Svalbard — escorted trip 2028

AT THE ENDS OF THE EARTH At the gateway to the polar world, the Svalbard archipelago reveals deep fjords, enchanting glaciers and expanses of untamed tundra. From Longyearbyen, embark on an in-depth exploration of this pristine territory in the far reaches of the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees north. As you circumnavigate the islands, jagged peaks emerge and the first ice appears beneath a ballet of seabirds: northern fulmars, Arctic terns and black-legged kittiwakes. In the Northeast and Southeast Svalbard nature reserves, explore magnificent landscapes, hidden fjords and wild shores where walruses find refuge. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes roam freely across the tundra, while a whale's breath occasionally disturbs the dark surface. At the edge of the pack ice, a polar bear may appear, a rare presence in a world shaped by ice and silence. WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? This journey is for curious travellers with a passion for wide-open spaces who dream of discovering the Arctic in exceptional conditions while enjoying comfort. It particularly suits those who love spectacular scenery, wildlife watching, photography and rare experiences far from familiar routes. Aboard Le Lyrial, explore Svalbard on an elegant, intimate ship: an ideal balance for travellers drawn to the spirit of expedition who also appreciate a high level of service, comfort and refinement. A good level of fitness is recommended to make the most of landings and Zodiac outings, although the trip is by no means reserved for keen athletes. A PONANT EXPLORATION CRUISE An exploration cruise in Svalbard does not follow a completely fixed itinerary. Each day, the captain and expedition team adapt the programme to the weather, ice conditions and wildlife-viewing opportunities. This flexibility makes the most of the conditions at hand: sailing close to glaciers, heading out by Zodiac, landing at remote sites or adjusting the route slightly when a special opportunity arises. Throughout the voyage, Ponant's naturalist guides accompany passengers, explain the landscapes and wildlife encountered, and lead excursions. This is precisely the charm of this kind of cruise: every day is different, with discovery and surprise an integral part of the journey, alongside Le Lyrial's comfort and premium service.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Thursday 13 July - Perpignan - Montpellier - Paris CDG Depart Perpignan by coach for Montpellier Airport. Late-afternoon flight to Paris CDG with Air France. Overnight at the Novotel Paris CDG airport hotel. Friday 14 July - Paris - Longyearbyen - Embarkation Depart on the flight chartered by Ponant to Longyearbyen. Meet and transfer to the port. Embarkation is between 16h00 and 17h00, allowing the ship to leave port at 18h30. Located on the main island of the Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen is the world's northernmost territorial capital. With winter temperatures falling to minus 40°C, this mining town is surrounded by striking scenery. Glaciers, mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and wild nature create the feeling of entering an unexplored land. Saturday 15 July – Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining settlement now transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small community was the starting point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of celebrated explorer Roald Amundsen. Be sure to visit its museum and famous post office, considered the northernmost in the world! Sunday 16 July - Northwest Spitsbergen A realm of contrasts and natural wonders scattered with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen captivates with its unspoilt beauty. These pristine lands open onto seemingly endless views, revealing landscapes sculpted by nature and transformed by shifting light. Fjords filled with icy waters, steep mountains and imposing glaciers rise before you like monumental sculptures. Here, a profound serenity fills the soul, disturbed only by the mysterious whisper of the icy breeze. Board our Zodiacs with naturalist guides to get close to this unique wildlife and discover a renowned starting point for scientific expeditions. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through icy waters, while seals, walruses and Arctic foxes bring a playful touch of life. Svalbard reindeer roam the wide expanses, Arctic terns animate the polar sky with graceful flight, and polar bears, which you may be fortunate to see, patrol the frozen shores. Monday 17 July - Sailing towards the pack ice Your captain will sail to the ice edge, the boundary of the pack ice. If weather and ice conditions allow, you may enjoy a Zodiac outing for a unique moment among drifting sea-ice floes. Beyond the magnificent experience of sailing amid these jagged, blue-edged floes, sometimes more than 2 metres thick, this is often an opportunity to encounter wildlife closely associated with the pack ice: birds, seals and polar bears.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Tuesday 18 July - Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve Since 1973, Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve has protected the archipelago's northernmost and coldest region: Nordaustlandet, an immense polar desert covered by two ice caps and Svalbard's second-largest island. The fjords and cliffs to the west and north, tempered by the Gulf Stream, shelter large colonies of birds and walruses. The colder eastern and southern landscapes are dominated by imposing glaciers that calve magnificent icebergs into the vast Hinlopen Strait. Large colonies of Brünnich's guillemots shelter on its steep cliffs, depending on nesting and migration periods. You may be lucky enough to see polar bears or Arctic foxes nearby. Wednesday 19 July - Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve is Norway's second-largest protected area. Created in 1973, this conservation area of more than 21 000 km2 offers magnificent views of coastal landscapes, rocky islets, mountain plateaus, broad tundra plains and ice caps. With luck, you may observe a wide variety of seabirds, as the site is classified as an Important Bird Area, as well as cetaceans, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. Edgeoya island is also known for hosting polar bears during the breeding season. Thursday 20 July - Northwest Spitsbergen A realm of contrasts and natural wonders scattered with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen captivates with its unspoilt beauty. These pristine lands open onto seemingly endless views, revealing landscapes sculpted by nature and transformed by shifting light. Fjords filled with icy waters, steep mountains and imposing glaciers rise before you like monumental sculptures. Here, a profound serenity fills the soul, disturbed only by the mysterious whisper of the icy breeze. Board our Zodiacs with naturalist guides to get close to this unique wildlife and discover a renowned starting point for scientific expeditions. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through icy waters, while seals, walruses and Arctic foxes bring a playful touch of life. Svalbard reindeer roam the wide expanses, Arctic terns animate the polar sky with graceful flight, and polar bears, which you may be fortunate to see, patrol the frozen shores. Friday 21 July - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Paris CDG Return to the capital, marking the end of this polar expedition. Disembarkation starts at 8h, followed by a transfer to the airport. The return flight is also chartered by Ponant for all passengers on board. Once in Paris, spend another night at the Novotel at CDG Airport. Saturday 22 July - Paris CDG - Montpellier - Perpignan Morning departure for Montpellier with Air France, followed by a coach transfer to Perpignan.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Le Lyrial – French elegance in the heart of the Arctic The newest addition to PONANT's Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is a human-scale ship designed for an elegant, comfortable and intimate experience. With just 122 cabins and suites for a maximum of 245 passengers, it maintains an exclusive atmosphere far removed from large cruise liners. Its size also allows access to remote areas and sites difficult for larger ships to reach, a real advantage on an exploration cruise in Svalbard. On board, refined contemporary interiors inspired by the blues of the Mediterranean and polar destinations perfectly reflect PONANT's signature French elegance. Guests enjoy comfortable cabins and suites, outdoor spaces opening generously onto the sea, panoramic lounges, restaurants, a theatre and areas dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing. With around 145 crew members for 245 passengers, service is particularly attentive and personal. Aboard Le Lyrial, the experience goes beyond reaching a destination: the ship itself becomes an integral part of the journey. After a day exploring by Zodiac or landing amid Svalbard's wild landscapes, travellers return to the comfort of a true luxury hotel, carefully prepared cuisine and the pleasure of sailing in elegant surroundings. Le Lyrial offers a perfect balance of polar adventure and French art de vivre. A true polar expedition experience This Svalbard cruise is above all an immersion in one of the Arctic's wildest and most pristine territories. Here, nature sets each day's rhythm: depending on weather, ice conditions and opportunities encountered, the captain and expedition team may adapt the programme to provide the best exploration conditions. Days alternate between scenic sailing, Zodiac outings, landings at remote sites and wildlife observation from the ship. With PONANT's naturalist guides, travellers discover glaciers, polar landscapes and the archipelago's emblematic wildlife: walruses, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, numerous bird species and, with luck, polar bears. Sightings naturally depend on conditions at the time and can never be guaranteed, which is part of the experience's authenticity. On board, lectures, briefings and conversations with the expedition team deepen your understanding of the environment. You do not need to be highly athletic for this adventure, but good mobility is recommended for boarding Zodiacs and walking over sometimes uneven terrain. For clothing, the principle is simple: wear several warm, breathable layers, topped with a waterproof jacket, plus a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. In the evening, return to Le Lyrial's refined comfort, cuisine, lounges and relaxation areas. A rare experience combining the spirit of expedition with the elegance and comfort of a PONANT journey.