Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis | 14 Days | Plancius Cruise

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first Minke Whale of the voyage.

You can sail to Raudfjorden on Spitsbergen's north coast and see a vast fjord filled with glaciers. Ringed seals and bearded Seals may even be seen. This fjord is home to a thriving colony of seabirds, lush vegetation and even polar bears.

Conditions permitting, you may see a jagged edge to the sea ice of east Greenland ahead. Watch out for migrating birds and whales.

You can land in Myggebugten as you sail towards Greenland. The old hunters' cabin (where Norwegian trappers used to hunt for Arctic fox and polar bear in the early 20th century) is now surrounded by vast tundra, populated with musk-oxen. Geese float the lakes. You can sail along the Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord surrounded by mountains with bright interior icebergs. Sofia Sound is a smaller waterway that offers an alternative route.

Teufelschloss is a mountain that has layers of geology. Blomsterbugt, the landing area on the opposite side of the Fjord, is located. You will be heading into Antarctic Sound in the late afternoon, to the islands of Ruth Maria and Ella. Maria will be the best place to land.

The Berzelius Mountains flank the northern side of Segelsallskapets Fjord. On the south side, you will find ancient sedimentary structures at your feet. You can see Arctic Hares and Ptarmigans on a hike near a lake. The ship will then sail into Alpefjord in the late afternoon, which is named after the towering peaks surrounding it. Then, you can embark on a Zodiac tour around Gully Glacier which used to block access to these waters. You will experience an unforgettable Greenland adventure as you continue deep into the Fjord.

You spend the first part of your day in Antarctic Havn. This is a large valley, where you will find musk-oxen groups. The sparse foliage is covered in fiery autumn colors at this time of the year.

You will reach Scoresbysund today, after sailing the Volquart Boons Kyst. Enjoy a Zodiac ride past a glacier, and visit the basalt columns of Vikingebugt. Danmark Island is the afternoon destination, and you will find remnants of an Inuit village abandoned 200 years ago. Summer houses are indicated by the circular stone tent rings, and winter houses near a small cape. These sites have been well-preserved, including easily identifiable entrances and bear-proof food caches. Grave sites also remain. The evening is spent sailing through the berg-filled fjords towards the west.

A Zodiac Cruise near Rode O is the goal. The icebergs are a stark blue-white, and they contrast sharply with the red sediment slopes. Afternoon plans include a cruise through northern Rode Fjord to view musk-oxen, autumnal leaves and the icy blue of the icebergs.

You will see colossal, a few over 100m (328ft) tall icebergs that are more than 1km (0.6 miles) in length. The fjord only measures 400 meters (1,312 ft) deep, so most of the icebergs are grounded. Then you land at Sydkap with a great view of Hall Bredning. You can also see Arctic Hares.

You will be landing in Hurry Inlet on the tundra today. Ittoqqortoormiit is the biggest settlement of Scoresbysund with about 500 inhabitants. You can purchase stamps at the post-office for your postcards or stroll through the town to view the seals, musk oxen and sled dog skins drying. Afternoon sails south past the beautiful landscapes along the Blosseville Coast.

You can spot seabirds, whales, and the northern lights at night on a sea day.

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must end. After disembarking in Akureyri you may request a transfer by charter bus to Reykjavik City Hall (a six hour drive you will need to book in advance). You can take home unforgettable memories with you.