Arctic Journey: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Day 1: Longyearbyen

You'll arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and the starting point of the expedition. You are free to explore this fascinating Arctic settlement.

Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in the town centre. Your hotel for the night has been arranged and is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2: Depart from Longyearbyen

In the afternoon, you are welcomed aboard the luxury expedition ship. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.

Savour the anticipation of your Arctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail into a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as you sail through Isfjorden on your first evening is spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.

Days 3-5: Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard is an authentic High Arctic wilderness and this part of your voyage is a true expedition. The route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions you encounter. The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and will continually adjust plans as weather conditions and opportunities present themselves.

You can expect to explore the northwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. This region of the archipelago has the most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic's best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are lined with jagged snowy mountain peaks. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into the water.

Among the fields of flowering tundra you'll see grazing reindeer and perhaps some Arctic fox. The inshore and offshore waters are home to a wide variety of marine mammals. Polar Bears can be spotted at anytime, and anywhere in and around Svalbard.

In this area is Ny Alesund. This former mining town is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is also a staging area for historic attempts to reach the North Pole.

Days 6-7: Across the Greenland Sea

From Svalbard, you'll head southwest across the Greenland Sea towards East Greenland. In these far northern latitudes it is possible to encounter sea ice at any time of the year. Throughout the crossing, we'll remain on lookout for sightings of marine mammals such as whales, seals and the enigmatic polar bear. As you head south, darker nights create a high possibility of seeing the aurora borealis.

Days 8-10: Exploration of East Greenland

This is expedition is truly authentic Arctic cruising. The itinerary and exploration opportunities in East Greenland are highly dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions. You can be sure that your captain will take advantage of every opportunity for fantastic wildlife viewing, to showcase the incredible scenery and to go ashore whenever possible.

The Kaiser Franz Josef fjord is part of the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world's largest national park. Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You can expect to explore these fjord systems to the extent that the ice conditions allow.

This region contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 metres high, reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. Tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs which float with wind and tide throughout the fjord system. On shore, fields of multicoloured tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare.

The vast, open landscape - seemingly untouched since the beginning of time - is a hikers' paradise. Throughout this area you also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and modern Inuit hunters' cabins.

The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in this area. The community here have an excellent museum, a gift shop and post office, and numerous Greenlandic sled dogs. There is also the opportunity to meet Inuit people.

Your days will be comprised of memorable excursions, delicious meals, presentations by the experts, and stunning scenery. Every night brings the opportunity to see incredible displays of the aurora borealis.

Days 11-12: Crossing the Denmark Strait

After your exhilarating expedition in East Greenland, you'll sail south across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle on the way. On board the ship, you'll enjoy presentations and workshops by the expert staff, as well as the range of onboard recreation facilities.

Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Day 13: Westfjords, Iceland

The Westfjords in Iceland is a sparsely populated region which is famous for it's rugged mountains and jagged coastline.

Few visitors to Iceland make it here to see the whales, seals and rich birdlife.

Day 14: Disembark in Reykjavík

After breakfast you'll disembark in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. A transfer is provided to the airport or to the city centre if you wish to spend more time in Iceland before flying home.

Reykjavík has numerous museums and galleries, and it's also worth visiting the Hallgromskirkja church. There are also parks, gardens, and thermal baths, excellent dining options and famous nightlife!

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.