Arrive in Oslo, your gateway to the Arctic. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the hotel. In the evening, gather for a welcome briefing.
Day 2: Longyearbyen - Gateway to Adventure
Board an early morning charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic Archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote groups of islands on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in luminous glaciers. After a tour of the tiny town, board your luxury expedition cruiser.
Day 3: Northern Outpost
Ny Alesund in Svalbard, Norway
Awake to your first morning aboard as your vessel cruises up the Svalbard coast. Today’s planned port of call is Ny Alesund, home to a polar research station and the northernmost post office in the world. Back aboard, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain.
Day 4:Glacial Archipelago
Today, your vessel sets course for Monacobreen. Formerly known as Monaco Bay, this glacier reaches down into Spitsbergen and is frequented by polar bear, harbor and bearded seal, walrus and a multitude of seabirds. You may also cruise through Liefdefjorden (The Love Fjord), another excellent area for spotting polar bear.
Auklet Diving Birds
Mother Polar Bear and Cubs
Day 5: Realm of the Polar Bears
Conditions permitting, you may cruise past the cliffs of Alkefjellet. Plunging steeply into the water, these staggering cliffs harbor vast colonies of auk diving birds. This afternoon, your Captain and Expedition Team may take advantage of sea conditions and cruise along the Arctic ice edge in search of the elusive polar bear.
Day 6: Austfonna Icecap
Your expedition vessel navigates around the Austfonna Icecap, one of the world’s largest icecaps, spanning over 5,000 square miles. Austfonna is renowned for its massive scale and awe-inspiring glacial waterfalls.
Day 7: Tip of the Archipelago
The day’s explorations may take you to Sjuoyane, the most northerly region of the Svalbard archipelago.
Day 8: Cruising the Greenland Sea
Cruise south through the Greenland Sea as your Expedition Team lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of Svalbard.
Beerenberg - stratovolcano dominating the northeastern end of Jan Mayen
Day 9: Glacier Cloaked Volcano
The day’s planned shore excursion is Jan Mayen, a rugged island dominated by the 7,500-foot Beerenberg Volcano, the world’s northernmost active volcano. With special permission and conditions permitting, land on this rarely visited island to see its meteorological station and discover colonies of northern fulma, little auk, thick-billed guillemot and black guillemot.
Day 10: Endless Fjords
Your Captain charts a course across the Greenland Sea, skirting the Arctic ice edge toward Greenland’s rarely visited eastern coast and Scoresby Sound, the largest and longest fjord system in the world. You may embark on Zodiac excursions through the fjord’s intricate network, taking in its islands and icebergs while searching for Arctic and musk fox.
Day 11: Remote Village
Today, ice conditions permitting, disembark for a visit to the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated villages in Greenland.
Day 12: Cruising the Denmark Strait
Cruise the Denmark Strait as you relax or watch for seabirds and whale from the deck between insightful lectures from your Expedition Team.
Day 13: Whale-Watching Haven
Today, visit picturesque Husavik and its fascinating whale museum. The museum is one of the world’s foremost whale research centers. Afterward, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching tour followed by free time in Husavik, or perhaps set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a special farewell reception and dinner.
Westfjord, Iceland
Day 14: Lava & Ice Carved Lands
Explore the Westfjords of Iceland, a remote region of small settlements interspersed amid spectacular mountains and coves. You might make a visit to Dynjandi Falls, the grandest waterfall in the Westfjords. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore or take a more vigorous trek to the viewing platform, both offering scenic views of the falls.
Day 15: Depart Reyjavik
This morning, disembark your luxury expedition cruiser in Reykjavik and transfer to the airport for your onward departure.
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