5 Captivating Experiences on an Arctic Voyage

You may have read our blog, the Top Ten Extraordinary Polar Experiences in Antarctica, but this time we’re here to talk about the most captivating experiences distinct to the polar opposite side of the globe. On our expedition cruises, the very best of land and sea are revealed, with pre- and post-cruise private-guided day tours on land paired with the north’s most exciting expedition ships. This is the essence of Voyages by Kensington Tours: offering you a new kind of exceptional land-sea experience.

The Arctic and Antarctic poles are home to some of the most extraordinary and untouched parts of the planet, so whichever you choose, it sure will be one amazing ride.

1. Circumnavigate the entire island of Iceland

Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland is a country of extremes – volcanoes you can descend into, glaciers you can snowmobile upon, and bursting geysers that you can stand before. On our [Iceland Coastal Voyage](https://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/europe/iceland/iceland-coastal-voyage), you’ll have the opportunity to customize your arrival in Reykjavik to suit your travel passions so you can make the most of your time in the country’s vibrant capital. Then you’ll board an eight-night cruise where you’ll make your away around the entire island, making stops at wondrous fishing villages, whale-watching and puffin-viewing hot spots, and the island’s most awe-inspiring plummeting waterfalls.

2. Meet members of an Indigenous community

The largest town in [southern Greenland, Qaqortoq](https://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/polar-regions/arctic/ultimate-greenland-cruise-from-iceland), rises steeply over the fjord system at its base, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Here you’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local population, learn about their farming techniques and understand their ways of life. After, continue to the UNESCO-listed Arctic farming complex Kujataa, known for the well-preserved ruins of one of the sixteen churches in the Norse’s Eastern Settlement, located in a farmstead known as Thjodhild’s Stead. This farmstead is also home to a large building with living quarters, a hall, livestock pens, a storage building, and a warehouse – the ruins of which you’ll learn about and see on your journey.

3. Get up close with remote nature on thrilling Zodiac boat tours

Your expedition cruise can only get so close to the towering blocks of ice and surrounding wildlife, and that’s where rugged Zodiac boats come in. Experience the raw, tantalizing nature only found in the far north as you journey towards magnificent fjords in search of Arctic foxes and hares, seals, and whales, feeling one with your surroundings and experiencing the bone-chilling icy atmospheres that engulf you.

4. Meet the extraordinary wildlife of Svalbard, Norway’s Northern Archipelago

Situated far above the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is home to the world’s northernmost permanent settlement. Traverse the waters on your Arctic expedition ship as you weave among this isolated archipelago, home to approximately 3,000 polar bears – that’s more polar bears than the human population of these remote islands. Spot them in their denning area, perhaps even close to Atlantic walruses hauling out, while Svalbard reindeer roam the cushiony tundra of this polar desert.

5. Pair your Voyage with the capitals of Northern Europe, and more

Customizable Voyages across the Arctic pair wonderfully with nearby European gems, especially our Capitals Of Northern Europe With Svalbard Cruise, where your far-reaching land itinerary will get you to Russia and Scandinavia’s most coveted cities. Visit St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Russian Empire, for a taste of history at the Hermitage and Catherine’s Palace. Ride the rails to Helsinki to take in the highlights and understand their affinity for sauna culture. The next stop is Stockholm, where you’ll walk the streets of Gamla Stan and visit the Vasa Museum, one of the biggest cultural treasures in the country. In Copenhagen you’ll take in the vibrant colors of Nyhavn and taste the finest of Nordic cuisine. Then it’s on to Oslo to start your Norwegian journey, and off Longyearbyen where you’ll embark on your expedition cruise filled with icy landscapes teeming with exotic Arctic wildlife and unforgettable adventures.

All our customizable itineraries are tailored according to your unique wish list, so you can pair your cruise with any destination, and for any duration that you like. Our Destination Experts will work carefully with you to ensure your Voyage is the journey of a lifetime.