Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife

Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to the group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. The Scottish city of Aberdeen, your gateway for this adventure, is known as the Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. You’ll understand as soon as you see the grey Victorian buildings—that sparkle in the sunlight. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore.

With close to 220,000 inhabitants, Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. Locally quarried grey granite was used during the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries for many of Aberdeen's buildings, and hence the nicknames it has earned as the Granite City, or the Grey City. Aberdeen granite was also used to build the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Bridge in London. Since the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Aberdeen has also been called the Oil Capital of Europe or the Energy Capital of Europe. It is no wonder that because of the oil fields in the North Sea, Aberdeen's seaport is very important. The Heliport with its flights to the oil fields is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world.

Today you will have free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. Upon boarding the ship, you will be welcomed by the expedition team and crew who will provide ship orientation and an introductory briefing of the voyage to come.

With close to 220,000 inhabitants, Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. Locally quarried grey granite was used during the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries for many of Aberdeen's buildings, and hence the nicknames it has earned as the Granite City, or the Grey City. Aberdeen granite was also used to build the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Bridge in London. Since the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Aberdeen has also been called the Oil Capital of Europe or the Energy Capital of Europe. It is no wonder that because of the oil fields in the North Sea, Aberdeen's seaport is very important. The Heliport with its flights to the oil fields is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world.

Situated just north of mainland Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago of islands steeped in history. Some of Europe’s most intact Neolithic ruins are found here, dating back 5,000 to 8,000 years. Chief among them is Skara Brae, a small community of ten stone homes, situated within earthen dams, that dates to 3180 BCE. Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, and is considered one of the most important Neolithic sites in all of Europe. Walking among these ancient homes and looking out toward the sea in the Bay of Skaill provides a sense of connection to humans who lived before the Egyptian pyramids were constructed. Papa Westray, a more remote island just north of Skara Brae—and more difficult to access—is also home to an ancient farmstead dating back to 3700 BCE. The surrounding farmlands are peaceful and quiet. The sounds of summer and migratory birds, combined with waves from the North Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shoreline below, seem to transcend time—offering a fleeting glimpse into what life may have looked and sounded like thousands of years ago. Home to more than 70 islands, 20 of Situated just north of mainland Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago of islands steeped in history. Some of Europe’s most intact Neolithic ruins are found which are inhabited, Orkney is a unique region with strong connections to the polar regions. Dr. John Rae, the famous Arctic explorer who helped map the Northwest Passage in the 1830s and 1840s, was Orcadian, and a monument to his achievements stands in the village of Stromness. Several Orcadian place names can be found in the Antarctic, including the South Orkney Islands and the Stromness whaling station in South Georgia. The region is a network of pastoral green islands framed by rugged coastlines and occasional white sandy beaches. These islands—with cliffs ideal for nesting seabirds—are perfectly situated for both seasonal bird colonies and migratory species en route to the Arctic. Birders will find Orkney an excellent place to spot species like Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, Arctic terns, Arctic skuas, and many others. Guests can explore off-ship—as conditions allow—by joining Zodiac, kayak, and paddling excursions, as well as guided and self-guided walks.

Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through the Shetland and Orkney Islands. The Shetland Islands are comprised of 16 individual islands and offer the chance to delve into their Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as their farming cultural on the edge of the ocean.The Orkney Islands offer their own highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. Explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.

Further north, Shetland is another archipelago with a truly unique culture and feel. A fusion of Norse and Scottish history and culture—and a visceral connection to the wind, weather, and sea—Shetland feels like no other place in the UK. Here, we intend to explore the bird colonies of Sumburgh Head, 100-meter (328 feet) cliffs that descend into the rich marine environment below, framed by jagged rocky outcroppings that pierce through the sea. Common species spotted here include Atlantic puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. Additional marine wildlife in the vicinity includes white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and occasionally orca and humpback whales. The cliffs themselves are impressive in their rugged beauty, marked by a picturesque lighthouse that serves as an important beacon for mariners transiting the area. Not far from Sumburgh Head, and deeper into the West Voe of Sumburgh, is the world-famous Jarlshof—an archaeological site considered to be among Europe’s most important. Situated among soft green pastoral farmland, and just above a beautiful sandy Scottish beach, the area showcases thousands of years of human history, with Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Viking sites all immediately visible and within close proximity to one another. Roundhouses from the Iron Age, circa 400–800 BCE, are well-excavated, as are longhouses and stone walls from the Viking Age. Additionally, the Old House of Sumburgh—dating to the 15th century, when Shetland passed from Norse to Scottish control—stands among ruins that are thousands of years older. Jarlshof is a true tapestry of history, with many layers and eras woven together. There are plenty of opportunities to be active on this journey. We’ll take to the Zodiacs to explore the coastal shorelines for cruising as well as shore landings. If weather permits, we’ll deploy our sea kayak and paddle programs. And whenever you’re back on the ship, head to the outer decks—especially as we approach our excursion sites—for birds and marine mammals.

Lerwick is Shetland's only official town with a little more than 7,000 inhabitants. Spend the morning delving into your choice of interests, from the ruins of Jarlshof, the Lighthouse and bird cliffs of Sumburgh Head, or by heading to the quieter western villages to hike, birdwatch and meet local fisherman. After dinner, the ship will attempt a landing at Foula, part of the Shetland Archipelago. Conditions permitting, enjoy an evening exploration on this remote island.

The last day in Shetland is spent anchored in a secluded fjord, just below the Hermness Nature Reserve. For nature lovers, there is no limit to the number of discoveries waiting along its paths, notably its extensive moorland and dramatic bird cliffs. For those looking to understand the cultural heritage of Shetland and the island of Unst, visit their cultural center and Viking project with reconstructed longhouse.

Situated more than 400 kilometers north of mainland Norway, where the Greenland, Norwegian, and Barents sea converge, Bear Island is the gateway to Svalbard—and home to prolific bird populations. Visiting is a special privilege, as the island is rarely accessed due to its isolation. But it’s well worth the effort. More than 1.5 million birds flock to Bear Island each year. Hundreds of thousands nest on its near-vertical cliffs, where they can forage in the rich marine environment. If wind and waves allow, it’s possible we’ll offer a Zodiac cruise here along cliffs teeming with birds, with a constant procession coming and going from their nest sites. Little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, common guillemots, kittiwakes, and northern fulmars are found in prolific numbers, alongside smaller colonies of Atlantic puffins. Many more migratory birds use the island as a critical stopover on their annual journey to the Arctic. On a map, Bear Island appears small. But by Zodiac, its cliff walls—some rising more than 400 meters (1,310 feet) from the sea—feel colossal. Shorelines are fully exposed to the open ocean, with waves crashing in an astounding display of nature’s power. A few sheltered coves— used by whalers, sealers, explorers, and researchers from the 16th to 21st centuries—may offer us a chance to explore this wild outpost at the gates of Svalbard. In early May, we may see hints of green emerging from an otherwise snowy landscape. Arctic foxes may be spotted on shore, eagerly awaiting the return of birds and their eggs. If conditions allow, we’ll make landfall, walking where few humans ever do. Remnants of whaling history from the early 17th century, along with more recent traces of meteorological and military activity, can be found here. Still, despite any human presence, the island retains a powerful sense of wilderness.

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.

Our introduction to Svalbard begins in Storfjorden, a wide fjord in southern Svalbard that is often dense with sea ice in May. How far we travel will depend on current ice conditions. Sea ice is dynamic, capable of shifting dozens of kilometers in a day, and we’ll adapt accordingly to f ind the best opportunities to explore this keystone feature of the Arctic. We may spend considerable time here, navigating by ship and Zodiac along the ice edge in search of iconic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus, both drawn to the life-giving sea ice. Wildlife movements are unpredictable, so keep your binoculars close—you never know when something may appear. Your Expedition Team will share insights into the region’s features and history as we explore. If conditions allow, we may even step onto the sea ice itself. Whether on foot or by Zodiac, encountering Your Expedition Team will share insights into the region’s features and history as we explore. If conditions allow, we may even step onto the sea ice itself. Whether on foot or by Zodiac, encountering

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.

Our introduction to Svalbard begins in Storfjorden, a wide fjord in southern Svalbard that is often dense with sea ice in May. How far we travel will depend on current ice conditions. Sea ice is dynamic, capable of shifting dozens of kilometers in a day, and we’ll adapt accordingly to f ind the best opportunities to explore this keystone feature of the Arctic. We may spend considerable time here, navigating by ship and Zodiac along the ice edge in search of iconic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus, both drawn to the life-giving sea ice. Wildlife movements are unpredictable, so keep your binoculars close—you never know when something may appear. Your Expedition Team will share insights into the region’s features and history as we explore. If conditions allow, we may even step onto the sea ice itself. Whether on foot or by Zodiac, encountering Your Expedition Team will share insights into the region’s features and history as we explore. If conditions allow, we may even step onto the sea ice itself. Whether on foot or by Zodiac, encountering

After excitedly exploring the open sea ice, we’ll continue toward Svalbard’s west coast for a closer, more intimate encounter with the wilderness of the archipelago. Our first day will be spent in and around Hornsund, a region of striking landscapes, mountains, glaciers and icebergs. Sea ice may still be present, and if so, we’ll watch for wildlife whose lives depend on it for food and survival. Our aim is to explore the fjord by Zodiac and on foot, though you should expect plenty of snow underfoot. Hornsund is home to several tidewater glaciers, which we hope to approach by Zodiac. Icebergs mix with brash and sea ice, creating a unique crackling soundscape that echoes the rhythm of the Arctic. Surrounding us, 800 to 1,400-meter (2,625 to 4,593 feet) peaks rise beneath Midnight Sun skies, the kind of scene many envision when dreaming of the High Arctic. Watch for Arctic fox, often seen in the area. Seabird colonies thrive here too, a reminder of the epic migrations these species undertake each spring to reach Svalbard—and again each fall as they return south.

Moving north up the coast, we enter another large fjord with many smaller branches, each worth exploring. Bellsund, much like Hornsund, features several tidewater glaciers, which we aim to visit as conditions allow. It’s also home to a remarkable little auk colony, which we’ll approach by Zodiac to observe the early summer activity. Birder or not, it’s hard not to admire these small, resilient birds, perfectly adapted to this seemingly harsh environment. By late spring, skies over the colony are thick with birds, and we hope to witness the start of this seasonal spectacle. Reindeer are often spotted here too, and we’ll be watching for them. The landscape is iconic—snowcapped peaks layered in all directions, jagged rocky outcrops, and soft, snow-covered plains. If conditions allow, we’ll go ashore, though even in May, snow is likely.

Bellsund is a 20km sound in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It is distinctly cut into two branches, the fjords Van Mijenfjorden and Van Keulenfjorden which together offer a stunning journey. You’ll be dwarfed by the high mountains which characterise the landscape along with rich wildlife that thrives in such diverse conditions.

Overnight, we’ll push far up the coast to Krossfjorden, just 660 nautical miles from the North Pole. We aim to explore as much of the west coast as possible, as this dramatic fjord lies along a stretch of coastline shaped by a relatively warm current flowing from south to north—creating a surprisingly temperate environment compared to the harsher conditions farther north and east. Depending on ice and weather conditions, we hope to venture deep into the fjord to iconic sites such as Lilliehookbreen—a stunning tidewater glacier where seals often haul out on floating ice. The landscapes here blend the gentle and the dramatic—a picture-perfect scene of northern wilderness. To add variety to your photographs, consider experimenting with black and white photography, as the textures of mountains, valleys, snow, ice, and clouds can create striking images. You may also spot Arctic foxes, whether out on the ice or along the hillsides above, and seabird colonies occupy several of the cliffs deeper in the fjord. Avid birders should keep an eye out for king eiders. While Longyearbyen holds the title of northernmost city in the world, the northernmost settlement—Ny-Ålesund— lies in Kongsfjorden, a southern offshoot of Krossfjorden. Originally a coal mining outpost over a century ago, it now serves as an important year-round research station. Take a moment to soak in the surroundings and imagine what life must be like when the sun doesn’t set for months. Conversely, consider the challenges of staffing a research station through the long polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise for months.

Today marks the northernmost point of our journey—just over 1300 kilometers (800 miles) from the North Pole. That’s comparable to a day-long road trip from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, (or Berlin to Milan or Brisbane to Canberra, Australia) yet here, it leads straight into the heart of the Arctic. As we look north from Smeerenburgfjorden, a striking fjord in northwest Svalbard, we can envision a wilderness covered in sea ice, stretching across the cap of the northern hemisphere all the way to Alaska. It’s theoretically possible to travel in a straight line to Greenland, Canada, Siberia or Alaska without encountering any land in between. Sea ice may lie just north of the coastline—or dozens of nautical miles offshore—depending on the currents and how the ice is moving at the time. Deeper into the fjord, we hope to land at a known walrus haulout: a sandy beach often covered in snow but used by walruses throughout the year. Arctic terns, among the world’s most impressive migratory species, nest in the fjord, and we may see them flying overhead as we travel by foot or Zodiac. From the walrus haulout, mountain ranges stretch across the f jord, evoking a sense of standing at—or beyond—the frontier. Evidence of human activity remains: relics of whaling and sealing industries dating back to the 1600s are still visible onshore. Not full-scale factories, but trypots—used to render whale blubber into oil—remain scattered about the area.

Our final expedition day will likely be spent in or around Isfjorden, the fjord system where Longyearbyen is located. The mountainous, glaciated scenery continues here, and we’ll spend much of the day exploring the coastlines—likely among seabirds. Isfjorden can also be an excellent place to spot whales, some of which may have arrived at their summer feeding grounds by now. Spend time on the outer decks taking in the scenery— you may spot various species of marine life. Our main goal today is to visit Alkhornet, the iconic seabird colony and also a good place to look for reindeer and Arctic fox. If conditions allow, we’ll make landfall, giving ourselves one last chance to set foot in this far northern wilderness. As we prepare to leave, we can appreciate the little auks, perfectly at home beneath the horn-shaped mountain overlooking the fjord, and the reindeer patiently awaiting summer’s abundant vegetation. They’ll remain here for a while, going about their daily lives in a vast wilderness that stretches in all directions for hundreds—if not thousands—of nautical miles.

The moment has come to say farewell. Time permitting, you may be able to explore the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before the group transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Both are included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

After breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own.

A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League's monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland's capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki's fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland's political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town's future was secure.Just before the czar's proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki's traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation's capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony's weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city's 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars ("terrassit" as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.