Arctic Discovery: Svalbard And Iceland

ITINERARY

Day 1 Longyearbyen
The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

Days 2-4 Svalbard
Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Days 5-6 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 7 Jan Mayen Island
The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area.

Days 8-10 Scoresbysund
The vast Scoresbysund fjord network is framed by imposing basalt mountains. Serving as a barrier against Arctic winds, the mountains create a haven for Greenland's wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares. The area teems with birdlife like little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, Greenlandic gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are common sightings in the fjord's waters.

Day 10 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.

Day 11 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 12 Isafjordur
Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town and cultural center in northwest Iceland with cafés, restaurants and museums. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Day 12 Vigur Island
A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.

Day 13 Dynjandi Waterfall
Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

Day 14 Reykjavik
Make sure there is sufficient timeto 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.

SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 24-Hour Room Service
• Illy espresso, Kusmi tea, and minibar stocked with soft drinks and beer available in staterooms.
• Welcome champagne available in staterooms.
• Lecture Programs presented by our experienced expedition team and distinguished guest speakers.
• Standard Wi-Fi
• Self-Service Laundry
• Beverages – Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages including wines during meals.
• Onboard Gratuities and Port Taxes
• Shore Excursions – One selected shore excursion or expedition activity per day.
• Expedition Gear – branded Swan Hellenic Expedition parka, waterproof backpack, and reusable thermal drink bottle (Expeditions Only).
• Zodiac Landings Equipment – Rubber boots and walking sticks available for lending. (Expeditions Only).
• Transfers – transportation between the airport and the cruise ports.
• Pre Cruise-Accommodation – accommodation before the cruise (except for D2225, D3925, V2925, D0726, V2926).

Days 2-4
Zodiac Tour With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
02 h 00 m

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Optional
02 h 00 m

Day 14
Sky Lagoon & City drive with Airport Transfer
Optional
04 h 30 m

• Visit Sky Lagoon and immerse yourself in warmth at the oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you
• Enjoy a city tour of Reykjavik before heading towards the airport

Bathing in the Blue Lagoon, Panoramic Reykjavik & Airport Transfer
Optional
04 h 10 m

• Viewpoint from Perlan, offering splendid views over the city
• Enjoy a pleasant drive through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula
• Relax and enjoy a unique bathing experience in the Blue Lagoon's aquamarine water

Kayaking with Expedition team
Optional
04 h 10 m