Crossing the Arctic Circle - Antarctic Cruise

We welcome you to Edinburgh, capital city of Scotland. This is where our journey begins. We have arranged hotel accommodation before the cruise to give you more time in this city rich with history and culture. Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the city, admiring both classic and medieval architecture from the 18 ^th century. Edinburgh Castle is majestically positioned above all.

The morning and the early afternoon are yours to enjoy at leisure. Edinburgh's ancient streets are a treasure trove of unexpected views of distant green hills and blue seas. You will then be transported from your hotel in Leith to the cruise ship. You can explore the ship before dinner. This will be your new home away from home.

Kirkwall has a quiet, relaxed pace. It is also the capital city of Orkney, a remote archipelago. Kirkwall was first mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga, in 1046. We can explore the rich history of Kirkwall today. Most famous is the St Magnus Cathedral in sandstone, which has been called the best medieval structure of the northern part of Scotland. Also, there are Bishop's Palace, and Earl's Palace.
Tour "Ancient Treasures of Orkney" with St Magnus Cathedral. Depart Kirkwall, and travel to the West of Mainland (Orkney's biggest island). The tour takes you through Orkney's gentle rolling terrain and the Neolithic Heartland, an area that has been designated a World Heritage Site for its prehistoric archaeology. After passing the Standing Stones of Stenness we stop at the Ring ofBrodgar, a large ceremonial stone circle dating back nearly 5000 years. The 5000 year old village Skara Brae is beautifully explained in the Visitor Centre. Discover the amazing dwellings that were revealed by the storms 150 years ago from under the dunes.

Listen to some stories as you return to Kirkwall. We will visit St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the capital of the isle. The cathedral was built by Vikings over the course of their 500-year reign

Fair Isle offers a paradise to birdwatchers. The lush grasslands, cliffs and spectacular views are home to a large number of bird species. More than 345 bird species were recorded in this area - the most of any place in Britain. We hope to spot northern fulmars and kittiwakes as we walk around the island.

National Geographic Traveler has rated Faroe Islands "authentic, undisturbed and likely to stay that way". Nature seems to have spared no expense in "painting the islands". The sceneries are unforgettable with their deep-green hills and bright-blue seas, as well as colourful boats and houses, along with orange-red beaks of puffins.

Faroese people are known for their ruggedness and love of sea. Torshavn is the largest and capital city of Faroe Islands.

Torshavn, a city where modernity meets history, is unique. Old turfed homes and new buildings are side-by-side.

Our expert crew will present workshops and presentations, while our onboard recreational facilities ensure you don't waste your day. From the open decks, as well as from stateroom and balcony windows or balconies on exterior sides of the ship, you can enjoy whale and seabird sightings.

Jan Mayen is home to the northernmost active subaerial volcano in the world - Beerenberg. It is a wild island, uninhabited except for members of the Norwegian weather station. Translation of the Norwegian signboard on the door: "Theory" is what you say when everything makes sense but doesn't work. The practice is when you understand everything but nothing works. We combine theory with practice on this station so that nobody knows why nothing works. Jan Mayen's birdlife is dominated by Northern Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Brunich’s Guillemots that breed on steep slopes and cliffs.

Our invited speakers will prepare you for the amazing wildlife of Svalbard and its stunning landscapes.

It is an expedition into a wilderness in the High Arctic. Our route and the exploration possibilities here depend heavily on weather conditions and sea ice. The itinerary is determined by our experienced expedition leader and captain, who constantly adjusts plans to suit the conditions. Svalbard is a remote and wild corner of the Arctic, and we will take advantage of all the opportunities that Nature presents. Polar bears and the other iconic Arctic wildlife are easily spotted anywhere. Our goal is to take advantage of every chance to see wildlife, discover stunning scenery and walk in the steps of historic polar explorations.

The western region of Svalbard is a spectacular place to explore. The area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Arctic and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Jagged peaks and deep fjords flank narrow channels. Glaciers calving icebergs in turquoise water are enormous tidewater glaciers. Reindeer graze on fields of blooming tundra, and Arctic foxes play in the snowy landscape. Walruses and many different types of whales live in the abundant waters near shore and off. During the summer, migratory bird species are abundant, and many rare ones.

We also visit places that are rich in history to complete our Arctic adventure. We explore the remnants of historic whaling camps and coal mining operations as well as trappers' cabins. There are also staging areas from historical attempts to find the North Pole. Our days will be filled with unforgettable excursions, delicious meals, expert presentations, stunning wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of time to take pictures.

We say goodbye to Longyearbyen after breakfast, which is the administrative center of Svalbard in Norway. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Oslo. After the initial emotions subside, you can look back on your Arctic adventure and perhaps make plans for your future polar expedition?