Svalbard, Iceland, And Greenland's East Coast

HIGHLIGHTS

• Venture into little-known parts of the Arctic, using satellite imagery and the ice-strengthened hull of our ship to explore the ice—including Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world
• Focus on wildlife, with an itinerary driven by opportunities to observe walruses, whales, reindeer, and polar bears in their natural habitat
• Glide between massive ice floes and encounter astonishing icebergs from water level while exploring by kayak and Zodiac
• Go ashore with our naturalists to hike Svalbard’s vast tundra and explore remote Icelandic villages
• Discover the unique geology and black sand beaches on rarely-visited Jan Mayen

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit to the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.

DAY 2

Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Resolution.

DAYS 3-15

Exploring Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland
Our day-by-day itinerary, in keeping with the nature of an expedition, is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this dynamic arctic region. We take full advantage of our human resources—our experienced captain, expedition leader and naturalists—as well as our technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us to exciting discoveries. We have an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the icebergs. The undersea specialist deploys the ROV, bringing back imagery few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice and two photographers on board, our guests have assistance to get their best photos ever.
We begin in Svalbard, Norway, a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Svalbard is one of the best places on the planet to see polar bears in their natural habitat—the sea ice. Venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline.
Svalbard’s wonders are a prelude to days ahead of discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice’s edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness. Be on deck as our captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. With a course set west, Jan Mayen is on our itinerary—an isolated volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean. Here, we discover the island’s unique geology and black sand beaches, and we learn of the interesting history of Jan Mayen’s past inhabitants. If the ice yields, we aim for Scoresbysund on the east coast of Greenland, the longest fjord system in the world. If the ice is unrelenting, we head to Iceland.
The finale of our journey is the west coast of Iceland: Ísafjörður, a picture postcard of Icelandic life; Vigur Island, where we discover the largest eider farm in the world; and Flatey Island, a former trading post.

DAY 16

Reykjavík
Disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for
flights home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff 
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible. 
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll.  Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
• Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II 
• Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers 
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic 
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available 
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships) 
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes 

Pricing Does Not Include

• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.