Embark on National Geographic Endurance for a 16-day exploration from the remote reaches of Iceland to the rugged, ice-sculpted shores of Greenland and the spectacular fjords of Norway. Go ashore in the volcanic Westman Islands, then trace the route of legendary Viking explorer Erik the Red to Greenland’s ice-etched eastern coast, home to the world’s largest fjord system. Chart a course north, seeking out big ice and fascinating Arctic wildlife before cruising to Norway to explore the magical Lofoten islands and fjords that carve deeply into the country’s wild interior.
Highlights
Visit the Eldfell volcanic crater and see the landscapes engulfed in lava rock
Sail by Látrabjarg cliffs where you'll find razorbills and puffins
Explore East Greenland that harbors an array of wildlife
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Before embarking on the cruise ship, you'll have the time to explore the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja church and delve into Norse culture at the National Museum, which features an array of Viking treasures.
Arrive in Westman Islands and explore one of the world’s younger archipelagos that was formed by undersea volcanoes some 11,000 years ago. Visit the Eldfell volcanic crater, where the earth is still hot, and take in views over landscapes engulfed in lava rock and also spy Surtsey which was formed by volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1967.
Cruise to Flatey Island and walk around this charming 18th-century hamlet. This island has been a fishing and trading post for centuries and was also the same coast where Erik the Red is believed to have set sail around the year 982, bound for Greenland. Afterward, sail past the Látrabjarg cliffs where you can find different bird species, including razorbills and puffins.
This day is your chance to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Westfjords region. Go on a hike to a remote waterfall or cruise a Zodiac beneath cliffs teeming with seabirds. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and anchor at Vigur Island, where you will visit an eider farm and view how the down of these ducks 18th-century.
With roughly eighty percent of its surface covered in ice, Greenland is a living laboratory for geological forces. After a day at sea, you will reach the country’s fjord-laced eastern coast, where mountains rise straight from the sea and glistening glaciers calve massive chunks of off the Greenland ice cap. The region also harbors an array of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, whales, and 18th-century birdlife. If the weather condition permitted, you will set off by a kayak or a Zodiac to see spectacular iceberg-dotted seascapes from water level and get a glimpse at the fascinating marine life and geology below the sea via the underwater cameras and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) deployed by our undersea specialist.
Visit Jan Mayen, a remote Norwegian island with a small military and weather station that holds the settlement’s only residents. This rarely visited isle is where you will find the ice-capped crater of Beerenberg, the world’s northernmost active above ground volcano. Spend your next day at sea enjoying the ship's amenities while cruising toward the Norwegian mainland.
The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages ringed by jagged, granite peaks. Head ashore at Værøy, where fishing is still a major part of the economy; and search for Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots on a Zodiac cruise. Later, head to the ship deck as you glide through Trollfjorden, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords.
Enter the Svartisen National Park on a beautiful fjord called Nordfjord. As you cross the park boundary, the sheer walls of the fjord tower above the ship. The Captain may anchor the ship near the mouth of a river flowing down from a hanging glacier off the main ice field of Svartisen. Your morning will be spent marveling at the beautiful scenery and taking walks ashore in the birch meadows with a possible kayaking excursion in the protected waters. You can also board the Zodiac cruise along the shores and view the waterfalls cascading down the rock walls. Be on deck as you cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway’s mythical beings: trolls.
This morning, you will enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden where only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Glide beneath the fjord’s steep walls on Zodiac and kayak excursions and explore the U-shaped valley whose fjord reaches far inland, ending just a few miles from the border of Sweden.
Disembark on Tromso and visit the Arctic Cathedral where the unique architecture evokes icebergs. You can also see Polar Museum that showcases the ships equipment and seafaring traditions of early Arctic settlers then fly by chartered air to Oslo and spend a night at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Included
15 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners
15 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Additional Hotel Nights
Private Transfers
Expedition Extensions
Laundry
Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
Items of personal nature
Phone and Internet Service
Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!