Iceland, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen - Island Hopping In And Around The Arctic (Northbound)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Beginning in Reykjavík, join a thrilling voyage deep into the Arctic, exploring Iceland, Jan Mayen and Svalbard.
• Experience breathtaking landscapes with active volcanoes, dramatic fjords, picturesque waterfalls, magnificent glaciers and pristine wilderness.
• Get ready to spot spectacular Arctic wildlife, from whales in Húsavík to abundant birdlife in Jan Mayen, and perhaps even polar bears in Spitsbergen.

ITINERARY

Day 1  Reykjavík
Day 2  Snæfellsnes peninsula
Day 3  Ísafjörður
Day 4  Akureyri and Goðafoss
Day 5  Húsavík
Day 6  At sea
Day 7  Jan Mayen
Day 8  At sea
Day 9-12  Spitsbergen
Day 13  Longyearbyen

DAY 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Explore the world’s northernmost capital 
Your adventure deep into the Arctic starts in Reykjavík. A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know. 
Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja 
Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.  
Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner.  
If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

DAY 2
Charming Grundarfjörður
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.
Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of landscapes.
At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube

DAY 3
Picturesque Ísafjörður
Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside town
Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.
One of these historic 18th century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft - the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

DAY 4
Akureyri and Goðafoss
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you’llenjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and can visit some excellent eateries and museums.
A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also see geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas, and one of the few places to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

DAY 5
Whale watching in Húsavík
Whales, volcanos and the horse of Odin
Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a pleasant small town famous for excellent whale-watching opportunities. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even elusive blue whales.
Geology and mythology come together at nearby Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon which, according to Norse mythology, was created when Odin’s horse Sleipnir accidentally put one of his eight legs down on the ground.
Further south is Lake Mývatn. Nowhere else will you find such an array of active volcanic features and landscape evolution, including evidence of dramatic eruptions such as the 18th-century Mývatn fires and the Krafla fires of the late 1970s.

DAY 6
A relaxing day at sea
Enjoy a restorative day in the Arctic
Take time to relax on the ship day as we cruise through Arctic waters towards Jan Mayen. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while scanning for seabirds.
You can also listen to a lecture or two on topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Or visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into the places we'll be visiting and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.

DAY 7
Volcanic Jan Mayen
Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife
Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places.
Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and it last erupted in 1985.
You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

DAY 8
Enjoy a day at sea
A peaceful interlude in your adventure
Spend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world.
Feeling active  You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.

DAY 9-12
Scenic Spitsbergen
A land of spectacular beauty
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next four days you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea. 
Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Isfjord, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station.
If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment.

DAY 13
Longyearbyen
A final day on top of the world
Your island-hopping adventure into the Arctic comes to an end in Longyearbyen, a town on top of the world.
A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. You'll return with a wealth of knowledge about Arctic animals, geology, history, polar ice and climate change – and memories of an incredible experience that will last a lifetime

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Flight in economy class from Longyearbyen to Oslo after your expedition cruise
• Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen

Expedition cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board*
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
*Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported. When in Svalbard, there is no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, except in Longyearbyen
onboard activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscapes and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected
• Depending on your individual flight times, an additional overnight in Oslo might be necessary (not included)

What's not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team