Thank you for choosing to travel with us
Art Safari is a unique way of travelling, a world leader in creative adventures. We pride ourselves in being professional artists as well as being a professional tour operator.
Combining travel, art, adventure and huge amounts of inspiration and fun since 2003, Art Safari leads plein air painting holidays to destinations worldwide. Founded by artist Mary-Anne Bartlett, Art Safari has led more than 250 tours in Africa, Asia, Europe as well as Antarctica and the Arctic. Each year we have of wide selection of tours, often including India, Japan, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Morocco, Galapagos, France and Italy.
Colour, shape and action in magical wildlife, wilderness and city destinations
Your travel sketchbooks will become visual diaries, full of the wonders of the world. Art Safari is for all those inspired to paint by travel and wildlife.
Whether you are a beginner, or you are already an experienced artist, Art Safari’s professional team of tutors and guides will encourage you to sit, look, sketch, observe, soak up the atmosphere and produce many sketches and paintings of your new environment. Our tutors include Mary-Anne Bartlett, Paul Green, Rachel Ivanyi, Ian Sedge, Karen Pearson, John Threlfall, Shelly Perkins, Mark Boyd, Julia Cassels, Darren Rees, Roger Dellar, Maxine Relton, Vicki Norman, Tom Shepherd and Claudia Myatt.
Take in detail, observe, learn and collect memories in sketches and paintings
Art Safari’s holidays are for creative explorers: artists, writers, photographers and non-painters. Whether travelling on your own or not, you are welcomed into a like-minded group and you can be assured of inspiration, good food, comfort and style.
Photographers and non-painters will experience new ways of seeing from the art tutor as well as enjoying all the benefits of relaxed wildlife viewing and personal safari guiding – brilliant for photography, bird watching and learning more about nature.
Art Safari also operates a separate tour company Close Encounters for private tailor-made holidays: our team of specialists will introduce you to experts in nature worldwide as well as organise dreamy tours, honeymoons and specialist travel.
The painting holiday of a lifetime
We know that you have moved mountains to make this trip possible and our team here in the UK will do everything to make it as special as possible. Please tell your tour leader if we can improve on anything.
With all the memories, paintings, sketches and photos, your Art Safari will stay with you forever. We hope that you enjoy it to the full, making the most of every moment. When you come back, keep in mind that we’re planning new destinations all the time, so feel free to ask about what’s coming up – or even to suggest new routes!
Have a good trip!
ART SAFARI TRAVELLER’S CODE
Art Safari believes that this code of travel will not only benefit travellers’ themselves, but also the people and environments of the country they are visiting. Through preparation and understanding, all those who travel with Art Safari can expect to have a wonderful and meaningful trip, secure in the knowledge that they are showing a high regard for the people and culture of their chosen destination.
BEFORE YOU GO
- To really get the most out of your trip, do some research on the places you will be visiting. Forewarned is forearmed, and it is really useful to be aware of the different cultural practices and taboos of the country you are visiting. Local music and literature can help you to get a feel for the place before you go, as well as the ever-useful guidebook.
- Language can often be a barrier to understanding and tolerance, and even learning just a few phrases of the local lingo can be of tremendous benefit for you. Often, people find the doors are opened to an even more ‘real’ holiday experience.
MONEY & COSTS
Different places have different cultures with regards to costs, tipping and service charges, bartering, begging, guides, and tourist services. Guidebooks normally have sections explaining these things, and they are worth paying attention to, so you do not offend anyone or encourage a practice that authorities are trying to wipe out.
Local and community run guided tours are great to go on for educational value, and for the precious input they create for the benefit of local communities.
- Be aware, in particular, of giving to children begging. Very often they are not the beneficiaries of your donation, and it also means they are less likely to go to school if they earn more for their family whilst begging.
- Try to ensure that as much of your money as possible stays in the local community by buying local produce and souvenirs wherever possible, and not international brands. Sometimes, as much as 90 pence spent in every pound by tourists can end up outside the host country.
- When bargaining, remember that small amounts can mean a lot more to the vendor than to you, so try to keep it lighthearted! Remember how wealthy you will often be in comparison with the local people.
- Try to have a good supply of notes in small denominations of US dollars and local currency.
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES
- Respect the environment by taking your litter back to your hotel or accommodation, by recycling as much as possible and by taking waste such as batteries back to your home country where disposal services are more available.
- Please resist collecting animal and vegetable mementos: do not pick wildflowers and plants, do not collect items which may spread disease such as feathers and bones, seeds etc.
- If you smoke, take an old film canister for storing your butt-ends until you can find a bin. Be careful with cigarette butts and used matches. They can easily start a fire in tinder dry grasslands.
- If you go on a safari, or visit national parks, remember to stick to the routes the guides set, or the paths set out on the guide map. This will help preserve wildlife and natural habitats. Please avoid buying products that are made from endangered animals and plants.
- Most hotels and guesthouses have a policy of washing bed sheets and towels every three days to minimise the impact that washing can have. Washing has a big impact on water consumption and detergents damage the environment.
- Conserve water. Conserve energy. Try to use as little water and electricity as possible, not just in the hotels, but also during every part of your trip. Water is precious. A simple thing like not running the tap whilst cleaning teeth and turning the shower off whilst soaping yourself, can save a great deal of water.
CULTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY
- Photographs can be the most memorable souvenirs of a holiday, and many people want to take lots. However, please do remember it can be offensive to take someone’s picture without their permission. Sometimes a souvenir postcard has a better picture, and also supports the local economy.
- Cultural differences should be appreciated, and cultural practices adopted wherever possible, without seeming patronising.
- It is wise to know the local laws on drinking and drugs, and to obey them at all times. Quite often, alcohol and drugs are seen to be culturally offensive, as well as being dangerous to you.
NATURE MATTERS
• Wildlife can be dangerous. Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his/her advice and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
• Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
• Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
• Although the countryside is known to be home to a number of potentially dangerous species, especially snakes, scorpions, spiders and insects, very few visitors are adversely affected. Snakes tend to be shy, and generally stay away from built-up areas. Lodges and hotels often have insect (especially mosquito) proofing in their rooms. If you go on a walk, it is always a good idea to wear comfortable, enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers – just as a precaution.
Comprising of the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard archipelago and the isolated island of Jan Mayen, Norway is a collection of majestic fjords, marauding Vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore. Summer brings with it the astonishing spectacle of the midnight sun and the chance to enjoy many outdoor adventures. Year-round visitors can enjoy boat cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago to visit seabird colonies or meander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a polar bear.
Entry Requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
Passport validity requirements
Norway follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
- Have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
- Have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Norway, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
At Norwegian border control, you may also need to:
- Show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home.
- Show proof of your travel insurance.
- Show a return or onward ticket.
- Prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation.
Svalbard Entry Requirements
Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens, must bring their passport or national ID-card.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Norwegian Krone
Symbol: kr
ISO code: NOK
Subunit: Øre
Banknotes: kr50, kr100, kr200, kr500, kr1000
Coins: Øre1, Øre5, Øre10, kr20, kr50, kr100
Banking Norway / Oslo
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Svalbard
There is no bank, cash dispenser or ATM in Svalbard, so if you wish to use cash as a means of payment you should withdraw this from a cash dispenser or ATM in mainland Norway before travelling to Svalbard.
The currency in Svalbard is Norwegian kroner (NOK). The shops in Longyearbyen prefer the use of cards rather than cash for payments, businesses in Svalbard accept virtually all credit cards as a means of payment.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS Scandinavian Airlines
International Airports: Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Bergen Flesland Airport
Domestic Airports: Trondheim Værnes Airport, Stavanger Sola Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Transport in Svalbard
You can walk around freely in the city centre, into the valley and to the harbour. Please note that you are not allowed to walk past polar bear road signs without a guide.
If you stay within the town limits in Longyearbyen and don’t pass the polar bear warning signs, you can walk on your own without the need for polar bear protection. The polar bear warning signs are situated along the roads leading out of Longyearbyen by the Port of Longyearbyen in the west, Svalbard Villmarkssenter in the east, in Nybyen or by Huset to the south.
One of the most popular walks in Longyearbyen where you don’t need to think about polar bear protection is the town circuit. This circuit is about 8 km and passes some of the most iconic buildings in Longyearbyen.
Longyearbyen is very compact. Virtually everything within the town limits is within a walking distance of 20-30 minutes all year-round. During the summer, you can borrow a town bike from the Svalbard Tourist Information Office completely free of charge to get around Longyearbyen even faster.
We recommend taking advantage of the short walking distances and the offer of borrowing town bikes in the summer to make your visit as sustainable as possible. Apart from the airport shuttle in Longyearbyen, there is no ordinary public transport in Svalbard.
The following taxi companies in Longyearbyen can assist with local transport:
Longyearbyen Taxi (Phone: +47 79 02 13 75)
Svalbard Buss og Taxi (Phone: +47 79 02 13 05)
There is an airport shuttle bus that stops at all the hotels and guesthouses in town. Ask the receptionist at your hotel for the schedule of the airport shuttle. You need to pay in Norwegian kroner (NOK) or by credit card. Please note that the airport shuttle does not accept foreign currency. Price: Adult 110 NOK
Health and Medical Information
Before you travel check that:
- Your destination can provide the healthcare you may need.
- You have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
This is particularly important if you have a health condition.
Fit for Travel
For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility. We advise all our guests to check the latest vaccine requirements, at least 8 weeks before travel.
Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.
If you are taking any prescribed medication with you for the tour please also take a copy of the prescription, you may be asked to present it at Customs. It is advised to read through the rules of travelling with medications, as the legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Medication
Make sure that you carry ample supply of your medications. We would recommend checking with airport security the medicines you are allowed to take through with you. If you are susceptible for sea sickness, we advise you to discuss with your doctor what medication you should use.
Emergency medical number
Dial 113 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine Recommendations
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.
If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously.
Rabies in Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Most travellers to this country are considered to be at low risk for rabies. However some animals may pose a greater risk of rabies for travellers, e.g. foxes. Bats may carry rabies-like viruses in this country. Pre-exposure vaccines could be considered for those who are at increased risk of exposure to wild animals especially foxes and bats.
Travel Insurance and Medical Cover
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, emergency evacuation and repatriation. We cannot stress enough the importance of having the appropriate travel insurance, coverage for Arctic (up to EUR 30,000 pp). We cannot stress enough the importance of having the appropriate travel insurance. Other insurance such as for luggage theft or loss should also be taken into consideration as well as insurance for travel cancellation.
Check for any exclusions and ensure that your policy covers you for all activities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance.
You are required to forward Art Safari the name of your insurance provider with contact details and your policy number before departure.
Safety Notices
Firearms in Svalbard
Due to the polar bear threat on Svalbard, anyone travelling outside the settlements must be equipped with suitable means of scaring off polar bears. When you go ashore from Noorderlicht you will be accompanied by a guide who will carry a rifle for your protection and you will not be able to venture far away on your own.
Carrying loaded firearms in the settlement area of Longyearbyen is forbidden. Firearms must be carried so that everyone can see that they are empty of ammunition. You are not allowed to bring firearms into shops or public buildings.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are wild animals that we don't want to disturb. If polar bears are close by you will be on board the Noorderlicht. We don't want to encounter polar bears on land. That is too dangerous.
You will notice that our guides always carry a riffle against polar bears. Never in the last 30 years have we had to use that weapon. We always make sure we will not have a close encounter with a polar bear on shore. But we just can't rule it out completely. Therefore, this security measure of a weapon is needed.
How do I avoid being pecked in the head by angry terns?
The Arctic terns you encounter along the seafront in Svalbard in the summer may seem very angry, but they are simply protecting their nest, which is probably nearby. They are known for pecking unsuspecting passers-by (people and animals alike) in the head with their distinctive red beaks to get them away from their nest.
Thankfully there is a simple trick to avoid being pecked in the head and, at the same time, avoid injuring the birds! The terns generally attack the highest point of the animal/person they want to scare away, so if you stretch an arm, sketchbook, stick or the like in the air, they will dive for that instead of your head.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Norwegian cuisine is characterized by seafood, particularly salmon and herring, and dairy products like brunost (brown cheese) and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge). Traditional dishes include fårikål (mutton stew) and lutefisk (dried fish). Notable local drinks include aquavit and Norwegian beer.
Tipping: Not expected
Svalbard
Great food and drink is an important part of a wonderful Svalbard experience and, given the wide range of food and drink available in Longyearbyen, you won’t be disappointed. You can choose between a wide range of restaurants and you may be surprised to learn that two of Norway’s leading restaurants – Huset and Funktionærmessen – are located here. And how about a visit to Isfjord Radio, a gourmet restaurant at the edge of the world?
You will find local produce on the menus at most restaurants and naturally you can wash your meal down with locally brewed beer from Svalbard Brewery. You will also find sushi, burgers, pizza and Thai food, not to mention handmade chocolates from the world’s northernmost chocolaterie, Fruene.
All meals on board Noorderlicht are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol and soft drink are not included.
Climate and Weather
During the summer months in Svalbard (mid-May to September), average temperatures range from 3°C to 7°C (37.4°F to 44.6°F), with June seeing daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to about 1°C (33.8°F). However, due to 24-hour daylight, there is little variation between day and night temperatures. Average rainfall in June is about 20mm, with typical wind speeds around 8 mph. Summer temperatures occasionally can climb to 15°C.
You will find local weather forecasts for Svalbard through services such as yr.no. You will also find specific weather stations for Longyearbyen and the surrounding areas on the website of The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Spring / Summer in Svalbard
You will need a windproof jacket and pants, woollen underwear and mittens, scarf and hat. In the summer, snow and ice melting leads to increased water levels in rivers and streams. You will need rubber boots or mountain boots and gaiters if you plan to go on a hike or cross such rivers and streams during the summertime.
We recommend bringing the warmest clothes you have so you are prepared for the extreme weather that can occur in Svalbard. Please see the full kit list on details on what clothing items to pack with you.
Boots off in Longyearbyen
You will notice that at several restaurants, hotels, the tourist information centre and public buildings such as museums, the hospital and the library people remove their shoes and boots in the hallway. This tradition dates back to when Longyearbyen was a mining community and people took off their shoes/boots to avoid spreading coal dust everywhere. Many places have preserved this tradition. Some have slippers you can borrow, or you can bring your own.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Onboard Noorderlict: No - there is no internet on board, in case of emergency the ship has satellite communication. For 3/4G signal it depends if the Ship is in range – we suggest you have a phone-free week and completely immerse yourself in nature!
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type F
Voltage (V): 230V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Onboard Noorderlicht
There is 230v 50hz on board the ship with standard European type outlets, there are also USB charging points in the cabins. You might have to bring a converter. There are no hairdryers on board.
General Guidance
Time Zone
Svalbard and Jan Mayen are 1 hour ahead of the United Kingdom (CEST).
Language
Norwegian is the official spoken language of Svalbard, with English being widely spoken in many parts of the country. In Barentsburg, Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.
It is always helpful to know a few phrases in the spoken language, especially in more rural areas.
Hello = Hallo
Please = Vennligst
Thank you = Takk
Goodbye = Adjø
How much is it? = Hvor mye er det?
Excuse me = Unnskyld meg
Yes = Ja
No = Nei
I don’t understand = jeg forstår ikke
Help! = Hjelp!
Religion
Most of the population is Christian. Svalbard Church is the only church in Svalbard archipelago, but there is a Russian Orthodox chapel in Barentsburg.
