Arctic Island Trilogy by Hapag Lloyd

Enjoy three treasures of the far north with this exciting 17-day expedition from Hapag Lloyd Cruises - Arctic Island Trilogy, onboard the HANSEATIC Inspiration. Sail from Longyearbyen, in the heart of Spitsbergen, where exhilarating moments await. The polar bear reigns here as the king of the Arctic and with a little luck, you'll be able to spot these creatures from the deck at a respectful distance. Explore Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and experience the power of nature which is truly at home here.

Sail onto Greenland, with its breathtaking natural backdrops. Discover the remote east and the incredible west coast of the world's largest island, your arctic adventure on the HANSEATIC Inspiration will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Highlights

• Three treasures of the north: Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland combined
• Pure pioneering spirit: experience great natural spectacles from a unique perspective in Zodiacs
• Enjoy wildlife watching in the kingdom of polar bears and whales
• Polar discoveries of the past and present: the courage and actions of former explorers and modern scientists
• Onboard experts sharing knowledge and commentary on the sailing route

Quick itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen
Days 2 - 5: Spitsbergen
Days 6 - 8: At sea
Day 9: Reykjavik
Day 10: At sea
Day 11: Eastern coast of Greenland
Day 12: At sea (Prince Christian Sound)
Days 13 - 16: Western coast of Greenland
Day 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

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

Departures and Prices

Day 1 -  Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Arrive in Longyearbyen, your ship, the HANSEATIC Inspiration will depart at 7pm.

Days 2 - 5 - Spitsbergen

Exhilarating expedition moments await you in the home of Arctic foxes and whales. The polar bear reigns here as the king of the Arctic and, with a little luck, you’ll be able to spot these creatures from the deck at a respectful distance. Watch sparkling ice formations as they drift past the ship, and not only on the mighty Liefdefjord. A reverent silence will accompany your visit to the Magdalenefjord with its historic whalers’ graves framed by an awesome backdrop. Marvel at the tongue of ice against dark mountains as you reach the 14th July Glacier – another of the destinations on this explorer route determined by the ice conditions. In the small town of Ny-Alesund, you can feel the history of past adventures in the air. The Alkhornet rises 617 m (2,024 ft) above the entrance to the Isfjord on its northern side and marks the entrance to the bay of Trygghamna. High up on the steep cliffs, kittiwakes and thick-billed murres breed in their thousands. Overwhelming wildlife encounters might also await you on the small island of Prins Karls Forland, where imposing walruses often gather in herds.

Days 6 - 8 - At sea

Enjoy your ship's many amenities, passing Jan Mayen Island as your ship charts its course for Iceland

Day 9 - Reykjavik

Leaving Reykjavik, experience the power of nature with some active exploration. The adventure on the Langjokull is a fascinating insight into Iceland’s second-largest ice cap and the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. Take an optional flight over the island of fire and ice with glaciers and volcanoes at your feet or explore the surreal lava fields and hilly green landscape while riding Icelandic horses (optional excursion)

Day 10 - At sea

Enjoy your time at sea onboard HANSEATIC Inspiration as you head towards Greenland

Day 11 - Eastern coast of Greenland

You have never seen the world like this: it’s as if the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC inspiration were made especially for the breathtaking natural backdrops of Greenland. As you follow the call of the Arctic, you’ll start by heading to the remote east. Endemic vegetation and magnificent panoramic scenery welcome you to the shores of Skjoldungen Sound as you gaze out from the Zodiac. The onboard experts will draw your attention away from the scenery of impressive mountain ranges to point out special features in the blossoming tundra.

Day 12 - At sea

Relax and enjoy the spectacular sights of picturesque Greenland

Days 13 - 16 - Western coast of Greenland

With its colourful buildings from Danish colonial times and its characteristic red-and-green church, the settlement of Paamiut is also famous among zoologists: the waters remain free of ice even in the winter, and with a little luck you will see one of the largest local populations of humpback and fin whales. In the 18th century, Dutch whalers were surprised to discover the alpine mountain peaks of Maniitsoq, which is why they named it “Sukkertoppen”, or “Sugarloaf”. The town’s 193 m (633 ft) high mountain offers expansive views of the fjords and the breathtaking landscape. Back in the polar expanse, one of your Zodiac rides will present what is perhaps Greenland’s greatest natural spectacle in icy Disko Bay. The remarkable old town of Sisimiut provides a variety of insights. A “museum village” with Inuit culture and whaling history from the 17th century, which a hike on Tele Island also traces. Your Arctic adventure on the HANSEATIC inspiration will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Day 17 - Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Today you will disembark in Greenland for your onward travels home

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