Svalbard & Greenland Explorer

Arrive in Oslo at any time and check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.

Wake up early this morning to catch your charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen; transportation from your hotel to the airport is provided.

Longyearbyen is located in a picturesque valley by the shores of Adventfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers. The village has only about 25 miles of roads and is divided into several neighborhoods, including the town center and Nybyen (New Town). Nybyen consists of charming miners' barracks built after the war, guest houses, a restaurant, a gallery, and beautiful views of the landmark Hiorthfjellet. Don't miss the chance to visit the Svalbard Museum, which provides a break from the numerous activities such as summer dogsledding or cruises to the abandoned Russian city of Pyramiden.

Even in one of the most isolated regions of the Arctic, there is still the captivating history of a pioneering past. Your expedition leaders, Captain, and the onboard pilot will determine possible landings each day for all-out explorations. Wildlife abounds throughout the archipelago of Svalbard, including puffins, reindeer, Arctic terns, and foxes. An expert photographer will help you look out for the perfect photo opportunity of these animals, but especially for the elusive polar bear. As Zodiac cruises may bring you closer to glaciers, keep your eyes on the water for whale fins.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with spontaneous exploration as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Ny-Alesund is the northernmost settlement on Svalbard. Here, you can find an international scientific research station. Near the village is a breeding ground for rare geese and arctic terns. Not far from here, you may cruise toward the Ossian Sars Nature Reserve, a place to preserve surrounding vegetation that is a sight to behold.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

Making possible landings amid Greenland National Park, the largest in the world, you may find yourself within one of the country’s largest fjord systems. Plentiful with wildlife from belugas and narwhals to seals, walruses, caribou, musk oxen, and even possible polar bear sightings, it’s a wonderland of nature. Due to its size and limited accessibility, Greenland National Park’s only residents are personnel from meteorological stations and the Danish Armed Forces.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with spontaneous exploration as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

"Ittoqqortoormiit" means "Big-House Dwellers" in the Eastern Greenlandic dialect. Very few visitors make the trek here, as the winters are long, and the sea is frozen for nine months of the year. Ittoqqortoormiit is located at Scoresby Sound and, with its side fjord, is the world's largest fjord complex and the world's longest fjord. Within its borders is the tallest mountain in the Arctic region, the two-mile-tall Gunnbjorn Mountain. During early spring, when the sea ice is still thick, yet the sun is high in the sky, many local people go on dog sledding trips for a weekend.

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure is yours on the world's largest island, Greenland. At the top of the world, it's renowned for its vast tundra, immense glaciers, and deep fjords. From an aerial view, the systems link together like the roots of a massive tree, and stretching coastlines are dotted with small islands. Landscapes include enormous icebergs and glaciers. Depending on the time of year, you may see polar bears hunt on the ice.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with spontaneous exploration as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

Amid the wondrous features of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies the small town of Grundarfjörður, home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Its shining star of a landmark, Kirkjufell, translating to "Church Mountain," beckons explorers to come and discover the beauty of Iceland. Together with the mountain, a three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss creates an exquisite scene straight out of fantasy. Taking a walk through the center of town, you will come across an orca on land. It’s a sculpture created by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson and it was modeled after Thunderstorm the orca, a male whale who often greets visitors during whale-watching tours.

Bid farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers as you disembark in Reykjavik today.