Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to ourgroup hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area where you canleave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabintags and speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute itemsfrom a local pharmacy or supermarket.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Today we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along ourroute include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the newnation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our nextstop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popularphotographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. Thevariety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting fromthe ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik toboard the Sylvia Earle.After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw thelines’ to begin our adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Over the next two days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping viewsof dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine NorthAtlantic vegetation.Immerse yourself in the tranquillity as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping awatchful eye for whales. Later, we'll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandiwaterfall.

Iceland is well-known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord. Its name Dynjandi means, “the thundering one” and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes ofvarying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island's unique ecosystem is a haven for birdlife,making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and otherseabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes,and fresh sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience. The region also features attractive towns such asÍsafjörður, surrounded by sheer mountains and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture.Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.

Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-metre (7,470 foot) Beerenberg volcano is thenorthernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great placeto look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather isfavourable, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one ofthe landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the island.

Described as one of the most remote islands in the world, Jan Mayen liesbetween Norway to the east and Greenland to the west. It is a rugged volcanicisland 34 miles long and is made up of two parts – the larger section to thenorth (Beerenbeg Volcano) and the longer but narrower section to the south. Amile-wide isthmus links these two parts. Geologically, the island was formed bya ‘hotspot’ where molten magma pushes up through the earth’s crust to createvolcanoes in the middle of nowhere. Politically, Jan Mayen is an integral partof Norway. The eighteen people living on the island work for either the NorwegianArmed Forces or the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Their main purpose isto operate the Loran-C radio navigation system. From 1615 to 1638, the Dutchran a whaling station here. Today, the island is a nature reserve underNorwegian jurisdiction aimed at preserving the pristine Arctic island and themarine life, including the ocean floor.

The Norwegian Sea surrounding Jan Mayen offers excellent whale-watching opportunities (bottlenose, fin, andperhaps bowhead whales in the pack ice). Sail towards Svalbard, retracing the route of Dutch explorer WillemBarents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named after him.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

The Norwegian Sea surrounding Jan Mayen offers excellent whale-watching opportunities (bottlenose, fin, andperhaps bowhead whales in the pack ice). Sail towards Svalbard, retracing the route of Dutch explorer WillemBarents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named after him.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys tothis area, will use their expertise to design our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on theprevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife encounters.Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales ofearly exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch our legs on walks across tundracoming out in brightly-coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, andscree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polarbear on pack ice.If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you’ll have the option to enjoy the activity when conditionsallow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you’ll hearthe announcement to prepare for an exhilarating plunge, a memory you’ll savour for years to come.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions to travel through the northern stretches of Svalbard to points visited by famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow waterways and striking mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. The ship may visit the historic settings of Ny Alesund, Ny London or Amsterdamoya. And of course, we hope to see distinctly Arctic wildlife from walrus hauled out in noisy groups on remote shorelines, to reindeer grazing alpine slopes, and from ptarmigan in their camouflaged hiding places, to mighty polar bears striding the shores in search of their next meal.

Bear Island, Svalbard’s southernmost outpost, is a remote gem nestled halfway between Spitsbergen and Norway’sNorth Cape. Despite its name, polar bears haven’t been spotted here since 2004, but the island’s history is deeplyintertwined with the Arctic’s most iconic predator, thanks to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz’s encounter in 1596.Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island boasts a unique landscape.Its northern plains, dotted with freshwater lakes, contrast sharply with the dramatic cliffs that characterise thesouthern coast. This pristine environment, designated a Nature Reserve, is a haven for wildlife.The island's southern cliffs are a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting vast colonies of seabirds, including the dominantBlack-legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Common Guillemot, and Brünnich’s Guillemot. Zodiac cruises offer an exhilaratingopportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to spot rarer species likeAtlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Glaucous Gulls, and Great Skuas.

Almost half way between Tromsø and Svalbard is isolated Bear Island – considered the southernmost island of the Svalbard Archipelago. The unglaciated island is an impressive Nature Reserve of steep, high cliffs that are frequented by seabirds, specifically at the southern tip. Brünnich’s Guillemots, Common Guillemots, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, Little Auks, Northern Fulmars, Glaucous Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and even Atlantic Puffins and Northern Gannets nest along the cliffs south of Sørhamna. Because of the large numbers of birds and the isolated location, Bear Island has been recognized as an Important Bird Area. It was once a hotspot for whaling and walrus hunting, and at one stage even mining. Bear Island received its name because of a polar bear encountered by early explorer Willem Barentsz. Today polar bears rarely visit the island and its only settlement is a meteorological station manned all-year round on the north side.

Over the next few days, we explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline. Starting inNorth Cape, in the very north of the country, we make our way south, stopping in the Lofoten Islands.The spectacular northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is most commonly seen in the sky above the ArcticCircle, between autumn and early spring. As we are near North Cape in northern Norway, keep a close watch in hopeof witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky. The North Cape is located at a latitude of 71° 10´ 21 and isEurope’s northernmost point.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1: Behind the scenes of the seafood industry (3 hours)Duration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: EasyDuring this tasteful and educational tour, you will learn all there is to know about the leading industry in Finnmarkand more specifically, in North Cape municipality. Visit a local fish factory and observe their daily operations beforetasting the local delicacies at one of the most scenic locations on the island.As one of the largest factories in the municipality and exporter of king crab, your host does much more than simplyprocessing fish. Your guide will show you around the factory and tell you about the production of stockfish, klipfish,fresh fish, king crab and less know products such as roe, liver, fish heads and much more.Undoubtedly, a tour like this requires a seafood tasting! After your visit to the factory in Nordvåg you will be taken toa lavvo restaurant in Sarnes. As one of the most scenic areas on the island, this is the perfect location for a guidedseafood tasting. You will have the opportunity to savour various delicacies and taste the national spirit ofScandinavia while your guide explains you exactly what is on your plate.Note: Make sure to wear sturdy (waterproof) footwear.Option 2: Trek to Kirkeporten (2.5 hours)Duration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: Moderate-StrenuousJust a short hike away from the village of Skarsvåg, Kirkeporten boasts one of the most spectacular views on theisland of Magerøya with the North Cape Horn peeking through a gated cliff.After a short drive to the village of Skarsvåg make your way up the hill, and if weather permits you will have aspectacular view to the North Cape Horn. This monolith pokes out of the side of the North Cape plateau and makes itvery easy to orientate oneself. Continuing down into Mefjorden, the arch-shaped cliff will slowly reveal itself.Kirkeporten is the name of a geological wonder, a fissure several meters wide in an overhanging cliff shaped as agate. Both Kirkeporten and the North Cape cliff were places of sacrifice for the indigenous Sami population.Note: It is recommended to dress in layered clothing and wear proper hiking boots/shoes. The hike is approximately3 km (1.9 mi) on dirt and gravel path with boulders, uneven terrain and some consistent, but gradual slopes.Visibility of sights may be affected in adverse weather conditions.Option 3: A Panoramic Journey to the North Cape (3 hours)Duration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: EasyTake in magnificent vistas along Europe’s far northern shores and enjoy an independent visit at the splendid NorthCape.This scenic drive takes you to one of Europe’s most stunning natural sights. Located on the reaches of MagerøyaIsland where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise more than 305 metres (1,000 feet)from the sea waters and are topped by a large, flat plateau.Upon arrival at the North Cape Hall, you will have time to take in its spectacular vista of barren tundra. The NorthCape Hall has shopping facilities, post office and a chapel, a bar, restaurants and a cinema with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will be an audio-visual presentation of Magerøya and the North Cape, showing the magnitude of theareas breathtaking scenery during the four seasons. Adjacent to the cinema there is a Hall of Fame, with models ofimportant events that have taken place at the North Cape Plateau, and Cave of Lights with a terrace offering a niceview of the ocean further north. There will be ample time for photo opportunities, shopping, writing and postingcards, or simply finding yourself the perfect overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views.Note: It is recommended to dress in layered clothing and wear comfortable walking shoes. Walking at North CapeHall is optional and involves uneven terrain to some of the sites.

Tucked above the Arctic Circle at latitude 69 ⁰N, Tromsø is the main gateway to experiencing the northern lights inNorway. Today we embark on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky at the TromsøScience Centre. Join an immersive experience that combines the magic of a northern lights followed by an engagingpresentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into the captivating phenomena of the aurora borealis.Settle into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium for a cinematic journey into the heart of the Arctic night.Join the award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through northern Norway, Finland andSweden in pursuit of his passion – filming the wildest and most spectacular light show the nature has to offer.Extreme Auroras is a stunning new full-dome visual, featuring the aurora in science, history and myths.After the movie, enjoy a live presentation by the in-house astronomer, introducing them, a presentation of the fewNorse constellations that are still known, and the Hunting Party story from the Sami mythology. This talk looks at thesky from a northern angle and will add new knowledge to old.At the end you will have time to explore the Science Centre’s interactive displays and exhibits. Engage with hands-onactivities that further enhance your understanding of the natural forces at play, making this experience bothentertaining and educational.

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travellers before a transfer to the airport tocontinue your journey.

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.