Arctic Complete – Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland by Aurora

This spectacular voyage combines Aurora’s Svalbard Odyssey and Jewels of the Arctic voyages. You’ll explore the Arctic’s stunning coastlines, sailing past calving glaciers, towering bird cliffs and pack ice. Spot the region’s incredible wildlife including walruses, reindeer and polar bears.

The voyage sails from Kirkenes in the Norwegian Arctic, to Svalbard along the coast of Greenland to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. On the way you will explore Scoresby Sund the World’s largest fjord system, as well as North East Greenland the largest National Park in the world. You will aim for 80° North on the lookout for Polar bears and cruise in a Zodiac beneath swarming bird nesting cliffs.

Highlights

• Visit the Arctic’s main destinations including Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland gaining a deep insight into the remarkable region’s landscape, culture and history, whilst partaking in adventurous including kayaking and hiking in the serene wilderness.
• Explore Greenland, the Patagonia of the Arctic. Home to incredible icescapes, vast walls of granite, fjords and glaciers. Trek overland through the incredible scenery and learn about the indigenous Inuit culture.
• Zodiac cruise through the sea ice, keeping an eye out for polar bears in Svalbard ‘the polar bear capital of the world’
• Encounter the Arctic’s incredible wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen, puffins and beluga.

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Embark Kirkenes
Days 2 & 3: At Sea
Days 4 - 12: Svalbard Archipelago
Day 13: Longyearbyen
Days 14 - 16: Greenland Sea
Day 17 - 23: Greenland
Day 24: Denmark Strait
Day 25: Reykjavik, Iceland

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here

Departures and Prices

Day 1 – Embark Kirkenes

You’ll arrive in Kirkenes, in Norway enjoying an included excursion before boarding the Greg Mortimer in the late afternoon. Settle down in your cabin before the briefings; the ship will depart in the late evening.

Day 2 to 3 – At Sea

Over the next couple of days, you will enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from the expedition team, including naturalists and historian before reaching Svalbard’s southeast coast.

Day 4 to 12 –Svalbard Archipelago

You will cruise along the west coast of Spitsbergen on the lookout for Polar Bears. You will board zodiac boats as you enjoy magnificent views of sweeping glaciers. If conditions allow you will sail to the edge of the icepack on the lookout for walrus. You will hear the cacophony of sea birds flying overhead

Day 13 – Longyearbyen

You will have a day to explore Longyearbyen the gateway to Svalbard; this is the midway point in your village and a great chance to stretch your legs.

Day 14 to 16 – Greenland Sea

You will spend the next few days crossing the Greenlandic Sea on your way to the planet’s largest island. There will be ample opportunity to enjoy the ship’s facilities and search for pack ice and polar bears. The expedition team will host talks and briefings, which will help you expand your understanding of the region.

Day 17 to 23 – Greenland

Greenland presents plenty of opportunity for exploration, subject to the conditions you will get to visit some of its famous fjords which include Kaiser Franz Joseph, Kong Oscar Fjord and Scoresbysund. At the mouth of the planet’s largest fjord is the Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit while there you will have a chance to keep an eye out for musk ox, arctic hare and seals. If you are very lucky, you may even get to see polar bears and narwals.

Day 24 – Denmark Strait

Your adventure will continue across the Denmark Strait on your way to Iceland. There will be ample time to reflect on the incredible sights you have seen over the last 3-weeks.

Day 25 – Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembark the Greg Mortimer in the town of Akureyri and enjoy a scenic drive to the airport in Reykjavik.

Please note there is a shorter itinerary that ends on Day 23 in Longyearbyen. Please speak to one of our Polar Specialists for details.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here