Journey to the midnight sun stars polar bears and an intriguing hotel

Simply Sweden is offering a new tour for nature-lovers in Norway's northern wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago during the long summer days of the midnight sun. Highlights of the trip include boat safaris to see polar bears and other exciting Arctic wildlife in the fjordal landscape, as well lodgings at Isfjord Radio, an award-winning boutique hotel set in an historic telecommunications station.

On “Magic of the Arctic – Svalbard”, an expert guide will be on hand to help guests discover the natural history of these islands set between Norway and the North Pole. The star attraction will be sighting some of the 3,000 resident polar bears – the symbol of the region – as well as whales, walruses, reindeer and the bird and marine life that inhabit the fjordal coastline, national parks, bird sanctuaries and nature reserves. A mixture of boat trips and guided walks will take visitors to the heart of the natural action.

Guests will also spend two nights at one of the world's most intriguing hotels, the remote Isfjord Radio. Once an important telecommunications link between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland, the former radio station has been transformed into a stylish 23-room hotel in the peaceful surroundings of the Arctic wilderness. Last summer, Isfjord Radio was awarded the St Olav's Rose, the hallmark of Norwegian Heritage, in recognition of the development and protection of this historic site.

During the trip, guests will also learn about the human history of Svalbard, including the life of the Arctic hunter in the 16th and 17th centuries, when these whaling and fishing grounds were coveted by Britain, France and Denmark. Guests will also visit Longyearbyen, the archipelago's main community and the northernmost town in the world, where they will stay at Trapper's Hotel, which is decorated in the style of a traditional trapper's lodge. Longyearbyen is the gateway for today's sustainable tourism industry in this environmentally sensitive location, where the ice coverage in winter is often used as an indicator of global warming. The price of the trip includes a contribution to a forestry project aimed at reducing the CO2 impact of visitors to the area.

On the nine-day tour, guests will also have time to explore Oslo, Norway's capital, and the city of Tromsø. Other comfortable accommodation on the trip includes the Royal Christiania in central Oslo and the Clarion
Collection Hotel With, which is on the quayside in Tromsø. Optional excursions include a husky-drawn carriage ride in Longyearbyen and sea kayaking in Tromsø.

“Magic of the Arctic – Svalbard” costs from £2,295 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from the UK into Oslo and out of Tromsø, internal flights, airport transfers in Longyearbyen and Tromsø, eight nights' B&B, some meals, and boat safari.  

For more information visit www.simplysweden.co.uk or to book call 01427 700115. Follow developments on Twitter @Simply_Sweden and facebook.com/simplysweden.

To request images or further information, please contact Little Black Book Creative: Simone Kane on 07811 161839 and simone@lbbcreative.co.uk, or Kate Simon on 07939 526109 and kate@lbbcreative.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Simply Sweden began selling holidays in 2006 and has become one of the UK's leading tailor-made tour operators to Sweden and Norway. The company, founded by Chris and Karin Graham, draws on the inside knowledge of its small Sweden-based team, gained from travelling extensively across the territories, to create itineraries that offer customers the best experiences and deliver a genuine insight into the Scandinavian way of life.