Arctic Discovery: Svalbard and Iceland

Day 1 - Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard and the seat of the Norwegian administration. It boasts the finest services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Situated deep in Adventfjord, a branch of Isfjorden, Longyearbyen's airport is operational year-round, although the harbour becomes inaccessible due to ice in the winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants, and a hospital can be found within an easy walk of the port. The UNIS centre is one of the town’s most prominent buildings, delivering the northernmost higher education in collaboration with multiple Norwegian universities. Adjacent to UNIS, the Svalbard Museum is worth a visit, offering insights into Svalbard's natural history and industrial past. Remnants of old mining activities are visible throughout Longyearbyen, even within the town itself.

Day 2 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Our flexible itinerary allows us to navigate the northern stretches of Svalbard, seizing favourable ice and weather conditions. We explore areas once visited by renowned polar explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Possible destinations include Krossfjord and Raudfjord, with their dramatic landscapes, or historical sites such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. The region is a haven for distinctly Arctic wildlife, from walruses lounging noisily on remote beaches to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from camouflaged ptarmigans to majestic polar bears along the shoreline.

Day 3 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Continuing with our adaptable itinerary, we journey through the northern reaches of Svalbard, offering us the chance to emulate the journeys of historic polar explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. The stunning waterways and dramatic mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord are potential highlights, along with historic sites such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. We anticipate encountering iconic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, reindeer, ptarmigans, and polar bears, in their natural habitats.

Day 4 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: We continue our journey through the northern stretches of the Svalbard Archipelago, as our itinerary remains flexible to the ice and weather conditions. This remarkable region, once traversed by explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile, presents opportunities to explore the narrow straits and impressive mountains in Krossfjord and Raudfjord. Visits to historic sites such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya are distinct possibilities. The Arctic wildlife encounters, from the raucous gatherings of walrus to the stealthy polar bears, add an exhilarating aspect to our exploration.

Day 7 - Jan Mayen Island

Jan Mayen Island, Norway: Often regarded as one of the world’s most remote islands, Jan Mayen lies isolated between Norway and Greenland. This rugged, volcanic island stretches 34 miles and is composed of two parts—the larger northern section crowned by Beerenberg Volcano and a smaller southern section joined by a mile-wide isthmus. Formed by volcanic activity due to a geologic ‘hotspot,’ Jan Mayen remains a vital part of Norway, with its population primarily consisting of employees of the Norwegian Armed Forces or the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Historically, the island housed a Dutch whaling station between 1615 and 1638. Today, Jan Mayen is a nature reserve dedicated to preserving its pristine Arctic environment and the surrounding marine life.

Day 8 - Ocean Adventure

Open Ocean: Sailing through the serene yet wild open waters, this day is dedicated to the unspoilt beauty of the Arctic Ocean. Adventurers should keep their eyes peeled for marine life, such as whales and seabirds, and take time to indulge in the tranquility that the sea offers.

Day 9 - Ocean Adventure

Open Ocean: Another day travelling through the expansive and captivating open waters. It’s a chance to reflect on the wonderful landscapes and wildlife encountered so far, while also watching for marine life against the backdrop of endless horizons.

Day 10 - Ocean Adventure

Open Ocean: Continuing our passage across the majestic open seas, travellers can savour the unique experience of sailing through some of the Earth's wildest waters while enjoying the anticipation of the adventures to come.

Day 11 - Ittoqqortoormiit

Ittoqqortoormiit (ex Scoresbysund), Greenland: Scoresbysund, potentially the largest and deepest fjord system worldwide, lies ensconced on Greenland's eastern coast. This monumental fjord system demands days of exploration, navigating waters adorned with colossal icebergs that drift gently in the Arctic currents. In secluded bays and minor fjords, long-abandoned Inuit settlements slowly yield to nature, while the lush lower mountain slopes, with herbs and grasses, are habitats for muskoxen, Arctic foxes, lemmings, and various birdlife, including ptarmigans, Barnacle Geese, and Snowy Owls. Explorative tundra walks are rewarded with remarkable views of the landscape's flora and fauna, and vigilant eyes across the fjord waters may spot whales, seals, narwhals, beluga whales, or walruses.

Day 12 - Isafjørdur

Isafjørdur, Iceland: Flanked by two colossal rock terraces, the town of Isafjørdur perches on a spit jutting into the immense black fjord waters. The town, despite its size and remote location, offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous cafes and delectable restaurants ready to impress visitors. Isafjordur serves as a perfect base for exploring Iceland's stunning wilderness, with opportunities for skiing, hiking, and various water-sports.

Day 12 - Vigur Island

Vigur Island, Iceland: Vigur Island is a verdant oasis measuring little more than a mile in length and dotted within the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, east of Isafjordur. This charming island is inhabited by a lone farming family and features historical landmarks such as Iceland’s sole windmill, operational from 1840 to 1917, and a 200-year-old rowing boat still used to transport sheep. In summer, Vigur is a haven for birdlife, including Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Black Guillemots. Additionally, visitors can observe eider ducks nesting sites and learn about the traditional harvesting and cleaning process of the valuable eider down.

Day 13 - Dynjandi Waterfalls

Dynjandi Waterfalls, Iceland: Iceland is celebrated for its breathtaking waterfalls, none more so than the spectacular Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region. This iconic waterfall, nicknamed 'The Bridal Veil' for its appearance, plunges 330 feet with a width of about 100 feet at the crest, offering a visually and aurally overwhelming spectacle of power and beauty.

Day 14 - Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland: Reykjavík, the bustling capital of Iceland, serves as the country's political and cultural heartbeat, home to half of the nation's populace. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Esja with its ever-changing hues, the city appears vibrant with its concrete houses painted in vivid colours contrasting the muted natural surroundings. Despite the almost treeless landscape, Reykjavík is rich in flora with numerous native and imported tree species. The city's name, derived from the Icelandic for ‘smoke bay,’ reflects its geothermal heart—hot springs provide renewable heating, eliminating air pollution concerns. The Reykjavík City Card offers convenient access to public transport and numerous attractions, making exploring this distinct city both practical and rewarding.