Sea Fleet. Archangelsk has also achieved fame as the gateway to the Arctic for the number of notable expeditions that began here.

Today we will join our onboard historians for a guided tour of the old quarter where we will learn of the Pomors and of ancient Russian culture as we explore centuries-old wooden buildings, the orthodox church and the excellent collections at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Day 6 — Solovetsky Islands, Russia
In the western White Sea, the six islands of this remote, rarely visited archipelago have been inhabited since the 5th century BC and important traces of human presence have been found here from as far back as the 5th millennium BC. An expansive monastery was founded here in the 15th century and was later transformed into one of Stalin’s infamous Soviet gulags – a political prison camp. A vast medieval fortress, the monastery is remarkably well preserved and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will explore its network of covered passages and tunnels that connect the many churches and chapels, botanical gardens, and common buildings, which include watchtowers, residential chambers and a number of workrooms.

Time permitting, we will take advantage of the constant daylight to explore the islands and their birdlife by Zodiac. Our onboard naturalist may also lead a hike through taiga forest pointing out the plants and wildlife unique to this remote area.

Days 7–8 — At Sea
Our journey continues further north, into Russia’s extreme Arctic. Binoculars and cameras in hand, head out on deck to watch for icebergs, seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy a fine cigar and cognac at the Connoisseur’s Corner or watch a movie in your suite. All accommodations feature an interactive television system that allows you to watch your choice of complimentary films or documentaries and even broadcasts from The Theatre in the comfort and privacy of your suite or stateroom.

A variety of other onboard diversions are also available. Work out in the Fitness Centre and soothe your muscles afterward in the heated outdoor whirlpool. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or two, and, of course, enjoy leisurely evenings highlighted by exquisite dining experiences. Relish prolonged sunsets that blend into the next day’s sunrise. The twilight lends an ethereal quality to the sky, and with special tips from our onboard photographer, we can expertly capture this magical glow with our cameras.

Days 9–10 — Cruise & Explore Novaya Zemlya, Russia
The name Novaya Zemlya literally means "new land" and primarily consists of two large islands: Severny in the north, which is separated from Yuzhny in the south by the narrow Matochkin Shar strait. Little was known of this remote Arctic Ocean archipelago until Dutch explorer Willem Barents visited in 1594. Between 1955 and 1990, Novaya Zemlya was used extensively for Cold War nuclear testing, and eventually received protection as a vast nature reserve in 2009.

As we near the islands, we notice first the mountainous terrain and then shift our gaze to the observation of seabirds. On our Zodiac explorations, we expect to see guillemots, as well as ducks, geese and swans. When we are not looking skyward, we will scan the seas for whales, walruses, seals and dolphins. It is even possible to spot narwhales! As for wildlife ashore, Novaya Zemlya is known to have foxes, lemmings, some wolves and polar bears. As with all expedition excursion descriptions, wildlife sightings are frequent, though not guaranteed. (Especially as we will be among only a very few travellers to have ever ventured into this region and cannot be entirely certain of what to expect!) Much of the area is permanently snow-covered, but vegetation does exist along the coast. If our bear guides deem it safe to make a landing, the onboard botanist will point out the mosses, lichens and polar poppies that add patches of surprising colour to the summer tundra.

During our two days exploration of Novaya Zemlya we plan to visit a number of historic expedition locations such as Ice Haven – the wintering site of Willem Barents’ 1596-1597 expedition. Inostrantseva Bay and its picturesque glacier are also on our list of intended destinations. Onboard lecture topics will touch on the history and culture of the indigenous Nenetses, and describe the Novaya Zemlya Effect – a phenomenon that occurs only in the cold extreme north winter and makes the sun appear rectangular rather than circular.

Days 11–14 — Cruise & Explore Franz Josef Land
Remote Franz Josef Land is a place of extreme extremes. It is Russia’s northernmost territory, the most northerly island chain in Eurasia, the last major land mass on earth to be discovered (in 1873) and the closest land to the North Pole in the Eastern Hemisphere (about 900 km/560 miles). The archipelago consists of 191 islands, 83% of which are permanently covered with ice. Our visit to this unpopulated, largely unexplored destination is among only a handful of visits this region at the top of the world receives each year. It is reported that the rare arrival of a cruise ship often intrigues the native polar bears’ natural curiosity and they are known to approach visiting ships quite closely, so we are hoping to experience some amazing sightings. We hope to encounter walrus and seals and to find seabird colonies nesting in the towering rock cliffs along the coastline.

We will embark on daily explorations of these rugged shores, never quite able to get enough of the fascinating landscapes of mountains and glaciers and scenes of wild, untouched nature. Sometimes called “Moon Archipelago” much of the terrain of Franz Josef Land is otherworldly. The Silver Explorer has a specially strengthened hull that allows it to push through waters dense with pack ice. If conditions permit, we will embark by Zodiac to cruise between islands, fjords and bays – the summer habitat of beluga whales and narwhal – and amid magnificent icebergs. And the entire time we will feel incredibly fortunate to witness these seldom-seen vistas during the magical white nights of an arctic summer.

Destinations we may explore during our four days in Franz Josef Land may include:

Alger Island / Ostrov Aldzher
Historically, this island was the wintering site of the 1901 American expedition led Baldwin. Today, visitors consist primarily of the king of the Arctic – the polar bear.

Bell Island
The house built by the Lee Smith expedition of 1881 is the highlight of our visit to this destination.

Champ Island / Ostrov Champ / Cape Triest
Centrally located in Franz Josef Land, Champ Island is home to majestic, ice-capped mountains – the highest of the archipelago. But even more fascinating are the island’s mysterious spherical boulders. Of all 191 islands, this natural phenomenon of round stone geodes is unique to Champ Island and only comparable to one other world location in New Zealand.

Graham Bell Island  / Ostrov Greem-Bell
Named after inventor Alexander Graham Bell, this island is home to a Cold War outpost and to a large airfield used regularly by cargo and fighter aircraft since the 1950s.

Hall Island / Ostrov Gallya / Cape Tegetthoff
The first of the Franz Josef Islands to be discovered (in 1873), Hall Island is easily recognized by the massive cliffs and spires that protrude from the surrounding sea. Our onboard historians will regale us with tales of the Wellman expedition (1898-1899) as we view the remains of wooden structures from their rustic campsite.

Hooker Island / Ostrov Gukera / Tikhaya Bay
It will be difficult to contain the excitement of our Expedition Team’s ornithologist and fellow birders as we approach Tikhava Bay and the enormous Rubini Rock. This many crevices in this massive cliff provide shelter for large colonies of Arctic seabirds including kittiwakes, guillemots and skuas. Weather permitting, we will make a Zodiac landing to visit the abandoned Sedova Station on shore – the first polar station of Franz Josef Land.

Jackson Island / Ostrov Dzheksona / Cape Norway
After a failed attempt to reach the North Pole in 1896, Norwegian explorers Nansen and Johansen survived eight bleak winter months in a cave built of stone and moss.

Northbrook Island / Ostrov Nortbruk / Cape Flora
On this historic island, we can see various remains and learn about the famous Lee Smith expedition of 1880 and Jackson expedition of 1894-1897.

Days 15–17 — At Sea
As we cruise through the floating ice of the Barents Sea, a series of leisurely days at sea are yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, get a front row seat for a cooking demonstration or relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read. In the evenings, meet up with friends for cocktails, then, before turning in, take a brisk stroll on deck to enjoy the solitude and splendour of the vast sea and sky.

Day 18 — Skarsvag (Nordkapp), Margeroya, Norway
Today, the Silver Explorer will round the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. At 71° 10' 21" northern latitude, a sheer cliff raises 307 metres above the Arctic Ocean. Adventurous guests can join members of the Expedition Team for a challenging hike to Nordkapp, retracing the traditional route to the cape up a winding path. For those who prefer to arrive in comfort, the Silver Explorer will anchor off the shore of Skarsvag, the “most northerly fishing village in the world”, and, weather conditions permitting, head ashore by Zodiac. We will travel by coach to the North Cape where we will admire the glorious scenery, stop in at the visitor’s centre and, of course, document our presence at the famed globe monument with many photographs. The panorama is unforgettable. On our return journey to the ship, watch for reindeer grazing on the surrounding hillsides.

Day 19 — Tromsø , Norway
We will arrive at Tromso in the early morning. Following breakfast on board, disembark the Silver Explorer.