Svalbard East Greenland & Iceland

Arrive in Oslo at your own convenience. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your designated hotel, where you will have time to settle in and prepare for the expedition ahead.

On day 2, your group will transfer to the airport and board the charter flight to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival, you will continue to the pier and embark your expedition vessel. Settle into your cabin and begin your Arctic journey as the ship departs later in the day.

Even in one of the most isolated regions of the Arctic, there is still the captivating history of a pioneering past. The expedition leaders, along with the captain and onboard pilot, will determine possible landings each day for all-out explorations. Wildlife abounds throughout the archipelago of Svalbard, such as puffins, reindeer, Arctic terns and foxes. An expert photographer will help you look out for the perfect photo opportunity of these animals, but especially for the elusive polar bear. As Zodiac cruises may bring you closer to glaciers, keep your eyes on the water for whale fins.

Ny-Ålesund is the northernmost settlement on Svalbard with a population of about 12 people. Here you can find an international scientific research station. Close to the village is a breeding ground for rare geese and arctic terns. Not far from here you may cruise your way toward the Ossian Sars Nature Reserve, a preservation of mountains and surrounding vegetation that is a sight to behold.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Making possible landings amid Greenland National Park, the largest in the world, you may find yourself within one of the country’s largest fjord systems. Plentiful with wildlife from belugas and narwhals to seals, walruses, caribou, musk oxen, and even possible polar bear sightings, it’s a wonderland of nature. Due to its size and limited accessibility, Greenland National Park’s only residents are personnel from meteorological stations and the Danish Armed Forces.

The name “Ittoqqortoormiit” means “Big-House Dwellers” in the Eastern Greenlandic dialect. Very few visitors make the trek here, as the winters are long, and the sea is frozen for nine months of the year. Ittoqqortoormiit is located at Scoresby Sound, which—with its many side fjords—is the largest fjord complex in the world and the world’s longest fjord system. Within its borders stands the tallest mountain in the Arctic region, the two-mile-tall Gunnbjørn Mountain. During early spring, when the sea ice is still thick, yet the sun is high in the sky, many local residents venture out on weekend dog-sledding trips. Guests will be warmly welcomed ashore for an open-town experience, inviting everyone to explore at their own pace and engage directly with the local community with no shore excursion booking required. This immersive visit is designed to encourage authentic discovery and meaningful interactions throughout the town.

The world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sound astonishes with its scale and serenity. Sheer mountains rise above glassy channels, where icebergs the size of cathedrals drift in ever-changing shades of blue. Remote Inuit settlements dot the coastline, offering a glimpse of life lived in harmony with Arctic rhythms. Zodiac excursions bring you close to calving glaciers or wildlife such as musk oxen and seabirds, while the stillness of this vast fjord imparts a powerful sense of awe and discovery.

Few travel milestones are as memorable as crossing the fabled Arctic Circle. As your ship sails north, you join the ranks of explorers who have ventured into these high latitudes, where the sun lingers on the horizon and ice-choked seas define the landscape. Many mariners celebrate this passage with the lighthearted tradition of becoming a “Blue Nose,” a symbolic order marking your entry into the true High Arctic. Whether you mark it with a toast on deck or simply savor the view, this moment is a highlight of any polar journey.

Tales of sea monsters and sorcerers, bold and beautiful peaks, and charming pubs abound in Patreksfjörður, sitting amid the extraordinary Westfjords. Trek the beach at Rauðisandur (translating to Red Sands). Named for their golden-red hue, these sands create a stunning scene as they meet the bright blue waters. From Patreksfjörður you can also venture to the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords. Visit the neighboring village of Hólmavík, home of the world-famous Icelandic Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery.

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill.