On top of the world

Experience the ultimate in Polar adventure this summer with Peregrine Adventures - an expedition voyage to the top of the world, the Geographic North Pole. Choose from two 16 or one 17-day adventure aboard the 50 Years of Victory, the largest, most sophisticated and powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker ever constructed, departing Helsinki for Murmansk by air, 23rd June, 6th and 19th July 08 respectively. (The 19th July departure coincides with the solar eclipse).

The Geographic North Pole is a mathematical point where the imaginary line of the Earth’s axis of rotation passes through the Earth’s surface. From the Pole all points on the globe are south.

The Pole itself has no length, width or breadth, and because the sea-ice is constantly moving, there can be no plaques or markers to indicate the spot. So on each voyage Peregrine must plant its own marker for the duration of its stay at 90°N.

If ice conditions permit, the ship’s gangway is lowered and guests descend to the ice surface for the world’s shortest circumnavigation – a stroll around the Pole marker. This is followed by a celebratory glass of champagne and a short speech by the Captain, one of the few people on the planet who has repeatedly visited the North Pole.

The journey northwards to the Pole is stunning, crossing the Barents Sea, in the company of native seabirds and whales, then navigating the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean. Watching the vessel crashing through ice metres thick is awe-inspiring – even better when viewed from the air on one of the ship’s own helicopters.

Once at the Pole, travellers join a rare and select group – those who can truly say they’ve stood at the top of the world. Returning south, the focus shifts to Franz Josef Land, one of world’s most recently discovered archipelagos. There are 191 islands in this naturalist’s paradise. Polar Bears, Walrus, Arctic Fox, seals and Belugas inhabit the region and vast colonies of seabirds abound in the surrounding waters.

The expedition team takes advantage of long daylight hours to offer a programme of shore excursions by helicopter. The voyage concludes in Murmansk where passengers disembark and transfer to the airport for their onward flight to Helsinki.

The voyage costs from £11,804 p/p including full board accommodation aboard the 50 Years of Victory, return air transfers Helsinki to Murmansk, 1-nights pre-voyage hotel accommodation and an expertly guided educational programme of talks, viewing activities and excursions.

For more information, visit Peregrineadventures.co.uk.