The expedition begins in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, and ends in Akureyri, Iceland. It takes you to three islands in the Arctic: Spitsbergen, Northeast Greenland, and the small island of Maria. You'll have the chance to see glaciers, icebergs, wildlife such as musk oxen and polar bears, and Inuit settlements. You may also see the northern lights.
14 Day Artic Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen
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.
Day 2: Raudfjorden
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.
Day 3 & 4: Greenland
Conditions permitting, you may see a jagged edge to the sea ice of east Greenland ahead. Watch out for migrating birds and whales.
Day 5: Myggebugten & Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord
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.
Day 6: Antarctic Sound
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.
Day 7: Segelsällskapets Fjord
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.
Day 8: Antarctic Havn
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.
Day 9: Scoresbysund & Danmark Island
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.
Day 10: Rode O
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.
Day 11: Sydkap
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.
Day 12: Hurry Inlet & Ittoqqortoormiit
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.
Day 13: Sea life
You can spot seabirds, whales, and the northern lights at night on a sea day.
Day 14: Akureyri
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.
Itinerary Map
14 Day Artic Itinerary Includes
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
14 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
14 Day Artic Itinerary Highlights
- Hike in the tundra.
- Visit Inuit settlements.
- See the northern lights.
- Sail through the Greenland Sea and Scoresbysund.
- See glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife such as musk oxen and polar bears.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 13 Dinners
- 14 Lunches
14 Day Artic cruise activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis
14 Days
From
$7,000.00
per person
