The North Pole on Le Commandant Charcot

After included VIP airport lounge access, fly to Paris where, on arrival, you'll transfer to your airport hotel for a one-night stay.

Stay: Paris airport hotel

After breakfast, head to the airport to board your flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard and the world's northernmost city. This small but surprisingly vibrant capital on Spitsbergen – Svalbard's largest island – has an excellent restaurant scene, colourful wooden houses and a distinctly frontier feel. After some time to explore the city, you'll then head to the port to board Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant's newest ship. Powered by liquefied natural gas, expect refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the furthest reaches of the northern hemisphere. Think indoor swimming pools, a panoramic restaurant and a 'Blue Lagoon' outdoor dining space, mixing in French-style luxuries. Tonight, after settling in to your ultra-stylish suite – some even feature private Jacuzzis – you'll enjoy the first of your included gourmet, fine-dining dinners in the contemporary French-style brasserie, complemented by an excellent wine list.

Stay: Le Commandant Charcot

After breakfast your adventure begins as you leave Spitsbergen – the last landmass you'll see before reaching the colossal Arctic ice floes. Today will see you sail along the spectacular coastline, framed by millennia-old glaciers and snow-capped peaks among deep, glacier-carved fjords. Step out on to the ship's deck to spot giant calving icebergs and glaciers, spotting the likes of whales, seals, polar bears, reindeer and Arctic fox, alongside expert naturalists who'll give you an in-depth insight into the region's flora and fauna.

Stay: Le Commandant Charcot

The next few days will see you sail among the region's ice floes – a vast expanse of ice walls created by wind that packs together the ice floes to heights of 25 metres or more. What's more, during the summer months the sun never sets on these dramatic landscapes, casting an ever-present glow over the ice. Look out for whales and walruses with the option to explore further on Ponant's Zodiac boats, kayaks and guided hikes, bringing you right up close to the action.

Stay: Le Commandant Charcot

Today is a true trip highlight as you become one of the few people in the world who have reached the geographic North Pole. Lying on the Earth’s rotational axis, 700km from any other landmass, this region has fascinated generations of explorers. And, you'll follow in their footsteps with the chance to take photos and observe the mammoth ice floes as you observe the landscapes at the very top of the world, keeping an eye out for Arctic wildlife like orca, humpback and Beluga whales.

Stay: Le Commandant Charcot

Over the next four days you'll again sail through the heart of the region's ice floes as you make your way back down south, sailing along the open channels as you witness glaciers and icebergs under the Midnight Sun, exploring with Zodiac trips, small-boat cruises, kayaking and glacier walks with Ponant's expert naturalists, who'll also give onboard lectures throughout the cruise. Return each evening to the comfort of the onboard spa, lounges and two restaurants, regaling your tales of the past few days with new-found friends. 

Your final two days at sea will see you sail along the Svalbard archipelago as you approach Spitsbergen's rugged coastline, with the final opportunity to spot all manner of Arctic flora and fauna and snap those all-important pictures – you'll be accompanied by expert photographers – as well as making the most of the luxuries on board.

After breakfast today, disembark and head to the airport to fly to Paris where, on arrival, you'll head to your hotel for a one-night stay. If time allows, be sure to continue your French-inspired journey and make the most of Paris' world-renowned dining scene.

Stay: Paris hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.