An epic journey through the Great North: from the silence of Finnish Lapland to the wild Varanger Peninsula and the glacial islands of Svalbard. Over the course of 10 days, guided by our expert team, we will explore some of the most remote and fascinating regions of Europe, following the routes of Arctic wildlife during their most active season. Among boreal forests, coastal tundra, and polar landscapes, we’ll encounter incredible species such as the Short-eared Owl, Siberian Jay, large colonies of Common and King Eiders, Arctic Foxes, and, at Svalbard, the chance to spot Walruses, Belugas, and even Polar Bears. This tour is designed for those who love untouched nature, photography, and the wide open spaces of the North, with unforgettable experiences like close-up seabird watching at Hornøya, Sámi cultural encounters, and Arctic exploration at the heart of Svalbard.
Day 1
We begin our adventure by landing at Ivalo Airport, located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of real Lapland. From here, we drive through the enchanting Finnish taiga of pines and birches to reach our first destination: Kaamanen. Along the way to Kaamanen with a bit of lucky we try to catch the elusive Red-Flancked Blue Tail. This quaint village is where we set up bird feeders in the woodland, attracting species such as the Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Arctic and Common Redpoll and Pine Grosbeak, Bullfinch, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling. The phenomenon of the midnight sun provides spectacular light conditions, perfect for photographing birds from a custom-built photo hide. In the evening, we’ll explore the surroundings of our hotel, seeking out especially Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Waxwing, Smew, Goldeneye and Black-throated Diver. Dinner and Overnight in Finnish Taiga.
Day 2
On the second day, thanks to the 24 hours daylight of midnight sun, it will be possible (you can choose) to set a new photo hide session in the early morning utilizing the morning light of Lapland's forests to capture images of taiga forest birds. Following the session, we all drive through the forests towards the Norwegian border, direction Kirkenes. Along the way, we’ll make some stops to observe some of target species of this tour, for example: the Arctic Warbler and along the way to Ovre Pasvik National Park also Rustic Bunting, Little Bunting and Parrot Crossbill. Dinner and overnight in the national Park.
Day 3
We drive along the beautiful coast of varangerfjord and the landscape transforms, presenting breathtaking views of fjords and rugged coastlines. We will do several birdwatching stops in famous spots for arctic birds: in Nesseby, Vadso and Kiberg to observe Bar-tailed godwit, Purple Sandpiper, Knot, Short-eared owls, Red-Necked Phalarope, Steller’s Eider, White tailed eagle, Willow Sandgrouse, Arctic Skua, Ruffs (fighting), Rough-legged Buzzard, Red-Throated Pipit and many others. We’ll arrive in Vardo in time for dinner, where we can savor local seafood delicacies, followed by an overnight stay. After dinner we’ll go for some walks around the village looking for rare species as White Billed Loon, Great Northern Loon, Glaucous Gull and with a bit of lucky Arctic Fox.
Day 4
After breakfast, we set sail for the island of Hornøya, a unique paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. This season brings more than 10.000 of seabirds, such as Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots.Common and Brunnich’s. Rock Pipit, Shag, White-Tailed Eagle and with a bit of luck Gyrfalcon. As we hike along the island’s trails, the cacophony of seabird calls fills the air, and we’ll have ample opportunities to photograph these vibrant birds in their natural habitat. We will have a Pic-nic lunch in the beautiful scenery of Hornoya, seating and looking for Sea Birds. From Hornøya, we continue by boat to Syltefjord, keeping an eye out for Humpback and Fin Whales, Fulmar, Harbor and Grey seal, Pomarine Skua, Dolphins. The thrill of spotting these majestic marine mammals in the wild is an unforgettable experience. In Syltefjord, we’ll visit a bustling colony of Gannets before heading to the small harbor for a deserved cake and coffee time. We will drive through the plateaus of northern Varanger to reach Kongsfjord or our first dinner and night at the beautiful Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge owned by Skua in the Veines Peninsula, a famous Gyrfalcon nest area. During our transfer we will have good chance to spot Long-Tailed Skua, Lapland Bunting, Rock Ptarmigan, Long-Tailed Duck, Skaup, Red-Throated Diver, Fighting Ruff, Arctic Redpoll, Blue-Throat.
Day 5
We wake up to the stunning coastline of the Barents Sea and enjoy breakfast at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge. Our day’s adventure takes us to the plateaus of Varanger, where we’ll witness the spectacular lekking behavior of Ruffs. We also stop and take more time to spots and photograph Shorelark and Dottorel. We’ll back for lunch in Kongsfjord and after lunch we move along the beautiful driving road to Berlevag with the chance to observe King Eider, Rare Gull including Glaucous Gull, Merlin, White Tailed Eagle, Ring Ouzel, Linnet, Colonies of Arctic Tern and on the way back to Kongsfjord on late afternoon we can use our photo hide dedicated to Black Guillemot. Dinner and overnight at beautiful Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge.
Day 6/10
We take a small aircraft to reach Tromsø and then Longyearbyen at the same day. The journey offers stunning aerial views of the Arctic landscape. We will arrive in the afternoon, ready to experience the raw beauty of this incredible place: Svalbard. Once arrive in Svalbard, after settling into our accommodations, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement, and visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the region’s history and wildlife.We will have a briefing welcome from our guide in our visitor center in Svalbard about this remote place and some things to expect. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Over the next three days - Each day, we set off for new wildlife encounters and explorations. From spotting polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, and reindeer, to observing seabirds like Brunnich’s Guillemot, Puffins, Blue Fulmar and also Bearded Seal, Beluga, the excursions will vary based on the wildlife activity and natural highlights of the day. One day we may visit an abandoned mining town surrounded by glaciers, while another might include a boat journey to view walrus colonies and majestic ice calving from glaciers. and one of the first occasion to try to observe Polar Bear again. Once returned in the Village, every evening we take a bit or deserved rest before a minivan drive along the few road around Longyearbyen seeking out for more wildlife and try to observe Little Auk colonies, Arctic Fox, Svalbard Reindeer, Barnacle Geese, Pink-Footed Geese, King Eider, Great Colonies of Common Eider and Red Phalarope.
Day 10
After breakfast, we prepare for our departure back home. As we leave Svalbard, the memories of this breathtaking journey through the Arctic wilderness will stay with us forever, inspiring stories and photographs to share with loved ones.
We understand that planning your journey to the Arctic can be as exciting as the adventure itself. That’s why we are here to assist you in finding and booking the best flight connections for your tour.
Please be advised: the itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our Skua guides based on their experience, observations, and logistical considerations. We strive to provide the best possible experience, and adjustments may be made to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Ivalo - Ovre Pasvik - Kaamanen - Kongsfjord - Berlevag - Batsfjord - Tana Bru - Ekkeroy - Vardo - Hornoya - Vadso - Tromso - Svalbard
Bring:
Participants: min 6 - max 12
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Important information:
Ivalo Airport
Target Species: Ruff, Arctic Tern, Red-throated Loon, Black-throated Loon, Red-Throated Diver, Common Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dotterel, Smew, Knot, Barnacle Geese, Pink-Footed Geese, Gannet, European Golden Plovers, Long-tailed Duck, Eurasian Dotterels, Horned Lark, Long-Tailed Skua, Common Guillemot, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk, Razorbill, Puffin, Glaucous Gull, Short-ear Owl, Black-legged Kittiwake, Rock Ptarmigan, Willow Ptarmigan, Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Mountain Hare, Rough-legged Buzzard, White-Tailed Eagle, Humpback Whale, Fin Whale, Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Walrus, Blue Fulmar, Bearded Seal, Beluga, Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, King Eider, Common Eider, Red Phalarope, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Arctic Redpoll, Goldeneye, Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Bullfinch, Snow Bunting, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling, Little Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Parrot Crossbill, Red-Throated Pipit.
Single room charge 600 € on request
