Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Polar Quest

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki, Finland 

Your Arctic adventure kicks off in Helsinki, where you can arrive at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. After landing in this splendid capital city, known for its green spaces and museums, you’ll check in at your airport hotel. A night here is included in your transfer package. 

Day 2: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After a complimentary breakfast at your hotel, you and your fellow travellers will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, also included as part of your travel package. After arriving in  Spitsbergen’s biggest settlement, admire the gorgeous mountain scenery – it’s a taster of what’s to come on your voyage. 

Days 3 to 6: Spitsbergen, Norwegian Svalbard

Navigating Spitsbergen, the biggest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, offers ample wildlife and stark beauty. You'll pay visits to stunning glacier fronts and steep- walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your potential sightings.

Birders can look out for Arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole. 

Days 7 & 8: Greenland Sea 

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, the members of your knowledgeable expedition team will help you to identify seabirds as they follow in the ship’s wake. Take in a lecture, sort through your photos of Svalbard, sip a complimentary cocktail in the bar or catch a movie – there’s so much to keep you busy during your time at sea.

Days 9 to 12: East Greenland

During your exploration of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll take part in zodiac cruises and shore visits around several destinations. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements and look out for grazing musk oxen – 40 percent of the world’s population of this animal lives here. 

Finally, you'll cruise through Scoresbysund, where countless icebergs have been birthed, and which is often said to be the most beautiful fjord system on Earth. 

If conditions permit, you could also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, East Greenland's most remote community.

Days 13 & 14: Denmark Strait 

As you sail further south, the Denmark Strait is your route to Iceland. Your onboard expedition guides will inform and entertain you with lectures on the history of Arctic exploration and the seabirds you’ll see skimming through the currents created by the ship.

Day 15: Depart Reykjavik 

On your final day, you'll disembark in Akureyri and take an included transfer to your group charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. 

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only. Each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.