Days	Distance	Race Type	Minimum Age	Price from	Style
14	HM,42.2,Ultra	Runacations & Adventure,7 Continents	16	On Request	Semi-Guided

Experience

Indulge in the rich history of this former Viking stronghold while exploring one of Scandinavia's liveliest capital city Copenhagen. The real journey on board the Ocean Albatros ship begins when participants arrive in Kangerlussuaq, which is located on Greenland's western coast. Greenland, the new realm that Erik the Red originally found, is the next stop on the route from Copenhagen.. During the first several days of the trip, the ship sails north into the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is known as the "Iceberg Capital of the World" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the scenic Ilimanaq, on the south side of the Ilulissat Icefjord, is the venue for our 2024 Arctic Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Ultra 50K.

Inclusions

Ten nights on the Ship -Ocean Albatros
Three nights hotel accommodations at the Copenhagen Marriott in Denmark from September 2 to September 5
All hotel taxes
Full breakfast each morning at the hotel
Half-Day Guided City Tour in Copenhagen
Charter flight from Copenhagen, Denmark to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Airport Transfers (see note below)
Three meals daily onboard your ship
Official Expedition Parka
Official Arctic Marathon Tech Race Shirt and Finisher Medal
Official Polar Challenge Tech Shirt and Medal for Antarctica and Arctic Finishers
Lecture program onboard your ship
Zodiac and wildlife excursions
Kayaking with whales option (additional cost)
Services of Partner staff
Race entry fee is additional

NOTE: AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers are provided for guests on September 5 from the Copenhagen Marriott to the Copenhagen Airport and from the Kangerlussuaq to the Ocean Albatros pier. Airport transfers are also included when we disembark in Reykjavik on September 15.

Itinerary

Day 1
Monday 2nd September : Arrival Open or Close

Flights arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark and will transfer on their own to the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel. Your hosts will meet you at the hotel and there will be an optional light training run in the late afternoon along the Nyhaven (New Harbor) River. You have this evening to explore some of this city’s famous restaurants just a short walk (or ride) from our hotel.
Meals:None

Day 2
Tuesday 3rd September : Copenhagen Open or Close

Following breakfast, enjoy a two-hour Grand Canal Tour, which will introduce you to the most interesting capitals in Scandinavia. There is an optional 4:00 PM light training run along the Nyhaven River, or if you prefer, we recommend you join the locals for a refreshing swim in the river. We look forward to seeing you at the evening cocktail reception, followed by a welcome dinner and the important mandatory race check-in/briefing at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3
Wednesday 4th September : Copenhagen Open or Close

Enjoy today by exploring more of Copenhagen on your own or join us for an optional day tour to nearby historic sights.

Optional Day Tour – Today we will explore historic sights outside of Copenhagen, including the interactive Viking Ship Museum that is built around five original Viking ships from Skuldelev. For a royal journey through time we will visit The Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage, with 800 years of history as the burial church for Danish monarchs. The tour also includes time to explore the imposing exteriors and interiors of Frederiksborg and Kronborg castles, the latter set on the banks of the Sund between Denmark and Sweden, and most notable as the site of Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Soak up the romantic setting of Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, surrounded by a beautiful lake and gardens. You have this evening to explore some more of this city’s famous restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4
Thursday 5th September - Kangerlussuaq Flight and Embarkation Open or Close

After breakfast, we board our chartered flights in Copenhagen, Denmark, bound for Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland.

Situated at the head of a 160km long fjord of the same name, Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s only inland town, and was established as Soderstrum Air Base/Bluie West-8 by American troops in 1941. Existing largely to service the airport, the town of Kangerlussuaq itself retains a strong ‘Cold War’ feeling, hinting at its extensive American military use before it was signed over to the Greenlandic Government in 1992. Today Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s largest air hub, with flights arriving daily from Denmark and around the country. Its stable climate and lack of fog makes it ideal as an airport, but it exhibits some of the most varied temperatures in the country, commonly registering the highest summer and lowest winter temperatures due to its inland location.

Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you will be transported to the small port located west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatros awaits at anchor. Zodiacs will transfer us the short distance to the ship, where you will be checked in to your stateroom. While enjoying dinner and a glass of champagne we set sail on a course for adventure along the 160-kilometre Kangerlussuaq fjord
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5
Friday 6th September - Sisimiut, Greenland's Second City (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Open or Close

After breakfast, Ocean Albatros will arrive in the colourful city of Sisimiut. With around 5,400 inhabitants, it is Greenland’s second largest city, and one of the most interesting to explore. Paleo-Inuit people have lived around Sisimiut on and off since 2,500 BC, arriving in waves of migration from Arctic Canada. Remnants of turf huts and tent camps from this time can be found throughout the vast back country which surrounds Sisimiut, including on Tele Island, a pleasant short walk from the harbour.

In 1756, Count Johan Ludvig Holstein established a colony here and called it “Holsteinsborg”. The oldest part of Sisimiut features town houses from this era, and the oldest dates back to 1756. One of the most culturally significant buildings is the Blue Church, built in 1775, now a landmark in the city’s historical museum district, arguably the best preserved in Greenland, and the perfect place to discover the Greenland of old.

Nowadays, Sisimiut is an important hub of education and industry, and local factories process the bulk of fish caught in the country (Greenland’s largest export). The fish processing plant in the harbour is one of the largest in Greenland, and among the most modern in the world. Just beyond the harbour sits the headquarters of KNI, the government-operated company which resupplies the many small settlements throughout Greenland – a vital service in a country with so many remote communities.

The busy city center of Sisimiut offers a glimpse of what daily life is like in 21st-century Greenland, where seal hunts and smartphones collide. Take a refreshing stroll around Spedjesø and take in an exhibition at the city’s cultural center, explore the region’s fascinating heritage at the city museum, or visit the Artists Workshop, where savvy shoppers can purchase traditional artworks direct from the artist. As evening falls, we will leave Sisimiut and set a course for the iceberg studded waters of Disko Bay (Qeqertarsuup Tunua) as Ocean Albatros sails for Qeqertarsuaq.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Saturday 7th September - Ilulissat Open or Close

This is it. This is why visitors from all over the world come to Greenland. Translated from Kalaallisut simply as ‘icebergs’, Ilulissat is rightly known the world over as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. Surely no other city on Earth occupies such a spectacular natural setting.

Situated within a short walk of the harbor lies Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side, Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay near the city of Ilulissat back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This is the single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While archaeological finds detail the long Inuit habitation of the area, the modern town has steadily flourished in the 280 years since its establishment; legendary Arctic explorer, Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home now houses the city museum. Today, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants, and is undoubtedly Greenland’s tourism capital, with more hotel rooms than even Nuuk. The city offers excellent amenities to visitors, with fresh locally caught seafood served in the city’s cafes and restaurants, and excellent shopping – look out especially for the Artist’s Workshop above the harbour, where you can buy handmade artworks direct from the artist. The city typically experiences dry sunny weather throughout the summer, and there are a variety of well-marked hiking routes around the Icefjord, with options to suit all abilities.

During the visit you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough excitement, there is also an opportunity to join a flightseeing excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies).

Please note the boat and flight excursions to the Ice fjord are not included in the general tour price.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Sunday 8th September - Ilimanaq, Disko Bay - Race Day! Open or Close

Situated on the opposite side of Ilulissat Icefjord, the small village of Ilimanaq is the architype of rural Greenland. With a tiny harbor often choked with floating ice, clusters of multicolored houses, and an almost endless backcountry, this is what most people think of when considering this vast island country.

Ilimanaq, meaning ‘Place of Expectations’ in Greenlandic, was established during the whaling era, when Dutch, English and Danish whalers flooded the region in search of prey. Many of the other settlements in the region also date to this era, with Ilimanaq established as ‘Claushavn’ in 1752 by Poul Egede, son of the Danish missionary Hans Egede who re-established European contact with Greenland. The collapse in whaling stocks in the late 1800s meant a decline in the area’s fortunes, with Ilimanaq fading into obscurity, and nearby Ilulissat becoming the dominant city in Disko Bay.

More recently, tourism has become an important part of the economy of Ilimanaq. The church and the various buildings from the settlement’s days as a remote trading post have been lovingly restored and repurposed. Today, a set of swanky cabins overlooks the crystal-clear iceberg-studded waters of Disko Bay from the village, and the old warehouses have been converted into a Michelin-starred restaurant serving new Nordic cuisine with authentic Greenlandic ingredients.

Away from these modern additions, Ilimanaq remains deeply rooted in the hunting and fishing culture that has governed life in Greenland for millennia. Meat and fish are put out to dry next to the day’s laundry, and the only sound on the wind is the yowling of sled dogs.

The vast backcountry of Ilimanaq holds vast tundra plains, punctuated by rocky hills and fjords – a typically Greenlandic location to run in!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
Monday 9th September - At Sea Open or Close

From Ilimanaq, Ocean Albatros will follow the rugged coast of Greenland southwards. All settlements in Greenland (except for Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly on the ocean coast of the country, and the vast majority of residents (some 50,000 or so) live on the narrow strip of coast on the west of the country, facing the Davis Strait. Ocean currents bring warm water up from the Atlantic to the west coast, enriching these wildlife-filled waters. During our day at sea, keep your eyes on the sea! Whales, seals and a huge variety of seabirds are common in these rich waters.

Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard for our guests to enjoy and to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the Ocean Albatros flies along the coast of Greenland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9
Tuesday 10th September - Nuuk, The Capital of Greenland Open or Close

A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. The vibrant bustling capital of Greenland, Nuuk feels much larger than its 19,000 inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. The calm fjords around Nuuk have been inhabited by Paleo-Inuit cultures since at least 2200BCE, and archaeological evidence indicates waves of migration through the area as ancient hunters followed migrating prey. Around the year 100CE, Norse colonist from Iceland established the Western Settlement in the green meadows of Nuuk Fjord; these settlers mysteriously disappeared several hundred years later leaving the island to the Inuit, who were far better equipped to live in Greenland’s harsh environment.

The next Scandinavian to visit the area was Hans Egede, the controversial Danish missionary who ‘rediscovered’ Greenland, founding Nuuk as Godthåb (“Good Hope”) in 1728. Danish initiatives to modernize Greenland in the 1950s left a significant mark on Nuuk. While they brought significant improvements to the city’s infrastructure, the many large apartment blocks in the city attest to rapid (and sometimes haphazard) urbanization. In 1979, the Home Rule Act created the Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut) and proclaimed Nuuk the capital. The city’s population continues to rapidly grow, with new suburbs being constructed beneath Ukkusissat, the mountain which looms to the east of the city.

Nuuk offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor; larger than any other city in Greenland, Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and hosts some of Greenland’s best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn district to visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of history stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island – including artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city’s cultural center, and an architectural marvel; shop for authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city’s many boutique shops, or simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic coffee and watch this vibrant city in action. Nuuk York (as proud locals call it) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or indeed the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10
Wednesday 11th September - Qassiarsuk | Brattahlið Open or Close

During the afternoon, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small village of Qassiarsuk. The southern fjords of Greenland offer a very different environment to the chilly north of the country. Situated at roughly 60°N, this region is level with northern Scotland or southern Scandinavia, with a climate to match. Here, the weather is calm, stable and humid, with much warmer summers and milder winters than in the rest of the country. In place of rocky hillsides, the fjords here are lined with lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep-farming settlements, of which Qassiarsuk is perhaps the best known.

While the modern village of Qassiarsuk was founded in 1924, the location has a fascinated and much longer history; it was here that Eric the Red, legendary Norse explorer settled after being banished from Iceland. He named the land he discovered ‘Greenland’ to encourage other settlers to follow him – a marketing ploy that has stood for over a thousand years!

Erik the Red settled in this green landscape and set up a small farmstead in typical Norse style, naming his new settlement Brattahlíð. Erik himself kept fiercely to the Norse gods, but his wife Thjodhild was a Christian. Legend has it, she refused to join his bed until he built her a church, which he eventually did, constructing a tiny hut (Þjóðhildarkirkja) which was nevertheless the first church in the Americas (although he refused to have it within view of his house).

The Norse settlers in Greenland stayed for almost 500 years but disappeared from all historical records in the early 1400s. Whether some plague or famine struck them, or whether deteriorating climate simply forced them to return to Scandinavia remains a topic of lively debate. Today the outlines of buildings (including Erik’s house and Thjodhild’s church) can be seen, along with stunningly accurate reconstructions of the farm. Modern Inuit farmers continue to raise sheep in the same farms as Erik the Red, and a statue of Erik now overlooks the village, commemorating the first European to reach the Americas, whose son Leif would be the first European to reach Baffin Island and Newfoundland. A site rich in fascinating history and culture old and new, the settlement of Brattahlíð is today part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11
Thursday, September 12 - Prins Chirstian Sund Open or Close

South of Qassiarsuk lies Kap Farvel, or Cape Farewell, which is renowned not only as Greenland’s southernmost point, but also for its infamously challenging weather, which commonly features large swells and gale-force winds.

With this in mind, we deliberately opt for a far more comfortable but also more spectacular route, cruising via the inside passage of Prins Christian Sund. Known in Greenlandic by its typically descriptive name of Ikerasassuaq (‘the Big Strait’), this 60 km long waterway reaches from the small village of Aappilattoq out to the southeastern coast of Greenland, connecting the Labrador and Irminger Seas.

Prins Christian Sund is one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere on Earth. Kept free of ice year-round by strong tidal currents, the strait is hemmed in on either side by mountains which rise straight out of the water some reaching over 2,000m in height. Large glaciers flow from the ice sheet into the sea on the northern side of the strait, while sapphire blue mountain glaciers loom over the water from the southern side, and vast icebergs stud the glassy waters.

We will exit Prins Christian Sund into the Irminger Sea and set a course up the coast towards the fjord of Skjoldungen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12
Friday 13th September - Skjoldungen, Southeast Greenland Open or Close

Today’s adventure begins as we sail into magnificent Skjoldungen, a staggeringly beautiful fjord on the southeastern coast of Greenland. The fjord is named for Skjold, an ancient Danish King of Norse legend, while the Greenlandic name, Saqqisikuik, references the sunny climate of the area. Various archaeological finds on the island which sits in the middle of the fjord suggests nomadic Inuit groups visited and stayed in the area in years gone by; more recently, settlers were brought from Tasiilaq to settle the island in the 1930s but returned there thirty years later; some houses can still be seen on the southern side of the fjord. A small weather station was also operated on the island by the Allies during WWII.

Today uninhabited, Skjoldungen sits almost 300km from the nearest village, with Mother Nature its only ruler. Vast saw-toothed mountains lined with opalescent glaciers line the deep chilly waters of the fjord, which can freeze even in summer. At the head of the fjord lies the magnificent Thryms Glacier, a magnificent river of ice flowing down from the ice sheet. On the southern side of Thryms Glacier lies the sweeping U-shaped glacial valley of Dronning Maries Dal – a textbook example of a glacially produced landscape. Join your expedition team for a walk on the flower-lined floor of this valley, and marvel at the stunning scenery. Ensure you are on the outer decks on our approach and departure from this magnificent fjord too: you will not be disappointed!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13
Saturday 14th September - At Sea enroute to Reykjavik, Iceland Open or Close

uring our time at sea approaching Reykjavik, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures, or simply enjoy the flight of the fulmars which accompany us towards Iceland.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Arctic adventure. Skål!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14
Sunday 15th September 15 - Reykjavik, Iceland Open or Close

The rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the city of Reykjavik, a hip Scandinavian capital which needs little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavik is one of Scandinavia’s most welcoming and exciting cities. Such a bustling capital may feel strange after the remote wilderness of the Arctic!

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team of Ocean Albatros, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime
Meals: Breakfast.

Active Holiday Company
No. 134, 8th Main Road, Between 16th & 17th Cross, (Above TLP Cafe),
Malleshwaram West, Bangalore 560055.

Arctic Marathon 2025 - TBA (AM24)

Experience

Itinerary

Day 1: Monday 2nd September : Arrival

Day 2: Tuesday 3rd September : Copenhagen

Day 3: Wednesday 4th September : Copenhagen

Day 4: Thursday 5th September - Kangerlussuaq Flight and Embarkation

Day 5: Friday 6th September - Sisimiut, Greenland's Second City (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Day 6: Saturday 7th September - Ilulissat

Day 7: Sunday 8th September - Ilimanaq, Disko Bay - Race Day!

Day 8: Monday 9th September - At Sea

Day 9: Tuesday 10th September - Nuuk, The Capital of Greenland

Day 10: Wednesday 11th September - Qassiarsuk | Brattahlið

Day 11: Thursday, September 12 - Prins Chirstian Sund

Day 12: Friday 13th September - Skjoldungen, Southeast Greenland

Day 13: Saturday 14th September - At Sea enroute to Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 14: Sunday 15th September 15 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Inclusions

Ten nights on the Ship -Ocean Albatros
Three nights hotel accommodations at the Copenhagen Marriott in Denmark from September 2 to September 5
All hotel taxes
Full breakfast each morning at the hotel
Half-Day Guided City Tour in Copenhagen
Charter flight from Copenhagen, Denmark to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Airport Transfers (see note below)
Three meals daily onboard your ship
Official Expedition Parka
Official Arctic Marathon Tech Race Shirt and Finisher Medal
Official Polar Challenge Tech Shirt and Medal for Antarctica and Arctic Finishers
Lecture program onboard your ship
Zodiac and wildlife excursions
Kayaking with whales option (additional cost)
Services of Partner staff
Race entry fee is additional

NOTE: AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Exclusions

Race Entry Fee - US$250 per person
International Airfare, Visa, Travel Insurance, Excess Baggage, Porterage, taxes
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, meals not specified in the itinerary
Entrance fees to attractions not specified in the itinerary.
Optional Tour costs
Single Room and hotel upgrade supplement
Tips for guides
Gratuities and tips, unless noted
Meals unless noted on the itinerary
Incidentals
Travel Insurance
International Airfare from/to your home airport
Extra Nights at the beginning or the end of the trip. It may be necessary for some guests to overnight in Ushuaia on the return due to delays, flight availability or other reasons. In this case, the guest is responsible for the additional hotel cost which will be approximately $130 per person in a double room.
Any compulsory dinner or peak season surcharge
TCS 5% (20%) + GST 5% applicable for Indian tours and Indian Residents
Any item not specified in the itinerary
Any expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, aerated drinks etc.
Any new tax imposed by any government agency.

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Accommodation

Copenhagen Marriott Hotel

Experience a luxury getaway at Copenhagen Marriott Hotel, one of the finest modern hotels in Denmark. Discover spacious, beautifully appointed hotel rooms that rank among some of the largest in Copenhagen, Denmark. Each is a downtown oasis with complimentary Wi-Fi access, a sleek marble bathroom, flat-screen TV and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase mesmerizing views of the Copenhagen city center. Indulge in international cuisine and captivating harbor views from our restaurants and bars, including a beautiful outdoor terrace.

The Ocean Albatros

The Ship is deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic and various other exciting destinations in between. With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros has definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and is one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.

Exclusions

The exact inclusions on your trip are detailed on every trip page.
Typically, the cost of flights, visas, passport, insurance is not included in the tour price unless stated otherwise.
Any meals not mentioned as included are at your own expense.
Single rooms, optional tours and extra nights cost extra.
Tips for drivers, guides and tour managers is not included in your tour price.
Arrival and departure transfers may or may not be included in your tour price – this is clearly stated on the trip page.
Excess baggage, porterage, laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages are considered personal expenses and not included in your tour price.
GST, VAT and other taxes as applicable in your country are additional to the tour price.

Booking Conditions

Reservations and Payments: A booking deposit of INR 80,000 is due at the time of booking your space, even if it is waitlisted. A second deposit of INR 200,000 per person is due before April 1, 2024 . The balance of payment is due before June 1, 2024.

Cancellations: The intial deposit amount of INR 80000 per person cancellation fee is non-refundable. A per person cancellation fee equaling 50% of monies already paid will be charged if cancellation is received in writing after March 1, 2024, and before April 1, 2024. A 75% of per person cancellation fee monies on deposit per person cancellation fee will be charged if cancellation is received in writing after April 1, 2024, and before June 1, 2024. No refund applies to cancellations after June 1, 2024

Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for all passengers. All passengers are responsible for any expenses incurred due to airline or ship delays.

If the event is not held due to circumstances beyond our control such as but not limited to weather, acts of God or force majeure, no refund of travel expenses or entry fees will be reimbursed.

The Active Holiday Company, the agents and the tour operators assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions for this race are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a full refund made as full settlement to the passenger
We reserve the right to change the itinerary due to flight schedule changes, weather or any other reason that may deem necessary for the safe and enjoyable execution of this trip.

Before You Go

Things you need to know

Meals
Visas
Flights
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Money Matters
Emergency Fund
Solo Travellers
Tipping
Your Travel Companions
Health & Fitness
Safety & Security
Your Packing List
While on the trip
How did it go?
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Things you need to know

Meals
We believe that eating local is not just a lot of fun but also one of those important elements of the destination experience – very much a part of the adventure as they say! So, be flexible and prepared to savour and enjoy the varied and wonderful foods of the world. Meals included and excluded are clearly specified on the detailed itinerary. When meals are included you will need to adhere to timings as these meals are usually eaten together in a group. Included meals are usually at local restaurants. When meals are not included, your trip leader will be happy to make restaurant recommendations of favourite places frequented by the locals, but you are also free to explore on your own. On some trips, such as the ones that include camping or home-stays, we can take the fun to a new level by encouraging you to cook your own meal if you would like to. When meals are not included, group members tend to head out to restaurants together and this can be a lot of fun. However, you are free to decide if you want to join them or not. Choice of vegetarian food can sometimes be limited and repetitive. Though special food, including vegetarian, child meals etc. can never be guaranteed, we do our best to accommodate your requests. On guided trips, please ensure you inform your trip leader if you are vegetarian.
Visas
Please note that obtaining visas for the trip are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on your nationality and on the country you are visiting. For the most up to date information please check your country’s foreign ministry website as we take no responsibility for this information being correct and most updated on our website. It is important that you check for yourself. Please ensure that you understand whether your trip needs a single entry or a multiple entry visa to the destination. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport, along with insurance, trip confirmation, return flight tickets and proof of funds to cover your expenses when you are travelling. Visa applications can take from a few days to more than just a few weeks to process, so please apply for your visas well ahead of time. Please ensure that you apply for the visa on the right travel dates and that you check that visas have been issued for the right travel dates. To help calculate the exact dates of crossing from different time zones, you may like to refer here. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
Flights
Flights are not included, unless specified in the inclusions. For any flights that are arranged by us, please ensure that your passport information and full name as per your passport is given to us before the due date. It is entirely your responsibility to provide this information before the due date, failing which your flight will not be booked. Internal flight tickets will be given to you prior to flight departure at your destination. For your arrival and departure flights booked by you, please ensure that these are well coordinated with your holiday plan.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our trips and all details of your insurance policy including the policy number and insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number must be received by us prior to the start of your trip. We are unable to send you your Travel Certificate / vouchers unless we receive this. Your insurance must cover you for medical expenses for a minimum US$ 200,000 and include including emergency repatriation & rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. For credit card insurance we require proof that the credit card is in your name, details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number. It is your responsibility to obtain this from your credit card company and pass them to us before your trip starts. To see details of travel insurance providers please see here
Optional Tours

Optional tours allow you to personalize your experience while giving you the freedom to engage in activities that interest you. These are add on activities that are not included in your tour price. Your optional activities available for this trip, if any, are detailed under ‘This Trip Notes’. Prices indicated are per person. Please note that the price of optional activities are subject to change and are subject to operation with minimum participation. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, weather conditions and lack of minimum participants. It is also possible that participants on the option trips are travellers not travelling with the Active Holiday Company.  

Optional activities have to be booked by you before departure although at times you may have to make the payment for the activity on your own, in local currency during the tour. Please ensure that you have budgeted and carried the funds for it.

The description of optional activities is only a guide and the transfer from your hotel and back may not be included. Please study the optional activity description in detail to understand where it starts and ends. Though recommended by us, these activities are operated by other companies and you will be undertaking them at your own risk. The optional activities do not form part of your contract with the Active Holiday Company and you may be required to sign / complete a waiver form for some optional activities offered during the trip.
Money Matters
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements vary from person to person. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. See the currency applicable for the touring country under the Country Facts section on this page. As currency exchange rates can be volatile, we ask that you refer to here for the most updated exchange rate before you set out to budget for your travel funds. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are easily found through all major cities and will accept most Visa and Mastercard. If you have both Visa and Mastercard we recommend that you carry both, with one as a back up in case one is lost or has problems with it. Please note that banks charge a fee for overseas withdrawals and use an exchange rate different from what you see on xe.com and such websites. We recommend that you check your bank charges before you set out on your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises later. Throughout Asia and most of Africa, USD cash is widely accepted for exchange when ATMs are not accessible. In Europe, Euro is what you should be travelling with. You must have access to some extra money either via cash or ATM cards for emergency situations. Travellers Cheques are expensive to exchange and are not the easiest source to funds when travelling – especially in case of an emergency. Credit cards are accepted at the more upscale restaurants, hotels and branded stores. When carrying cash, please ensure the US Dollar notes are in good condition. Old notes, with tears, stains can lead to problems when exchanging. When leaving a country after a trip, please convert your left over local currency back to US Dollars or Euros as it may not be easy to change in other countries or once you are back home.
Emergency Fund
It is imperative that you have access to at least an additional USD $500 (or equivalent) as 'emergency' fund, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of flu etc.) require a change to our planned route.
Solo Travellers
We try to minimize the dent on the single travellers pockets by encouraging them to share their room with other solo travellers. This helps avoid the single supplement cost that most hotels charge. We offer the service of helping single travellers pair up with other single travellers of the same gender on the trip. Some trips allow mixed gender sharing and on some accommodation, the room complement could be triple or quad (and not just twin share). If applicable, you will find this information under price details. This facility is available only on the group departures and it is not a guarantee that we will be able to find you another traveller to share your room with. If there is no other single traveller of the same gender who you can share your room with, you may have to bear the single supplement, but do check with us before you do so! It is unlikely that we will be able to find solo travel companions on the self-guided independent trips – all the same check with us with your preferred departure date to see if we have any other solo traveller showing an interest in travelling the same time and sharing. Of course, all single travellers have the opportunity to pay a single supplement and stay in their own room. Please see price for details. Pre and post tours accommodation can only be booked in single rooms by solo travellers. Despite your willingness to pay a single supplement, single rooms may not be available on overnight trains, boats, home-stays, tented camps and tea-houses during the peak trekking season.
Tipping
Though not compulsory, tipping is appropriate, customary and appreciated in most parts of the world. It is not just a way for you to acknowledge good service that you have received but also inspires & motivates the service providers to continue working towards offering excellent service. Plus, it is core to the tourism that we want to promote through the Active Holiday Company as it directly impacts and empowers people who take care of you during your holiday. We recommend that you directly offer tips to people who you feel deserve it – porters, restaurant staff, local / trekking / jungle / rafting guides and assistant guides, drivers, tour leaders. The amount is entirely a personal preference based on what you feel they deserve, however as a guideline US$2-3 per person, per day / per service is the basic standard expected. You may like to tip more or less based on your personal experience. Please don't tip with small coins or notes of very small denominations or dirty and ripped notes as it is regarded as an insult by most.
Your Travel Companions
Your travel companion could be from any part of the world and belonging to a wide age range. For it to be happy experience for all, as vacations should be, your patience, attitude and understanding can be the difference between it being an enjoyable or challenging experience for the entire group. Making people wait is not just considered rude in most cultures but also a waste of the groups and your precious vacation time. Please be aware that the trip leader has the right to leave you and move on with the planned activity / rest of the trip if you are not on time. The cost of rejoining the group will be at your expense. Due to privacy reasons we do not provide traveller contact details to group members prior to departure. You could get on to our community page and request this information. Travelling in a group and meeting new people can be a lot of fun with just an open mind and some small adjustments on your part.
Health & Fitness
All our trips have a clear grading based on the physical effort and difficulty involved and the minimum age for participation. It is imperative that you possess an average level of fitness and mobility required to undertake your chosen trip. At the bare minimum, you must be able to walk unaided, climb a couple of flights of stairs or on an incline, and carry your own luggage. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have read through the itinerary to assess your ability to cope with the trip and that you possess the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete your chosen trip. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, then you are required to share the same with us through a short questionnaire that we provide, which must be signed by your physician. We regret that we are unable to provide assistance or provide any refund for unused services to participants who cannot undertake a day's activities due to their inability to physically cope with it. Please refer to our detailed physical ratings for each trip before you book yourself. We reserve the right of removing any traveller who is unable to cope with the trip, without offering any refund for the unused services. Please consult your doctor and visa agent for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. Our list of a recommended first aid kit that you should carry is listed under ‘packing list’. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared with your prescription drugs (along with your prescription to allow for it to pass through customs) as not all drugs are easily available in other countries.
Safety & Security

The safety and security of our travellers is above everything at the Active Holiday Company and for this reason the company, its representatives and partners reserve the right to cancel, reroute or amend any of our itineraries at any point, before or during the trip. Our decisions to do so are based on inputs from Government advisories, our on-ground partners and other sources we consider reliable. Many governments offer travel advisements for their nationals to various countries and we recommend that you check your governments advise before leaving for a trip.

Rivers flooding, natural calamites, political rallies, bad weather, flight cancellation etc. can lead to the alteration of the itinerary and including substituting the mode of transport or extra nights. These are at an additional cost to the traveller. On some parts of our guided trips and throughout the self-guided trips you will have freedom to explore on your own. Your safety during such times is your responsibility, even if you take up an optional activity suggested by us. The Active Holiday Company offers no guarantee of service or standards of operations for optional activities offered. Though most places are generally safe during the day, wandering alone in certain areas – both during the day as well as the night can be risky. You are advised to stay in small groups, not dress to attract attention and carry more than necessary money on yourself. Avoid dark and poorly lit pathways.

Protests, demonstrations, political rallies – no matter how peaceful, have the potential to turn violent and unsafe without warning. Please avoid being part of or close to such gatherings and do not give in to the temptation of that photo opportunity, as these can be very risky. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are fairly common in touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution at all times – carry the day pack on your front, do not leave your bags out of your sight, use a money belt under your t-shirt. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. We strongly recommend you keep copies of your passport and air tickets and keep the originals along with cash and other valuable items in a neck wallet. Please do not bring along any valuable jewellery during your travel. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes for you to securely store your valuables. Be careful of motorbike bag snatching, especially in some Asian and African cities. Please keep your luggage locked at all times.

Fire safety regulations and laws differ from country to country. Please familiarize yourself with fire exits when staying in a hotel and observe general fire safety precautions including not-smoking in rooms when not allowed. Many countries now also charge a fine for smoking.

Traffic rules may be different in the country you are visiting from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing the road and be prepared for chaotic traffic in many countries. When cycling, ensure that you use cycling lanes where available and be cautious of vehicular traffic when on main roads. On cycling trips, ensure you always have a helmet on – please study the inclusions carefully to see if it is included in your trip price. When not provided on the trip, please carry one or buy / rent one. Seat belts may not always necessary, even for children, in buses, vans and cars in several countries.

When taking part in any water activities in the ocean, river or open water, please be cautious of waves and currents, that can be unpredictable and unsafe. All water based activities including swimming in pools and snorkeling is at your own risk. Life jackets are a must for adults and children on water-crafts. You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life-guard on duty.

Parents are responsible for their children at all times and children cannot be left unattended at any time. Children unable to cope with some activities are welcome to stay back at the hotel with at least one parent’s supervision. There is no refund for unutilized services when travellers forego any inclusion on account of being unable to cope with activities.

We do not recommend that you rent any equipment such as quad bikes or jet skis as well as motorbikes etc.
Your Packing List
This section is intended to serve as a guide. Please do not consider it exhaustive or compulsory. It is imperative that you consider the weather at your travel destination before you pack. Please pack as lightly as possible. You are expected to handle your own luggage on many trips and even at times when the porter service is included; we don’t consider it very nice to get them to carry heavy luggage. Moreover, many trains, buses and internal flights have baggage limitations. Aim for no more than 10 to 12 kilos. On most trips you will benefit from using a comfortable, medium sized, day pack bag to carry water, camera, mobile phone etc.

You may also need special equipment for certain trips and this may or may not be included in your trip price. Sometimes equipment can be hired locally at a reasonable cost. On the other hand some trips may need you to arrive with special type of clothing / footwear etc. Please check with us if you are not sure of what you need to get on your own.

Important Travel Documents

Please keep scanned copies with your family and email a set to yourself. The physical copies should be in your checked-in luggage.
- Passport with photocopies.
- Visas with photocopies.
- Travel insurance with photocopies. Please ensure your insurers name, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number are highlighted.
- All flight tickets for the trip with photocopies.
- Active Holiday Company Trip Confirmation Certificate.
- Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately.
- Copy of the itinerary of your trip.
- Spare passport photos.
- Credit / Debit Card, Travellers Cheques with serial numbers kept at a separate place.
- Youth/Student identification / Senior Citizen card for discounts.
- International driving license if you have one.
- Vaccination Certificates if needed.
- Money belt that can be secured safely.
- Money – small denominations of local currency if you can get some before the trip.
Personal Effects
- First aid kit comprising any personal medication, aspirin / paracetamol, band-aids, head-ache balm, rehydration salts of your choice, anti-allergy pills, anti-diarrhea pills, anti-nausea pills, small scissors, nail file, sun-block (50 SPF), lip balm, after sun moisturizer, insect repellent and antihistamine/insect bite cream, female hygiene products.
- Toothbrush, tooth-paste, deodorant, bio-degradable soap, shampoo, washing detergent.
- Water purifying / iodine tablets.
- Prescription Diamox / alternate for altitude sickness.
- Prescription glasses / contact lenses and solution.
- Antibacterial gel and wet-wipes.
- Wide brim hat, sunglasses with UV protection.
- Minimum 2 liters water bottle so you don’t have to buy plastic bottles, cloth shopping bag.
- Book to read, journal, pen, travel pillow, cards / travel games.
- Eye mask, ear plugs, army knife (this must always be in your checked in luggage when you are taking a flight).
- Adapter, alarm clock, phone with charger, i-pod / MP3 with charger and spare ear-phones, camera and film if your camera needs it.
- Travel pillow, torch with reusable batteries, head-lamp.
- Night clothes/sleepwear.
- Plastic bag to separate wet and dry / clean & soiled clothes.
Clothing & Others

As much as possible, try to pack in quick dry, easy to wash clothes. When visiting any religious places of worship, ensure that your legs are covered and that you are not revealing too much through singlets and tank tops. For this reason it’s a good idea to pack in a sarong and scarf on most trips. Topless sunbathing and even bikinis and swim wear that reveals too much is still not acceptable in many cultures - please ensure that you are not being disrespectful to the culture of the place you are visiting through what you wear.
- Socks, undergarments.
- Jeans are great on most trips but be cautious that they weigh more than light-weight pants.
- Quick drying towel.
- Smart casual evening wear depending on how long your trip is (take an average of a set for 4-5 days).
- Comfortable walking / trekking broken into shoes with good grip, sports sandals.
- Safaris: Try to stick to beige, brown, light green clothing.
- Winter Wear: Fleece jackets, water / windproof jackets, inner thermal layers, gloves, fleece hats, balaclava, scarf / muffler, down jackets.
Summer: Cotton shirts & t-shirts (both long sleeve and short sleeve), shorts, pants / zip off trousers (please avoid military styles), swim wear, snorkel & mask.

Monsoon: Foldable raincoat / umbrella, waterproof & windproof jacket, waterproof pants, waterproof cover for bags.

Trekking / Camping: Check the inclusions to see if you need to carry your own inner sleep sheet, sleeping bag, personal mattress etc. On most trips we do include these.

Hiking poles/walking sticks for treks.

Cycling Trips: Check whether helmet is included or if you need to carry one.

Carrying long sleeve t-shirts and pants will protect you against insect / mosquito bites in some regions.

Luggage

We take no responsibility for the contents in your luggage and any damage to it while travelling. Please do not pack any expensive items in it. Here is the type of luggage style / bag you use on each trip.
- Safaris: Trekking / Duffel bags. Your travel bag must be soft without any wheels or frames if you have to get on a local flight.
- Cycling Trips: Sturdy bags that are easy to handle are recommended so they hold through the trip and daily transportation. You may also carry along a small back-pack for day use that is easy to carry while cycling.
- Hiking & Trekking: Bags with wheels and hard suitcases are not acceptable on such vacations even though the daily handling may be rough. Please ensure you have a comfortable trekking bag no more than 10 kilos.
While on the trip
Before getting on a self-guided trip, please ensure that you have updated yourself with all the skills that you will need to take you through your trip. On cycling and hiking trips that come with detailed maps, it is assumed that you know how to navigate and read these maps. On guided trips, the final authority is your tour leader. Should you have an issue or if any situation that needs attention comes up while you are on the trip, it is imperative that you discuss it with your group leader or the local representative immediately so that they can do their best to address or rectify the problem. This saves the rest of your trip from being impacted. While we welcome your feedback post trip, please appreciate that it is very difficult for us to offer any practical assistance to address the issue after the trip is complete. It is our endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, though despite our best efforts sometimes things can and do go wrong. If your trip leader or local partner is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please contact us directly and also provide details in your post tour feedback within 2 weeks of the conclusion of the trip. Please be aware that illegal drugs and exploitation of prostitutes is not tolerated on our trips. Prostitution thrives on exploiting the under-privileged and is against the principles of what the Active Holiday Company stands for and we want to achieve for the local communities through our trips. Many countries have very strict anti-drug laws and this also puts the entire group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium may be part of local cultures in some countries but is not acceptable for our travellers. We have the right to expel any member of the group if they use prostitutes or if drugs are found in their possession.
How did it go?
We want to hear from you after your trip with us! Your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could do better and allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Remember that all feedback sent to us, entitles our past travellers to enter our bi-monthly draw for a travel voucher worth $500 or equivalent that you can use against your next trip with us, provided your feedback is given within 2 weeks after the conclusion of the trip. We reserve the right to share your feedback, story and photos on our blog here or as a testimonial. Please email us your feedback at info@activeholidaycompany.com
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FAQs

Temperature: Average temperatures range between 35F-42F. The probability of precipitation averages 20%, with snow or mixed precipitation unlikely.

Course Time Limit: Marathoners must finish under seven (7) hours and must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 30 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish under four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes. Ultra 50K participants must finish under eight (8) hours and must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 45 minutes.

Course marshals have the responsibility to stop any runner from continuing who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration.

Number Pickup: Race check-in and the briefing with emphasis on the environmental rules and regulations governing this event will be held at the welcome dinner in Copenhagen. Attendance is mandatory for participation in the race. Race numbers will be distributed on the Ocean Albatros ship.

Shoes: You will not need any special shoes. A training shoe designed for off-road running is best. Racing flats are not recommended. NOTE: trekking poles are not allowed in either event.

Eligibility: All runners must be at least 18 years of age on race day for participation in the marathon. There is no age limit for the half-marathon.

Awards: The top three overall for males and females in each race will be recognized. In the marathon, the top two in each age category will be recognized (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over). All finishers will receive a finisher certificate and a medallion.

Difficulty: Difficult, due to weather and running surface.

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Dates & Prices

Arctic Marathon 2025	Double Occupancy (per person)	Single Occupancy
Category G Stateroom - Single Cabin
Category E French Balcony Stateroom		N/A
Category D Porthole Stateroom		N/A
Category C Balcony Stateroom		N/A
Category B Balcony Suite		N/A
Category A Jr. Suite		N/A
Race Entry		\
Single Supplement: Copenhagen Hotel Only
Additional Night: Copenhagen Hotel Only		ON REQUEST

Single occupancy on ships is available only in G Stateroom and rest all cabins are shared.. If you are traveling alone, we will match you with another runner of the same gender. You may choose a single hotel room in Copenhagen for a single supplement. If you are opting for extra nights and there is no one to share the room with, you will need to take a single room.