HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience life on the edge of the world in Longyearbyen
- Look out for polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes on
Svalbard’s coastlines
- Explore the diverse Arctic landscapes of the Svalbard
archipelago
- Uncover Iceland’s spectacular and untouched
Westfjords region
- Marvel at Iceland’s cascading Dynjandi waterfall
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
LONGYEARBYEN
DAY 1
Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and with it
comes the world’s most northerly high street and pub. On
Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, Longyearbyen is home
to The North Pole Expeditions Museum which chronicles early efforts to
reach the pole by air. The nearby Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves
duplicates of seeds held in gene banks worldwide. The surrounding
Arctic waters are populated by whales including bowheads and narwhals,
while walruses are regularly seen hauling.
SVALBARD
DAY 2-4
Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard
archipelago feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world.
Known as the kingdom of the polar bears, we’ll be hoping to
spot some of its subjects as we explore some of the most varied polar
landscapes in the Arctic. Down in our Zodiac boats, we’ll get
close to the gargantuan glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans
that they feed. In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent
fjords, the remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for
polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, the landscape is punctuated with
large areas devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and exposed
beaches. Alongside Svalbard’s 3,000 polar bears, this Arctic
wildlife hotspot is also home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed
seal, the arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds.
AT SEA
DAY 5
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring
the ship’s facilities and learning about your
destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard
experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment
at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in
your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the
options are numerous.
JAN MAYEN ISLAND
DAY 6
The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and
glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between
Svalbard and Iceland, the only residents on this Norwegian island are
members of the Norwegian Armed Forces or working at the meteorological
station. During a nature walk to the station, and along the black sandy
beach, you can see numerous plant species. Nesting northern fulmars,
Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make
the island an important birding area.
AT SEA
DAY 7
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring
the ship’s facilities and learning about your
destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard
experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment
at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in
your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the
options are numerous.
AKUREYRI
DAY 8
Home to some 18 000 residents, Akureyri stands proud as the Land of
Fire and Ice’s ‘Capital of the North’.
It’s the gateway to some natural wonders including the Myvatn
region, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon. But
before you rush off, take some time to explore: Iceland’s
winsome second city is colourful, cosy and utterly enchanting
– even the red traffic lights are cute. Instagrammers will
adore heart-shaped stop signs. Enjoy the quaint harbourfront; climb the
steps to the towering Akureyri Church; stroll around Lystigardurinn,
the city’s Arctic botanical garden; visit the
Laufás Turf Houses; get in the festive spirit early at the
Christmas House (Jolahusid); admire the exhibits at the Akureyri Art
Museum or the Hof cultural centre; or take a dip in the outdoor,
geothermal swimming pool.
ISAFJORDUR & VIGUR ISLAND
DAY 9
Arrive today in the charming, tiny fishing harbour of
Ísafjördur. The village’s touristic
highlights include the Westfjord Heritage Museum and The Museum House
(Old Hospital). Located at the heart of the Westfjords peninsula,
it’s a great jumping-off point for exploration so journey by
Zodiac to the island of Vigur – the pearl of the Western
Fjords. The second-largest island in the fjord, measuring two
kilometres by 400 metres, it’s a significant seabird colony,
which is home to arctic terns, puffins, black guillemots and eider
ducks. As one of only two inhabited islands in the fjord, Vigur is also
the site of a single farm, which has been in the same family for
generations. During your time on the island, you might see
Iceland’s only windmill, the country’s smallest
post office and oldest boat, which was built more than 200 years ago
and in regular use until relatively recently.
DYNJANDI WATERFALL
DAY 10
Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive, this thunderous
waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal
veil as it spreads its tumbling waters down a series of ever- growing
cascades. Dynjandi is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland.
Walking up to it takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.
Nearby, Hrafnseyri is the birthplace of Jón Sigurdsson,
19th-century leader of the Icelandic Independence movement. The museum
includes an Icelandic turf house.
REYKJAVIK
DAY 11
Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see
and do in this diminutive but dramatic city. To get your bearings, take
the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church,
designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is
one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to
earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert
Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated
harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of
cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland
from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an
impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by
Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city
lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s
original Viking parliament.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or
disembarkation (where specified)
- Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port
(via our included accommodation where applicable)
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a
4/5-star hotel or onboard
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages
available 24-hours per day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and
guest speakers
- Standard WiFi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port
of call
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber
boots in Polar Regions
- Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be
subject to change