The Ice's Edge: Arctic Svalbard & Iceland

Much farther north than Alaska, Svalbard lies between Norway and the North Pole and offers the thrill of seeing magnificent ice bears in the wild. You’ll explore one of the wildest, most pristine and dramatic places on earth. Everything you do here—hike, kayak or Zodiac—feels fresh and adventurous. Jan Mayen Island, known for its active volcano, is a stepping stone to our next destination: Iceland. Geothermal phenomena are the star attractions here—glaciers and hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes, icecaps, tundra and vast lava fields. You’ll see an abundance of wildlife, both above and below the sea—via kayaks, our ROV and underwater cameras, and state-of-the-art presentation system, we’ll give you a perspective that would otherwise be very difficult to achieve. And superimposed on this wilderness is a rich 1100-year history and tales of Viking conquests.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Overnight flight to Oslo, Norway

DAY 2 — Oslo
Arrive in Oslo, Norway’s capital city, and check in to the Bristol Hotel. Highlights include a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in parklands and a visit to the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of arctic exploration. This evening try one of the nearby harbor restaurants or turn in early. (B)

DAY 3 — Oslo/Longyearbyen/Embark
Depart Oslo on our private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-7 — Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Our focus during our days here is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we discover new landing sites to explore. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — At Sea
A relaxing day at sea gives us time to hear talks from our staff in preparation for the exciting days ahead in Iceland

DAY 9 — Jan Mayen Island
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island of Norwegian dominion, located in the North Atlantic. We’ll board the Zodiacs for views of the island dominated by the active volcano, Beerenberg, which had its last eruption in 1985. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Explore Northeastern Iceland
With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged east coast via Zodiac cruises, kayaks and hikes. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Husavik and Lake Myvatn
Watch for whales on our approach to Husavik, famous for its whale museum. Drive to striking Myvatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarond—so hot they actually bubble. Head through the Krafla geothermal area to the explosion crater at Viti. We meet our ship in Akureyri, ending with an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Explore the North Coast of Iceland
Our morning is in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city—with a population of only 15,000. Opt to explore the old town or go riding on a sturdy Icelandic horse. We take Zodiacs ashore t the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 — Hornstrandir, the Western Fjords
Located in the Westfjord region, Hornstrandir is one of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Iceland. Rugged cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds, and inviting valleys and beaches will offer opportunities for Zodiac cruises, kayaking and hiking ashore. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 — Flatey Island & the West Coast
This morning we sail past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. This is the westernmost point of Iceland. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 — Reykjavik/Disembark/Home
Disembark in Reykjavik, capital of Iceland. Explore the old town, including the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church with its 210-foot tower. Then visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, whose steamy waters are part of an other-worldly lava formation.. Whether you choose to enjoy the surreal bath and spa facilities or just stroll around the fascinating environs, the Blue Lagoon is an essential part of any visit to Iceland. After lunch, proceed to the airport for flights home. (B,L)

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.