Norway, Spitsbergen, Iceland & Greenland

Enjoy a city sightseeing tour in the Norwegian capital, beautifully situated by the fjord. You will enjoy a magnificent view of Oslo from Holmenkollen Hill, with the famous ski kimps where the Winter Games were held in 1952. Among other high lights you will visit the Viking Ship Museum, with its three Viking vessels. The Vigeland's Park, one of the major Scandinavian cultural treasures, will welcome you with the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, who dedicated his life to this Park. You will also pass by the Royal Palace and the main street, Karl Johan as well. Entrance fee to Viking Ship Museum is included in tour cost.

Meet your taxi driver for an airport transfer.

Welcome aboard! Your Arctic expedition cruise begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement on the island of Spitsbergen. Take some time to get settled in to your cabin, and explore the length of the ship.  Enjoy your first view of Spitsbergen’s rugged glacier topped mountains, rising majestically from icy Arctic waters.

Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and the administrative centre of Svalbard. It is located on the western coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. It has approximately 2,060 inhabitants and is one of the world's northernmost towns.

Join your shared transfer to the port of Longyearbyen.

Take a flight from Olso to Longyearbyen (Not included).

Largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, Spitsbergen is famed for its abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and the tiny international research community of Ny Alesund.

Cruise the Norwegian Arctic as you explore the fjords, glaciers and wildlife of Spitsbergen, an island bordering on the Arctic Ocean. Six national parks protect the largely untouched, yet fragile environment where you can see cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, breathtaking lakes, islands and mountains. Close encounters of walrus herds, pods of belugas, grazing reindeer and polar bears are all part of the experience.

On your second day in Spitsbergen, wildlife-viewing opportunities include walrus, polar bear and the unique Spitsbergen reindeer. Birders will thrill to see Arctic Terns, skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls.

Last day in Spitsbergen allows for an opportunity (weather permitting) to sail within 10° of the North Pole! Get ready for the journey to Greenland, your next destination.

Enjoy a leisurly day at sea. Enjoy the multitude of planned activities onboard with your fellow explorers or simply relax in your stateroom and watch the world go by!

The Greenland Sea is a body of water that borders Greenland to the west, the Svalbard archipelago to the east, Fram Strait and the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Norwegian Sea and Iceland to the south.  In oceanography the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas are often referred to collectively as the "Arctic Mediterranean Sea", a marginal sea of the Atlantic.

Another day at sea en route to Greenland.  Learn about the exciting destination prior to arrival with onboard seminars.  Enjoy a coctail in the bar, share photos with other passengers or simply rest for the day ahead.

You've arrived! Welcome to Greenland. During your discovery of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations.

Scoresbysund is an inlet system of the Greenland Sea on the eastern coast of Greenland. It has a tree-like structure, with a main body that branches into a system of fjords covering a large area.  The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who in 1822 mapped the fjord area in great detail. Numerous islands are present. The largest, Milne Land, is located in the middle of the inlet. On the northern side of the mouth stands Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region, with a population of 469 (in 2010).

Depart ship by Zodiac. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bear.

Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives on the east coast of Greenland.

On your final day in Scoresbysund, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.  Sail in the evening through the Denmark Strait en route to the Westman Islands.

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to the Westman Islands. Your onboard Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the Seabirds that you’ll inevitably see soaring above your ship.

The Denmark Strait or Greenland Strait is an oceanic strait between Greenland (to its northwest) and Iceland (to its southeast). The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen lies northeast of the strait.

At sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway east, towards Iceland. Keep your eyes peeled for potential whale spottings along the way.

Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of puffins on one of the outlying islands.

Vestmannaeyjar is a small archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest island, Heimaey, has a population of 4,036. The other islands are uninhabited, though two have single hunting cabins. The archipelago came to international attention in 1973 when Icelanders battled to prevent lava from the volcano Eldfell blocking Heimaey's harbour.

This morning you'll disembark from your ship in Reykjavik, and bid farewell to your expedition crew and fellow cruisemates.

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, and the world's most northern national capital. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity.  Today, Reykjavík  is the only metropolitan area in Iceland.   As it is only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in winter. During the summer, the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in past years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.

Transfer between Reykjavik International airport and your hotel with private vehicle and english speaking driver. Your driver will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon (entrance fee not included) for you to enjoy the famous healing properties of the mineral waters. This makes a great final activity before carrying on to the airport to board your flight home.