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Arctic fox during spring in Svalbard

The Arctic Explorer: Iceland to Svalbard Cruise

Reykjavík to Longyearbyen - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Embark on a 13-day Arctic cruise aboard SH Vega, the route starts in Reykjavík and traces Iceland's coast from the tiered Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords to Hrisey, where Arctic terns and puffins nest, and Husavík on Skjalfandi Bay, one of the country's top whale-watching towns. Two sea days bring lectures and time on deck before four days in Svalbard, where glaciers, fjords, and lingering sea ice give you the chance to see polar bears, walrus, and Svalbard reindeer. This itinerary is a well-paced Arctic expedition cruise for travelers who want Iceland and Svalbard in one trip
Hallgrimskirkja Church in ReykjavikHistoric town of Husavik on the North CoastVisit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far northA polar bear climbs glacial ice in the ArcticColorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardArctic fox during spring in Svalbard
Highlights
  • Watch for whales, including endangered blue whales, off Husavík
  • Visit remote Jan Mayen, an island dominated by the Beerenberg volcano
  • Search Svalbard's fjords and sea ice for polar bears and walrus
  • Spot puffins, Arctic terns, and eider ducks on Hrísey Island
  • Admire the tiered cascades of Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords
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: Reykjavik | Hotel Stay

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

*Specific hotel and location to be announced.

Day 2: Reykjavik | Embark

Explore Reykjavík, Iceland’s compact capital, and discover its main cultural and historic landmarks. Ride the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for city views, then visit Harpa Concert Hall beside the revitalized harbor. Explore the Maritime Museum and National Museum to learn about Iceland’s maritime heritage and history. Visit the Reykjavík Art Museum to see contemporary works, including pieces by Erro. Outside the city, travel to Thingvellir National Park, the historic site of Iceland’s Viking parliament.

Day 3: Dynjandi Waterfall

Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades.

Day 4: Hrisey Island

Known as the “Pearl of Eyjafjörður,” Hrísey is one of Iceland’s most enchanting islands. Located in the heart of the fjord, this peaceful haven is a true paradise for bird lovers. Home to vast colonies of Arctic terns, puffins, and eider ducks, the island offers an unforgettable close encounter with Iceland’s rich avian life.

Day 5: Husavik

Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focus on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.

Day 6: Day 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 gives you the opportunity 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 perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 7: 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 8: Day 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 gives you the opportunity 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 perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 9-12: 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 foxes.

Day 13: 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. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega

SH Vega

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Reykjavik - Hotels

Centerhotel Thingholt

Centerhotel Thingholt

Centerhotel Thingholt is a luxury boutique hotel located next to Reykjavik’s main shopping street right in the heart of Reykjavík city center.
Centerhotel Skjaldbreid

Centerhotel Skjaldbreid

Located in a convenient and central spot on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Centerhotel Skjaldbreid presents the ideal backdrop for your trip whether it is for business or leisure.
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Fosshotel Reykjavik

This 4 star hotel in Reykjavik is the largest in Iceland and located close to downtown and the City Center. A short walk away you find Reykjavik's main shopping area, business district, and stunning architecture. Sixteen floors offer impressive views over the city. Relax in the beer garden or Haust restaurant after your Iceland touring.
View of Reykjavik from the Church Tower

More Reykjavik Hotels

Reykjavik tours explore Hallgrímskirkja’s tower views, Harpa’s glass halls, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the old harbor lined with seafood stalls and whale-watch docks, giving travelers a tight look at the city’s main spots.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$12,000 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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
  • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 12 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
  • 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)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
  • Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)
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
  • Spa Treatments
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

Map

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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
TrustScore 4.9 | 1069 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
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Madge Davenport
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7 months ago
We are now booking our 3rd trip through Adventure Life, and Mary Curry is so helpful! We have ALWAYS had a thorough and wonderful experience!!! Every detail is taken care of ... from our first phone call to begin the planning until we arrive back home. Adventure Life has amazing connections all over the world, and never hesitates to contact them on our behalf to get every trip, tour, and question answered for us. We love how Adventure Life helps us to customize our trips so we don't miss out on the things we really want to see and do ... and they always have some great suggestions on things we didn't even know about! We love Adventure Life, and will NEVER even consider using a different travel company.
Lauren Poe
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7 months ago
Prompt response to our inquiry. Very knowledgeable trip planner with a true enthusiasm for adventure travel. Such a pleasure to work with!
Bonnie and Mark
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10 months ago
I am always happy booking with your company,your staff work very hard to provide me with all my travel requests and time frame. I give your company a 10
customer. Martin Cohen
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11 months ago
Uncommon trip to the Arctic North and variety of activities and levels of participation for all travelers. Learning about the land, culture, people, historical sites and lectures as well as fun from the multi-talented experts and team members.
Kathy Hoerlein

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