Small vessel, some cabins may have shared facilities
This is the rarest Arctic itinerary and the only voyage to explore two of the region’s most remote archipelagos in a single expedition — Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land. Encounter polar bears and walruses, visit remote polar stations, and follow in the footsteps of legendary Arctic explorers.
Perfected over a decade, this expedition combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with the fascinating history of Arctic exploration.
You will travel aboard the 50 Let Pobedy ("50 Years of Victory"), one of the world's most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers, a vessel capable of reaching the most inaccessible corners of the High Arctic. The expedition includes helicopter flights, Zodiac cruises among towering glaciers, and landings on uninhabited Arctic islands, following the historic routes of pioneering explorers Georgy Sedov, Georgy Brusilov, and Ivan Papanin.
Encounter polar bears, walruses, whales, and vast colonies of seabirds, and observe them in their natural habitat alongside expert scientists
Explore the Russian Arctic aboard the legendary 50 Let Pobedy ("50 Years of Victory"), one of the world's most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers
Discover some of the Arctic’s most remote and inaccessible locations — places that can only be reached by helicopter
Follow in the footsteps of legendary Arctic expeditions led by Ivan Papanin, Georgy Sedov, and Georgy Brusilov, and discover the stories behind their journeys
Cruise by ancient glaciers aboard Zodiac inflatable boats
Discover the Russian Arctic through engaging lectures on its history of exploration, as well as the nature and wildlife of Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya
This is a general plan of the expedition. The actual route may vary depending on weather and ice conditions.
Today you will arrive in Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle and the gateway to the Russian Arctic.
A transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel, where you will spend the night before the expedition. The overnight stay is included in the tour price. Take some time to relax after your flight and prepare for the polar adventure ahead. Tomorrow, you will set out for some of Russia’s most remote and inaccessible archipelagos.
In the morning, you will attend a briefing at the hotel, where the expedition team will share essential information and answer any practical questions you may have. After the briefing, you will transfer to the Atomflot base and board the legendary nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory).
Once you have settled into your cabin, the ship will set a northerly course toward the mysterious Franz Josef Land.
At these latitudes, you will truly feel that you have crossed into the Arctic. For centuries, the Barents Sea has served as a gateway for polar expeditions. Today, you will follow routes once traveled by some of the greatest explorers in Arctic history.
On board, expert-led lectures will introduce you to the history of Arctic exploration and the extraordinary achievements of legendary seafarers. Soon, you will reach the very places where these remarkable events unfolded — and see the locations you have read about in history books with your own eyes.
You may also have the opportunity to visit the ship’s bridge and take a guided tour of the engine room — the heart of the icebreaker. Other facilities on board include a swimming pool, gym, and sauna, offering plenty of ways to relax between expedition activities.
Today, you will begin uncovering the secrets of Franz Josef Land, Russia’s northernmost territory. Travel by Zodiac to its rugged shores and explore uninhabited islands on guided walks. You will also take to the skies by helicopter, landing at some of the archipelago’s most spectacular panoramic viewpoints.
Follow in the footsteps of historic expeditions, encounter walruses and colorful seabird colonies, and, if you are lucky, perhaps even spot a polar bear.
Each day, you will discover new treasures of the archipelago and immerse yourself deeper in the world of the Russian Arctic.
You will enter Tikhaya Bay, a landmark site in the history of polar exploration. From 1912 to 1914, the expedition led by Georgy Sedov spent the winter here — events that later inspired the famous novel The Two Captains.
Years later, the first Soviet Arctic research station was established here under the leadership of Ivan Papanin. These shores still bear the memory of the great age of Arctic exploration, and you will have the rare opportunity to experience that history first-hand.
Tikhaya Bay is also home to the northernmost post office in the world, where you can send a postcard to your loved ones from 80° north.
One of the most extraordinary places in the archipelago is Champ Island, famous for its remarkable spherical concretions. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by stones of almost perfectly round shapes, whose origins remain the subject of scientific debate. Some are up to two meters in diameter, while others are as small as peas. It is hard to believe that these extraordinary “sculptures” were created entirely by nature.
You will also land on Hayes Island, home to an active polar meteorological station. Scientists continue to work here today, monitoring weather conditions, sea ice, and Arctic wildlife. It is a rare opportunity to see how a modern polar station operates and experience the Arctic through the eyes of those who have dedicated their lives to the Far North.
The ship will set course for Novaya Zemlya. Along the way, you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead: attend lectures on the archipelago’s history and natural environment, unwind in the sauna, take a swim in the pool, or settle down with a book in the cozy library.
Novaya Zemlya is a very different Arctic — wilder, more remote, and even more dramatic. Polar ice covers a significant part of the archipelago. By Zodiac, you will navigate through icy labyrinths and witness icebergs forming before your eyes.
You will go ashore at Cape Zhelaniya, where the Barents Sea meets the Kara Sea. Here, you will see a historic lighthouse and a preserved polar station dating back to the 1930s — reminders of human presence at the edge of the world.
The icebreaker will then approach the Oranskie Islands. By Zodiac, you will head toward one of the largest walrus haul-out sites in the western Arctic. Weather permitting, you will make landings and explore some of the northernmost islands of Novaya Zemlya on foot.
A day at sea offers the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect on the journey, and share your experiences with fellow expedition guests.
On board, you will watch a film about your expedition, revisiting the places you have explored and retracing your journey to some of the most inaccessible corners of the Arctic.
The day will conclude with a special Captain’s Dinner, accompanied by live music.
Today, you will return to the mainland. In the morning, the icebreaker will arrive in the port of Murmansk. After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the crew and disembark. A transfer will then take you either to the airport or to the city center, depending on your flight time and onward travel plans.
The expedition may be coming to an end, but the Arctic will stay with you forever — in extraordinary photographs, heartfelt conversations, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the feeling of having been part of something truly meaningful.
The vessel is equipped with a next-generation digital automatic control system, and its nuclear plant’s biological protection system has been fully modernized.
Onboard facilities include: a restaurant, two bars, a library, lecture hall, music room, gym, sauna, and a heated seawater pool. Satellite TV is also available.
Guests have access to the navigation bridge with panoramic sea views almost around the clock. A gift shop operates daily during the voyage, and the expedition office is available 24/7.
The final price in USD depends on the Central Bank of Russia’s exchange rate.
Bank charges are not included in the USD price. We reserve the right to revise the rate in the event of significant market currency fluctuations (RUR/USD).
During the expedition, you will receive a branded waterproof and windproof expedition jacket. High expedition rubber boots will also be provided for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Clothing & Footwear
Personal Items & Equipment
The tour includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on board. Coffee and light snacks are available at the snack station, and drinking water is provided 24/7.
All passengers under the age of 85 are covered by medical travel insurance of €100,000 pp, which includes emergency evacuation and repatriation. Travelers over 85 years must purchase their insurance policy with coverage of at least EUR 100,000. Such a policy must cover repatriation/evacuation risks from extremely remote areas and must be sufficient for travel to the High Arctic. Any risks not covered by the provided insurance policy shall be covered by passengers at their discretion and expense. The insurance is valid only on board the vessel and off-board as soon as the vessel leaves port.
This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area to obtain a Russian Visa. Please, contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa. Let us know if you have any difficulties in visa processing.
Throughout the expedition, you will be accompanied by speakers, guides, and regional experts. On board, during shore landings, and on excursions, they will share their knowledge of the Arctic’s natural environment and the history of its exploration.
Rough seas are possible, but motion sickness medication is effective and available at the reception desk if needed.
If you’re unsure whether you get seasick, try waiting before taking medication — some travelers find that ignoring mild symptoms helps their body adjust naturally within a few hours.
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We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
Booking application
Thank you for contacting us!
We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
Booking application
Thank you for contacting us!
We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
Booking application
Thank you for contacting us!
We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
Booking application
Thank you for contacting us!
We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
