This Arctic itinerary allows you to experience the best of the European Arctic. Starting in Spitsbergen, you’ll explore its coastline of calving glaciers, towering bird cliffs and pack ice to spot walruses, reindeer and even polar bears! After crossing the Greenland Sea, your ship will follow East Greenland’s coastline filled with the largest fjord system in the world, calving icebergs, friendly native communities and untouched tundra-covered valleys, before reaching its finishing point, Iceland.
Highlights
Explore Spitsbergen’s stunning northwest coast
Visit Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system
Cruise by Zodiac beneath high cliffs buzzing with birdlife
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Kirkenes, Norway and join a pre-arranged half day excursion prior to boarding the Greg Mortimer late afternoon. Airport transfers will be included if arriving on preferred flights into Kirkenes. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before important briefings aboard the ship.
Over the next two days at sea, enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from the expert expedition team including naturalists and historians before reaching Svalbard’s southeast coast.
Cruise northwards along the west coast of Spitsbergen. While sailing along the north coast, explore rarely visited places in search of the mighty polar bear.
From Zodiacs, enjoy magnificent views of sweeping glaciers winding their way into the sea. Walk on smoothly raised beach terraces to superb viewpoints or hike in the mountains on the tundra where pretty-colored wildflowers and lichen grow and where reindeer graze.
Visit trapper huts of yesteryear where Russians would hunt and survive the cold harsh winters, all while remaining alert for wandering polar bears and their cubs. It is possible to come face-to-face with the formidable pack ice of the Arctic Ocean, keeping the eyes peeled for walrus. Listen to the cacophony of seabirds and see them feeding. If conditions allow, go to north into the pack ice in hopes of finding polar bears ranging over the frozen landscape on the hunt for seals.
Stretch your legs and explore Longyearbyen, gateway to Svalbard. Often, a Svalbard voyage starts or end here, but on this unique voyage, it is a midway point.
You may visit Kaiser Franz Joseph, Kong Oscar Fjord and aim to reach Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and birthplace of the famous big Greenland icebergs. You can hope to visit the remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit. Keep a sharp eye out for musk ox, arctic hare and seals and if lucky, polar bears or narwhals can be seen.
Continue on with the Arctic adventure and cruise across Denmark Strait on the way to Iceland. Take time to reflect on the various experiences, gaze at northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins and whales from the ship’s bow.
Day 25: Disembark in Akureyri | Reykjavik
1 Breakfast
Disembark the Greg Mortimer in the northern town of Akureyri, then enjoy a scenic transfer to downtown Reykjavik. Bid your fellow expeditioners a fond farewell before transferring to the airport.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Aurora Stateroom Triple
230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² - 6 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, three single beds, porthole window, desk area and 42" flat-screen TV
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
170 ft² - 245.41 ft² - Greg Mortimer features 8 porthole rooms, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
Balcony Stateroom C
224.97 ft² - 266.95 ft² - 14 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Balcony Stateroom B
254.03 ft² - 266.95 f - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Balcony Stateroom A
259.41 ft² - 301.39 ft² - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
303.54 ft² - 432.70 ft² - With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Featuring private balconies, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, these will sell out quickly!
Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage 418.71 ft² - points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain's Suite
478.99 ft² - The largest of all the rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.
Initial deposit is 25% plus 25% deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Only Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
24 Breakfasts, 23 Lunches, 24 Dinners
24 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Waterproof Expedition Jacket
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
