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Kayaking through the arctic waters.

Arctic Complete: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Reykjavik - Longyearbyen - Example 24 Day Cruise aboard Greg Mortimer
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This 24-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen takes you to see the sights of the high Arctic this summer. As with the Inuit and Vikings before you, this 24-day Arctic expedition is a sea-based excursion. From high above the Arctic Circle, you can see deep fjords, cold deserts, grasslands full of wildflowers, and huge glaciers breaking off into the sea. Visit abandoned whaling towns on foot or by Zodiac, look for walrus, arctic fox, and reindeer, and be amazed by the millions of migrating birds like tiny auks, guillemots, and puffins. Whales, bearded seals, and possibly ringed seals are abundant in the oceans. Kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are available on most of these voyages.
An arctic fox searches the rocks of the ArcticTravelers walking across the beaches of Spitsbergen.Reindeer feeding in the arctic.A polar bear walks across the arctic landscape.Kayaking through the arctic waters.
Highlights
  • Discover the diversity of the Spitsbergen Island archipelago
  • Venture to the kingdom of the polar bear, reindeer, walrus, and arctic fox
  • Visit abandoned whaling settlements, trapper camps, and historic sites
  • Explore the coastline, deep fjords & mysterious, fossil-rich desert plains
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik

When you get to Keflavik Airport, an Aurora Expeditions employee accompanies you and takes you to your pre-voyage hotel. Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk, located in the lobby. The team helps you through your embarkation day, answers your questions, gives advice on the local area, and provides cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship's cabin number.

Enjoy your free time, and in the evening, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).

Day 2: Reykjavik| Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Breakfast and check-out. Join the guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy.

This trip takes you to the famous geological sites of the Golden Circle route, like Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, which has a lot of history. Then, at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station, you can see how green, sustainable energy is made at one of the world's largest single-site geothermal power plants.

Spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programs, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candlemaking, carpentry, weaving, and soap-making. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the Greg Mortimer. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings, and enjoy the thrill of departure.

This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and the friendly Expedition Team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure.

Day 3: Denmark Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail the ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theater, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the experts on topics such as seabirds, wildlife, and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

Day 4-10: East Greenland

  • Ship
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
In the coming days, a host of choices are available, depending on ice and weather conditions. The east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The members of the experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, use their expertise to tailor your voyage to suit the day-to-day conditions. This allows for the best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. The team generally attempts up to two landings or zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs and following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice—and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes. The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hare, and reindeer. Throughout the area are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region and home to approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, a gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world and a favorite place for Inuit hunters. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie the Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains, which offer protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You might spot anything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven, and common eider.

Try to get into the Northeast Greenland National Park's Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, which is a remote and rarely visited fjord system with many places to explore. As you sail through Kong Oskar Fjord, look at how beautiful the mountains are from a geological point of view. Then, depending on the ice conditions, head south along the coast of Liverpool Land.

On hikes across the tundra, you can stretch your legs and look for old graveyards and summer villages that the Inuit lived in 3,000 years ago. You may see musk ox, arctic hare, and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Day 11-12: Greenland Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
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.

Day 13-23: Svalbard

  • Ship
  • 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. For the next 10 days, the experienced Expedition Team designs your itinerary on a day-to-day basis, choosing the best options given the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and the possibility of wildlife encounters.

Incredible fjords, beautiful mountain ranges, and a fossil-filled polar desert set the scene for heroic stories of early exploration. See walrus hauled out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. Your expedition team is just as keen as you are to find them and will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity, such as kayaking, you have the opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip—a memory you can savor for years to come.

Day 24: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
During the early morning, cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your expedition team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport to continue your journey.

Ship/Hotel

Greg Mortimer

Kayak in Antarctica
Greg Mortimer- Comfortable Dining
Greg Mortimer

Fosshotel Reykjavik

Dates & Prices

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Deals

Save 15% Off + Air Credit on 2024 Arctic & Beyond
Book now and save 15% off per person plus $1500 air credit on select 2024 Arctic and beyond departures. Bookings must be made and deposited by June 30, 2024. This promotion is valid for new bookings, is capacity-controlled, and is not combinable with other offers. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Code: ADVDEAL24
Applies to Jul 20, 2024 departure

Per person starting at
$25,695
Greg Mortimer-Aurora StateroomGreg Mortimer-Aurora Stateroom Triple
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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
Greg Mortimer
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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.
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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.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony Stateroom
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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.
Greg Mortimer
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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.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony StateroomGreg Mortimer
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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!
Greg Mortimer
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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.
Greg Mortimer
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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.
Included
  • 23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 22 Dinners
  • 23 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)
  • 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
  • Transfer from airport to hotel on arrival Day 1
  • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1
  • Transfer from pier to airport or hotel on Day 24
  • Half-day city tour in Reykjavik prior to embarkation, on Day 2.
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, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • 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.
  • Add-on activities should be reserved at the time of the booking.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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