Classic Travel

24 Day - Arctic Complete - Spitsbergen Greenland & Iceland Tour

Package Details

Overview

From AU$16,559 pp*

Tour Provider: Aurora Expeditions
Region:
Duration: 24 Days


Itinerary

Day 1 – Longyearbyen Spitsbergen

Enjoy a tour of Longyearbyen upon arrival, before boarding and setting sail along breathtaking Isfjorden, featuring dramatic bird cliffs, sweeping glaciers and gorgeous mountain ranges.

Days 2 to 3 - West Spitsbergen

Awake as our ship sails along Spitsbergen’s west coast and its outstanding aqua-blue ice cliffs. The nutrient-rich Gulf Stream provides us with relatively mild temperatures, a delight for Atlantic puffins and Brünnich’s guillemots that have settled on these cliffs. Embark on a thrilling tundra hike, keep an eye out for reindeer and Arctic fox and gaze at the majestic glaciers from our Zodiacs. We also attempt to explore the remains of the 350-year-old Dutch whaling settlement.

Days 4 to 6 - North Spitsbergen

As we continue our adventure along Spitsbergen’s northwest coast in to the Arctic Ocean, whales, pack ice and maybe even polar bears keep us on alert. As our trusty ship continues and turns south into Woodfjorden, we search for ringed, bearded and harp seals and keep an eye out for fascinating walrus haul outs on the beaches. With almost 24-hour daylight, enjoy tundra walks and take the time to observe at the microflora. Depending on ice conditions, we may cross latitude 80° North – a cause for celebration.

Days 7 to 8 - South East Spitsbergen

Air and sea temperatures start lowering due to the frigid Arctic currents around Spitsbergen’s northeast, creating a landscape eroded by severe frost. Even at summer time, there’s a chance pack ice could bar our way, but our Russian crew and expedition team ensure we reach the highlights of the European Arctic. We’ll attempt to sail through the narrow Hinlopen Strait, where we’ll Zodiac cruise along the busy bird cliffs of Alkefjellt as well as walk along the east coast's polar desert, filled with stunted glaciers and exposed fossil fields.

Days 9 to 10 - Southern Spitsbergen

Ice conditions and weather changes dictate our expedition plans. We may be able to reach South Cape and head north toward Hornsund and Bellsund, two magnificent deep fjords boasting superb glaciers and wildlife. In case ice stops us, we’ll change our itinerary and spend more time exploring the jewels of Spitsbergen’s north and west coasts.

Day 11 – Longyearbyen

A midnight cruise of Isfjorden returns us to Longyearbyen, where you’ll enjoy a day dog sledding around Spitsbergen interior before setting off again this afternoon on the next leg of our Arctic adventure.

Days 12 to 13 – North West Spitsbergen

As we head back north, we enjoy the last moments in Spitsbergen. We cruise past calving glaciers and land ashore to learn about the area’s rich history and observe Spitsbergen’s fascinating wildlife. (Note: as this expedition is a combination of two itineraries, these days may stop at some places already visited on the voyage’s first leg.)

Days 14 to 15 – Greenland Sea

As our ship sails across the Greenland Sea, we search for fin whales, pack ice and seabirds. Our expert naturalists and guest lecturers provide us with a great interpretation of the Arctic’s flora and fauna as well as early explorers’ epic adventures through illustrated talks.

Days 16 to 18 – East Greenland

When going to Greenland for the first time, seeing ice is often an awe-inspiring moment. Even in summer time, bays and inlets can still be frozen. However, our experienced Captain and team of expedition experts know alternative options to keep us busy with exploration! In Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, we enjoy walks across the tundra as we visit old trapper’s huts and observe musk ox, Arctic fox and eider ducks; we spend some time admiring the stunning hanging gardens of Kap Humboldt; Kong Oskar Fjord provides gorgeous glacier-carved mountains as a delightful backdrop.

Days 19 to 21 – East Greenland/Scoresbysund

We reach Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord. The huge Greenland icecap continuously sweeps down gigantic glaciers, making it the birth place for some of the world’s largest icebergs! Our Zodiacs take us through an incredible maze of icebergs, as we head to the shores for some exciting tundra hikes, and a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the rare villages of the East Greenland coast.

Day 22 – East Greenland

Keep watch for musk ox and narwhals as we sail along the breathtaking mountains of the Blosseville Coast, before our attempt to cruise through Rømer Fjord.

Day 23 - Denmark Strait

We continue on with our Arctic adventure and cruise across Denmark Strait on our way to Iceland. We take time to reflect on our various experiences, gaze at northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins and whales from the ship’s bow. Please note: ACC05G will finish on Day 23 in Longyearbyen. Bid your fellow expeditioners a fond farewell before transferring to the airport.

Day 24 – Reykjavik Iceland

We dock in Iceland early this morning; after breakfast, there is a group transfer to downtown Reykjavik or the airport to carry one with your further travel arrangements.

 


Description

This combination of our popular Arctic itineraries (Svalbard Odyssey and Jewels of the Arctic) will allow you to experience the best of the European Arctic over 24-days. Starting on Spitsbergen, you’ll explore its coastline of calving glaciers, towering bird cliffs and pack ice and spot walruses, reindeer and even polar bears! After crossing the Greenland Sea, our ship will follow East Greenland’s coastline filled with the largest fjord system in the world, calving icebergs, friendly native communities and untouched tundra-covered valleys, before reaching its finishing point, Iceland.

Your 24 days Arctic Complete - Spitsbergen Greenland & Iceland tour includes:

  • Group transfer from airport to Polar Pioneer in Longyearbyen
  • Group sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen
  • Dog sledding day tour in Longyearbyen
  • Transfer from Polar Pioneer to downtown Reykjavik or airport
  • Accommodation during the voyage onboard Polar Pioneer
  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises
  • Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team
  • Access to our on board doctor and basic medical services
  • Complimentary custom-designed polar expedition jacket
  • Loan of gumboots during the voyage
  • Daily cabin service
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information and briefings
  • Professionally-produced hard back voyage log
  • Medical services on board
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All entry fees to historic landings sites

Expedition Highlights

  • Explore Spitsbergen’s stunning northwest coast
  • Aim for 80° North alert for polar bears!
  • Zodiac cruise beneath buzzing seabird high cliffs
  • Explore North East Greenland National Park
  • Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system
  • Inuit communities share their Arctic lifestyle

Based on 9 August 2020 departure

Terms & Conditions

Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.

Enquire Now

1300 765 305 (AUST) 0800 956 363 (NZ)

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