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Full solar eclipse over mountains and sea

Jewels of the Arctic: Greenland Solar Eclipse

Oslo - Reykjavik - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Greg Mortimer
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Embark on a 15-day expedition from Oslo to Reykjavik aboard the Greg Mortimore. Explore Scoresbysund, Greenland, and witness the total solar eclipse as you ail through stunning Arctic scenery, then witness the awe-inspiring moment of totality as the moon eclipses the sun, revealing a dazzling diamond ring for 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
Spot musk oxenGlacier reflections contrast the red rock landscapeArctic FoxExpeditioners marvel at the sheer beauty of icebergsArctic puffinsKayaking through an icy paradiseReindeer feeding in the arctic.Polar bear in the ArcticExploring GreenlandWalrus in the ArcticColorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardFull solar eclipse over mountains and sea
Highlights
  • Witness the solar eclipse, transforming day into stunning twilight
  • Walk among colorful tundra and witness vibrant arctic flora
  • Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, meeting friendly Inuit locals in scenic surroundings
  • Experience Greenland’s rich wildlife, encountering muskox, foxes, and birds
Activities
Places Visited
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: Oslo

Upon arrival in Oslo, a representative from Aurora Expeditions will greet you and take you to your group hotel. Stop by the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk at the hotel to pick up luggage cabin tags and chat with the ground operations team for any pre-embarkation details. After that, you can spend the rest of your day as you wish. Meals for the day will be at your own expense.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen | Embark

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage has cabin tags clearly labeled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour.  

After the tour, transfer directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as you set sail.

Day 3-5: Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of your experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. 

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walruses hauled out on sea ice or 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.  

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

Day 6: At Sea

As you sail towards the coast of East Greenland, you may encounter whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. As you approach East Greenland, be prepared to discover more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals, and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in the presence of the midday sun. The experts will inform and entertain you with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice, and heroic tales of exploration.

Day 7: Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-meter (7,470-foot) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favorable, you can try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island's west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the island's eastern side.

Day 8-10: Ittoqqortoormiit | Scoresby Sund

In the coming days, a host of choices are available to you, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your itinerary daily. This allows you to use the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and encounters with wildlife. You generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions daily, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs and following whales feeding near the surface.   

East Greenland contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft) high. Gigantic icebergs calved from glaciers drift throughout the fjord system, creating breathtaking scenery. The landscape is filled with multi-colored tundra, home to musk oxen and arctic hares. Ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and modern Inuit hunters' cabins are throughout the area.  

A highlight is visiting the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the region's most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with approximately 500 inhabitants. Here you can explore the village, the fascinating museum or sit in the beautiful Lutheran Church. The locals are friendly, and the shy young children are keen to say hello and practice their English from underneath their Arctic fox fur jackets. The community boasts an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to meet Inuit people.   

Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil mountains that protect areas from the strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from muskox and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward, and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including common eider, glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, and arctic terns gracefully gliding or plunging into icy bays for zooplankton.

Day 11: Solar Eclipse

The day builds with excitement as you set sail toward your prime viewing position within the totality path. Enjoy lunch onboard while the crew expertly navigates the ship toward the perfect spot to witness the eclipse. As anticipation mounts, gather on deck with fellow eclipse chasers in preparation for the celestial event. The drama unfolds as the moon starts to take a bite out of the sun, slowly plunging the landscape into an ethereal twilight. Then, the grand finale arrives. Totality transforms the day into night for a breathtaking 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The sun peeks through as the totality recedes, creating a stunning diamond ring effect. Relax and relive this unforgettable experience with your fellow travelers over a celebratory dinner.

Day 12-13: East Greenland

Continue to explore Greenland's fjord systems, each encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. The area is rich in wildlife thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds. You may spot everything from musk oxs and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward, and you can glimpse birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven, and common eider. 

There are great hiking options in the area, where flowering tundra plants, scattered bones of whales, and muskox from centuries of hunting by the Inuit and fumaroles can be found. In these areas, heated groundwater boils to the surface, creating bubbling pools and mineral formations as the water reacts with the atmosphere.   

The area also boasts some of the most striking sedimentary sandstone, shale, and siltstone formations imaginable. The layers of sediment here are estimated to have taken about 4,000 years to be laid down, and the alternating colors and patterns in the layers of rocks are stunningly beautiful.

Day 14: Denmark Strait

Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail your ship in the ever-present arctic winds.

Day 15: Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you continue your journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.

Ship/Hotel

Greg Mortimer

Kayak in Antarctica
Greg Mortimer- Comfortable Dining
Greg Mortimer

Oslo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$24,295 2-3 travelers
Greg Mortimer-Aurora StateroomGreg Mortimer-Aurora Stateroom Triple
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
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.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony Stateroom
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
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
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
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
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
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 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
  • 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
  • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1
  • Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, prior to embarkation, on Day 2 (time permitting)
  • Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from your group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package
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
  • 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.

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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!
Meyer Smolen

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