Great Gap Adventures in the Great White North

Gap Adventures reports double the interest in tours to the Arctic following Bruce Parry’s groundbreaking new serie

Inspired by the new BBC documentary, travellers are flocking north in search of incredible and icy experiences.

Following Bruce Parry’s “Arctic”, the leading independent adventure tour operator’s already popular expedition cruises, calling at Spitsbergen and the High Arctic, have witnessed a surge in interest with almost double the number of calls and online enquiries in recent weeks.

Recent travel programmes such as “Arctic”, “Human Planet” and “Planet Earth” have all helped showcase this part of the world that, until recently, has been unexplored by most. With a greater range of Arctic holidays available, the region is becoming more accessible and the destination a hot spot for adventure seekers, according to Gap Adventures.

“The polar regions of the planet epitomise adventure and provide unparalleled experiences,” says Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Gap Adventures.

“Perfect for cold weather and adventure enthusiasts, a trip on board Gap Adventures’ M/S Expedition showcases the wintry wildlife and breathtaking scenery that makes the Arctic so appealing.”

Arctic Highlights and Polar Bears is a thrilling expedition that gets travellers exploring out on Zodiacs and on foot. This 14 day cruise departs on 4 September 2011, with prices starting from £2859 per person. Sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland across the Greenland Sea to East Greenland and onwards to Spitsbergen, travellers will come face to face with the unique wildlife and local communities of this remote landscape.

Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears, a 15 day expedition departing 30 May 2011, will have travellers exploring the Shetland Islands, Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Bear Islands and Longyearbyen in the north Atlantic, with prices starting from £3059 per person. Adventurers on this cruise will have the chance to view the partial solar eclipse on 1 June 2011, weather permitting, as the ship will be in Lerwick on the day with an unrivalled view.

Incredibly, passengers who book a space on a selection of the Arctic cruises by 28 February 2011 will also receive a 25 per cent early-booking discount.

The newly renovated M/S Expedition is uniquely equipped to meet the demands of cruising in polar environments. With one of the highest average cabin sizes in her class and multiple large public areas, the ship provides an exceptionally safe, spacious and comfortable expedition experience for all her guests. Alongside a highly experienced crew, the ship offers one of the best ratios of expedition team experts to guests – one expert for every 10 guests.

For more information, visit www.gapadventures.co.uk or call 08444 10 10 30