Three Arctic Islands

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at the glaciers and abundant wildlife of Spitsbergen
• Hike the tundra and explore a remote fjord-strewn coast of East Greenland
• Experience Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland
• Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival Day. Check into your included hotel.

Day 2 Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Days 3 to 6 Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Days 7 and 8 At Sea
While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Days 9 to 12 Exploring East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Days 13 and 14 At Sea
As we cruise south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

Day 15 Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Included:

    * One night’s pre-expedition hotel night (Oslo for 2022 and Helsinki for 2023)
    * Charter flight from Oslo/Helsinki to Longyearbyen
    * Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen
    * Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day
    * Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
    * Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

And on board:

    * Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
    * All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
    * All shore landings as per the daily program
    * Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
    * All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
    * Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    * Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    * A photographic journal documenting the expedition
    * A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    * An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
    * Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
    * All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    * All luggage handling aboard the ship
    * Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person


Rates above do not include the following:

    * International airfare
    * Arrival transfer in Oslo
    * Airport transfer in Reykjavik
    * Passport and visa expenses
    * Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
    * Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    * Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    * Excess-baggage fees on international flights
    * Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
    * Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
    * Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
    * Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
    * Additional overnight accommodation
    * Adventure Options not listed in Included

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

• Kayaking: 620 EUR
• Paddling: 180 EUR