Wonders of the High Arctic: Greenland & Iceland

Upon arriving in the beautiful city of Oslo today, discover a dynamic destination that delivers an impressive array of cultural and nature-based experiences, despite being the smallest capital in Scandinavia. Forests and lush parks cover half the area, beautifully framing a cityscape where historic buildings blend seamlessly with cutting-edge architecture, outdoor sculptures, and vibrant street art. Take time to explore three famous local museums dedicated to the rich nautical heritage of the Norse people and their legendary warrior ancestors. Conclude this exciting introduction to Norway by unwinding during a restful overnight stay at your hotel.

Board a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, a remote destination situated high above the Arctic Circle. Serving as the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, this unique town rests on the main island and holds the proud title of the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. Experience the profound sensation of stepping into completely unexplored territory while taking in the surrounding untouched landscapes.

Today, prepare to meet the Captain and dedicated crew upon boarding the ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Step on board to enjoy a welcoming glass of champagne before taking time to comfortably settle into and explore your elegantly appointed suite. Later, gather with fellow travelers for a refreshing drink in the Sky Bar, raising a glass to toast the beginning of a truly unforgettable maritime journey.

Welcome to the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar region of rugged glaciers, craggy mountains, and frozen tundra. Open the blackout curtains of your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in ever-changing vistas, from volcanic islands dotted with sparse greenery to snow-capped peaks peeking through the horizon.

Over the next few days, your itinerary will remain flexible, with the Captain and Discovery Leader adjusting plans daily to make the most of weather, ice conditions, and daylight. You may have the opportunity to enjoy Zodiac cruises, kayak tours, nature walks, and discover Arctic scenery, wildlife, and marine life up close. Throughout the day, the Discovery Team will host lectures and presentations in the state-of-the-art theater, sharing insights into the region’s history, geology, and ecology, while evenings offer world-class performances from musical theater to interactive shows, rounding out an unforgettable polar experience.

As your journey continues through Svalbard’s rugged archipelago, keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife. Walruses bask on ice floes, seals surface in the fjords, and seabirds wheel overhead, while the more elusive Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, wolverines, and rabbits may appear on the tundra. Binoculars from your suite or the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge offer a closer look at these extraordinary creatures in their natural environment.

Discovery
Subject to weather and ice conditions, venture ashore and onto the water with Zodiacs, kayaks, and guided nature walks, exploring pristine locations while discovering the majestic landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife that define this polar wilderness.

Continue cruising around the spectacular Svalbard Archipelago. Whilst enjoying daily Discovery Excursions, seek photography tips and guidance from your expert Discovery Team on capturing wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes. They will help you document these remarkable moments while cruising on Zodiacs, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations. Comprised of up to 20 specialists in polar sciences, natural history, and wildlife, the Discovery Team is at the heart of your Expedition Voyage.

Discovery
Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and guided nature walks, providing opportunities to explore untouched Arctic landscapes, tundra, and coastal habitats, while observing native wildlife and marine life in their natural setting.

After a restorative night of rest in your ultra-luxury suite, wake in your own time. Today, your Scenic Discovery Yacht will cross the Denmark Strait, journeying through the open waters of the North Atlantic. Witness breathtaking Arctic scenery and experience the dynamic meeting point of the cold East Greenland Current and the warmer Irminger Current.

Perhaps ask your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy a quiet morning spent on your spacious verandah. Or join your fellow guests for a casual lunch in Azure Bar & Café as you cross this navigational passage between Iceland and Greenland.

The Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theater, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.

Nestled beside the world's largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit stands as one of Greenland's most remote towns. Home to approximately 350 residents, this small community offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Inuit way of life. Here, people have embraced a sea-dependent existence, where the ever-changing sea ice opens new opportunities for exploration. Learn the stories of the community's resilience, and explore key landmarks such as the museum, church, weather station and public service buildings.

Begin your journey into Scoresby Sund, one of the world’s largest and most dramatic fjord systems. Stretching over 350 kilometers and plunging to depths of 600 meters, the fjord is dotted with colossal icebergs, calving gently from the Inland Ice.

Take in this Arctic grandeur from the Observation Deck, where the Discovery Team is on hand to explain the geology and wildlife, or savor the view in private from your suite’s verandah, as the icy landscape drifts by.

Today, sail deeper into Scoresby Sund, an awe-inspiring labyrinth of fjords and towering cliffs. Witness icebergs slowly breaking from their parent glaciers, drifting in the glassy Arctic waters beneath snow-dusted peaks.

Enjoy uninterrupted views from your private verandah or join the Discovery Team on the Observation Deck for insights into the fjord’s glacial formations, Arctic wildlife, and the remote landscapes that make this one of the planet’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Today your Scenic Discovery Yacht will exit the magnificent Scoresby Sund fjord. Wake up at your own time and ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, so you can take in the awe-inspiring views from your private verandah.

Enjoy some downtime at the expansive 550sqm Senses Spa. Book an appointment# with the wellness therapists and surrender yourself to bliss. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Vitality Lounge. Here, ambient light envelops you with tranquil music as the heat from soothing thermal loungers works to gently purify the body.

As you make your way towards Iceland, the Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theater, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.

Indulge in the 550 sqm Senses Spa, reinvigorating your mind, body and soul. Pamper yourself with holistic ESPA treatments#, including massages and facials, or experience alternative therapies such as Japanese shiatsu and Tibetan bowl sound healing.

As evening falls, settle in for world-class performances in the theater with your favorite cocktail in hand. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by your butler. Your Scenic Discovery Yacht will arrive in Akureyri later this evening and stay overnight.

Akureyri is the charming capital of the north, a small city nestled along the scenic shores of Eyjafjord. Regularly overshadowed by Iceland’s famous capital Reykjavik, Akureyri is a more laidback and intimate experience. The city is easily explored on foot – enjoy the day walking around its vibrant streets lined with colorful houses, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. Take a wander through the botanical gardens or embark on a whale-watching tour. Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views from above. This exclusive exploration offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Welcome to Vigur Island, a private island oasis off Iceland's coast and just below the Arctic Circle. The island has a history dating to the 11th-century and is a time capsule of Icelandic heritage, boasting charming buildings and traditional farming for eiderdown. Vigur Island is also designated as an internationally important seabird habitat, where you may seem some of the 7,000 breeding eider ducks, 100,000 puffins, nesting Arctic terns and Europe’s largest colony of black guillemot. There’s also a seal colony and passing whales, making this a remote wildlife sanctuary.

Join a guided walk on Vígur Island, home to rich birdlife, historic buildings and Europe’s smallest post office. Learn how locals live off farming, eiderdown and tourism while protecting nesting birds.

Weather permitting, visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 meters, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Marvel at nature's grandeur and wildlife spectacle as you cruise through this remote corner of Iceland.

Your journey concludes in the vibrant city of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city in a country of extremes. It’s the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a scenic volcanic landscape where geysers, waterfalls and glaciers are found. The city is the country’s creative heart, filled with colorful buildings, a buzzing night scene and brimming with museums.

Enjoy one last leisurely breakfast on board, reflecting on the cherished memories created during this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 01:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further information.