Arctic Islands: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland by Scenic

A 15-day itinerary to discover Longyearbyen and the north western tip of Svalbard before crossing the Greenland Sea and exploring the mesmerising sites of the Greenlandic coastline. You will have the opportunity to visit two of the World’s largest national parks as well as its largest fjord system. 
You will finally disembark in the charming Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, a wonderful place filled with quirky houses worth visiting before flying back home.

Highlights

• Have close encounters with Arctic wildlife from walruses to majestic polar bears
• Cross the Greenland Sea and head to the world’s largest national park in North East Greenland
• Cruise through the East Coast Fjords of Scoresby Sound – the world’s largest fjord system
• Discover the ever-changing scenery and icescapes of Greenland

Quick Itinerary

Day 1-2: UK – Oslo – Longyearbyen
Day 3-5: Svalbard Archipelago
Day 6-7: At Sea
Day 8: North East Greenland
Day 9-13: East Coast Fjords
Day 14: At Sea
Day 15: Reykjavik

If you would like help to find your perfect expedition cruise, simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively, call our Polar Specialists on 0203 196 1000 

Day 1-2: UK – Oslo – Longyearbyen

You will fly from the UK to the vibrant city of Oslo and stay overnight in a luxurious hotel. The next day, you will fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital. You will board the ship and attend the champagne reception in the evening where the captain will introduce you to your expedition team.

Day 3-5: Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard is home to fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery. It is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas where you will admire majestic glaciers and land on the frozen tundra. This is an expedition so your activities will be planned according to the weather and ice conditions. 
The ship is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and a submarine (additional cost), which will take you off the ship and into the pristine Arctic wilderness. The Expedition team will search for wildlife to make sure you don’t miss anything from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. They will provide you with presentations, documentaries and reading material that will prepare you for your time off ship and give you a greater understanding of this remote and isolated corner of the World.

Day 6-7: At Sea

The ship will set sail for the east coastline of Greenland where you will explore the edge of the vast Arctic ice pack. At sea, you can relax and enjoy many facilities such as the Spa Sanctuary and practice yoga classes in the studio. Be on the lookout for whales and sea ice.

Day 8: North East Greenland

As you approach the north-east of Greenland and see the shores of the largest island in the world, you will also discover the world’s largest national park, which covers 972,000 km2. The area is home to abundant birdlife including northern Fulmars and Brunnichs guillemots.
Explore the pristine coastline and observe the drifting ice. The ever-changing scenery reveals a variety of wildlife from snowy owls to musk oxen and majestic polar bears. You will enjoy excursions by Zodiac and, if conditions allow you can paddle the waterways in kayaks.

Day 9-13: East Coast Fjords

You will spend 5 days exploring the East Coast Fjords – the largest fjord system in the world. During your expedition, you will have the opportunity to observe majestic glaciers and get closer to active volcanoes. The region has impressive waterfalls, you will get close enough for you to feel the spray of the thundering cascades.
Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord is a remote and rarely visited fjord located in the North East Greenland National Park, you will see long tongue-shaped glaciers slithering between the rock and the eerie icescape in the fading light.
You will cruise to Kong Oskar Fjord and observe the geological beauty of the mountains, then navigate south along the coast of Liverpool Land and admire Scoresby Sound, the world’s mightiest fjord. The Captain and his team will take you to the remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit where you will meet the people and learn about their culture and traditions.
Hike across the tundra and explore ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Eskimos. Kayak into the interconnecting waterways and observe musk oxen and Arctic hares in the area.

Day 14: At Sea

You will cruise the Denmark Strait and head to Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. At sea, you will share your adventures with other travellers, join lectures from the expedition team and leave with a rich understanding of the pristine and fragile environment.

Day 15: Reykjavik

You will disembark in Reykjavik and bring with you fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.