Island Hearts Of The Arctic

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Iceland’s rarely visited Westfjords region
• Lookout for an incredible variety of seabirds including Arctic tern, puffins and eiders
• Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s most remote settlements
• Glide through the pristine waters of world’s largest fjord network in east Greenland
• Learn about Heimaey’s dark history and its recent volcanic past

ITINERARY

DAY 1
REYKJAVIK
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.


DAY 2
ISAFJORDUR
Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland with colourful wooden 18th- and 19th-century houses in the old town of Neskaupstadur. Ísafjördur was one of the largest fisheries in Iceland, but tourism has now taken over. Nearby is Sudavik, home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Iceland’s only mammal, the arctic fox lives on the lush tundra of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - the northernmost peninsula in the Westfjords with two of Europe’s largest bird cliffs.

Shore Excursion

DAY 3
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.


DAY 4
ITTOQQORTOORMIIT
In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.

Expedition Activities

DAY 5-6
SCORESBYSUND
Over the next few days, we’ll explore the vast Scorebysund fjord network. The imposing basalt mountains create a striking backdrop against the brilliant white ice floating in the mirror-like waters. The mountains offer protection from the Arctic winds, providing excellent shelter for an abundance of Greenland’s iconic wildlife. We’ll be hoping to spot muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares along the frozen shores. Birds also thrive in this delicate ecosystem. With the help of our expedition team, we’ll be looking out for little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are also common sightings in the fjord waters.

Expedition Activities

DAY 7-8
KONG OSCAR FJORD
King Oscar Fjord forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound. This seemingly endless maze of valleys eventually gives way to the open sea. The imposing mountains, deep waters and sparkling ice create the kind of dramatic and emotive landscape that photos just can’t emulate. This other-worldly place is beautiful and imposingly hostile all at once. Whilst cruising through King Oscar Fjord, we’ll observe the fascinating Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata – formed millions of years ago when the mountains here were once part of the seabed.

Expedition Activities

DAY 9
DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

DAY 10
SEYDISFJORDUR
Regarded as east Island’s cultural hub, brightly painted wooden houses line Seyðisfjörður’s port. With a lively arts scene disproportionate to its small size, Seyðisfjörður has attracted many writers and artists over the years and also hosts an annual summer arts festival. Surrounded by incredible nature, the Skálanes nature reserve is a short distance from the town. The area covered by the reserve is known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 species of bird and over 150 plant species. Reindeer are also seen here, with seals and porpoises frequently spotted along the shores.

Shore Excursion

DAY 11
DJUPIVOGUR
Home to fewer than 500 residents, the quiet fishing village of Djupivogur dates back to the Viking era. Despite its formidable origins, the village is better known these days for its unhurried pace of life. Djupivogur’s most famous artistic offering may be the first thing you notice as you disembark. The 34 large granite eggs that line the road along the bay are not easy to miss. The art installation, named ‘The Eggs at Merry Bay’ (Eggin í Gleðivík in Icelandic) represents the 34 species of birds that nest locally. Immerse yourself further into the wild on a trip to nearby Vatnajökull National Park. Covering 14% of Iceland’s land mass, this vast area is home to giant ice caps, thundering glacial rivers, grumbling active volcanoes and a host of other geological wonders. Take a guided tour out onto Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap, and experience the glory of true Icelandic wilderness for yourself.

Shore Excursion

DAY 12
HEIMAEY
A small 13-kilometre square island off the south coast of Iceland, Heimaey’s history has been surprisingly eventful. From the escapee 16th century Irish slaves to the reaches of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent pirate invasion, the island was a place of danger and terror until the mid 18th century. Once these events subsided, for 300 years the people of Heimaey assumed that their days of action were a thing of the past. That was until 1973 when residents awoke to a devastating volcanic eruption. Fissures over a kilometre wide snaked through the town, the lava engulfing over 400 homes. Remarkably, only one person is thought to have died as a result of the eruption, with a quick rescue response ensuring that the 5,300 residents were swiftly evacuated to the safety of the mainland. Evidence of this recent geological activity can be seen just about everywhere on Heimaey and is the focus of the fascinating Eldheimar museum.

Shore Excursion

DAY 13
REYKJAVIK
Your cruise ends in Reykjavík. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. 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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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 (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• 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

DAY 2
Shore Excursion

ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Embark on a wild journey along old gravel paths that wind their way through the picturesque surroundings of Ísafjörður

Calm Fjord Kayaking
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
See for yourself why the Westfjords are a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike with its calm waters and soaring mountains

Flowers & Fjords
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Travel across the Westfjords mountains to the fjords of Dýrafjörður and Önundarfjörður and enjoy breathtaking views of spectacular landscape carved out by glaciers ages ago

DAY 4
Expedition Activities

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit and meet the local community
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Discover one of the most remote towns in the world as a thick sea ice makes Ittoqqortoormiit inaccessible by ship for nine months of the year

DAY 5-6
Expedition Activities

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Duration: 01 h 00 m
Included
In the remote region of East Greenland, there are great opportunities to zodiac cruise amongst the sea ice and towering icebergs with a backdrop of stunning fjords

DAY 7-8
Expedition Activities

Zodiac Cruising With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Duration: 01 h 00 m
Included
In the remote region of East Greenland, there are great opportunities to zodiac cruise amongst the sea ice and towering icebergs with a backdrop of stunning fjords

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak

DAY 10
Shore Excursion

Vök Nature Baths
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Soak in the hot water, within and surrounded by the gorgeous Lake Urriðavatn

Skálanes Nature Reserve
Duration: 03 h 15 m
Included
Keep you eyes peeled as you might be greeted by playful seals, whales and reindeer along your way

Horseback Riding in the Eastern Fjords
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional
Wander on horseback through a serene valley with a landscape that offers a picturesque backdrop to you leisurely ride

DAY 11
Shore Excursion

A Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Let your imagination soar as you discuss the symbolism behind the intriguing “Eggs” sculpture with your guide

A Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur - 2nd departure
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included

4x4 Waterfalls & Bragðavellir
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Enjoy a panoramic drive with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Jökulsárlón Cruise & Scenic Drive
Duration: 08 h 30 m
Optional
See the harmonious coexistence of pastoral landscapes, nestled between shifting black sands along the coastline and the towering cliffs decorated with glacial outflows further inland

DAY 12
Shore Excursion

Pompeii of the North
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Learn the history of the ancient volcano Helgafell, which has stood for over 5,000 years, and the more recent volcano Eldfell whose eruption in 1973 caused the evacuation of nearly all 5,000 inhabitants

Caves & Islands RIB Safari
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Your RIB ventures into the depths of some of the smaller caves like Eider Duck Cave, Ægir Cave and Cliff Cave, unveiling their hidden secrets

Volcano ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
Your ATV adventure will bring you to rugged cliffs, crashing waves and expansive ocean views