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Lupin Field with mountains

Arctic Adventure

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Board SH Vega on a 15-day Arctic Discovery cruise in Reykjavik, navigating from Iceland to East Greenland, Jan Mayen Island, and Svalbard inside the Arctic Circle. Explore indigenous cultures, national parks, and the extensive fjord system. Reykjavík's vibrant atmosphere and landmarks like the Hallgrímskirkja Church. The cruise continues to Isafjordur, Grimsey Island, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. Jan Mayen Island unveils a pristine environment with a snow-covered stratovolcano. Svalbard, the kingdom of polar bears, becomes the highlight with its varied landscapes, gargantuan glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Explore Longyearbyen, the world's most northerly town, before concluding the expedition.
Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northKittiwake bird in flightAdmire the colorful houses of LongyearbyenLupin Field with mountains
Highlights
  • Sail across towering glaciers calving spectacular icebergs
  • Jan Mayen Island's Beerenberg volcano and unique wildlife
  • Witness diverse Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seabirds
  • Navigate majestic Arctic fjords, glaciers and witness diverse landscapes
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive at the airport and head to the hotel via the group transfer to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2: Reykjavík, Iceland | Embark

In the morning, join the group and transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on SH Vega for your adventure.

In the center of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town. Cozy bars, cafes, and shops line the surrounding streets heated by Iceland's geothermal waters. The regenerated harbor is home to a striking modern concert hall. Popular trips include the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour, taking in Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir National Park.

Day 3: Isafjordur

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjordur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland. The charming old town of Neskaupstadur features colorful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Included Excursions

ARCTIC FOXES & AVALANCHES
  • Get to know the history of Sudavik and the avalanche that struck the small village in 1995
  • Your journey begins with breathtaking views over one of Iceland’s largest fjords, Isafjardardjup, punctuated by the majestic Snaefjallastrond mountain chain
  • Enjoy an exciting live performance from a local musician during your visit to Sudavík’s church

Day 4: Grimsey Island

Grimsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here to set foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.

Included Activities

LIFE IN ARCTIC CIRCLE
  • Get ready for an Arctic adventure on a 7.5km island hike with your guide, soaking up Grimsey's ancient tales and stunning scenery
  • Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, guillemots and other seabirds as we stroll past the Orbis and Globus artwork marking the Arctic Circle's path
  • See a 19th-century driftwood church, a testament to Grimsey's resilience, as we explore this remote northern outpost

Day 5: At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip, or head to the library, which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 6: Jan Mayen Island

The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area.

Day 7: At Sea

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Day 8-14: Svalbard

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals, and arctic fox.

Included Activities

ZODIAC TOUR WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM

Day 15: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Copenhagen

  • 1 Breakfast
The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum, chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head to the airport via the group transfer and catch your flight to Copenhagen.

LONGYEARBYEN SIGHTSEEING & SVALBARD MUSEUM
  • Marvel at the intriguing Global seed vault
  • Take in the incredible landscapes of the Advent Valley
  • Learn about Svalbard’s unique history at the Svalbard Museum
SVALBARD MUSEUM ENTRANCE TICKET
 

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
  • Regional flights start or end at the ports of embarkation/disembarkation in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq.
Excluded
  • 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
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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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.
Lindsay Gompf

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