Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland & Spitsbergen

Your voyage will embark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with Walrus, Polar Bear and Spitsbergen Reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic Terns, Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes and Glaucous and Ivory Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify Seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie - there are many things to do during your time at sea.

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing Musk Oxen, as 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives here. Finally, sail you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

At sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway east, towards Iceland. 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 local name for these islands is Vestmannaeyjar, named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) that were enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels. This small archipelago is your first sighting of Iceland, the land of fire and ice, which is evident as you tour around the volcanic town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large numbers of Puffins on one of the outlying islands or whales in the surrounding water.

Your adventure ends at the port of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. From the port transfer to the city center. If you boarded the ship in Reykjavik, you will disembark in Longyearbyen.